top10bangkok

🌆 Top 10 Bangkok

This is a work in progress
A compact guide to Bangkok: multiple categories, each limited to 10 items 🇹🇭

🏯 First Time Essentials

  • The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) – Bangkok’s most iconic landmark, dazzling architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha.
  • Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha – Giant Reclining Buddha; birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
  • Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn – Riverside temple with porcelain mosaics, stunning at sunrise/sunset.
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market – Huge market: street food to fashion.
  • Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – Bustling streets, neon lights, top street food.
  • Rooftop Bars (Tichuca, Octave Marriott, Scarlett) – Sunset cocktails with sweeping views.
  • Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat – Iron Castle) – Unique multi-tiered temple with dozens of spires.
  • Wat Benchamabophit – Marble Temple – Elegant white marble; best in morning light.
  • Erawan Museum – Iconic three-headed elephant building with Thai art.
  • Floating Markets (Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa) – Boats, canals, vibrant morning food scene.

🙏 Do & Don’t for Cultural Highlights

Dress & temple etiquette

  1. Do: Cover shoulders/knees; light fabrics (cotton/linen); bring a scarf; slip-on shoes; dress neatly.
  2. Don’t: No sleeveless tops; no short shorts/mini-skirts; avoid ripped/flashy clothes; no hats/sunglasses inside; no beachwear.

Tip: keep it simple, clean and respectful — it goes a long way.

🚲 Tours

  • Bike: Co van Kessel, Bangkok Biking.
  • Boat: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (Hop-On Hop-Off), Thonburi Klong Tour, Long-Tail Night Adventure (BangkokBoat.com), Floating Market combos.
  • Food: A Chef’s Tour, Secret Food Tours (Chinatown & Hua Lamphong), Old Siam Food Tour, Bangkok Backstreets, The Ultimate Bangkok Food Tour (Wiens/Vanguards).

🎭 Cultural Spots (off the beaten path)

  • MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art – Thai masters & new talent.
  • Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) – Free-entry hub near Siam.
  • Jim Thompson House Museum – Teak house + Thai art.
  • Thailand Cultural Centre – Concerts, dance, opera, festivals.
  • Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall – Bangkok’s history & kings.
  • Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles – Inside Grand Palace.
  • Bangkokian Museum (Folk Museum) – 20th-century city life.
  • Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) – Canal-side puppetry & crafts.
  • The National Gallery – Classical art & rotating exhibits.
  • H Gallery – Indie contemporary in a mansion.

🌿 Local’s Alternative

  • Ari (Phaya Thai) – Hip cafés, street food, relaxed bars.
  • Talad Rot Fai – Retro night market (vintage, bars, food).
  • Bang Krachao – “Green Lung” cycling & canals.
  • Phra Khanong / Ekkamai – Indie galleries, craft beer, nightlife.
  • Charoen Krung Creative District – Street art & design by the river.
  • Talad Noi – Shrines, graffiti, antiques.
  • Or Tor Kor Market – Premium produce, curries, snacks.
  • Yaowarat Backstreets – Hidden temples, herbal shops, food.
  • Ratchada Train Night Market – Container bars & live music.
  • BACC – Rotating exhibitions & performances.

🛍️ Malls (local life)

  • Union Mall – Youth fashion hub.
  • MBK Center – Classic maze: electronics, clothes, souvenirs.
  • Platinum Fashion Mall – Wholesale fashion.
  • Central Chaengwattana – Family staple.
  • Central Rama 2 – Southern residential mega-mall.
  • Seacon Square – Shops, markets, events.
  • EmSphere – Trendy lifestyle.
  • Terminal 21 – Airport-themed + famous food court.
  • CentralWorld – All-in-one retail & cinema.
  • Central Embassy / Chidlom – Upmarket luxury + local.

🚫 Don’t Get Fooled

  • Tuk-tuk “cheap tour” detours.
  • “Temple is closed” redirect scam.
  • Non-meter taxis → insist on meter / Grab / Bolt.
  • Gem & tailor shop traps.
  • Ping Pong show touts → hidden bills.
  • Fake monks selling amulets.
  • Jet ski “damage” fees.
  • Tourist pricing → watch locals, haggle politely.
  • ATM DCC trap → choose “no conversion”.
  • Massage upsells → read menus, clear pricing.

💡 Smart Tips

  • Use Grab/Bolt for clear pricing.
  • Check temple hours online.
  • Agree tuk-tuk fares upfront.
  • Choose reputable massage shops.
  • Bargain politely (smile!).
  • Prefer big bank ATMs (KBank, SCB, BBL).
  • Know fair prices (ask locals / check online).
  • Ignore unsolicited street “deals”.
  • Book tours via trusted operators.
  • Trust your instincts.

📝 Practical Tips

  • Stay hydrated (bottled water; no tap water).
  • Use sunscreen (SPF > 25, reapply).
  • Beat traffic: BTS/MRT.
  • Get connected: eSIM (AIS/True).
  • Offline maps in Google Maps.
  • ATM fees ≈ 250 THB; decline conversion.
  • Getting around: Grab app.

🍽️ Thai Fine Dining (Top 10)

RestaurantBeschrijving
Sorn (สุขุมวิท 26)Southern Thai tasting; refined mansion setting.
R-Haan (สุขุมวิท 53)Royal Thai cuisine; seasonal tasting menus.
Le Du (สีลม)Modern Thai by Chef Ton; local seasonal produce.
POTONG (เยาวราช)Thai-Chinese modern by Chef Pam in Chinatown.
Samrub Samrub Thai (ศาลาแดง)Forgotten regional dishes, deeply researched.
Paste (เกษร วิลเลจ)Historic inspirations with elegant plating.
Nahm (สาทร)Classic Thai fine dining at COMO Metropolitan.
Baan Suriyasai (ราชดำริ)Royal Thai in a restored heritage house.
Naj Exquisite Thai (สีลม)Traditional recipes in a wooden villa.
Bo.lan (สุขุมวิท 53)Sustainability pioneer; rigorous Thai flavors.