Bangkok Things to Do

In the world of street food, Thailand is home to some of the best. While there are plenty of tasty restaurants in Bangkok, some of the best — and cheapest — foods can be purchased from the vendors lining alleyways or perched at street corners. Here are some of the best things to try and best places to find them.

While New Year’s Eve is not a traditional event on the Thai Buddhist calendar, the people of Bangkok know how to throw a party and do so anyway!

For a little taste of class in one of Asia’s largest and most recognized cityscapes, Bangkok has a number of swanky and impressive rooftop venues where you can enjoy a fine drink in a great setting. Take in views of the sprawling megalopolis from an eagle-eye perspective from one of our top choices for rooftop bars in Bangkok (in no particular order).

It’s difficult to fathom the concurrence of fecundity and foulness that flourishes in the small but extraordinarily dense and colorful tourist district that is the short stretch of Khao San Road in central Bangkok. Visitors to southeast Asia who are drawn to the region by the allure of the exotic surroundings and/or the affordable immorality will find both in excess at Khao San. Reactions to the profusion of clubs, hostels, bars, bizarres, prostitution, and psychotropics vary widely, but an indifferent response is a rarity.

The largest market in Thailand, the Chatuchak weekend market (commonly known as the J.J.) in Bangkok covers more than 35 acres. Thousands of stalls offer a variety of merchandise that defies description. The market is equally popular with Thais and tourists alike, and anyone interested in picking up anything from trinkets to wholesale goods will doubtless have already added this destination to their agenda. If you are, and you haven’t, suffice it to say you’d be wise to do so.