"Thailand's Ultimate Outdoor Shopping Experience The mother of unique Bangkok retail experiences is undoubtedly Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand ’s largest outdoor bazaar. Known as Jatujak or simply JJ, it has15,000 stalls spread over 35 acres andsells almost everything under the sun. This is the place to buy a Beatles cushion or shopfor a new pet cobra or a hand-carved Buddha icon. With 200,000 people descending on the market every weekend, it's best to come early, and perseverance can uncover a veritable treasure trove of collectibles ranging from beautiful ceramics and handicrafts to exquisite jewelry."

"Bangkok’s most iconic site is a massive palace complex that served as the royal residence until 1925. Of its manybuildings, the one with the most architectural interest is Chakri Mahaprasat. It was designedin 1882 by British architects, in a style that could be described as traditional Thai meets Italian Renaissance. Nearby is the 1784 Wat Phra Kaeo, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand ’s most sacred Buddhist place of worship. Go inside to see the Emerald Buddha, carved not of emerald but of semiprecious green stone, robed in gold and just 66 centimeters (26 inches) high."

"This major river flows through the heart of Bangkok to empty into the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is big and always buzzing, soa languid boat ridealong the riveris a tranquil alternative to exploring the streets. As you float along, you’ll still get a look at daily life in the city, seeing vendors selling produce from long, narrow wooden boats. You'll also view houses built on stilts, and city landmarks like the Royal Barges dock."

"Temple of Dawn Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is a Buddhist temple in Bangkok 's Yai district. It is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is one of the best known Thai landmarks. The mosaics which cover the temple create a pearly sheen during sunrise and sunset. Ferries can be caught at the Tha Tien Pier across the river from Wat Arun every couple of minutes. Tha Tien Pier is located near the Grand Palace and Wat Po."

"Cycle Bangkok's Lesser-Traveled Byways Lately there’s been a tangible shift toward cyclists in Thailand. Several tour companies now offer itineraries to enclaves such as Bang Krachao—a verdant, undeveloped area on a bend of the Chao Phraya that's known as Bangkok's "green lung"—Chinatown, and Rattanakosin Island, home to star attractions such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Another fine place to take to two wheels is on the Thonburi side of the river. Cross the waterway via the ferry next to the River City complex, then wend your way north using a network of pathways and boardwalks alongthe river, past temples and through traditional communities bursting with character and packed with delicious dining options."

"Bangkok's Most Beguiling Green Space In a city where gold-spired temples are much more ubiquitous than green space, Lumphini Park is a veritable oasis in the heart of Bangkok . Established by King Rama VI in the 1920s and completed after his death, the 142-acre chunk of tropical greenery is a treasured spot. One of the few parks of any size in central Bangkok, Lumphini is well used: In the morning, tai chi practicers arrive, while in the early evening, joggers monopolize the main path that runs around its perimeter. Even so, there’s ample room to get away from the crowds here. More than 30 species of birds flit among the park’s giant trees, and monitor lizards and turtles inhabit its waterways. Other attractions within the park include a public library, a youth sports center, and swan paddleboats in the man-made lake."

"Bangkok Street-Food Queen Does the Wok of Life A kitchen dynamo whose energy belies her age of 72, Supinya Junsuta, aka Jay Fai, is chef-owner of one of the Thai capital’s most renowned shophouse restaurants—the eponymous Jay Fai—and one of the city’s most recognizable foodie personalities. In her trademark heat-resistant goggles, essential protection from a searing inferno of hot oil, she cuts a distinctive figure. And her fame and the crowds have only grown sincethe Michelin Guide judges gave her eateryThailand’s first and only Michelinstar forstreet food in 2017 (so much so that she has expressed a wish to give the star back). Her lofty reputation is founded on the alchemy she produces from her scalding wok, with stir-fries such as pad kee mao talay (drunken noodles with seafood) and other dishes like fluffy khai jeaw poo (crab omelet) and a complex tom yam gung (hot and sour shrimp soup) more than justifying the (relatively) steep prices."

"In the Mood for Dumplings and Cocktails The resurgence of Chinatown as a hip place to imbibe has seen the opening of choice new bars and restaurants. What’s more, the unique architecture of the neighborhood’s traditional shophouses has imbued many of them with a cool, atmospheric vibe that takes major cues from the work of Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai. One such venue is Ba Hao, which fuses vintage chinoiserie decor with on-point cocktails and some seriously delicious snacks—try the duck wontons served with chili sesame oil and the jianbing , a Chinese crepe stuffed with ground pork, chilies, and hoisin sauce. As you might expect, Chinese influence is prevalent here. Signature drinks include the Opium, a classic Negroni spiked with ginseng and herbal liquor, and Five Rivers, where five-spice powder is combined with rum and Drambuie."

"A Contender for the Crown of Bangkok's Finest Thai Restaurant Head chefBee Satongun andco-ownerJason Bailey, a husband-and-wife team, are dedicated to bringing back lost recipes and techniques of heirloom Thai cooking. Paste is one of Bangkok’s most exciting Thai restaurants, and the Michelin judges have duly noted that fact by gracing it with a star. The cuisine is based on century-old family recipes served with innovativetwists and an attention to detail that make it as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. Signature dishes include black cod poached in duck lardand larb salad with pheasant, hog plum leaves, and edible flowers, but really everything is good."

"Join Park Society for a Rooftop Rendezvous Bangkok’s impressive roster of rooftop venues is one of its major selling points when it comes todining out and cocktail culture. Park Society, at the SO Sofitel Bangkokhotel, is a worthy addition to the sky-high club, benefiting from a prize perch high above Lumphini Park, one of the city’s few sizable patches of verdant greenery. While the views over the park to the chrome-and-glass towers that dominate the skyline are an undoubted highlight, there’s more than just vistas to appreciate. Inside, the restaurant fuses fine dining touches, such as tastingmenus, with a pleasantly casual atmosphere and shared dishes that heighten the social feel. Meanwhile, the expansive outdoor Terrace Bar offers fine wines, classic cocktails, and an invigorating breeze."

"Tasty Thai Cocktails Authentic Thai elements are to the fore at Tep Bar – a new venue in the old town. Housed in an atmospheric shophouse, the bar serves potent cocktails and home infused ya dong (Thai herbal whisky), while traditional musicians provide an atmospheric soundtrack."

"Krua Apsorn: Thai Lunch Krua Apsorn is an award-winning, royally patronized everyday Thai food restaurant. Expect a clientele made up of fussy families and big-haired, middle-aged ladies, and a cuisine revolving around full-flavoured, largely seafood-and vegetable-heavy central Thai dishes. This is one of the most famous restaurants in Thailand and is a must for every visitor to The Siam. At a minimum you must order: Green Curry With Fish Balls, Stir fried Crab Meat with Yellow Chili and String beans, Crabmeat omelet, fried giant river prawns, mushroom larb. I recommend taking the Siam boat (5 minutes) to the Wat Rachathiwat Pier and making the short walk through the beautiful old Bangkok neighborhood. After lunch head back down to the river and walk back to The Siam stopping at the 199 year old Chinese temple just before you walk under the bridge."

"Some Like It Hot For authentic Thai food in a lively but stylish setting, it is hard to go wrong with Supanniga Eating Room. Drawing on the culinary heritage of two Thai regions (Trat and Issan), the restaurant has earned a deservedly formidable reputation. Standout dishes include the nam prik khai pu (crab meat with chili paste) and the yam pla salid tod krob (deep fried leaf fish spicy salad). Photo by Larry/Flickr ."

"James Bond Goes To Shanghai Evoking the exotica of colonialism as well as James Bond movies, gentlemen’s clubs and decadent gambling dens, Maggie Choos one of Bangkok’s most unique venues. Patrons enter through a dark wooden door and descend down a steep staircase to an authentically recreated Chinese noodle shop. Past another set of doors, the bar is a vast, dark room dotted with leather couches. Brick vaults built into the side of the bar hide private dens while the bar itself is made to look like an old school casino cashier counter."

"Thai Flavours Marry With Progressive Technique Le Du has become the toast of the Bangkok restaurant scene since debuting in late 2013, striking a resounding blow for what owner/head chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn calls “progressive Thai cuisine” by combining modern techniques with bold Asian flavours. Although the chef insists the restaurant is Thai, a painstaking commitment to presentation intuitive approach to flavour combinations in creations like beef with pickled and raw Chinese cabbage and octopus with crab mayo and chorizo make this exemplary venue difficult to categorise."

"Though he is originally from Australia and then studied French cuisine, chef David Thompson's passion for Thai cuisine has helped make Nahm one of the world's most critically acclaimed restaurants. Top dishes include fragrant coconut-and-turmeric curry with blue swimmer crab and banana blossoms; a refreshing kingfish salad with pomelo, lemongrass and lime; and crab wafers with coconut, coriander and galangal (similar to ginger)."

"All Aboard at Bangkok's Hippest Market Although no longer located in its original spot next to an old train line, Talad Rot Fai (aka "train market") retains every bit of its hipster appeal. Open at the weekends, the market sells everything from retro clothing to vintage motorcycle parts. There's also a good range of bars from where to watch the cool kids do their thing."

"An Oasis for Peaceful Pampering The unofficial world capital of massage, Bangkok has no shortage of choice venues for kneading, pummeling, and pampering. Nonetheless, some places stand out above others. A case in point is the Oasis Spa, which offers one of the most idyllic spa experiences in the Thai capital. Hidden away down a quiet soi (small street) in the Sukhumvit area, the spa's cool white buildings have 12 treatment rooms withlouvered wooden doors and aresurrounded by lush greenery,lotusponds, and water features. The meditative atmosphere is the perfect setting for a range of treatments that include signature massages, body scrubs, facials, and hydrotherapy."

"Cabochon Hotel Sukhumvit Road is one of the busiest, most central, and most internationally oriented thoroughfares in Bangkok , so it’s a dream to find this colonial boutique oasis right in the heart of it all. The Cabochon's elegant façade nods at 1920s Indochina, with white columns, French doors, and tiled balustrades. This gives way to a well-designed interior of framed antique maps and black-and-white photographs, dark wood Chinese bistro tables, comfortable couches, and oddities like a taxidermy zebra head and old leather trunks. Common spaces feel like a cross between a museum and the home of an incredibly stylish and well-traveled person. The suites and studios are airy, bright apartments that encourage lounging on the white sofas while light pours in from paned windows onto potted orchid plants."

"There is nowhere else in Bangkok quite like the Siam Hotel. For starters, it’s owned and run by a Thai rock star, Kamala Sukusol, and her son Krissada. The boutique property includes mid-century timber buildings built by the legendary silk baron Jim Thompson, as well as open and modern structures, with a focus on harmony and comfort, designed by one of Asia’s best-known architects, Bill Bensley. But beyond the glamorous background, it’s the design of the Siam that makes it stand out the most. There’s a 1920s jazz theme mixed in with some Asian colonial flair; the result—with lots of open spaces, natural light, antiques, potted plants, and a black-and-white palette—is simply beguiling. The views of the river here lack temples or interesting landmarks, but it’s a lazy spot to watch boats go by, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Service is personalized and extremely professional, as you'd expect from a property of this caliber. In all, this is the closest thing one can find to a resort in Bangkok, and it is one of the most stylish accommodation choices to boot. By Afar Magazine"