A Guide to Bangkok!

Hello all!!! Over the past 1 year, I have been to Bangkok 4 times and thought it'd be nice to do a write up my own version of Guide to Bangkok since many of you seems to be asking a lot of BKK-related questions on my Ask.Fm.


I have actually done a guide before (view it here) but it's pretty much outdated! So here's a much newer version of my Guide to Bangkok. This might not be the best guide out there, but personally, these are places I would visit, food I would eat etc whenever I am in BKK and so, I'd like to share with you guys!


In this guide, I will be sharing on where I usually prefer to stay, shop, eat and drink. So let's get it started!





In general, I tend not to spend much on accommodation in BKK because since I am out 80% of the time, I would rather save the money on accommodation so that I can spend it on shopping/food. In short, I just need a place to shower and rest.
I usually stay around Pratunam area. So here are some budget hotels I managed to check out and find it reasonably well!


1) LEMONTEA HOTEL





Clean, comfy and spacious room! 
It is one of my favourite budget hotel to stay in BKK.

Lemontea Hotel 55 Soi. Petchaburi 15, Petchaburi Road,  Pratunam, Ratchatewi, Pathumwan, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand


2) THE PERIOD PRATUNAM

The Period Pratunam is located along the same stretch as Lemontea Hotel. I love it that this entire stretch is filled with massage parlours, at least 8 of them! So it's very convenient to drop by any of the massage parlour after a long day of activity to rejuvenate, then head back to the hotel to rest :)

The only downside is that the room is pretty small. So it can get pretty squeezy especially with your massive BKK shopping loots. But I love the entire decor of the hotel. Very cafe-like and cosy!

The Period Pratunam 39/4 soi Petchburi15, Petchburi Rd., Ratchthewi,  Pathumwan, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand 


3) IDEAL HOTEL PRATUNAM

My first time staying here during my recent trip to BKK and I absolutely love it.  The location is the best compared to the above two and it's located just beside the famous Soi 19 Wanton Mee. It is also right opposite Platinum Mall :D The best?? Free flow of instant noodles 24/7 at their refreshment corner :D
Ideal Hotel Pratunam 1/38 Soi Juladis, Thanon Phyathai, Rajathevi,  Pathumwan, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand

If you're looking for something more extravagant in the area of Pratunam, 4) GRAND HYATT ERAWAN BANGKOK


It is located right beside the Erawan (4 Face Buddha) Shrine. An approx 5mins walk to Central World.  10 mins walk to Platinum Mall.





Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok 494 Rajdamri Road Pathumwan, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand

Other hotels in Pratunam area that you may consider: - Budacco - GLOW Pratunam - Centre Point Pratunam - Grand Diamond Suites Hotel

- - -

In alphabetical order...
1) CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET Sat & Sun only

I usually aim to reach the market by 10am to start off my day!
It's gonna be scorching HOT so be prepared!!! Travel essentials when visiting Chatuchak Market include water, sunblock, a cap or rubberband to tie up your hair & sunglasses! And of course, don't forget your cash cuz there's so much stuff tto buy here!




WHAT TO EAT IN CHATUCHAK MARKET?
1. COCONUT ICE CREAM





2. NOODLE SOUP WITH CHICKEN



Freaking tasty Chicken Noodle Soup!! I am dying for it right now (minus the chicken feet please)!!!

Since I usually take a cab to Chatuchak Market, I would ask the uncle to alight me at Gate 3 (chicken noodle stall is located near here) and have a bowl of chicken noodles goodness the first thing I reach the market!

Full and all ready to start off my day in Chatuchak Market!
Location: Gate 3. Section 21. Soi 29.  (Once you enter from gate 3, turn left and walk for approx 5mins. The red stall will be on your right side)

3. Popsicles!

Only 5 or is it 10baht for this childhood popsicle made of drinks such as F&N Grape & Coke.


4. BROWN SUGAR GRASS JELLY DESSERT

Love-hate relationship with this dessert cuz I always have to depend on my luck to find the stall.  Chatuchak can be this crazily confusing at times. 
Anyhowz, this is the perfect dessert to beat the crazy heat at Chatuchak! 2 BOWLS PLEASEEEEE? JJ Market Section 3

4. FOOD SECTION IN CHATUCHAK MARKET


At the food section in Chatuchak... you can find a wide range of food. Whether you are into thai food tzechar style, or just random meatballs & pork chops, this is the ultimate place for you!





2) THE PLATINUM MALL


6 levels of insane shopping!! Not much for the guys... but GIRLS BE PREPARED!
This is actually a wholesale mall, so the more you buy, the cheaper is it! The usual min pieces to buy in a shop here for wholesale is 3 pieces (u can mix and match anything inside the store), but there will be stores willing to sell you items at wholesale price too even when you buy 1 or 2 pieces.  Just remember to bargain your way through!!

The Platinum Mall closes by 6pm.

3) PRATUNAM MORNING MARKET

Because it is a wholesale market, prices here are MUCH MUCH cheaper than you would find anywhere else!! There was once I bought a set of clothes (cropped top + shorts + outer vest) for only 390baht = SGD$16!  Unfortunately for the guys, there is almost zero stuff for you 

Bought a bowl of rice and Thai omelette to eat while shopping! Is it me or does Thai omelette tastes so much better than normal omelettes?? YUMZ


Do wake up really early for the morning market because most stalls are closed by 10-11am. I usually drag myself out of bed at 8am and head straight to the market. Really convenient and accessible since I always stay at Pratunam area.


4) UNION MALL


One of my favourite go to place recently. Honestly, I find the clothes much nicer than in Platinum mall although it might just be a little pricier. But if the designs are better and more unique, why not? :)
Also, good news for the guys cuz there's much more selections for you here at Union Mall compared to Platinum!


At the top level, it's filled with mostly Manicure & Pedicure shops!



Tip: I usually combine Chatuchak Market and Union Mall on the same day because they are only one stop apart via the MRT. I try to reach Chatuchak Market by 10am and aim to leave by 2-3pm so that I can spend time here at Union Mall too! MRT Station: Phahon Yothin


Other places I would visit to shop: - CENTRAL WORLD (near Platinum, filled with big international brands like H&M, Forever 21) - SIAM SQUARE ONE (for a range of local designers wear) - TERMINAL 21

- - -

In alphabetical order...

1) HUAY KHWANG NIGHT MARKET

This is more like a night market for the locals! Didn't see much tourists when I was there the previous time.  Opens late till 5am.


2) PATPONG NIGHT MARKET

I kinda stop visiting this place cuz it gets pretty intimidating at times. There are alot of bars here and there'll be guys persistently asking you to visit their bars and watch the 'PingPong Thai Girl' shows. Honestly, I have always wanted to watch the show but I just get put off by the way people approach me whenever I am there. Just damn harassing? So if you'd like to watch the pingpong shows, you know where to go 
That said, this is also the place to go if you wanna buy imitated brands. Lots of fake Tiff&Co, Chanel, Prada..... the list is never ending. I used to visit here for the Naraya store cuz the Naraya is much cheaper than elsewhere!

3) SIAM NIGHT MARKET


The whole stretch right outside Siam Paragon becomes active at night with these never ending street side vendors!

Closes by 10pm.

Other Night Markets I wanna visit but haven't done so: - ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT - CHATUCHAK FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET - ROD FAI NIGHT MARKET 2

- - -


In alphabetic order...


1) AFTER YOU

A dessert cafe well known for their Shibuya Honey Toast!



The highly raved Shibuya Honey Toast. A #musteat whenever I am in Bangkok!! Can someone franchise this over to Sg please?


Locations of After You: View them here

2) AUDREY CAFE & BISTRO





Prettiest cafe ever!! 



For a cafe looking like this, I was expecting the food to be on the higher end but it turned out to be pretty affordable!  Audrey Cafe serves Thai Fusion food and most are priced at about SGD$10/dish.





And never leave Audrey Cafe without trying their Milo Volcano Crepe Cake! It's actually not as ge-lat and sinful as it looks ;)

Locations of Audrey Cafe: View them here


3) BOAT NOODLES @ VICTORY MONUMENT


You know you are near when you see this small dirty canal. All of the Boat Noodles stalls are located on the left side of the canal.


There are various stalls there and honestly I do not know how much the boat noodles differ, but I always visit the Orange stall!  The serving for the boat noodles is really small and you can finish it in 3-5mouths! Order 20 bowls and get a free bottle of Pepsi :D #missionaccomplished lol

20 x 


4) BO.LAN Awarded Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, ranked #37


My first time to Bo.Lan during my previous trip with H! We had initially wanted to try Nahm but it was fully booked when we tried to reserve, so Bo.Lan was next on the list for BKK in the top 50 restaurants in Asia!


Thai cuisine fine dining!  My first time experiencing eating Thai food in such a way so it was pretty refreshing to me!
H chose the Bo.Lan Balance Set (6 courses) for the both of us priced at about 2000baht/person ($85). All in all, it was approx SGD $130/pax with drinks + tax & service charge)

Just as when I was getting used to the Thai cuisine fine dining style, the main courses were served to us in tze-char style. LOLOLOL it certainly caught H and I by surprise! We were kinda shocked that there were so many dishes. Lol



So so yummmehhh. Some dishes were a tad too spicy for me though!


Omgawd give me that green curry beef NOW.

After the main courses, it was time for desserts. We were served 3 rounds of desserts and here's the last of the 3! No pics for the first 2 desserts (which are my favourite!!) cuz the lighting was really dim and the pictures turned our blurry :(

By the time we were down to this last dessert, H and I were so darn full that we couldn't finish this at all. 

Bo.Lan (Reservations required) 24 Soi Sukhumvit 53 | Klongtonnua, Wattana, Bangkok10110, Thailand


5) CHOCOLATE VILLE 'Dining in the Park'
I am sure you have seen images of this pretty place in BKK on your Instagram! This is such a gorgeous place to be in, especially for a romantic date :)

The only downside? It takes about an hour to get here via cab which is kinda time consuming! 







Every single place is just so photo worthy!







Take a night stroll at the park after you're done with your dinner! So so sweet!!

Chocolate Ville Kaseth nawamin, Bangkok, Thailand 10230 Mon-Sun: 4pm - 12am

6) GREYHOUND CAFE


Serves modern Thai food as well as many other international dishes such as pasta.


They are also well known for their Red Velvet Waffles!! Just the look of it is already damn appetizing!



Locations of Greyhound Cafe: View them here


7) ISAO Enhanced with an international twist yet still offering you the luxury of authentic Japanese cuisine

One of their signature dish - 'Jackie' for the shrimp lovers!



And this dish is personally my favourite at ISAO! SUSHI SANDWICH! Filled with plenty of fresh fish and tempura flake. I miss this!!!



ISAO 5 Sukhumvit 31 Klongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (Location here) Mon - Sun: 11am - 2.30pm | 5.30pm - 10pm


8) KAZE FRESH


Another famous Japanese restaurant located in Thong Lor!



Ahhhh I miss this thinly sliced kagoshima beef topped off with foie gras..... 




Kaze Fresh 318 Soi ThongLor, Bangkok 10110 Daily 12pm - 3pm | 5.30pm - 11pm


9) MR JONES ORPHANAGE





Heaven for you cake lovers out there!


Mr Jones Orphanage G/F Seenspace, 251/1 Thonglor Soi 13, Bangkok

10) NARA THAI CUISINE



Experience authentic Thai food in a relaxed ambience here at NARA.


And one of the highlight at NARA would certainly be their Coconut Ice Cream! They actually serve you with an entire tray of toppings to go with your coconut ice cream, and you can eat as much toppings as you want! 
NARA Thai Cuisine - 7th floor of Central World - Lower ground of Erawan Bangkok


11) ROAST COFFEE & EATERY For the brunch lovers

Located right above Mr Jones Orphanage!  So it's actually convenient. You can have your brunch at Roast followed by desserts at Mr Jones Orphanage!









Really good brunch food but avoid coming during the weekends cuz it's so crowded!

Roast Coffee & Eatery Roast 2/F Seenspace, ThongLor Soi 13, Bangkok Mon-Thurs: 10am-11pm | Friday: 9am-12,30am | Sat&Sun: 9am-11pm


12) SOI 19 WANTON MEE


The famous Soi 19 Wanton Mee which captured all of our hearts & stomachs. Need I say more?

The serving is kinda small so I usually go for 2 bowls. And personally, I prefer the dry wanton mee to the soup.



The braised pork is one of their star dish too, but it gets sold out really fast. So come early to avoid disappointment!

Soi 19 Pratunam Wanton Mee 4/32-33 Soi Petchburi 19, Pratunam Bangkok Daily 9am - 3pm


13) SOM TAM NUA

392/14 Siam Square Soi 5, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok 11am - 9.30pm

14) T&K SEAFOOD @ CHINATOWN






One of my favourite Seafood Tom Yum Soup is from T&K Seafood.  For only sgd$4, you get a tomyum soup filled with fish, prawns, squids and mushrooms. Whutttttt 

Everything for only about sgd$40! CHEAP & GOOD!




T&K Seafood  458 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100


15) STREET SIDE FOOD Don't be afraid to try their local street side food. It may look unhygienic but that's the way Thailand is!  Some of their street side food are actually pretty legit.

My favourite thai girlfriend, Sue & I eating at a random street side tzechar stall.




Meatballs which you can find almost everywhere in BKK.


This is actually a fish coated with seasalt(??), stuffed with lots of herbs within the fish and then grilled to perfection. Can be found along the streets of Bangkok and boy this was tasty!!

Other food places I'd love to visit but haven't had the opportunity: - 24 OWLS BY SOMETIMES (Brunch) - GAGGAN (Ranked 1st in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. Serves Progressive Indian Cuisine) - KARMAKAMET DINER (Brunch & International food) - NAHM (Ranked 7th in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. Serves authentic Thai Cuisine) - ROCKET COFFEEBAR (Brunch)


- - -



1) CLUB DEMO

There are quite a number of up-and-rising new clubs in ThongLor and Club Demo is just one of the many!
Club Demo ThongLor Soi 10 Opens 9pm - 2am


2) KHAOSAN ROAD Also nicknamed as the 'Backpackers Heaven'

When night falls, expect this entire street at Khaosan to come alive! The whole street will be filled with restaurants & bars blasting music loudly in a bid to attract party-goers.


And yesss, they serve your drink in this lil bucket here at KhaoSan instead of the usual cup. Lol


There's also a wide variety of street side food here... think Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice to even FRIED INSECTS So far, I have only tried the Mealworms and I think that's as far as I can go... The rest just looks damn scary???? Big blackish cockroaches, spiders... scorpions. EEWWWWW
KhaoSan Road opens till late at night.


3) BAD MOTEL


Also located in Thonglor is Bad Motel, a recent favourite among the young to chill & drink!



Bad Motel Sukhumvit 55, between ThongLor Soi 15 & 17 Opens 5pm - 1am


4) THE IRON FAIRIES Located just a few doors away from Bad Motel is The Iron Fairies! I tried Bad Motel instead of The Iron Fairies that day but this place seems pretty cool too. Would love to try it out one day!

The Iron Fairies 402 Soi ThongLor, Sukhumvit 55. Opens 6pm - 2am


5) LEBUA AT STATE TOWER My personal favourite! This is also where they filmed the famous movie 'The Hangover 2'!


Since I have been there twice, here's a tip I'd like to share with you guys!
Most of the time, if you are there for just drinks, people would head straight up to The Skybar (located at the highest level of Lebua). However, the SkyBar is constantly PACKED and you practically have zero space to move around. Also, there are NO SEATS. Which kinda sux, Imagine just standing around with a big crowd and sipping your cocktail.... No go, no go. 
During my 2nd trip when I was there, I made a reservation at 'BREEZE' (it's just a few levels below Skybar) and boy this place is SO MUCH BETTER. I had a proper good seat while sipping my Hangovertini  Once you are done with your cocktails & a lovely chat with your date etc, you can head up to the highest level then to snap your mandatory shots of the Dome ;) The below few pictures are all taken while I was at Breeze.





The Hangovertini Cocktail 





Such a lovely place to take pictures at The Breeze with no interruptions!


I then proceed on to the highest level where The Skybar is located, and here's the famous Dome!





You can almost see people photobombing me here.... Mad crowded esp during the weekends!


Lebua at State Tower 1055/42 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Opens 6pm - 1am

 Other places to visit for drinks & party: - RCA (A street filled with clubs. The famous Route 66 and Slim are also located here) - Vertigo & Moon Bar (Similar to Lebua, this is located at the top of Banyan Tree Bangkok. Been here once and it was absolutely amazing. The view was simply breathtaking! It is also less crowded than Lebua.)

* The mininum age to get into most clubs in Thailand is 21 instead of the 18 norm ** Most places actually close early (by 2am) unlike Sg

- - -  One other activity I would do when I am in Bangkok is to visit the Erawan Shrine (4 Face Buddha) when I am here!





Other activities to do in Bangkok: - Grand Palace - Floating Market - Wat Arun (The temple of Dawn)


& some other random shots taken during my previous few trips to Bangkok...











Yanzhen and I 2012 VS 2014
We took the picture at the same location and tried to imitate the same pose to the best of our ability! Hahaha omg look at how much we have changed!!








- - -

On a side note guys, I am loving this site [https://www.shopback.sg/]. 
They work on a cashback model which is a bit complicated to explain, but this picture simplifies it:

So basically you get money back when you shop :) It's pretty cool cuz they have a tons of great travel shops with them. 
Do check out these great hotel and flight deals. 

One of the travel booking sites they have is Expedia, which has a price-match policy so you know you're getting the cheapest flights, hotels etc. It's perfect for me since I travel alot, and great for any one of you guys out there who will be travelling in the near future!

Click here to check out Expedia !

- - - Gosh this post took longer than expected to finish!!! I hope this post helps you in a way or other in your BKK trip planning ;) You may also view my BKK VLOG during my recent trip over here (not compatible on mobile though) Have lots of fun in BKK guys!!!

With lots of love  Shenny