destination guide: bangkok

If there’s one city that defines Southeast Asia in all its steamy, chaotic, spicy glory, it’s Bangkok. Few other cities captivate discerning travelers the way Bangkok can with its enigmatic charm, cultural diversity, bragging-rights food, and enchanting hidden corners. Peel back the skin and dive into one of the world’s greatest cities.

But what is it about Bangkok that stole European hearts in the 19th century, and still captivates ours in the 21st? More than temples and busy markets, Bangkok is devilishly charming. Step off the grid with us into the narrow alleys of Chinatown, the markets in the royal old city, and the stilted villages across the river. Then imbibe in style at plush speakeasies, luxe it up at boutique designer studios, and indulge in bragging-rights dining.

Asia’s coolest city boasts jaw-dropping temples, intriguing heritage homes, glitzy nightlife, dazzling shopping. A wild concoction of canals, streets and bridges, Bangkok needs a buffet of transport to function, from longtail boats to water taxis to tuk-tuks to trains to river ferries to motorcycle taxis. Best first day out? A citywide blitz of the highlights and hidden gems using all local forms of transport on our Bangkok Multi-Transport Adventure, followed in the evening by an insider’s guide to street food and secret bars on our Headlights experience.

But there are zen moments here, unknown to most. You can find quiet green communities, mangroves and canals, tranquil temple courtyards that take you back a century to a city fully deserving of the name ‘City of Angels’.

Cycle with us across the river, in our nicknamed ‘Brooklyn of Bangkok’, through storied multicultural communities, and finish up with Thai craft beer overlooking our glorious river on our Cycling Riverside Communities, Liquid Bangkok, or Bikes, Boats & Beer adventures.

Bangkok is a great walking city, and even better on a food hunt – people come just for the street food, where Bangkok has few equals. But a mix of hi-lo dining is needed – a street food ramble like our Headlights evening foodie trip, then a bold list of top tables, Michelin-starred restos, and soulful cocktail bars.

Explore Bangkok with us. We know the chefs, hidden restaurants, blacksmiths (yes, blacksmiths), photographers, artists, and where to get the best curries, coffees and cocktails in town.
Convinced? We hope so. And here’s a short list of some of our favorite Bangkok and area adventures we’d love to customise just for you.

BANGKOK EXPERIENCES

Headlights Adventure

This is your chance to experience ‘One Night in Bangkok’. An exciting after-dark excursion through the city visiting bustling markets and sampling local snacks and dishes. End with a nightcap at a riverside rooftop bar or a hip old town bar neighborhood.

Duration: 4 hours

liquid bangkok

The ultimate alternative Bangkok longtail boat experience. Journey by boat and foot deep into the lost canals and charm of the Venice of the East. We’ll walk in the steps of early Bangkok merchants, exploring old waterside neighborhoods as well as significant temples.

Duration: 4 hours

ancient ayutthaya

The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, 80 km north of Bangkok, was the crowning glory of the kingdom from 1350-1767. Preserved in history, Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a magnificent site to be seen.

Duration: 8 hours

bikes, boats & beer

Starting from the eccentric temple of Wat Ta Khian, we’ll cycle along the original course of the Chao Phraya River. Discover old wooden homes, riverside markets and Ayutthaya-era temples before following the canal loop back to the main river, finishing at a cool riverside craft beer joint.

Duration: 7 Hours

Multi Transport Adventure

This adventure is an outstanding introduction to frenetic Bangkok. Turn the capital on its heels by using all forms of urban transport to hit the big sites and hidden corners of one of the world’s coolest cities.

Duration: 7 Hours

Cycling Bangkok's Riverside Communities

A half day of casual cycling through Bangkok’s historic riverside communities discovering a treasure trove of hidden sites of interest from street art and local characters to old Chinese coffee shops and the city’s largest flower market.

Duration: Full Day

OUR FAVOURITE BANGKOK HOTELS

MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK

Picture this: a splendid, worldly affair where the grace of the 19th century waltzes with today’s luxury right on the Chao Phraya River. Ever heard of the Oriental Hotel – Thailand’s very first hotel from 1876? Yes, that’s the one – and now it’s a timeless gem.

If walls could talk – oh, the tales they’d tell! Want to sleep in the same room where literary legends once rested their heads? You can do just that by staying at the Author’s Suite located in the River Wing. Dive into rooms steeped in history, dine with a riverside view that rivals a painter’s dreamscape, and find tranquility in a spa experience so unique, words can hardly capture it.

The Siam

Brace yourself for a stay so exquisite, it feels stolen from a dream. Nestled in the royal Dusit district, The Siam Hotel, a Bill Bensley masterpiece, whispers tales from the annals of Thai heritage. It’s a 5-star riverside art deco haven stretching along the Chao Phraya River that feels more like a living museum than a hotel.

Within its walls, each of the 39 suites tells its own story, woven with treasures from the owner’s personal collection: a curated cascade of artworks, antiques, and eccentricities. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, a vinyl record room opens from The Library, promising melodies and collections as timeless as the surroundings.

Throw in the Opium Spa, Thai architecture, Muay Thai gym, and infinity pools, and you’ll realize The Siam doesn’t just host you; it serenades, woos, and utterly enthralls.

The Capella

You land in Bangkok and travel to iconic Charoenkrung Road by private limousine. There, hugging the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is Capella Hotel Bangkok. From the get-go, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen: 101 rooms, each a personal theater offering sweeping panoramas of the river and the city.

But let’s get real, the highlight isn’t just the view. Imagine winding down at their 3-Michelin star spot, having a leisurely breakfast by the river, or melting away with a Thai massage at the Auriga Spa.

The Capella difference lies in its tailored hospitality. The staff? It’s like they’ve known you for ages, anticipating whims you didn’t even know you had. And for those who love a seamless blend of privacy and luxury, the Capella’s distinct separation of spaces and exclusive amenities for guests – think no queues and champagne check-ins – make it more than just a stay, but an experience you’ll be recounting for years.

Four Seasons Bangkok

Nestled in the beating heart of Bangkok, where the Chao Phraya River meets the city’s vibrant buzz, lies The Four Seasons Bangkok. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Four Seasons. It’s a riverfront chilled-out resort with a splash of posh and a dash of playfulness. Expect five-star service the moment you step off the plane, where a buggy will be waiting at Fast Track to escort you through the airport into the limousine.

As you step in, the city’s bustle fades into a background hum, and a world of chic elegance and sophistication welcomes you. The rooms? Well, let’s just say you won’t be getting Thai Mango gummies and Tom Yam crackers from minibars anywhere else. As evening falls, don’t miss the BKK Social Club; with its rank as the 14th Best Bar in the World, it’s a place where your drink is as memorable as the ambiance.

AriyasomVilla Boutique Hotel

At the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit district, you’ll find AriyasomVilla, a boutique hideaway infused with 1940’s Thai charm. It’s hard to believe that this quiet haven, a timber-framed villa from WWII, is right in the city’s epicenter.

The intimate 24 rooms are each a sumptuous mix of rustic wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a touch of nostalgia. You feel it – the charm, the legacy – as you dip into the pool or savor a massage overlooking it. Dinner at Na Aroon, their vegetarian restaurant is an affair to remember, with even locals frequenting it.

While it’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of Bangkok, thanks to Ariyasom’s verdant oasis vibe, step outside, and you’re greeted by the authentic energy of Sukhumvit. With tuk-tuks, taxis, and the buzz of street stalls, upscale shopping at Central Embassy or Central World just a stride away, you’re poised between serene luxury and urban adventure. Suffice to say, this is an immersive detour into Bangkok’s vibrant soul.

Riva Surya

Located in the enchanting Rattanakosin Island and kissed by the Chao Phraya River, stepping into Riva Surya Bangkok is like securing a front-row seat to Bangkok’s rich tapestry of history and energy. Imagine residing just a leisurely stroll away from the city’s revered historical sites – from the Phra Kaew Temple inside the Grand Palace to the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho – and moments later, being engulfed in the pulsating vibrancy of Khaosan Road just a walk away. Want a trip into the city? Embrace the Thai way of old by navigating the city via a riverboat – trust us, it’s a ride to remember. As evening descends, dine by the riverside, soaking in views of the illuminated King Rama 8 bridge, and perhaps serenaded by live music.

The 68 rooms exude the elegance of floor-to-ceiling windows, state-of-the-art amenities, and – a surprise treat – the most divine pillows you’ll ever rest on (which, by the way, you can buy!). Riva Surya captures all the spirit that is Bangkok: historical, vibrant, and luxuriously inviting, all without breaking the bank.

WHEN TO GO

Whilst Bangkok is a year-round destination, some seasons are better than others. For those who aren’t so keen on the heat, December to March is the coolest period (temperatures as low as 18C aren’t unheard of in late Dec/early Jan), whilst April to June is seriously hot.

The rainy season is at its peak in September & October, however it rarely rains for more than an hour or so and should not disrupt your stay too seriously.