Things to do in Bangkok

Where to Stay

Bangkok is one of the top spots in the world for 5 star lodgings. Take your pick between elegant old hotels along the Chao Phraya River or swanky new places around Silom Road. The best lodging choices here all offer world-class restaurants to go with the premium sleep. The river area is the most relaxed and atmospheric part of the city, whereas the central areas offer quick access to the BTS Skytrain along with a dizzying variety of eating and nightlife,  and for boutique cheap sleeps, the hostel and poshtel scene has never been better.

Hot Tips: Last-minute Internet booking can yield some great finds with all the hotel competition in Bangkok.

Avoid: Hotels not on the Skytrain line or with access to the river ferry system, as you will spend a lot of time in traffic

Caution: Book ahead for Christmas and New Year, the most crowded time here.

What to Eat

Bangkok is voted by many as the best city to eat in in the world. From posh rooftop restaurants to hole-in-the-walls, you can be eating spicy Thai, Mexican, or Japanese sashimi all on the same day. In the last two years, there are even Restaurants with Michelin Stars gracing the city. The best restaurants tend to cluster in Thonglor, and around Silom and Sathorn Roads, but Chinatown and the old city area have the best simple eateries. Additionally, make sure to have at least one meal along the Chao Phraya River during your stay.

Be Sure to Sample: Som tam (papaya salad), grilled chicken, and sticky rice.

Hot Tips: Don't be scared of street stalls or restaurants with Formica tables and metal stools; they often serve the best food in town!

Caution: Michelin-starred restaurants mostly require booking well in advance

Places to Party

Bangkok features some of the the world's highest and best rooftop bars, along with dance clubs, live music venues and a wealth of new "mixology" joints to sip the latest signature cocktail. Roof or riverside bars are the place to start at sunset, moving to the clubs and pub venues along Sukhumvit and Silom  as the night progresses, while for theme bars and the best mixed drinks, Thonglor and the new scene at Soi Nana in Chinatown are the place to go. You can also find the best beer pubs pouring the latest craft beers from around the globe.

Hot Tips: Don't confuse Soi Nana in Chinatown, site of a happening artsy new bar scene, with Nana, the red light area on Sukhumvit

Avoid: The bars at Patpong and offers from touts for "no cover charge." The famed ping pong shows here can lead to some really bad scams

Caution: Rooftop bars have great views but you pay for the view, not the drink taste

Where to Shop

Bangkok has some of the most fashionable upscale shopping malls in the world. Not only are the malls here full of designer shops and goods, they are great spots to eat, watch movies and enjoy the cold air conditioning. For more traditional goods, don't forget to visit some of the outdoor markets such as Chatuchak or the Talat Rod Fai retro market on weekends, which give a nice slice of local flavor. Shopping on Khao San Road might be of interest to some as well, as there are some cool indie shops, jewelery, and a bohemian vibe.

Best Local Souvenir: Thai pillows, cushions, and silk products are all worth bringing home.

Hot Tips: Head to the malls on hot days, not only is there plenty of cold air-con, they often have festivals and shows taking place every weekend.

Take It or Leave It: Bargaining is de rigeur here, but don't expect to knock off more than 20% of the quoted price.

Avoid: Most of the goods sold by vendors on Sukhumvit or Silom are not genuine

Caution: Pirated goods are illegal in most countries and you can get in trouble with customs back home, so avoid the fake watches, clothes and other goods that are hawked at the night markets and elsewhere here.