Best places to take your friends when they visit Bangkok

Nothing is as special as when friends come to visit you in Bangkok. And when they do, you want to take them to places that aren’t the run-of-the-mill touristy spots.

Of course, they should see the Grand Palace and the floating markets. Most of the time, however, they’d want to venture outside the perpetually tourist-heavy hub, and you’d want to impress them with your local knowledge. So, if you’re wondering where to go in Bangkok, here are some of the places best to check out in Bangkok beyond what is mentioned in travel guides. Rest assured, they’ll be worthy of your (and your guests’) time.

1. Show them Bangkok’s art scene

Bangkok’s art scene has come a long way in the last few years, with a growing number of excellent artists and galleries opening up all around the city. So, if you want to explore Bangkok’s art scene, where should you go? The 100 Tonson Gallery, which supports modern art and features pieces by Thai and foreign artists, is one of the most well-known private art galleries.

If you wish to exhibit your friend’s contemporary sculptures and paintings from various regions of Thailand, you should pay a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The ATTA Gallery, which specialises in valuable modern art, craft, and design goods, is another stunning gallery worth seeing. The gallery hosts a variety of shows that rotate around every 1.5 months.

2. Check out the trendy cafes

Bangkok is teeming with cafes in every nook and cranny, but it can be hard to decide which one you should visit. For high-quality coffee, go to Host x AMBER at Central World. Besides fragrant coffee, the café also has an excellent selection of drinks, decadent desserts like croissants and chocolate fudge cakes, and a classy interior with a calm atmosphere.

Toby’s is a well-liked spot, particularly for brunch, especially for foreigners living abroad. Their menu features traditional favourites including pasta, avocado toasts, cereals, and pastries, all with an Australian influence. Do you want to get away from the buzz of Bangkok? Try The House On Sathorn’s alfresco afternoon tea, where you can relax in its spacious courtyard with a delicious pot of tea and Thai-inspired pastries and savoury dishes.

3. Sample the best Thai food

Besides trendy cafes, Bangkok is well-known for its delicious street food and Michelin Guide-approved restaurants. So taking your guests to the best places for Thai food is a must. If you don’t know where to go for Thai food, Jay Fai is an excellent place to start. It’s a Michelin-starred street food icon offering authentic Thai cuisine. Their signature crispy golden-brown crab omelette is not to be missed, and their stir-fried noodles with seafood and gravy will make you crave more.

If you want to impress your friends with awe-inspiring scenery, go to Rongros. The simple but elegant restaurant offers traditional Thai food on the banks of the Chao Phraya River with a striking view of Wat Arun. For a fine dining experience, the beautiful Phra Nakhon at Capella is a must-visit. It boasts a stunning river view and scrumptious authentic, regional Thai food with a twist.

4. Go bar-hopping!

In Bangkok, a trip wouldn’t be complete without a bar crawl. Soi Nana in Chinatown is one of the most visited locations. Within walking distance are hip bars including Teens of Thailand, Asia Today, Black King Bar, TAX, and Ba Hao.

Out to wow your friends? Take them to the city’s fantastic rooftop bars, such as Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok. At Vertigo, you can relax, sip refreshing cocktails, and soak up a full 360-degree view of Bangkok from above. If your friends want to explore Bangkok’s speakeasy bars, the dimly lit, industrial-chic Rabbit Hole and the unique Find The Locker Room in Thonglor are worth checking out.

5. Experience Bangkok’s wellness activities

Bangkok is big on health and wellness. And after all that sightseeing and exploring around the city, you and your friends deserve a good pampering. Be sure to try authentic Thai Massage, which is known to reduce stress and tension. If you don’t know where to go for authentic Thai Massage, you should try the famous Let’s Relax or the Divana Divine Spa.

Bangkok also boasts amazing spas offering authentic Japanese onsen experiences. Two of the best places to go are the Yunomori Onsen and Spa and the Kashikiri Onsen and Spa. Are your friends curious about legal cannabis-infused spa treatments? Then try a luxury cannabis-infused experience at the Anantara Spa or head to the i. Sawan Residential Spa & Club for a delightful Cannabis Sativa Body Massage.

Whether you and your friends prefer sampling delicious Thai food, taking pictures in Instagrammable spots, or even just exploring the attractions rarely mentioned in travel guides, the places on this list will give you a unique glimpse of Bangkok. So, don’t be afraid if your friends ask you where to go in Bangkok because now you have the perfect answer!