👉 Where (with storefronts) to recommend your friends on their first time in Bangkok
This Monday's issue features the insightful writing of guest writer Vichayuth Chantan.
Bangkok is a hub of cultures. Art is culture. Dining is culture. Drinking is culture. Everyday life is culture. So, the best way for me to present the city to visiting friends is to let them experience culture in different ways. These places I feel can be enjoyed by people of different lifestyles, and they’re doable even for those who are here for just one night.
The Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a khlong-side teak house that was completed in 1953. Even if you’re not into history, it’s now grown into a full-on establishment. There’s an art centre, museum, a gift shop with cool silk garments, a Thai restaurant featuring an amazing slow-cooked lamb shank massaman, and a photogenic cocktail bar with hospitality warmer than Bangkok weather.
Songwat Coffee Roasters
Bangkok is serious when it comes to getting a good cup of coffee. We only have so much time before the heat inevitably devours us, after all. So, coffee shops have become a place for people to relax, all while enjoying items on the menu. Songwat is a charming neighbourhood, so pop by Songwat Coffee Roasters then take a stroll down this little slice of area away from the chaos.
Supanniga Eating Room, Tha Tien branch
It would be a crime to write about Bangkok without including some good food, and same goes for not mentioning Chao Phraya river. Supanniga Eating Room serves home-style Thai cooking — all the favourites everyone would know, along with dishes to discover at reasonable prices. The direct view of Wat Arun and the river makes for a gorgeous sundowner experience.
Blue Elephant Cooking School
For a more hands-on event, let Chef Nooror of Blue Elephant teach you how to cook authentic Thai recipes. A session takes half a day, which you’ll get to prepare 4-5 dishes to either dine in or take home. I highly recommend waking up a little earlier for the morning session (8.45am), as they’ll take you on a trip to the market to learn about Thai produce and spices before cooking them.
Every bar in Soi Nana, Chinatown
A little bit of cheating here, but I’m sure a lot of people would be stumped to recommend just one bar in Soi Nana, Chinatown. Asia Today highlights honeys from all over the kingdom, Teens of Thailand is one of the OG gin bars in Thailand, Tep Bar showcases Thai spirits with traditional music to go with, Brown Sugar has live jazz everyday till late, and many more to experience.