Rooftops with panoramic views of the city, spectacular resorts along the Chao Phraya River, Buddhist temples, floating markets, unforgettable street food, Michelin-starred restaurants… Here are my favorite spots in Bangkok, with my eyes wide open and my heart racing.
All it takes is a tuk-tuk ride through the tropical humidity to fall under Bangkok’s spell. You come for a few days, and you leave feeling as though you’ve lived several lifetimes in one.
It’s a city of contrasts. Luxury rubs shoulders with spiritual fervor, while skyscrapers stand side by side with golden temples. After a Thai massage, you savor a cocktail high above the city.
Bangkok is sensual, inventive, and over-the-top. It ranks among the world’s most enchanting capitals. It’s constantly reinventing itself, enriched by spectacular new establishments. The smiles and kindness of the Thai people greatly add to the magic of your stay.
Staying at the Four Seasons, “the second-best hotel in the world”
The Four Seasons Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River was named “the second-best hotel in the world” by The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. Designed as a seaside resort, art, gastronomy, and wellness harmonize with the Chao Phraya, the River of Kings. It is a haven of peace in the heart of a vibrant capital.
Opened in 2020 in the historic Charoen Krung district—which is undergoing a creative renaissance—the hotel was designed by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy, a leading figure in contemporary Asian hospitality.
In just a few years, the Four Seasons has established itself as one of the chic hotspots of the Thai capital. Here, you’ll encounter the local creative scene, the international jet set, and discerning travelers. The aquatic area, featuring three large pools and a hot tub overlooking the river, fully enhances the seaside atmosphere. Tranquility and vastness.
Take your taste buds on a trip around the world. Yu Ting Yuan showcases Cantonese cuisine. Palmier, an elegant French brasserie, serves up culinary classics, while Riva del Fiume delights guests with Italian specialties.
The BKK Social Club, consistently ranked among Asia’s best bars, draws inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Mexico City. Signature cocktails, Mexican appetizers, Latin rhythms, soft lighting, deep booths… As soon as night falls, the “who’s who of Bangkok” comes here to have fun.
The Premier Double Room with a view of the Chao Phraya River is a cozy retreat so incredibly comfortable that you’ll almost be reluctant to leave. But breakfast, served until 10:30 a.m., is worth waking up for. Don’t miss it!
Prices for a double room with breakfast start at 450 euros.
Four Seasons Bangkok website: https://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/
Explore Bangkok’s contrasting neighborhoods
In this vast city, you need to choose the right mode of transportation. The Grab app, Thailand’s equivalent of Uber (rides between 3 and 10 euros), is extremely convenient for this.
The more adventurous can try the BTS Skytrain (elevated train), which intersects with the MRT (subway). To reach the historic districts, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat. And for short trips, hop into a tuk-tuk—after negotiating the price, of course.
Head to the Creative District around Charoen Krung.
Eric Monteil, a French tour guide who’s lived in the capital for 20 years, can take you on this urban tour:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +66 95810 3114
From River City Bangkok—a sort of “Louvre of antiques”—you’ll discover art galleries, concept stores, and trendy cafés, many of which are housed in renovated former port warehouses.
Located in the former Central Post Office, the Thailand Creative & Design Center is worth a visit, as is the French Embassy with its large murals and photos on the walls.
We stroll through Talat Noi, a charming vintage neighborhood known for its street art. Song Wat Street, lined with galleries and cafés, is breathing new life into the historic riverfront. As night falls, we head to Chinatown. Red lanterns, neon lights, and street-side eateries spilling out onto the sidewalk… It’s a joyful chaos—lively and fascinating.
At Opium, a former herbal shop transformed into a trendy bar, the cocktails are perfectly balanced. In this 130-year-old building, the restaurant Potong (one Michelin star) is run by the chef nicknamed “Pam,” who was named “World’s Best Female Chef 2025.”
Early in the morning, head to the Khlong Toei Market, then board a long-tail boat to cruise the khlongs. These canals reveal an unexpected side of local life: wooden houses on stilts, temples under construction, a floating market, and lush vegetation. It’s another side of Bangkok—more intimate, filled with modest homes and market gardeners.
Discovering Temples, Museums, and Historic Houses
The National Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Thai art through the centuries. We love the Buddha shaped like Ganesha, the Hindu deity with an elephant’s head.
At the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo houses the famous Emerald Buddha. A celebrity whose fame is out of proportion to his size.
By the Chao Phraya Express Boat, you can reach the temple Wat Arun, which is just as crowded as Wat Pho and its legendary Reclining Buddha. You’ll have to weave your way through the Instagrammers who have taken over the place in traditional attire and are having their photos taken from every angle.
My advice: there’s no need to book your tickets in advance for the temples. Your shoulders and knees must be covered. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy a sarong on the spot… which might not be to your taste.
The Jim Thompson House offers an enchanting escape. An architect and former agent of the OSS (the predecessor to the CIA), Jim Thompson made his fortune in the Thai silk trade before mysteriously disappearing during a trek in Malaysia in 1967. Explore the six teak Thai-style houses, the lush garden, the museum, and the gift shop. And treat yourself to a silk scarf with a design as exquisite as those from Hermès.
Treat yourself to a drink on a rooftop terrace and rub shoulders with the stars
It was in Bangkok, in the early 2010s, that we first discovered rooftop culture. Since then, this trend has taken hold all over the world. But here, the verticality is spectacular, almost theatrical. Bangkok loves excess, and we love soaring to new heights.
Perched on the 64th floor of the State Tower, the Sky Bar is one of the highest bars in the world. The prices are dizzying, and so is the view. At golden hour, the Chao Phraya River takes on a coppery hue and the skyscrapers slowly light up. Featured in The Hangover Part II, the spot draws curious visitors.
Seating is scarce, except in the restaurant, where a chic dress code is required. Either you play along or you head back down in the elevator with the doormen who orchestrate the constant flow of visitors.
At the Moon Bar, on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Bangkok, there’s an admission fee, but the climb is well worth it. With a 360-degree view of the city, you can sip a Vertigo Sunset made with pineapple, cranberry, lime, and Malibu. Delicious. Night gently envelops the “City of Angels” while lounge music floats through the warm air. You’re literally floating on air.
For those who are intimidated by heights, the Hotel Muse offers a unique alternative. Its 24th-floor speakeasy recreates the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties: theatrical decor, waitresses in Charleston dresses, and extravagantly presented cocktails. It’s a bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of its charm.
Want to keep your feet on the ground? The Mandarin Oriental, founded in 1876, remains an institution. Enjoying tea in its lounges or a drink overlooking the river has a timeless quality. The Bamboo Bar remains one of the capital’s best jazz venues. Anne-Sophie Pic presides over the Michelin two-star restaurant Le Normandie.
From sizzling woks to Michelin-starred tables
Thai cuisine is among the best in the world at rock-bottom prices. In Bangkok, gastronomy is a never-ending celebration.
You can sample street food in the Silom neighborhood, on Thanon Convent, or on any street corner. A few plastic stools, a sizzling wok, the cook’s smile… and you can savor incredibly well-balanced dishes for just a few euros.
For a more “heritage-focused” experience, head to Le Local in the Khlong Toei Nuea neighborhood. Some of the recipes come from the archives of the Thai royal kitchen. In the large dining room, you can soak up the colonial atmosphere under the attentive eye of the waitstaff. The yellow curry with crab and betel leaves in coconut milk is, without exaggeration, one of the best we’ve ever tasted.
Just a stone’s throw from the Four Seasons, Vanida—a large white wooden house—offers an authentic escape from the tourist crowds. The Tom Yum Goong here is perfectly balanced. And the mango sticky rice, served in generous portions, brings the meal to a sweet close.
In the mood for a taste of France? Blue by Alain Ducasse, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers refined cuisine at more affordable prices than in France. The five-course Discovery Menu is an elegant, perfectly executed experience. A splendid view of the Chao Phraya River is an added bonus.
Read our review here
From ultra-luxury shopping to bohemian finds
Opened in 2018, Iconsiam is more than just a shopping mall: it’s “The Place to Be” with its permanent show. Spacious terraces, entertainment, Michelin-starred restaurants, movie theaters, and exhibitions… all make it an irresistible destination. The major luxury brands (Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton…) are spread across several floors, while a high-quality food court offers a chance to sample specialties from different regions of the country. Every evening, a sound-and-light show illuminates Iconsiam and the river.
In contrast, the Chatuchak Market, open on weekends, is a lively maze. Antiques, silk scarves, clothing, vintage items, handicrafts, plants—you’ll find it all there. If you see something you love, buy it right away, because you’ll have a hard time finding the stall you passed by again. Section 7 is worth a visit: it’s home to a group of friendly Thai artists. You can chat and share a cup of tea—a simple, authentic moment.
Treat Yourself to a Thai Massage and Let Go
You can’t visit Bangkok without treating yourself to a Thai massage. In the city’s many salons, you’ll find deeply relaxing massages with warm oils. But we prefer a full-body Thai massage accompanied by stretches inspired by passive yoga techniques. The therapist uses her whole body—sometimes even climbing onto the table to apply deep pressure. It’s invigorating and liberating. You’ll need to specifically request this type of massage.
At Amazing Thai Relax Massage, in the Iconsiam district, Jeanny is a true gem. She specializes in full-body Thai massage.
Website: https://amazingthairelaxmassage.com/
Phone: +66 (0)2 052 3595
The current trend is the Head Spa. This is a massage and scalp treatment that ends with a blowout. The success of this relaxing massage depends on the masseuse’s skill.
Hua Hin, a seaside getaway south of Bangkok
A three-hour drive from Bangkok, you’ll reach the seaside resort of Hua Hin, established in the 1920s by King Rama VII. Lined with luxury hotels, the long white-sand beaches invite you to relax.
The Centara Grand Beach, a five-star hotel with colonial charm, offers a clever day-pass option. This lets you alternate between the ocean and the pool, enjoy a hot shower, have lunch on the terrace, and take a nap under a beach umbrella.
At sunset, a horseback ride along the beach creates memories that feel almost like a movie scene. Then you can stroll through the night market and pick up a few trinkets. The next day, head to Sai Noi Beach, a wilder stretch of sand, dominated by a large Buddha whose silhouette emerges from the trees. There’s a restaurant with plastic tables, paper tablecloths, and delicious food. At the end of the day, massage therapists welcome the last customers. Here, there’s no pretense—just the simplicity of the Thai people, who are warm and spontaneous.
In Prachuap Khiri Khan, a picturesque little port, century-old wooden houses and fish stalls create a timeless setting. Few tourists. Plenty of authenticity. We enjoy scallops, crabs, and lobsters at Kruakhun Toy Seafood for a modest price.
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- Climb to the top of the MahaNakhon tower—which looks like a pixelated image still under construction—and sip the “Sex on the Cloud” cocktail on the 78th floor.
- Explore the MOCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses a Thai tycoon’s fascinating collection across five floors.
- Take a stroll through Lumphini Park and join the group tai chi or dance sessions at sunset, then catch one of the performances.
- Climb the roughly 300 steps of Mont d’Or to admire the 360° view of the river and the city.
- Attend a jazz or blues concert at the Saxophone Pub in the Victory Monument neighborhood.
- Stroll through the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market at midnight and have fun watching the transactions between wholesalers and retailers.
- Escape to Ayutthaya, the former royal capital, and book a room at the Sala Hotel with a view of the river. Magical!
Read more > The Four Seasons Bangkok Named the “2nd Best Hotel in the World”
Featured picture : The Moon Bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel ©DR
