A Guide to Beautiful Bangkok

Bangkok is a city in constant evolution. As one of the busiest cities in the world, there’s always something exciting and new to experience. By day, witness wonders hundreds of years old, and delve into the vibrant nightlife after dark. In the city that never sleeps, you can explore bustling streets, hidden back alleys, and secrets known only to the locals.

There’s no shortage of Thai culture to experience, with plentiful grand temples that mark the heart of local communities. Bangkok’s most iconic temple, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), has recently completed renovation, restoring it to its former glory and ensuring its endurance for years to come. However, there are hundreds of other temples, each with its own unique design and welcoming monks — just be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered as a mark of respect when visiting. For a unique way to experience a variety of temples, embark on a guided longtail tour of the Chao Phraya River with stops at the most impressive temples. The Klong Guru Riverside Culture Tour departs from Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.

There’s an amazing selection of food on offer, from tasty local fare to superb fine dining. Wandering through the streets of Bangkok, you’ll find countless mobile carts serving mouthwatering Thai dishes — you can’t go past the som tum (green papaya salad), satay gai (chicken skewers), and pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), as well as freshly cut fruit. For something a little more gourmet, you can’t go past Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s award-winning Italian restaurant, Biscotti. With homemade pasta including Rock Lobster Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, traditional pizzas, and an extensive wine menu, it really is an experience no foodie should miss.

For those who love a bargain, Bangkok is brimming with deals. If fashion is your passion, Siam Paragon, EmQuartier in Phrom Phong, and CentralWorld in Chidlom are perfect stops for designer labels and department stores. If you’re after a tech upgrade, make sure you check out MBK Center or Fortune Town. For a more local experience, you can’t go past the immensity of Chatuchak Market — over 70 years old, it’s the world’s biggest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls selling everything you could possibly imagine.

With the constant hustle and bustle, sometimes all you want to do is take a break and escape. High above the sprawling streets, the tallest rooftops offer the perfect place to hide away and watch the world pass by far below. Find a rooftop bar, where it’s the perfect place to grab a refreshing drink, and watch the sun go down and the city light up.