Chances are you’ve been to Bangkok before—after all, it is the most popular tourist destination in the world. You’ve probably seen the main temples, cruised along the Chao Phraya River, enjoyed some cheap massages and eaten the best pad Thai of your life at a local market, but there’s more to this city than cheap and cheerful, and a lot more to explore besides the obvious tourist traps.
Despite the series of recent hardships it has endured, the Thai capital shows a dynamism and modernity that is intoxicating, and increasingly nodding towards a new level of sophistication.
See also: 48 Hours In Yangon—Glistening Pagodas & Colonial Architecture
Sure, backpackers can still be found stumbling down Khao San Road in search of cheap beers—but for those inclined towards the more indulgent, the options are countless. Say hello to sophisticated bars elevating the art of mixology, award-winning restaurants, a booming art scene and opulent spa havens.
Map
Click through the map below for our top rated Bangkok hotspots, and get our detailed 48-hour itinerary below: