Tips from a local: 5 things to do in Bangkok

Once upon a time in Bangkok, when the waterways still served as main transportation routes —the Thai capital was nicknamed “the Venice of Asia”—markets and shops were set up on the water. Fresh produce and made-to-order dishes were sold from small wooden row boats that flocked to a canal, or khlong, in the mornings, beckoning buyers on the shore. There are fewer and fewer around the country today, but there are still a few floating around the city (get it?). 

One is Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, which is known for its lush atmosphere and mouth-watering food. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, this market boasts a more authentic experience as it is mostly visited by locals. Look out for two of the market’s signature selections:  pla pao, a salt-crusted grilled fish, and goong ob woon sen, which is shrimp with mung bean noodles.

Like most bustling metropolises and cultural melting pots, Bangkok has a thriving art scene. One way to browse the works of local, established and aspiring artists alike is to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), founded in 1997, and considered the pulsing epicentre all things art in the city.

Designed by Robert G Boughey and Associates to honour Thai architecture and culture, its iconic circular structure houses impressive art pieces that showcase and celebrate cultural diversity. With the aim of promoting Thai artists on a global stage, the gallery plays host to many exhibitions; past themes have included sustainability, heritage, and addressing key issues faced by Thai society. 

More than 200 years ago, Bangkok had one massive wholesale market, known today as Sampeng Market, that was largely made up of Chinese merchants and traders. When business was booming, the market spilled over to fill a narrow pocket between Sampeng Market and Yaowarat Road, an area that later became known as Talat Noi, or “small market”. 

Today Tatat Noi is no longer a crazy-busy business hub but rather a laid-back, residential area along the Chao Phraya River that still shows nostalgic traces of the bustling Thai-Chinese commercial district of days gone by. It’s a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly area where visitors can observe the local way of life, sample homemade Thai street food, buy traditional Thai snacks, sip Thai-style coffee and enjoy colourful graffiti. 

You can easily spend a whole day here exploring, sampling food and hanging out at vintage cafés in centuries-old houses along the river. You can also make it a quick stopover as part of a visit to the Charoenkrung Creative District visit, or on your way to Yaowarat night market in the early evening. 

This instantly recognisable spherical theatre with its art deco flair is the birthplace of Muay Thai. Built in 1954 to promote and raise the standard of the national sport, Rajadamnern Stadium recently underwent a major makeover. Gone are the days of a stuffy, rundown and dusty arena; sport enthusiasts and boxing fans can now enjoy exciting fights on massive LED screens with a state-of-the-art light and sound system from the comfort of the VIP room with air-conditioning and plush, comfortable seats. There is also a live DJ, and beverage stations serving free-flow drinks throughout the night. 

The stadium hosts several fight nights every week with Thai and international fighters, male and female, all competing ultimately to be the champion of the Rajadamnern World Series.