We know for a fact that we absolutely do not have to sell Bangkok, because it already is a top tourist destination for Singaporeans, especially. The airfares are affordable, food and shopping are similarly low-priced and everything about Bangkok just boasts an aura of awesomeness.

However, we also know that some people have their qualms about Bangkok and we are here to change that. Bangkok is so beautiful, we want you to see it too. Besides the shopping, food and all the well-known night markets, Bangkok has ancient temples, rich culture & heritage, and more!

Here are 16 Reasons to Love Bangkok, Thailand. You will definitely be booking your next trip by the end of this!

#1 AFFORDABLE MASSAGE & SPA

This is our favourite past-time in Bangkok and we do it almost everyday! Foot or full body massages are so affordable there (approx. S$10 or 250 baht) that we will never skip it when we visit this beautiful city. The masseuses are also very well-trained to really give you the best massages to relax your muscles and make you rid of any tension in your body.

#2 AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD MEALS

Seafood is generally pricey in Singapore. However in Bangkok, we can have a very big and satisfying full seafood dinner for about S$10 or so each. You can never find seafood prices like these in Singapore.

#3 AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION

We all love Bangkok for this reason. Whether you’re grabbing a taxi or tuk tuk, they’re all extremely inexpensive. However, remember to insist on them turning on the meter to not get conned!

#4 AMAZING STREET FOOD

We don’t know about you, but the street food in Bangkok is to-die-for to us! Everything is so tasty and flavoured so well that we sometimes skip meals just to eat a variety of street food (so much so that it fills our tummy up!). Quail eggs, deep-fried squid, roadside Phad Thai – we are hungry just thinking about it.

#5 BEST NIGHTLIFE VIBES

Bangkok boasts one of the richest nightlife in South East Asia. Besides pubs and clubs, the overall feel strolling down places like Khao San, taking in the vibes, is the perfect feeling to end your long night of shopping and activities. Grab a drink or beer here and just party the night away!

#6 BREATHTAKING ROOFTOP BARS IN BANGKOK

We love the fact that Bangkok has many breathtaking rooftop bars and they are all extremely beautiful. Some of our favourites include – Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree (always packed, but you should still go anyway), Red Sky Rooftop at Centara Grand and Baiyoke Sky Rooftop Bar (highest point in the city).

#7 CONVENIENCE STORES

Strangely enough, we visit the 7/11 in Bangkok, more often than we would admit. Do you know a delicious pre-made and packed Thai Basil Chicken Rice is only barely S$1 there? And it’s really good too, trust us on that! Everything else from bottled drinks to snack are all generally much cheaper than in Singapore.

#8 COOL CAFES & COFFEE HOUSES IN BANGKOK

Bangkok is also no stranger to the cafe scene with popular destinations such as Karmakamet and its iconic candy floss desserts, and others such as After You and Mr. Jones’ Orphanage, offering affordable and delicious cafe fare.

#9 EVERYWHERE IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE

We like that it is easy to get to anywhere in Bangkok. Not once, were we ever lost. The roads might look messy but all the cab and tuk tuk drivers we’ve had, never had a problem.

#10 FRIENDLY LOCALS

Of course we will bump into rude and uncouth people any where in the world, but we are sure that Bangkok has some of the nicest and most polite locals around who will take the time to chat with you, even if they are not proficient in English – something that really warms our heart.

#11 INCREDIBLY GOOD SHOPPING DEALS

We know of friends who do their entire year’s worth of shopping on one trip to Bangkok—that’s how good the shopping deals are. With so many great night markets, weekend markets and shopping centres in the city, it is every shopaholic’s heaven.

#12 MELTING POT OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Other than amazing Thai food, Bangkok offers great food from around the world. We’ve had authentic American diner fare in Khao San Road and Japanese food in the shopping centres that were more than up to standard.

#13 SKIN CARE & MAKEUP

This is for the ladies out there. Brand such as Snail White and Cathy Doll, are so much cheaper in their home country, of course! Grab all these amazing skin care and make up while you’re there and you’ll save a ton!

#14 WAT PHO & OTHER GORGEOUS TEMPLES

After the hustle and bustle of city life, take a break by visiting Wat Pho, home of the famous reclining Buddha. This temple is gorgeous and so tranquil inside, it is the perfect vacation ending you need to have.

#15 WELL-CONNECTED TRAINS

Whenever we spot a traffic jam, we would definitely head on down to their train. It is both affordable and very well-connected to all the major places in Bangkok. It served us really well when we want to get to somewhere fast when there is horrible traffic during peak hours!

#16 THE BEST NIGHT MARKETS IN BANGKOK

Ask any Singaporean which Asian city is their favourite for shopping and most would tell you Bangkok.

For the Thais, night markets are a way of life. The congregation of local vendors is a common sight and for many natives, their livelihoods depend on these bustling night bazaars.

A cafe by day and bar by night, Dexter Cafe & Bar along Sathon road is an aesthetically pleasing dining establishment in Bangkok. Their innovative coffee menu, calm ambiance and availability of free WIFI are great for those who are looking for a place to do some work.

We were pleasantly surprised at the wide range of drinks, brunch items and other Western mains which come in beautiful presentations that make perfect #foodporn pictures on social media platforms.

Swing by the place with your friends for a casual meet up, a birthday celebration or a chill drinking session at night. 

Running a rustic theme with Scandinavian touches, Dexter Cafe & Bar boasts only three primary colours—black, white and brown. Every spot at the cafe is perfect for photo taking  but keep a lookout for the vintage marquee sign which makes the best OOTD backdrop.

Although we dropped by in the day, we could imagine how chill it is to relax by the bar at night with a couple of drought beers, cocktails and wines. Of course, they also have a curated list of spirits and whiskeys for the serious drinkers as well.

When you are at Dexter Cafe & Bar, you cannot skip their coffee beverages inspired by international flavours around the world.

If you are up for something more adventurous, try their Brazilian Iced Coffee (THB130) which is an interesting blend of espresso double shots, cacao powder and Coca-Cola. Yes, this is a fizzy caffeine drink!

For a safer choice, we recommend the Iced Australian which is more like your usual iced coffee with espresso double shots, cold milk, vanilla syrup and vanilla ice cream on top.

The Æggekage (THB400) came with Danish-style omelette and it is a wholesome dish with plenty of cucumber, tomato, savoury bacon and crispy pork belly. While we were very impressed with the presentation of this dish, the same could not be said for its taste.

We found the pork belly to be slightly overdone and too tough for our liking. That being said, we still enjoyed the light and fluffy egg omelette which was well seasoned.

For the ultimate breakfast platter, get their Brunch Plate (THB500) which has all the breakfast items you can ever dream of.

This enormous plate features bacon, sausage, ham, parma ham, salami, cheese, fruits, bread, homemade pancakes, yogurt with muesli and eggs of your choice (scrambled/fried/omelette).

Dexter Bar & Cafe
56 Sathorn Soi 8
North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 636 6222
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest BTS: Chong Nonsi

Little Bao – a modern Chinese diner in Hong Kong – shot to fame with its signature mini sliders, sharing plates and cocktails since its opening in Hong Kong three years ago.

Chef and owner May Chow is now bringing Little Bao to Bangkok – its first overseas outpost. Like the original Little Bao in Hong Kong, the new Little Bao in Bangkok follows the same formula by dishing out familiar and sexy renditions of our Asian favourites over the counter and in many unpredictable and refreshing manners.

Little Bao in Bangkok will sit in Thonglor, and it features an identical menu as its original in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. You can find the famous Baos (THB240) such as Pork Belly, Sichuan Chicken and Fish Tempura.

Sharing dishes include Scallop & Chips (THB240), Fried Cauliflower (THB240), Orange Chicken (THB240) with Salted Egg Yolk, and Truffle Fries (THB290).

And of course, nobody leaves Little Bao without having its Ice Cream Bao (THB120). It is so iconic that it is now synonymous with the hippie brand.

Fans of Little Bao can also have their cocktail fix in Bangkok with the Yuzu Leaf and Punch Sai Gua cocktails. There is also a range of Japanese craft beers, sakes and wines from Little Bao Bar.

Little Bao is a place that is full of energy, and is the kind of swanky spot which will easily fit into the linear of New York or London. And we are sure it will soon become one of the hottest dining destinations in Bangkok.

Now, May, can you bring Little Bao to Singapore too? We are jealous.

Little Bao
72 Courtyard – FL G
72 Sukhumvit 55 Thonglor Klongton-Nua Wattana
Bangkok 10110
Tue to Sun: 6pm till late
Tel: +66 2 392 6922

The Commons at Thonglor is Bangkok’s Hottest Destination right now.

With 28 restaurants, cafes and shops to boast, it is an enchanting space in Thonglor that opened its doors to public in January 2016. It is not “just another mall”; it is a community, and a way of life to the guys who envisioned and built The Commons.

“Our intention is to build first a community, then a mall. We want to become Thonglor’s backyard – a gathering ground for specialized producers and their customers. We hope to promote wholesome living and a true sense of community.”

With the words of the founder of The Commons, you know this is where you should be.

At The Commons, one should first know that going with an empty stomach and a thirsty desire to explore is necessary. For one, The Commons is anything but common and conventional.

The sheer splendour of the building is one that will leave you in awe – the space, the architecture, the enthusiastic beings you will meet… everything is unique to The Commons. Everyone gets together for a unanimous belief – the love for life.

Explore the world of gourmet here at The Commons. Some brands and concepts to look out for are Maison Jean Philippe, Roots Coffee Bar (another concept by Roast which used to be located at Ekkamai), Peppina, Soul Food (by the famous Soul Food Mahanakorn), Meat & Bones, The Beer Cap, Egg My God, East Bound, Absolute Fit Food, and Barrio Bonito Mexican Restaurant. They all have their own stories to tell, and a menu to tease.

The “Village” zone is marked by Plant House, a famous florist shop in Bangkok. This level also includes Jona Waffle – a cafe that specialises in waffles, with 10 different flavours such as Orange Suzette, French Toast Waffle, and Blueberry Cheese Pie on the menu.

On the third floor, Play Yard, you can find Absolute Yoga. Well-being is definitely integral to the community.

And on the top level, we have Roast’s new home. The ever popular cafe has relocated from its previous location at SeenSpace, and its spanking new space at The Commons is nothing short of cosy too. Expect the usual fare – brunch items, a la minute desserts, great coffee, friendly staff, laidback vibes.

Apart from these, there are several lifestyle and fashion boutiques within the building.

The Commons is currently still in a soft launch stage, but expect more exciting brands to open in the coming months. All in all, this is the newest spot in Bangkok that you totally have to visit if you are in the city.

The Commons
Soi Thong Lo 17, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: +66 89 152 2677
Nearest BTS: Thonglor

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Bangkok.

While strolling down a less populated part of Bangkok, we stumbled upon a small and quirky cafe – Bangkoku Cafe, which immediately sparked our interest. Located just beside one of Bangkok’s most popular old-school barbers – Good Old Days Barber Shop – we were delighted by the cosy cafe’s reasonably priced drinks.

Sprawled on the walls are various menu items, from typical coffee to some very interesting alcoholic cocktails. Although this cafe has a limited food menu of a few cakes and sweet treats, the great drinks were enough to keep us happy.

With so many overly-publicised big cafes in Bangkok, it was nice to see a simple and humble cafe like Bangkoku Cafe.

A non-alcoholic drink here costs THB35 to THB50 (S$1.40 to S$2), with frappes just THB10 more (S$0.25). Served to us in beautiful mason jars, Bangkoku Cafe offers a nice an intimate setting for us to rest and relax after a long day of sightseeing and shopping.

The Thai Iced Tea (THB45, S$1.80) is a typical choice but with no regrets. We also had the Lychee B*tch (THB90, S$3.60), an alcoholic cocktail with a spunky name that was extra refreshing and can also be served ice blended, upon request.

We tried the cake of the day that came in a cute mini portion, just enough to satisfy our sweet tooth.

For an extremely unpretentious cafe experience, Bangkoku Cafe pretty much fits the bill. Great drinks, simple cakes, no crazy crowd.

Bangkoku Cafe
(Opposite Pinklao Shopping Complex)
Somdet Phra Pin Klao 19
Thep Nakharin, Bangkok, Thailand 10700

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best cafes in Bangkok.

Bangkok is breathtaking at night. As we stood on the 83rd floor of Baiyoke Sky Hotel’s Rooftop Bar, also the highest point in Bangkok, we were utterly amazed by the beauty of the city’s skyline.

And Bangkok’s amazing rooftop bars are a must-visit when you travel to the Land of Smiles. There are more than 10 rooftop bars in Bangkok city, but we picked out a handful of the best for you to spend your nights at when in the city.

This list of 5 Rooftop Bars in Bangkok With Breathtaking Views Of The City might help with itinerary-planning for your next trip to Bangkok.

#1 BAIYOKE SKY ROOFTOP BAR

As the tallest point in the city, you can only expect panoramic views of the cityscape here. The 360 degree view of Bangkok from Baiyoke Sky’s revolving view point took our breath away. Surprisingly, drinks are not expensive here and a standard cocktail costs an average of THB150 (S$6). The only downside is that if you are not a guest of the hotel, you have to pay an extra THB400 baht (includes one basic drink) as an entrance to the rooftop bar.

The drinks here are kept simple and the complimentary drinks range from house pour liquor shooters to traditional cocktails.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Level 83 Ratchaprarop Road
Phayathai, Bangkok, 10400 10400, Thailand

Source: Sofitel So Bangkok

#2 PARK SOCIETY, SOFITEL SO BANGKOK

This rooftop bar might not be perched atop a towering skyscraper, but what Park Society at Sofitel So promises is great drinks at reasonable prices, with an ambience to beat. Rest and relax after a day of shopping, and bask in the sexy mood here at Park Society.

Drink prices start from THB290 (S$11.60) for a glass of house wine, and while it may be relatively expensive, think of how Park Society has an intriguing oriental-inspired interior that emulates vibes like no other. The experience will be worth it.

Sofitel So Bangko
2 North Sathorn Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

#3 RED SKY ROOFTOP BAR

Located at Centara Grand Hotel at Central World, Red Sky Rooftop Bar is one of our favourite rooftop bars ever. The funky and edgy design of Red Sky, coupled with great cocktails, made it a sure-win for us.

You can choose to have some food indoors, then head out to the open-air bar for a great selection of drinks. Prices here start from THB300 (S$12) for a decent pint of beer or a simple cocktail.

4,4 / 1-2,4 / 4, Ratchadamri Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

#4 SCARLETT WINE BAR & RESTAURANT, PULLMAN G

Situated on the 37th level of Pullman G Hotel in Bangkok, Scarlett Restaurant & Wine Bar is known to be one of the best places to take in the city vibes with its 160 square metre open-air balcony.

The alfresco seating is extremely popular and is often booked out daily, so reservations are a must. Scarlett is also known for their delectable range of sweet treats that you can have alongside your drinks from the bar.

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 37th Floor, 188 Silom Road

#5 VERTIGO & MOON BAR

Vertigo & Moon Bar in Banyan Tree Bangkok is the pride of the city, according to our bubbly cab driver. We can see why – Banyan Tree is a beautiful luxury hotel in Bangkok that offers top-notch and excellent service.

As the rooftop bar and restaurant is extremely popular, we were greeted with a full house at the bar on a typical weekday evening, much to our surprise. For a bigger group, reservations are most necessary. Although the drinks here are pricier at THB500 (S$20) onwards, the stunning view alone was enough to wow us. A night here with their drinks is definitely worth the “splurge”.

Banyan Tree Hotel
21/100 South Sathon Road,
Sathon 10120, Bangkok, Thailand

Heading to Bangkok? Read our guide to 34 Cafes and Coffee Shops in Bangkok.