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.

What used to be a rundown riverside warehouse has since transformed into a rustic industrial-themed Thai restaurant called “The Never Ending Summer” under the hands of local architect Duangrit Bunnag and partner Naree Boonyakiat.

Boasting an elegant vibe, the classy restaurant’s hip clientele consists mainly of young professionals, fashionable youths and tourists. At the same time, the addition of greens hanging around the restaurant makes it a welcoming interior.

You can expect beautifully plated dishes at The Never Ending Summer to be a feast for both your eyes and taste buds—the dining experience there is certainly well-deserving of an encore.

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The modern industrial interior features concrete walls, aged red brick walls, vintage lamps and teak timber furniture. The large seating also provides ample space for those who are visiting in groups to sit together without having to squeeze with others.

At the back of the restaurant, you will notice an open concept kitchen where you can watch the chefs live in action through a polished glass partition.

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It is impossible not to find something that would suit your preference there as The Never Ending Summer’s menu is more than 15 pages long. We recommend trying their local Thai dishes as every dish we ordered was mouth-watering and deserving of high praises.

Ko Mu Yang (THB390/S$16.04) is an excellent grilled Kurobuta pork collar dish that was masterfully executed. Not only was the meat juicy, it came with the right proportion of fats and lean meat. Dip it into the sauces given at the side for a spicy kick.

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Another star dish we have to give special mention to is the Pla Yang (THB390/S$16.04). The grilled barramundi filets are covered with turmeric paste and topped off with crispy fried garlic.

The soft barramundi meat was incredibly delicious; all the distinct flavours from the turmeric marinade and fried garlic bits combined together was like a wild party in our mouths.

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If you are looking for something more filling, why not try their Khao Pad Gaag Muu (THB240/S$9.87)? It is essentially pork crackling fried rice and the generous portion makes it great for sharing among your dining companions.

You can choose to mix all the ingredients together and have it in one bite or try them separately.

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We are definitely not leaving out the Peek Gai (THB190/S$7.82) in this review too! The fried chicken wings may look nothing extraordinary but it was one of the best chicken wings we tried—there was a perfect balance between both sweet and savoury tones in the marinade.

The Never Ending Summer
41/5 Charoen Nakorn
Khlong San
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 02 861 0953
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest BTS: Saphan Taksin

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

In the City of Smiles where cafes and restaurants are aplenty, a fish market exists too and you definitely need to know about it.

Shinsen Fish Market is a seafood haven in Bangkok, and it is a new addition to Bangkok’s ever-happening food scene. Just a few months shy of its first birthday, Shinsen Fish Market is supposedly inspired by and modelled after Taipei’s Addiction Aquatic Developments.

The modern fish market in Sukhumvit is a must-visit when you next visit Bangkok. Here’s everything to love about Shinsen Fish Market.

Live aquamarine and sea creatures in tanks, fresh Japanese fruits and vegetables, wine cellar and all sorts of Japanese choya & sake, hot food stations and sushi bars, some good steaks… these are but a few highlights of Shinsen Fish Market.

The establishment seeks to provide seafood lovers one space where seafood-everything is congregated and you can find almost anything you need—live products, fresh produce, cooked dishes etc.

When at Shinsen Fish Market, you must have a taste of the freshest seafood. Grab a seat at one of the bar counters; they don’t differ much, and the menu revolves mainly around sushi, sashimi and cooked food. And what we’d highly recommend is the live seafood.

Take your pick from the many tanks—crabs, lobsters, prawns, clams…

Tell the staff your desired size/ serving size, and they will catch the seafood from the respective tanks, have them weighed (prices go by weight) and ask you for your desired cooking method.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without having a Japanese crab. Zuwai crabs were the crab of the day when we went, and we had a 800g crab (approximately S$60) steamed fresh and cut up for us. If you are going in a big group, it only means seafood party for you.

Get yourselves some akagai (ark claim), lobster, awabi (abalone) and maybe a few more crabs; we promise it would be an unforgettable meal.

Shinsen Fish Market
163/6 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2 260 6522
Nearest BTS: Phrom Phong