12 June 2026

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. From stately, centuries-old temples to modern, high-rise complexes, sprawling shopping malls to bustling night markets, world-famous restaurants to family-run eateries, there’s something for everyone in this electrifying city. Small wonder, then, that Bangkok attracted over 30 million visitors in 2025, making it one of the most visited cities in the world.

Before you jet off for your next round of spicy tom yum, soothing massage and endless shopping, read this guide for our picks of the best places to eat, shop and play in the buzzing Thai capital. We’ve also included essential tips for spending and payments to help you avoid hiccups during your Bangkok holiday. Sawadee-ka!


Best places to eat in Bangkok

Let’s start with our favourite category: food! The signature spicy-sweet-sour-savoury profile of Thai cuisine makes every meal unforgettable – whether you’re sipping bowls of herbal broth, wolfing down plates of piping hot pad thai, or savoring world-class cooking at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Beyond restaurant meals, Bangkok also has a thriving cafe culture featuring unique spins on coffee drinks and desserts. You’ll likely discover your sweet tooth (or grow a few more) once you’ve had a bite.

Bring along the Mari Credit Card which offers 1.5% cashback on all overseas spending! It has no FX fees too so you can be assured to order your nice cuppa and pastries without worrying about extra fees.


Must-visit cafes in Bangkok

Mother Roaster Prathu Phi

457 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon

A paradise for filter coffee enthusiasts, Mother Roaster Prathu Phi exclusively serves drip coffee. What’s impressive is its selection – there’re dozens, if not hundreds of beans to choose from. So whether you’re looking for rich, chocolatey dark roasts, light, floral varieties, or everything in between, there is a filter coffee here to suit every palate. 

Another plus point is its location. This homegrown cafe is located near Wat Seket (the Golden Mount), making it a great choice for a pick-me-up if you happen to be visiting.

Fell Boy

100, 16, Rama II Rd, Bang Nam Chuet, Mueang Samut Sakhon

Tucked away just off Rama 2 Road, Fell Boy offers a welcome escape from the heat and haze of the surrounding concrete jungle. A lush tropical garden surrounds the cafe, while warm wood accents, mid-century furnishings, and large windows overlooking a leafy courtyard create a cosy, inviting atmosphere inside.

The drinks menu is equally refreshing. The cafe serves Thai coffee beans, with both light and medium roast options available across classics like Iced Americanos and lattes in various formats. Non-coffee drinkers are also well catered for, thanks to a selection of ceremonial-grade matcha. Top picks include the Yame Clear Matcha, known for its delicate smoky notes and smooth finish, and the Watermelon Matcha, a cold-pressed juice and matcha combo created to beat the summer heat.

After You Cafe

Floor 1 Terminal 21 Asok, Soi Sukhumvit 19

A household name in Thailand’s dessert scene, After You at Terminal 21 is a reliable stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Conveniently located inside one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping malls, it offers a comfortable place to take a break from sightseeing or shopping while enjoying some of the city’s most beloved desserts.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the signature Shibuya Honey Toast, served warm with thick slices of buttery toast and generous scoops of ice cream. Other favourites include the Kakigori shaved ice desserts, which are light, fluffy, and perfect for cooling down on a hot Bangkok afternoon. While coffee and tea are available, it’s the desserts that keep both locals and visitors coming back.

Mea Duan Thai Dessert

1475-1477, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan

If you’re in the mood for traditional Thai desserts, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Mae Duan on Banthat Thong Road. The traditional-style dessert cafe features recipes drawn from the heritage market of Suphan Buri, with more than 50 different sweets on offer.

Fresh coconut milk is the star ingredient in many of the desserts here, adding a rich flavour and fragrant aroma throughout the menu. Popular choices include sago pearls with longan, sweet sticky rice with longan, and taro pudding served with ice cream. Or opt for the traditional baked sticky rice cooked in bamboo, served in a coconut shell – a nostalgic dessert that showcases Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.

Dog In Town Ekkamai

16/1 Ekkamai 6 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana

When it comes to pet-themed cafes, Dog In Town is a must-visit for animal lovers. Tucked away in a cosy alley, the main attraction here are the friendly, well-cared-for dogs in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The café is home to several breeds, ranging from Huskies to Corgies, Golden Retrievers and Chihuahuas, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to interact, play, and take photos. The admission fee covers one complimentary drink, making it easy to spend an hour or two unwinding with some four-legged company. If you're looking for a fun and memorable café experience beyond the usual coffee shop visit, Dog In Town is well worth adding to your Bangkok itinerary.


Best restaurants for top-notch Thai cuisine

Thipsamai Pad Thai

313, 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon

Pad Thai is such a quintessential Thai dish, so it’s no small feat that Thipsamai is widely regarded as the king of Pad Thai restaurants among the locals. What began as a humble street food stall has grown into one of Bangkok’s most recognised dining destinations, attracting both locals and visitors.

Thipsamai’s secret sauce? Shrimp head oil, which gives the Pad Thai a richer flavour and deeper seafood aroma than many traditional versions. Conveniently located in Bangkok's Old Town, the landmark restaurant is an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary and a must-visit for anyone looking to try one of Thailand's most iconic dishes.

Wattana Panich

336 338 Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana

Wattana Panich is famous for its legendary beef noodle soup, which has been continuously simmered for decades. Each day, the restaurant preserves part of the broth and adds it to the next batch, creating a deeply flavourful stew that has been built upon over generations.

Fans love the rich, intensely beefy broth that forms the base of its popular beef and goat noodle dishes. Slow-cooked for hours, the meat becomes exceptionally tender and practically melts in your mouth. Now run by the third generation of the same family, Wattana Panich remains a beloved local favourite and a great example of the traditional family-run eateries that define Bangkok’s food scene.

Bamee Kon Sae Lee

1081 Sukhumvit Road, Watthana

Another beloved Thai street dish is bamee, a Thai-Chinese recipe of egg noodles served dry and tossed with wontons and cuts of meat. Locals swear by Bamee Kon Sae Lee, a humble eatery best known for its egg noodles and simple seasoning that lets the fresh ingredients shine through.

While the noodles are the main attraction, many visitors also come for the crispy pork belly, widely regarded as among the best in the city. The menu also features wonton soup, fried rice, roast pork, and other Thai-Chinese staples, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

NARA Thai

Central world 4 Ratchadamri Rd, Pathum Wan

NARA Thai is a franchise restaurant, yes, and its prices are pegged at a premium. But that shouldn’t prevent you from wandering in for a meal or a bite anyway. This restaurant chain is consistently one of the most accessible for popular Thai classics, especially for newcomers inexperienced with Thai-level spiciness. 

The menu is enticing, with occasional seasonal specials vying for attention. But even sticking with the classics – tom yum, pad thai, pineapple fried rice, boat noodles, grilled river prawns – will yield a satisfying meal to savour amidst a refined backdrop. Another point in its favour: Besides the location mentioned, NARA Thai is also easily found across Bangkok’s major shopping malls and tourist hubs, making for a convenient choice no matter the occasion.

Sam Lor (Michelin Bib Gourmand)

1076 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand

Located just south of Talat Noi, Sam Lor is an excellent choice for dinner after a day spent exploring Bangkok’s historic riverside neighbourhood. Adorned with the Michelin Bib Gourmand for quality and good-value cooking, this neo-Thai bistro takes familiar street food flavours and reimagines them with a creative, contemporary approach.

The menu features a range of bold, flavour-packed dishes, including spicy tomato salad, Thai-style prawn ceviche, and smoked pork ribs served with tamarind jaew sauce. Inside, concrete finishes, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere create a space catered to travellers looking to experience Thai cuisine beyond the traditional classics. Recommended for a fresh and memorable take on local flavours.

R-HAAN (2 Michelin stars)

131 Soi Thonglor 9 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana

For a refined take on Thai classic cooking, book a table at R-HAAN, one of Bangkok’s standout fine dining destinations. Located in Thonglor, the restaurant has won 2 Michelin stars for several years running, thanks to its commitment to preserving and elevating Thailand’s culinary heritage.

The tasting menu showcases classic Thai dishes through a sophisticated lens, highlighting ingredients and flavours from across the country’s different regions. Expect to enjoy dishes that are both familiar and remarkably nuanced. Thoughtful menu descriptions also help diners better understand the ingredients and techniques behind each dish, making the experience as educational as it is enjoyable.


Best shopping malls in Bangkok

Luxury and lifestyle malls

Siam Paragon

991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan

If luxury shopping is what you’re after, head over to Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok’s most iconic high-end shopping destinations. Known for an impressive mix of international designer brands, luxury boutiques, and flagship stores, the upmarket mall is also home to attractions such as SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, a luxury cinema complex, and one of the city's most extensive gourmet food halls. You can find everything from fashion and beauty products to electronics and lifestyle brands, making it a popular one-stop destination. It is also one of the easiest malls in Bangkok to access, given its central location in the busy Siam district.

ICONSIAM

299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San

Shopping malls don’t come any more spectacular than this. Located along the iconic Chao Phraya river, ICONSIAM combines luxury retail, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences – all within its 70-storey sprawl. Besides flagship stores from leading international brands, the mall is best known for SookSiam, a vibrant indoor market showcasing regional Thai food, crafts, and products from across the country. The riverside location adds to the experience, with scenic views of the Chao Phraya River and regular light, fountain, and cultural performances. Whether you're shopping for luxury goods or looking to experience a taste of Thailand in a single venue, ICONSIAM offers one of the most comprehensive mall experiences in the city

Gaysorn Village

502 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan

Gaysorn Village is one of Bangkok’s premier luxury lifestyle destinations known for offering a more exclusive shopping experience. Unlike the city's larger, more crowded malls, Gaysorn focuses on curated designer boutiques, premium fashion labels, fine jewellery, beauty brands, and upscale lifestyle stores. The atmosphere is noticeably quieter and more sophisticated, attracting shoppers looking for personalised service and a more relaxed retail experience. Complementing the luxury retail offerings is a selection of high-end restaurants, cafés, and wellness concepts, making Gaysorn a favourite among discerning locals and visitors alike.


Mid-range shopping malls

centralwOrld

999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan

A shopping mall you can literally spend the entire day at, centralwOrld holds the honour for being Bangkok’s largest shopping mall, and the world’s ninth-largest. The shopping mall is so huge it even offers its own app for wayfinding. You’ll need it to navigate hundreds of retail stores spread across multiple levels, offering everything from international fashion brands and beauty retailers to electronics, lifestyle stores, and local labels. Beyond shopping, the mall also offers an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, kiosks and eateries, in case you need a pit stop or a pick-me-up

Terminal 21 Asok

88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana

Terminal 21 is renowned for colourful, imaginative decor across its various locations. The Asok branch is one of the most popular among locals and visitors alike, featuring a Travel Around the World theme that sees each level recreating famous cities such as Japan, San Francisco, London, and Paris. The tenant mix here focuses on affordable fashion, independent boutiques, beauty stores, and lifestyle brands – along with a noteworthy selection of value dining options and casual restaurants and eateries. Great for a casual afternoon of shopping and eating.


Fashion and bargain shopping

Platinum Fashion Mall

22, Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi

Bangkok’s go-to destination for bargain fashion shopping, Platinum Fashion Mall attracts everyone from casual shoppers to wholesale buyers. Spread across multiple floors, the mall is packed with hundreds of small retailers selling affordable clothing, accessories, bags, shoes, and beauty products – often at discounted rates for bulk purchases. The focus here is on value rather than luxury, making it one of the best places in the city to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Its location in the Pratunam shopping district also places it within walking distance of several other popular fashion markets and malls, so you continue shopping to your heart’s content.

MBK Center

444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Subdistrict

The granddaddy of bargain shopping in Bangkok, MBK Center remains one of Bangkok’s favourite hotspots for deal hunters. The iconic mall offers a diverse mix of affordable fashion, electronics, souvenirs, luggage, accessories, and everyday essentials. It’s the heady variety – over 2,000 shops across eight floors – that continues to draw shoppers. For tourists, MBK Center is especially popular for gifts and budget-friendly purchases, while locals regularly come here to for mobile phones, gadgets, and repair services.


Night markets and local experiences

Chatuchak Weekend Market

587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak

At over 15,000 stalls, it’s no wonder that Chatuchak Weekend Market holds the record for being one of the largest markets in the world. An essential Bangkok experience for anyone who enjoys browsing, bargain hunting, and discovering unique finds – spanning everything from clothing, handicrafts, antiques and home décor to plants, artwork, and souvenirs. Also, there’s an endless variety of local food and trending snacks, great for feeding appetites and Insta feeds at the same time. The sheer size and diversity of the market mean no two visits are ever quite the same. Do arrive early as it becomes increasingly busy throughout the day.

Jodd Fairs Ratchada (Train Night Market)

129 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng

The title of Bangkok’s most famous night market surely goes to Jodd Fairs Ratchada. The iconic venue offers a lively mix of street food, shopping, and entertainment in a modern open-air setting. Best known for its extensive food selection, visitors can sample everything from classic Thai dishes and grilled seafood to trendy desserts and viral social media snacks. For a break from all that feasting, explore the shopping section for fashion boutiques, accessories, handmade goods, and local products at affordable prices. With its vibrant atmosphere, colourful lighting, and late-night energy, Jodd Fairs is an excellent place to experience Bangkok’s night market culture after sunset.

Street food in Yaowarat

Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong

For a truly local food experience in Bangkok, make a visit to Yaowarat, the city's historic Chinatown. After dark, the main road transforms into a bustling street food destination filled with sizzling woks, glowing neon signs, and some of Bangkok’s most delightful eats. Visitors can sample everything from seafood, roast duck, dim sum, and noodle dishes to traditional Chinese-Thai desserts from family-run vendors serving generations-old recipes.


Temples, cultural attractions and other highlights in Bangkok

The Grand Palace

Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark and one of Thailand’s most important cultural and historical attractions. Built in 1782, the sprawling complex served as the official residence of Thai kings for generations and remains a symbol of the country's monarchy. Visitors can admire ornate halls, gilded buildings, intricate murals, and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the Buddhist nation’s most sacred sites. Marvel at the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance as you explore this must-visit location.

Wat Arun

158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai

Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) is one of Bangkok’s most recognisable landmarks thanks to its striking riverside location and towering central prang decorated with colourful porcelain mosaics. Situated just right to capture the changing light, the temple glows with unearthly beauty at sunrise and sunset. Visitors can explore the temple grounds to admire the intricate details up close, and enjoy panoramic views of the river from the upper terraces. Its unique architecture sets it apart from many of Bangkok’s other temples, making Wat Arun a truly unique experience.

Chao Phraya River

Khlong San

A boat ride down the Chao Phraya River offers one of the best ways to explore Bangkok from a different perspective. The lifeblood of the city, Chao Phraya flows past many famous attractions, serving as a transportation route and sightseeing attraction – one that avoids congested road traffic while according picturesque views of historic temples, modern skyscrapers and lively local communities. By night, the entire river lights up, turning the scene into one straight out of a fantasy novel.


How to pay in Bangkok

Paying in Bangkok is surprisingly flexible and convenient, it is possible to go cashless.

Going Cashless in Bangkok

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted all over cosmopolitan Bangkok, especially at shopping malls, department stores, restaurants, cafes and convenience shops.

Most tourists who have been to Thailand before might be familiar with the Tuk-tuk, which is both a novelty as well as a well-known tourist trap. Aside from the Tuk-tuk drivers who may try to overcharge tourists, the Tuk-tuk could also be uncomfortable to ride in for hot or rainy days, and especially if you get stuck in a jam.

Enjoy cashless and safe ride hailing via your Grab app or similar services. Just remember to add your Mari Credit Card or Mari Debit Card beforehand as your payment method.

Travelling by the MRT or the BTS? You’ll be glad to know that since 2024, credit and debit cards can be used to tap in and out at gantries, saving you from having to queue up to purchase tickets.

MRT Fares are between 15-42 Baht (S$0.55 – S$1.55) per trip. For trips which include BTS Skytrain as part of the journey, the fares are separately calculated and charged for each leg of the journey.

Take a quick trip to these attractions using the train system:

• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew – Sanam Chai (BL31)
• Wat Pho – Sanam Chai (BL31)
• Wat Arun – Saphan Taksin (S6)
• Wat Traimit – Hua Lamphong (BL28)
• Loha Prasat and Wat Ratchanadda – Wat Mangkon (BL29)

Popular malls that are also accessible via train:

• Siam Paragon – Siam (CEN)
• Central World – Chit Lom (E1)
• MBK Center – National Stadium (W1)
• EmQuartier – Phrom Phong (E5)

Using Mari Credit Card or the Mari Debit Card in Bangkok, Thailand

Whether trawling the massive malls of Bangkok, or touring the old quarters of Pattaya town, Mari Credit Card and Mari Debit Card offers the best of convenience, security and rewards:

• Cashback on your spends. Get rewarded on every spend on your Mari Credit Card¹ and Mari Debit Card², whether for shopping, restaurant meals, cafe drinks, museum tickets or more. No limits, no minimum monthly spend, just pure cashback.
• No overseas transaction fees³. Enjoy the freedom of no foreign transaction fees for all overseas transactions, whether abroad or when shopping online at foreign sites.
• Best FX rates⁴. Keep more of your hard-earned money to spend, instead of losing it to unfavourable FX markups.
• Easy spend tracking. Never lose track of your holiday budget! Transactions are updated instantly in your MariBank mobile app, so you stay in control at all times.
• Widely accepted. Mari Credit Card and Mari Debit Card are accepted everywhere Mastercard is.

Built for convenience, travel savings and fuss-free rewards, Mari Credit Card or the Mari Debit Card are the perfect fit for all your overseas adventures. Sign up now!


Disclaimer

¹ The 1.5% Cashback is only applicable for eligible card spend in Singapore Dollars which are posted to your Card Account on or after 1 Jan 2026. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions Governing Cashback for Mari Credit Card for transactions that are not eligible for Cashback.

² From 1 Jan 2026, all foreign currency transactions (including overseas and online transactions) which are posted to your Mari Credit Card account will not be subject to the prevailing charge and fee in the Mari Credit Card: Interest, Fees and Charges table, which can be found here.

³ The 1.5% Cashback is only applicable for Eligible Overseas Spend in foreign currencies (non-Singapore Dollars) up to a maximum amount of S$1,500 of Eligible Overseas Spends in a Relevant Month. For more information, please refer to the Spend Overseas with Mari Credit Card: Promotion Terms & Conditions (valid till 31 Dec 2026) which apply.

⁴ For the FX Rates with Mari Credit Card Promotion Terms & Conditions which apply, please see here. Valid till 31 Dec 2026.

⁵ Awarded in Shopee Coins for eligible transactions using the Mari Credit Card Instant Checkout payment method on Shopee. The Earn 1.5% Shopee Coins on Shopee Spend with Mari Credit Card (2026): Promotion will end on 31 Dec 2026. For full promotion terms and conditions, read here.

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