Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.5 miles]
Landmark luxury at Bangkok’s most famous hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
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Bucket list experience:
Over the past few years, forward-thinking creatives have transformed Bangkok’s riverside Bang Rak area into the city’s de-facto design district.
Here, boutique concept stores and art galleries blow new life into dilapidated shophouses, while wall-spanning street art by some of Thailand’s top artists infuses the winding alleys with a much-needed pop of colour.
Most galleries congregate around the Thailand Creative & Design Center in the Grand Postal Office, the creative hub that kick-started the artistic renaissance back in 2017, but new ones pop up almost monthly.
Highlights include Warehouse 30, a multi-use creative space in a WWII-era industrial complex; artsy concept store-meets-tea parlour Citizen Tea Canteen; and ATT19, a contemporary art gallery taking over a 120-year-old former school building.
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Destination Guide >The Creative District is best explored on foot, with the Saphan Taksin BTS station as a handy starting point. As you weave through Ban Rak’s alleys, you’ll pass street art by local artists and a handful of quirky coffee shops that have popped up here over the past few years.
There is no signposted route, but the Creative District’s website has some good suggestions. You’ll find the highest concentration of galleries and creative businesses (including ATT19 and Warehouse 30) in the blocks around the Grand Postal Building on Charoenkrung Road, a 20-minute stroll north of the Saphan Taksin BTS station.
All galleries have different opening times, but you’ll likely find most open on the weekend. With frequent art fairs and handicraft markets popping up, this is also when the district is at its liveliest.
Keep an eye out for the bi-monthly Gallery Hopping nights happening in the district, when galleries and studios open their doors until well after sunset.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.5 miles]
Landmark luxury at Bangkok’s most famous hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Official star rating:
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.1 miles]
A fabulous five-star with the atmosphere of a boutique stay, with both the glitz and glamour of Phloen Chit and the serenity of Lumphini Park within walking distance.
Official star rating:
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.2 miles]
A disarmingly eclectic boutique hotel with river views like no other, and rooms with balconies over the water. One of Bangkok’s best budget stays.
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.4 miles]
Lush gardens and a lavish pool at this elegant, enchanting hotel oasis near Lumphini Park.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Central Thailand, Thailand
From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions, and one of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2 miles]
Bicycle tours through the back-alleys of Chinatown and Bangkok’s rural suburbs offer a fascinating peek into the daily lives of the city’s residents.
Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 3-5 hours
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[2.6 miles]
The former home of silk magnate Jim Thompson – who mysteriously disappeared in the jungles of Malaysia – is a must-see for its well-preserved teak buildings and art.
Best for ages: 13+ | £4
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[4.1 miles]
From fancy river cruises to public transport boats, seeing Bangkok from its many waterways gives you a whole new perspective of the city and lives of the locals.
Best for ages: 4+ | £3 | 30+ minutes
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[4.4 miles]
Blood, sweat, and muscled men in tiny shorts – there are few better ways to see Thailand’s national sport than a Muay Thai match at Bangkok’s Rjadamnern Boxing Stadium.
Best for ages: 16+ | £11 | 3.5 hrs
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.1 miles]
One of Bangkok’s most popular little museums. The charming, 70-year-old restored teak house offers a compelling glimpse of family life in Bangkok from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.6 miles]
When you feel the need to escape Bangkok’s oppressive traffic fumes, Lumphini Park is a lush central oasis and a fantastic place for a stroll. Go early morning and late afternoon when locals come for sports and you’ll find elderly ladies practicing sword fighting and Tai-Chi.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.2 miles]
Flaming woks balancing on tiny canoes, mountains of fresh fruits – Bangkok’s floating markets are a kaleidoscope of Thai-tinged wonder. That said, their old-timey charm has long faded as souvenirs shops have replaced most noodle joints. It’s a fun day out, but no longer an authentic experience.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.9 miles]
Heaving with jasmine, orchids and marigolds, Bangkok’s flower market is a mesmerising riot of colours, floral scents and boisterous vendors. Visit after midnight, when wholesalers drop off their wares and the market is at its liveliest.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free