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.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Bangkok’s Creative District
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
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 >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
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.
When to do it
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
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok
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:
Loy La Long
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.
Official star rating:
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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
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Central Thailand, Thailand
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Experience
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.1 miles]
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[1.6 miles]
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.2 miles]
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Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand[3.9 miles]
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