On holiday in and around Bangkok: where to go to really discover it

It seems impossible that in the chaotic Bangkok there are places to discover. With the mix of sacred and profane, the megalopolis holds many surprises. For example, the Ari neighborhood is a hipster area very quiet, frequented by Thai middle class and international digital nomads. Here it is easy to make friends with the residents, discover tai-style life, have lunch in local and international restaurants, shop in a global market, use collective work spaces.

The meeting point of different cultures are art galleries displaying contemporary creativity, such as green space Garden areas And The Yard Hostel, a hostel symbol of recycling built with old containers and recycled furniture. The managers participate in sustainability projects to reduce pollution and organize art workshops and awareness classes to promote well-being. From here they can be reached in a few minutes JJ Night Market and Chatuchak Park, with a lively weekend market.

Ancient and contemporary meet between secular temples, skylines and mega-skyscrapers sometimes designed by starchitects, such as the MahaNakhon a palace Pixels in the Central Business District, devised by Ole Scheerenpartner of theOffice for Metropolitan Architecture of Beijing. The building with its 314 meters of height is the tallest in Thailand and from the glass terrace you can discover the immensity of Bangkok. A short distance away is the Wat Pho with the world’s largest reclining Buddha and the most prestigious massage school, a must-try, UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Ceramics of all colors cover the Wat Arun the most colorful temple in Bangkok, thanks to the hundreds of porcelains recovered in the 19th century from ships that used them as ballast and then threw them away. The 400 masterpieces donated by entrepreneur Boonchai Bencharongkul to MOCA, Museum of Contemporary Art, represent the best of Asian art, while al BACC, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre the creations of local artists are exhibited, but also of international artists, including Italians.

Tai cuisine is very good and Bangkok is definitely the capital of street food, but it is considered one of gourmet capitals for the many starred restaurants of chefs who come from all over the world. Very famous, although he hates the Michelin stars, is the Indian Gaggan Anand, also known for his rebellious character. Dinner with him is unforgettable, for the creations, for the music and for the show. On the other hand, on the stalls, from morning until late at night, tom yum, a spicy soup, kao pad (fried rice) and pad thai (fried noodles) plus crunchy skewers of larvae and crickets are served, an ancient custom in these parts. Young chefs and creative tai al cuisine restaurant ERRa modern venue, which can be reached by metro, BTS Thonglor stop.

But the most enjoyable gastronomic experience is the Food Tour on tuk tukwith reckless drivers: the tuk tuks leave one after the other, just be found at Soy 38 in China Town, and then off to the lively alleys of the open market from 6pm to 3am. Many queue up, even for 4 hours, to taste the legendary crab omelette at the starred kiosk of Raan Jay Fai. Luxury and nightlife as an aperitif with an incredible sunset on the rooftop Sky Bar with golden dome on the 64th floor of the Syroccoon the same level also the Crescent restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, with prices appropriate to the place. The aperitif on the terrace is more alternative and affordable Hall Arun, also b&b, which overlooks the Wat Arun temple. To combine shopping and gourmandise, until midnight, the right address is theAsiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok’s finest night market in the old warehouses of a Danish wood trading company. Trendy Asian brands can be found at We are Paragon with also the food hall where it is impossible not to taste at least 10 saucers.

In about two hours by car from Bangkok, one leaves the chaos of traffic and city noise, and arrives in the greenery of Kanchanaburi, almost on the border with Myanmar. The city is famous for the bridge over the River Kwai, built by British prisoners during the Second World War, and for the ancient temples immersed in the parks, the tigers and the water resorts. THEThe advice is to get on board the historic train, even for two or three stops, because you cross forests and rice fields, and halfway through the journey an “English style” snack is served. In the 7 national parks of the regionyou can see caves and waterfalls, spectacular those of Erawan on seven levels and the ancient Buddhist temples. The Wat Wang Wiwekaram inside large caves and with marble statues of Buddha and the temple of the Three Pagodas.

The province of Nakhon Nayok, much loved by Thais for the weekend, and little known by foreigners, it is perfect for a green holiday, halfway between anthropological exploration and ecotourism. She sleeps in the houses of the locals, cooking and eating with them and collaborating in the daily activities. Information and reservations at Community Based Tourism. The region, an hour’s drive from Bangkok but close to the Khao Yai National Parkoffers a mix of culture, traditions and excellent cuisine.

To the Khao Yai Art Museum, one of the finest private galleries in Thailand, hundreds of paintings by Thai artists and beautiful sculptures can be seen in the garden. The night safari is an experience proposed by Khao Yai National Park, a walk of about an hour and a half in the hills, to spot deer, porcupines and sloths and, with a little luck, wild elephants. Better to bring a jacket or a sweater, because in the evening the temperature drops considerably.

Practical info

The national airline Thai Airways offers direct flights to Bangkok from Rome and Milan Malpensa. Information and itinerary suggestions can be found on the website of theThailand Tourism Board.

Other ideas to discover the city? Read here