Roll up, roll up! A guide to Bangkok’s markets

Markets are where most of the people of Bangkok get their shopping done. The hustle and bustle of these sprawling commerce centres might be a more intense experience than a peruse through a supermarket, but markets are so much more than a place to buy and sell things; wander through one and you’ll get a real sense of how life is lived in the Thai capital. There are hundreds of different specialist markets to choose from, but we’ve rounded up some of the best for you to have a stroll through. So, get your haggling pants on and prepare for your market tour of Bangkok!

gym bangkok

Get Fit Bangkok Style

While most people use their holiday time to slip into a world of cocktails, rich meals, and lounging around, those who find joy in a more active lifestyle can often be left feeling short changed, especially in urban environments where exercising in public isn’t too viable thanks to less than stellar roads and excessive heat – not the best running or cycling conditions. The same issue applies to expats, who may want to maintain their regular lifestyle despite being in paradisiacal surroundings. Bangkok is lacking in consistent green space, so if you’re looking to get the blood pumping your best bet is a local gym; this is doubly the case if you’ve come to Thailand to learn about and practice the national sport of Muay Thai. There are hundreds of gyms in Bangkok, but some are most definitely better than others. Here are our top picks for the budding gym rats and Thai boxers.

Rooftop Bangkok

Rooftop Tour of Bangkok

Bangkok is massive, in every sense of the word. The urban sprawl which makes up the city spreads for miles from the commercial and tourist centres, and it has the 11th highest number of skyscrapers in the world, with that number growing as more and more investment flows into the city and additional projects are greenlit. To truly get a sense of how big the city is, it makes sense to head up, and luckily the businesspeople and venue owners of Bangkok agree: there are numerous excellent, elevated bars, restaurants, and leisure areas in the city, all of which deliver gorgeous views alongside their primary purpose. Acrophobics need not read on, because we’re going to show you the best of Bangkok’s rooftops.

Three Days in Bangkok

Trying to fit the best of Bangkok into three days is a bit like those renovation shows which revamp a house in a short period of time: sure, it can be done, and done well, but it needs planning. Whilst we love the Thai capital, the fact is some people want to explore the rest of Thailand, whereas others are only using Bangkok as a springboard for further South East Asian adventures. There is so much to do and see in this sprawling metropolis that it can cause even the most cocksure of travellers to have some anxiety around missing out, but you shouldn’t worry: we’re here to make sure your experience is everything you want it to be and more, even if you only have three days in Bangkok.

Bangkok by Night: The city’s best nightlife

There is a unique energy in Bangkok; an electric, pulsing vibe that manifests through the bustle of the locals and the chaos of the city. During the day, this comes out in the market stalls as people haggle and shout over each other, but at night-time you see what the city is really about. Throngs of tourists and young Thais head out to the centre to drink and dance the night away. There are dozens of excellent night clubs in Bangkok, but some stand head and shoulders above the rest. If you’re looking for an unforgettable night out, then check out our guide to the best clubs in Bangkok.