With Anton living in BKK for over 8 years and Will not being your typical Thai girl, our BKK guide won’t be your traditional one. Below, you will find some of our favorite places in town. If you have further questions about any of them, do let us know!
Modern Thai food cooked in the restaurant’s open kitchen, paired with great wine!. The curries here are a must! Try the corn cakes, goat and lamb curries. After your dinner, head over to Clutch for a quick drink or two!
iODE:
Amazing french food with a twist, although a bit heavy. The quality of the ingredients (from butter to fresh seafood) makes everything taste amazing. You can never go wrong with ordering oyster shots, Bao raw milk raclette cheese, potato dauphine, dry aged sea bream sashimi, and wagyu hanger.
JUA:
Japanese Izakaya, recently visited by some of the White Lotus crew. You can probably order anything Izakaya there (i.e. Spicy Tuna Poke, Scallop dishes, fried chicken, and Uni Pasta). The restaurant is super small but packed with fun vibes. Head over to Tropic City after your dinner if you have time!
Mod Kaew:
Natural wine bar with fusion food. The name of the restaurant literally translates to “bottom’s up”. The restaurant changes their menu quite often, but go try their fancy fries and soft shell crab!
Appia:
Our favorite Italian restaurant that Will is willing to be in traffic for! Frankly, you can probably order anything from the pasta section, Chicken liver paté, roasted chicken for some protein and tiramisu, and you’re set!
Daimasu:
Chill and casual Japanese izakaya with cheap beers, sake and yakitori. You can order any of the meat that they have on their menu, Cucumber in soy sauce, Tower Salad, Wasabi Tuna Sashimi and edamame to have with your drinks!
Sparrow Pizza:
Our favorite pizza place in town with no frills at all. The hype is around 48-hour sourdough. Our favorites are the classic Margharita pizza and five cheeses with hot honey. You have to eat the pizza right away.
Soma:
Adding this one as an up-and-coming modern Thai restaurant with great vibes. Some of the traditional dishes there are a must: Thai fried rice with crab, grilled skirt steak, grilled crispy pork belly, and minced beef kaprao.
Smalls:
Anton’s second living room and the bar where we met! Tucked in a townhouse just south of Lumpini Park, this spot features P Nui - an amazing mixologist known for pouring us a little bit too strong drinks. We highly recommend the Espresso Martini or any of their Negroni or Old Fashioned twists. It gets incredibly loud between 9–11pm during live jazz, so if you prefer a quieter vibe, go on a Sunday or Monday.
1970:
The newest addition to our go-to list, run by none other than our close friend Gabriel. Here, you can order anything - and it’ll be top quality. It is pretty cool when they roll out the Vodka Martini wagon to you. The views are incredible too, overlooking Lumpini Park and Will and Anton’s place.
Firefly Bar:
Located in the newly opened Sindhorn Kempinski, this lobby bar is an absolute must. It’s in the neighborhood where Anton and Will have lived since they met, making it their go-to spot for a nightcap. The bar features soft jazz with talented singers and even has a cigar room for those who enjoy it. Easily one of our favorite hotel lobby bars in Bangkok.
Zuma:
Just up the road from Will and Anton’s apartment is the globally renowned Japanese restaurant, Zuma. Perfect for dinner, partying—or both. With Afro house beats, Japanese cuisine, and great vibes, it’s also one of their favorite spots for a nightcap.
Aqua:
Also just up the road from Will and Anton’s apartment, this outdoor courtyard bar offers live music, a variety of food options, and great drinks. It’s the perfect spot for a casual bite and a glass of wine.
Tropic City:
A small tiki bar that transforms into a nightclub around midnight. Not only is it one of Asia’s best bars, but has also been ranked among the top worldwide! Founded by a group of Swedish friends, it holds a special place for Anton, who has serious bragging rights: 1) He was the bar’s first paying customer, and 2) he won a burger eating contest here, securing his status as a forever legend. All the drinks are literally fire, but we recommend trying the one made with goat milk!
The Loft:
Located at the very top of Waldorf Astoria, this bar offers incredible views and great drinks. It’s indoors so you don’t have to worry about sweating, in fact, you might actually want to bring a jacket as the AC is working a little bit too well.
BKK Social Club:
Currently ranked as Asia’s 7th best bar, BKK Social Club is a must-try. Located in the courtyard of the new Four Seasons in Bangkok, this bar offers great drinks, snacks and vibes.
Alonetogether:
A tiny little Jazz bar with fantastic music and drinks, this is a must-go for anyone visiting Bangkok. Seats are very limited so make sure you book in advance. They have a cigar room on the second floor for people who would be enjoying this.
Sarnies:
Small cafe with great sourdough bagels with vegan dill cream cheese. Croissants and pastries here are also great. For a cheat day, Will often gets double chocolate chip cookies from here.
Tabula Trattoria:
A casual Italian spot with wood-fire cooking techniques. Sit outside, enjoy a glass of mimosa (order some golden-fried cauliflower bites, meatballs) and enjoy the fresh air in the restaurant’s outdoor garden.
Kraz:
New French crepe spot in town, run by the same chef as iODE. Great light crepes and chill vibes, perfect for a hot Sunday afternoon.
Cafe Tartine:
A chill French bistro with great sandwiches, quiches, and egg benedict.
Run outdoor:
(check AQI level before you go out!) at Lumpini Park, Benjakiti Park or do the green mile trail that connects the two park.
Workout classes:
Cubic - both HIIT and Spin (come ride with Will), Base (HIIT), Encore (HIIT), Fitfac (Muay Thai).
Yoga and Pilates:
Absolute U (multiple locations) and The Green Room.
Panpuri:
Great, minimal but also luxurious onsen at a reasonable price.
Divana:
Beautiful spa space with great spa and massage programs. Each location offers a different vibe. Will’s favorites are at Chidlom and Central Embassy.
Oasis:
An alternative to Divana, with great options for spa and massage program, located in Thonglor.
Health Land:
A simple but great place for massages. Have multiple branches all around town.
RLAX:
Order-in massage. Quick and simple massage at your doorstep.
Benjakitti Forest Park:
A peaceful escape right in the heart of the city, this lush urban park is perfect for a morning walk, jog, or lazy afternoon picnic. With elevated walkways through the trees, lakes, and skyline views, it’s the favorite walking spot of Will and Anton’s for a breather from the Bangkok buzz. Bring comfy shoes and a camera!
China Town:
A sensory overload in the best way possible - Bangkok’s Chinatown is buzzing with life, neon lights, and endless street food. From sizzling woks to gold shops and hidden cocktail bars, it’s a place to wander, taste, and take it all in. Will and Anton recommend coming hungry and adventurous—some of their best bar crawls have happened here! Start with pre-drink at Teens of Thailand, dinner at Ba Hao, a drink at G.O.D (Genius on Drugs), TAX and then end the night at TEP for some traditional thai music and thai-inspired cocktails.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium:
For those craving a bit of action, the worlds first Muay Thai Stadium. This legendary place is where to watch authentic Muay Thai fights. The energy is electric, the crowd is loud, and the fighters are world-class. It’s a raw and unforgettable slice of Thai culture—and a totally different kind of night out in Bangkok.
Wat Po:
One of the most iconic temples in Bangkok, home to the massive reclining Buddha. Beyond its beauty, Wat Pho is also where traditional Thai massage was born—so after wandering the stunning grounds, you can treat yourself to a massage in the temple’s own school. A must-see for anyone visiting the city for the first time.
Bang Khachao:
Often called the “green lung” of Bangkok, Bang Kachao is a lush island escape just across the river—yet it feels like a world away from the city. Rent a bike and cruise along peaceful paths through jungle, gardens, and local neighborhoods. A perfect half-day trip if you want to explore nature without leaving the city and enjoy cozy cafes.
Wat Saket:
One of the most scenic temple visits in Bangkok, Wat Saket sits atop a manmade hill with a golden stupa and panoramic views of the city. The climb is easy and peaceful, winding past bells, trees, and little altars. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
The Royal Palace:
A truly iconic Bangkok experience. The Grand Palace is home to stunning architecture, intricate temples, and the Emerald Buddha—one of the most sacred religious sites in Thailand. It can get busy, so go early, dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), and take your time exploring. It’s grand, it’s glittering, and it’s unforgettable.
Private Long-tail Boat Tour:
One of the best ways to see Bangkok! Go to Saphan Taksin Pier and hop on a private long-tail boat. Cruise through the Chao Phraya River and quiet canals (klongs). You’ll pass temples, stilt houses, and local life along the water. It’s peaceful, scenic, and very “classic Bangkok.” Highly recommended by Will and Anton - bonus points if you bring a cold drink for the ride!