Bangkok is a city of dualities—from quintessential luxury to a burgeoning creative scene; some of Asia's most coveted fine dining experiences to smokey street markets; ancient, sacred traditions to a new generation that’s transforming the local culture and making it uniquely theirs. In short, it’s hard not to fall in love with this electric city.

Our Bangkok City Guide has been curated to capture the best of Bangkok—at times sidestepping the obvious to show you a side of the Siam capital you’ve maybe never seen before.

Besides, when it comes to exploring Asia’s most dynamic cities through a lens of luxury—from Bangkok’s best five-star hotels to restaurants, bars and the ultimate shopping guides—who else are you going to trust but Tatler?

Bangkok is a great destination year-round, but there are certain dates worth considering if you want to be at the heart of the action: Chinese New Year is cool and convivial, with celebrations happening in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Thai New Year, or Songkran, happens in mid-April and is a lively affair across the city; in mid-Novemberi is Loy Krathong, a beautiful festival of lights that honours Bangkok’s beloved Chao Phraya River.