Like most bustling metropolises and cultural melting pots, Bangkok has a thriving art scene. One way to browse the works of local, established and aspiring artists alike is to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), founded in 1997, and considered the pulsing epicentre all things art in the city.

Designed by Robert G Boughey and Associates to honour Thai architecture and culture, its iconic circular structure houses impressive art pieces that showcase and celebrate cultural diversity. With the aim of promoting Thai artists on a global stage, the gallery plays host to many exhibitions; past themes have included sustainability, heritage, and addressing key issues faced by Thai society. 

More than 200 years ago, Bangkok had one massive wholesale market, known today as Sampeng Market, that was largely made up of Chinese merchants and traders. When business was booming, the market spilled over to fill a narrow pocket between Sampeng Market and Yaowarat Road, an area that later became known as Talat Noi, or “small market”. 

Today Tatat Noi is no longer a crazy-busy business hub but rather a laid-back, residential area along the Chao Phraya River that still shows nostalgic traces of the bustling Thai-Chinese commercial district of days gone by. It’s a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly area where visitors can observe the local way of life, sample homemade Thai street food, buy traditional Thai snacks, sip Thai-style coffee and enjoy colourful graffiti. 

You can easily spend a whole day here exploring, sampling food and hanging out at vintage cafés in centuries-old houses along the river. You can also make it a quick stopover as part of a visit to the Charoenkrung Creative District visit, or on your way to Yaowarat night market in the early evening. 

This instantly recognisable spherical theatre with its art deco flair is the birthplace of Muay Thai. Built in 1954 to promote and raise the standard of the national sport, Rajadamnern Stadium recently underwent a major makeover. Gone are the days of a stuffy, rundown and dusty arena; sport enthusiasts and boxing fans can now enjoy exciting fights on massive LED screens with a state-of-the-art light and sound system from the comfort of the VIP room with air-conditioning and plush, comfortable seats. There is also a live DJ, and beverage stations serving free-flow drinks throughout the night. 

The stadium hosts several fight nights every week with Thai and international fighters, male and female, all competing ultimately to be the champion of the Rajadamnern World Series.

Tep Bar is a one-of-its-kind establishment where you can enjoy traditional Thai music performed by live bands while savouring Thai-inspired drinks and snacks. Located in the cool new bar street of Soi Nana, just a few blocks from Yaowarat, this back-alley, two-storey shophouse comes alive at night with the unique sounds of traditional instruments playing classic traditional Thai songs, pop hits and, occasionally, international chart toppers. When it comes to drinks, choose your poison from a selection of cocktails made using local spirits, Thai herbs and seasonal fruits, as well as Thai craft beers and locally made whiskey, gin and rum.