Bangkok Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore

Written By Becca Rooney

I originally came to Bangkok for medical tourism, drawn by the city’s reputation for world-class clinics and affordable treatments. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with everything happening outside the appointment rooms.

Between check-ins and recovery days, I found myself eating bowls of 40-year-old beef noodle soup, wandering through Chinatown at night under glowing neon signs, discovering cool independent Thai fashion brands, and squeezing in Muay Thai classes and temple visits. Bangkok isn’t just a stopover city, it’s a place that keeps you wanting more. The energy is nonstop, but if you look closely, there are also quiet cafés, hidden streets, and peaceful temples tucked between the chaos.

If you’re coming for medical tourism like I did, or just passing through, here’s everything I loved: where to eat, where to stay, what to shop, and what not to miss while you’re here.

Where to Eat

Bangkok’s food scene is reason enough to book a flight. Some of my favorite meals were simple, local, and completely unforgettable.

Wattana Panich
Home to one of Bangkok’s most famous beef noodle soups, simmered continuously for decades. The broth is rich, dark, and deeply comforting, perfect if you want something hearty and traditional.

Frans Brunch
For when you need a Western brunch moment. Great coffee, clean aesthetic, and a calm space to ease into the day.

965 BKK Cafe (by Song Wat Road)
A cool little café stop while exploring one of Bangkok’s most creative streets. Ideal for an afternoon reset.

Nai Ek Roll Noodle (Chinatown)
Michelin-recognized rolled rice noodles in the heart of Yaowarat. Quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
Smoky wok-fried chicken noodles with crispy edges, simple but incredibly satisfying.

T & K Seafood (Chinatown)
An iconic Yaowarat seafood spot. Think grilled prawns, crab, and classic late-night Bangkok energy.

2C Bar
A relaxed cocktail bar for easy nights out, intimate and low-key.

Secret Mountain
More of a scenic escape than a restaurant, but worth mentioning for the views alone, especially around sunset.

Lek Yai Traditional Tom Yum Noodles
A Sam Yan favorite serving bold, spicy tom yum noodles that hit every flavor note.

Where to Shop

Bangkok has an amazing mix of local designers and cool concept stores.

Mitr Flagship Store
Resort-inspired ready-to-wear with breezy, effortless pieces perfect for warm-weather dressing.

Matter Makers
Graphic-forward, playful Thai fashion pieces.

Topologie Siam Soi 2
Functional yet stylish bags and accessories.

NOSE TEA Siam Center
Grab a fun drink while shopping around Siam.

TRES Bangkok
Contemporary, curated fashion finds.

Where to Stay

Lub d Bangkok Chinatown
Stylish and social, steps from the Chinatown food scene. Use my promo code alexa10 for a 10% discount between Jan 26- 31, 2026. Code is good for all properties!

Continuing on to other places in Thailand? Here are my other recommendations:

Lub d Koh Tao
Fun, design-forward stay if you’re island hopping.

Puk's Palace- Koh Phangan
Boutique island stay with a peaceful vibe.

Sametnangshe Boutique
Dramatic limestone cliff views — worth the detour.

Clinics I Visited

Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic
Professional, efficient, and foreigner-friendly.

IONA Clinic
Modern aesthetic clinic with a smooth, organized experience.

Things to Do

Cheeks Thai Boxing Club
Took a Muay Thai class here (booked via ClassPass). Intense, fun, and memorable.

42 Tee-Off Driving Range
A surprisingly fun activity.

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Chinatown’s most important temple.

Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan
Quiet, local, and less touristy.

Grand Palace
Iconic and worth seeing at least once.

Song Wat Road
One of the coolest streets in the city

Easy Day Trips & Island Escapes

Maeklong Railway Market
A market built directly on active train tracks.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been to Bangkok before, but this trip felt different. What brought me back was medical tourism — what kept me inspired was everything in between. The street food still hits, the temples still slow you down, and the creative scene keeps evolving. Bangkok isn’t a one-time city; it reveals something new each time you return. Whether you’re here for treatment, a layover, or a longer stay, give yourself space to explore beyond your main reason for coming. That’s where the magic is.

Here are some of my favorite travel resources:

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through those links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping to support me and this site!

Becca Rooney
Next

How to Travel Sri Lanka by Tuk Tuk: Cost, Safety, Routes & Rental Tips (Ultimate Guide)