PUBLISHED June 3rd, 2022 06:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 01:50 pm
There’s always lots to do in the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Bangkok. For those who are heading to the Thai capital for your ultimate ‘revenge travel’ holiday, here is your ultimate guide of new hotels, restaurants and activities that need to be on your itinerary in 2022.
Hotels
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a new lifestyle hotel bringing design, comfort and convenience to the streets of Bangkok. Strategically located in the vibrant Silom district and within the futuristic King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, it’s a perfect spot for business travellers and holiday makers alike. Think lush modern rooms that showcases Bangkok’s cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows, endless dining options, and a serene terrace pool deck embellished with greenery and sheltered day beds.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is located at 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500.
SQ Boutique Hotel
SQ Boutique Hotel is the epitome of convenience with excellent city accessibility, and strong internet connectivity. Located right at the hotspot of Asoke, department stores, shopping malls and street markets, public parks as well as restaurants and nightlife are within easy reach. As for the rooms, expect crisp and clean rooms boasting plush linens, and modern furniture for your comfort.
SQ Boutique Hotel is located at 54 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.
Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok
Perfect for those on business or a luxurious romantic getaway, look forward to Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok’s spacious rooms with comfortable king beds, bathtubs, kitchenettes and other amenities. Its perched on South Sathorn Road, near Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, means it’s easy to indulge in delicious dining options, shopping at Icon Siam, cruises along the Chao Phraya River and visits to art galleries, temples, and museums.
Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok is located at 143, South Sathorn Road,Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120.
Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence
Nature is everywhere at the new Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence. After getting your Instagram pics by the lush outdoor swimming pool, head down to the sauna to treat yourself with a relaxing steam. Located away from the main roads and close to Benchakitti Park, the service apartment is the perfect quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence is located at Sukhumvit 16 Road, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110.
Aspira Grand Regency
Situated between Asoke and Phrom Phong Skytrain stations, Aspira Grand Regency is great for shopaholics and entertainment seekers, with major shopping complex Terminal 21, Emporium and EmQuartier within a short distance from the hotel. Relaxing indoors? Your vintage chic rooms are decked out in local silk, teakwood furniture and even boasts a bathtub. A rooftop swimming pool ties in the whole deal too.
Aspira Grand Regency Sukhumvit 22 is located at 12/3 Soi Sukhumvit 22 (Sainamthip), Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110.
Attractions
Ichiba Station
Bangkok is taking a leaf out of Japan’s book with a new night market. Instead of fairy lights and neon signs that you’d expect, Ichiba Station features picturesque sakura flowers, iconic red Japanese lanterns and decorations. As you pop by the outdoor restaurants, enjoy the likes of sushi, sashimi, yakitori sticks, sukiyaki bowls, Thai fare, and snacks. Try your luck at the many claw machines, treat your loved to a shopping-spree and a gorgeous manicure, or take in the live music.
Ichiba Station Night Market is located at 489 3 Ram Inthra Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230. Open daily 5pm-12am.
Benjakitti Forest Park
Bangkok never sleeps, but if you need to take a break, Benjakitti Forest Park is the place for you. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the lush greenery makes way for jogging, biking, and leisurely strolls. For a peaceful and quiet ambience, head down in the morning, whilst the sunset golden hours make for that Instagram image. Stay a bit longer to see the twinkling lights of the cityscape brighten up the already beautiful place. The park just went through a massive expansion and renovation, so now’s the best time to visit.
Benjakitti Forest Park is located near BTS Asok, at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Open daily 5am-9pm.
Future Factory
Known for hosting unique music events, parties and art exhibitions, creative space Future Factory has re-opened in a new location. A one-stop shop for all things entertainment, expect a huge al fresco area to enjoy your drinks, multiple bars, two floors of shops, a tattoo studio, revolving flea markets, and plenty of dining options. The spot will host many more live events and performances in the future, so stay tuned.
Future Factory is located at 3249 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110.
Harajuku Thailand
Continuing the Japanese fantasy, Harajuku Thailand brings you the pleasure of a town within a town. Spanning over 48 acres, expect more than just street-eats and inexpensive shopping. The Japanese-style village sports Japanese architecture, crowds dressed in traditional kimono and yukata, and the quintessential sakura blossoms. There are even shrines where visitors can write their wishes on hanging wooden plaques. End the day with a relaxing stroll by the river or going for a duck pedal boating adventure.
Harajuku Thailand is located at Suwinthawong 110, Suwinthawong Road, Krathum Rai, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530, p. +66 889826154. Mon– Thurs 10.30am – 9pm, Fri– Sun 10am–10pm.
Dining
Ega Bangkok
Indulge in home-style Thai food at this gem of a restaurant. Brought to you by the same folks behind Italian restaurants It’s Happened To Be A Closet and A Fox Princess, Ega (crow in Thai) boasts a whacky and funky interior – though the food is anything but. Focused on regional Thai recipes, highlights include Yum Makuar Yao (฿250), a spicy grilled eggplant salad with shrimp and pork, and Pla Kang Tod Nam Pla (฿490), a crispy river fish with sweet fish sauce.
Ega Bangkok is located at Chinatown, 829 Yaowarat Rd., Chakrawat Subdistrict, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok 10110. Open Sun-Tue, Thu-Sat 10am-10pm. Closed Wed.
Independence Bar
Another new landmark in Bangkok’s Chinatown is Independence bar. Run by the YOLO Group (Teens of Thailand, Tax, and Asia Today), it’s all about wines – think traditional, natural, fortified, vermouth, and of course, wine-based cocktails. We highly recommend trying the Madeira Tonic (฿360), enhanced with chrysanthemum honey, and Porto Finale (฿380), a delicious coffee and chocolate concoction with ruby port.
Independence Bar is located at 687 Maitri Chit Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100. Open Wed-Sun 6.30pm-12.30am. Closed on Mon & Tue.
North Restaurant
A newly opened fine dining restaurant offering innovative gourmet creations based on Lanna culinary heritage, North Restaurant wins in both aesthetic and flavour. Their 11-course dinner set menu (THB 2,488) sees dishes like Wagyu A5 Beef Tartare seasoned with 13 kinds of northern spices, the bursting with favour Pumpkin Curry With Freshwater Sea Bass and Vodka-Cured Fish Roe and the northern noodle curry Khao Soi, reimagined as a tortellini dumpling with chicken curry mousse, puff pastry stick and beetroot jam.
North Restaurant is located at 8 Sukhumvit 33, Bangkok 10110, p. +66 0614262642. Open daily 6pm-11pm.
First Aid Kiss Cafe & Bar
One of Thonglor’s most distinguished landmarks is a 30-year old pharmacy located at the beginning of the street. Now, the owners of the pharmacy has transformed its upper floors into a café and bar. The drugstore concept serves bites and drinks named after popular pills, remedies and herbal ingredients. The top picks? The First Kiss (฿200), a smooth chrysanthemum pudding served with black tea, and the fruity Hangover (฿130), a refreshing concoction of strawberry and watermelon. For caffeine lovers, Inspirin (฿125) is a milk-based coffee drink with touches of pandan.
First Aid Kiss is located at 58, Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Open Tue-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Closed on Mon.
Antito
Newly open and already recognised by the Michelin Guide, Antito is Chef Amerigo Sesti’s lover letter to his Italian roots in Bergamo, a city northeast of Milan. Whip your phone out for pictures of the bright and funky interiors featuring lots of interesting art pieces and pops of colour. Pasta lovers, order the Cavatelli Arrabbiata (฿330), where hand-made shell-like pasta cooked in a rich spicy arrabbiata sauce is topped with creamy smoked ricotta. The crispy Pizza Fritta (฿380) has also received its fair share of plaudits, with a deep-fried dough, sweet tomato sauce and fresh burrata.
Antito is located at 14/F, Eastin Grand Hotel, South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, p. +66 022108100. Open daily 11.30am-11pm.
BKK Social Club
Opened in December 2020, BKK Social Club has quickly made its mark in Bangkok’s cocktail scene. Making its debut at No. 10 on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, the bar also received the Mitcher’s Art of Hospitality Award, so you know you’ll be well taken here. Amongst the luxe ambiance and art-deco interior, delve into signature cocktails like the herbaceous and citrusy gin-based La Pampa (฿450), the sweet berry flavoured Jujuy (฿280) or the Tigre (฿450), a smooth combination of sweet fruits with a spicy kick.
BKK Social Club is located at 300, 1 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Open Tues-Sun 5pm-12am.
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