Bangkok is famous for its ornate temples and royal palaces, vibrant street food scene, bustling canals, and a fast-paced modern skyline that sits alongside centuries-old traditions.
Discover Authentic Bangkok: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
The team at Mercure Bangkok Siam is right in the middle of it all — a short stroll from Jim Thompson's silk-filled teak house and the street stalls of Bantadthong — and we never tire of showing guests the Bangkok we love beyond the temples.
Our map pins local favourites such as the Jim Thompson House, Benchakitti Park and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
Top 5 Things to Do in Bangkok
Jim Thompson House Museum
Tour the teak stilt house of Jim Thompson, the American who revived Thailand's silk industry, filled with his collection of Southeast Asian art and set among tranquil canal-side gardens.
Royal Thai Dining at Jim Thompson
Dine on refined Thai classics at the Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant, where recipes drawing on royal Thai cuisine traditions are served in an elegant garden setting.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Browse contemporary Thai art, design shops, and rotating exhibitions at BACC, a striking spiral-shaped cultural hub in the heart of the Pathumwan district.
Street Food in Bantadthong–Samyan
Graze your way through the Bantadthong–Suanluang–Samyan area near Chulalongkorn University, one of Bangkok's buzziest street food hubs for everything from grilled skewers to late-night noodles.
Nai Lert Park Heritage Home
Escape the city bustle at Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, a lush riverside compound of century-old teak houses and gardens that once belonged to one of Bangkok's most prominent families.
Explore Bangkok's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Bangkok
We've mapped local spots in Bangkok, from teak houses to urban wetlands.
Heritage & art
Jim Thompson House Museum
By the Saen Saeb canal, six traditional teak houses hold the Southeast Asian art collection of Jim Thompson, who revived Thai silk in the 1950s. Stay for the galleries, shops and restaurants.
Pathum Wan · House museum · Perfect for art and architecture
Nai Lert Park Heritage Home
Built in 1915 for entrepreneur Nai Lert, a teak residence in lush gardens, now a museum of his family's story and Thai craftsmanship. A calm pause from the city.
Ploenchit · House museum · Ideal for a peaceful visit
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Opposite MBK, BACC hosts contemporary art, design, film and theatre, with cafés, craft shops and an art library. Spiral up through the galleries.
Pathumwan intersection · Arts centre · Made for contemporary art
Talad Noi
A riverside Chinese quarter of old shophouses, street art and trendy cafés. Get a little lost.
Talad Noi · Neighbourhood · Great for a walk
Food & nature
Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant
By a carp pond in a leafy setting, try Thai BBQ pork ribs or khao soi with beef brisket.
Bangkok · Restaurant · Perfect for refined Thai food
Banthat Thong food area
Around Banthat Thong Road and Samyan, family-run eateries sit alongside trendy spots such as Labyrinth Cafe and dessert shops such as Sweet Circle. Come hungry, graze slowly.
Banthat Thong · Food district · Made for street food
Benchakitti Park
In the business district, a large park of wetland walkways, cycle paths and kayaks on the lake – plus a former tobacco factory turned museum and sports centre.
Khlong Toei · Urban park · Ideal for nature in the city
Aunglo by Yangrak
Small plates and skewers cooked on a traditional Thai charcoal stove. Sit by the open kitchen.
Restaurant · Great for grilled dishes
Ruay Mitr
Thai-Chinese rice porridge with inventive premium side dishes – comfort in a bowl.
Restaurant · Perfect for comfort food
FAQ
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the fastest ways to beat traffic and reach major sights, while river boats along the Chao Phraya offer a scenic alternative and tuk-tuks or ride-hailing apps cover shorter hops.
November through February brings Bangkok's coolest, driest weather, making it the most comfortable season for exploring on foot, though it's also the busiest — March through May is hot, and the rainy season runs roughly June through October.
An American businessman who revived the Thai silk industry in the 1950s; his teak house is now a museum.
At the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, opposite MBK Centre.
Yes. Benchakitti Park has wetland walkways, cycle paths and a lake.
Where to Sleep in Bangkok
See Mercure hotels in Bangkok, all within easy reach of these picks.