Navigator: the Wallpaper* guide to Bangkok

Bangkok has long been a Wallpaper*-favourite, not least because it is a bona fide hotbed of enterprising creativity and impeccable style, especially when viewed through the lens of architecture, pop culture, cuisine, art and design. From sprawling retail stores and dazzling restaurants to awe-inspiring contemporary galleries and impressive new hotels, there is something for everyone in this lively Asian capital. The proof in the pudding is the Bangkok Art Biennale, which returns this year (24 October to 25 February 2025) for its fourth edition under the gimlet eye of a crack team of international advisors, including Marina Abramović. In other words, it’s time to start booking flights.

Where to stay

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok

The opening of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok later this year will mark a homecoming for Aman, the luxury resort brand which debuted with Amanpuri in Phuket in 1988. Designed by longtime Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy, the 52-suite aerie sits in an eight-acre private park. – Daven Wu

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will be located at 2/2 Witthayu Rd, aman.com

The Standard Bangkok

The Standard Bangkok is the established international brand’s newest Asian flagship. Located in the monumental 78-floor King Power Mahanakhon Tower, designed by German architect Ole Scheeren, the world-class hotel is nestled in the heart of the historic city. Boasting 155 stylish rooms designed by Jaime Hayon and ranging from 40 sq m to 144 sq m, the complex also includes a terrace pool, a viewing platform with breathtaking views across Bangkok, a sleek fitness centre, a spa, and a selection of dynamic restaurants. – Shawn Adams

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is located at 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, standardhotels.com

Where to eat and drink

Charmkrung

Not to be confused with its sister restaurant Charmgang, a few blocks away, Charmkrung is chef Aruss Lerlerstkul’s playful riff on classic Thai bar snacks. The sharing dishes are a delight, including vongole clams simmered in a vivid turmeric sauce, grilled curry mussels, and an addictive liver pate and chives wrapped in rice flour pancakes. – Daven Wu

Charmkrung is located on 6th floor 839 Charoen Krung Road, @charmkrung

Funkytown (F*nkytown)

Bangkok’s buzzy Phrom Phong neighbourhood is the perfect setting for Funkytown (F*nkytown)’s out-of-the-box cocktails. The ingredients and flavours are as unexpected as they are cleverly conceived (Caesar’s Salad cocktail, anyone?), though the bar snacks – including crisply fried pig ears paired with durian sambal – deserve praise too. – Daven Wu

Funkytown (F*nkytown) is located at 1, 39 Sukhumvit 37 Alley, @fnkytown.bar

Ojo Bangkok

Located at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, on the 76th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon Tower, Ojo is an exciting Mexican-themed restaurant helmed by South American chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano. Masterfully clad in gold and pink details, the refined, somewhat retro interior is a visually intriguing backdrop for the Guadalajara-inspired cuisine, where creative twists meet fresh flavours. Offering panoramic views across Bangkok with access to a rooftop bar, it is one of the city’s most stylish destinations. – Shawn Adams

Ojo Bangkok is located at the 76th Floor, The Standard Bangkok, standardhotels.com

Spice & Barley

Spice & Barley is a stunning gastro lounge led by one of Asia’s most established chefs, Sam Leong. Serving Southeast Asian cuisine, the restaurant is set inside a beautiful rattan interior designed by Thai-based architecture firm Enter Projects. Here, spectacular twisted geometries cling to the ceiling as light bounces around the 300 sq m space. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, Spice & Barely not only features an eye-catching contemporary interior but is also situated in a prime riverside location. – Shawn Adams

Spice & Barley is located at 257, 1-2 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Samre, spiceandbarley.com

What to see

ATT19

The lofty rooms of an old Chinese school have been artfully transformed into an intriguing multi-disciplinary art hub. The eclectic collection of vintage fashion, pottery, paintings and furniture – curated by members of the Attakanwong family behind the beloved Lek Gallery nearby – are handsomely displayed alongside the works of contemporary and emerging Thai artists. – Daven Wu

ATT19 is located at 19 Charoen Krung 30, @att19.bkk

Jim Thompson House Museum

Nestled in the centre of Bangkok, Jim Thompson House Museum was previously the home of the American architect and businessman who suddenly disappeared while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967. Made up of six teak buildings, today, the complex hosts the exhibition of its original owner’s eclectic collection of Asian artefacts. Inside, religious objects can be seen paired with intricate furniture from the region. Located on the same plot is the Jim Thompson Art Centre, where exhibitions showing local and international works take place alongside educational programmes. – Shawn Adams

Jim Thompson House Museum is located at 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, jimthompsonhouse.org

Kathmandu Photo Gallery

Photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom runs his bijou gallery in a restored shophouse with the same discerning eye for composition and lighting that has made him a national treasure. The gallery upstairs stages exhibitions by local and international photographers. – Daven Wu

Kathmandu Photo Gallery is located at 87 Pan Rd, kathmanduphotobkk.com

King Power Mahanakhon

Ole Scheeren’s spiralling pixelated tower houses the Ritz-Carlton Residences and Standard Hotel. Most day-trippers head straight up to the 78th level for dizzying wraparound views of Bangkok from the vertiginous glass Skywalk. – Daven Wu

King Power Mahanakhon is located at 114 Narathiwas Road, kingpowermahanakhon.co.th

MOCA Bangkok

Set in a purpose-built venue, Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art showcases work collected by Thai businessman Boonchai Bencharongkul over the last 30 years. Approximately 800 pieces can be found across the five-storey building, making it one of the largest collections of modern paintings in Thailand. Located in Chatuchak, the museum’s permanent collection features some of the most respected Thai painters, such as Denpong Wongsaroj, Bundit Padungvichian and Lumpu Kansanoh. – Shawn Adams

MOCA Bangkok is located at 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, mocabangkok.com

What to do

Infinity Wellbeing

Amid Sukhumvit Road’s frenetic bustle, the Space Popular-designed Infinity Wellbeing day spa is a quiet sanctuary of diaphanous drapes, a sandstone palette and soft light diffused through a curtain of green foliage. If the facial with micronised marine algae doesn’t please, then the full-body hot and cold hydro shower might. – Daven Wu

Infinity Wellbeing is located at No., 22 Sukhumvit 20 Alley, infinitywellbeing.com

Where to shop

Apple Central World

Apple’s largest retail store in Thailand is a sophisticated glass structure. A landmark at the heart of Ratchaprasong, the building is situated on the southern end of the Central World Square shopping complex. Visitors can experience all things Apple across two levels, which are carefully linked by an elegant spiral staircase. Designed by Foster + Partners, the tech store cleverly blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces. – Shawn Adams

Apple Central World is located at 4 4/1-4 ซ. วิภาวดี 2 แยก 4-4 ห์ Pathum Wan, apple.com

Warehouse 30

Architect Duangrit Bunnag has turned a block of 1940s warehouses in Charoenkrung into a buzzy hive for local creatives. Lined with original beams and timber-clad floors, the spaces are constantly evolving, one day a fashion boutique repurposing vintage military apparel, and the next, a progressive art space. – Daven Wu

Warehouse 30 is located at 48 Charoen Krung 30, warehouse30.com