February 2026
Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the world. The smells, the sounds and the heat. My family tend to favour Thailand as our preferred holiday destination, and we always make sure we spend a few nights in Bangkok on our way back home.
Over time, I have collected my favourite spots that I tend to return to on every visit. I am lucky to get the chance to discover Bangkok’s gems several times a year for factory visits.
In the last couple of years the city has become so vibrant and inspiring with independent coffee shops on every corner, cool bars hidden away in small alleys and secret apartments, and several fantastic Michelin starred restaurants with reasonable pricing.
For this guide, I’ve brought along Numwa Srimontha — Director of Decorum Bibliotheque and a longtime friend of Tom Wood. As a Bangkok local and creative force, Numwa knows the city inside and out. Together, we revisited old favourites and explored new parts of the city, from the winding streets of Chinatown, the Old Town, and to the gem and jewellery shops of Silom Road — where I once stumbled across the antique coin used in our Coin Ring and Coin Pendant.
In this guide, you will find some of my favourite spots spread around Bangkok.
Shopping
ATT 19 ART GALLERY
An elegant mix of contemporary art, fashion, and design housed in a beautifully restored heritage building.
HATTAKAMAMAKARN
A quirky stop known as the birthplace of original Sriracha—part museum, part nostalgic curiosity.
DECORUM BIBLIOTEQUE
A hidden gem with a unique atmosphere and a curated mix of design-focused brands, including Tom Wood.
CLUB 21
Carries standout contemporary labels—best explored at their sleek new ONE Bangkok location.
Restaurants
NAAM1806
Tucked away on a quiet side street, this cozy spot serves an incredible crispy pork salad.
SAMSARA
Snag a riverside table and enjoy chilled beer with a bowl of their signature fried nuts.
HONG SIENG KONG
A spacious venue with multiple seating areas, some offering scenic views of the river.
BAR HAO
Grab a snack to pair with your cocktail at this stylish Chinatown hangout.
SOMTUM DER
Michelin-listed and packed with bold Thai flavors—be sure to book ahead.
RUAY MITR
Vibrant dishes bursting with spice at this Sathorn and Ekkamai favourite.
AUNGLO BY YANGRAK
Creative grilled street food with a modern twist, also listed by Michelin.
MS MARIA & MR SINGH
A playful fusion experience offering inventive modern cuisine in a lively setting.
FRIED CHICKEN
No-frills street food spot known for delicious crispy chicken dishes.
CALL ME CURRY
Tiny and casual, this place serves comforting Japanese-style fare.
KROBKUN
A must-visit for lovers of crispy pork in every variation imaginable.
KUAY JAB MR JOE
Classic street food heaven—crispy pork, peppery broth, and dumplings done right.
Bars
TO MORE
A tiny, stylish spot with a relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music performances.
LUCKY DUCK
Bold, red-velvet interiors create a more exotic, theatrical setting for a casual night out.
BKK SOCIAL CLUB
Elegant and upscale cocktail experience inside the Four Seasons Hotel.
JACK’S
Chill and unpretentious, especially great during quiet daytime hours with a cold beer and sketchpad.
BAAN RIM NAAM
Laid-back riverside lounge with floor seating and cushions—perfect for unwinding.
SIN ROOFTOP BAR
Sweeping views of both the river and city skyline make this rooftop ideal for sunset drinks.
LE DU KAAN
Striking rooftop bar to kick off the evening—ideal before dinner downstairs at Nobu.
RABBIT HOLE
One of Bangkok’s top-ranked bars, known for its craft cocktails and moody ambiance.
Coffee shops & cafés
LOCAL BOYS COFFEE
A laid-back local favourite serving great brews with a minimalist, neighborhood vibe.
SCR SONG WAT COFFEE ROASTERS
Sleek and modern spot near Chinatown with expertly roasted beans and a calm atmosphere.
BAAN CHIM CHA
A charming little café, perfect for sipping Cha Yen while browsing their tiny curated art shelves.
SARNIES
Reliable go-to for avocado toast, pancakes, and hearty brunch plates—available at several city spots.
K. PANICH STICKY RICE
Iconic, no-frills stop for one of Bangkok’s best mango sticky rice dishes.
(UN)FASHION DISTRICT S39
A cozy blend of vintage shopping and café culture, great for light bites and laid-back browsing.
