1. SHOP

Even though the massive Khlong Padung Krung Kasem market gathering is over, the nearby Thewarat Market isn’t going anywhere. It’s divided into two zones: the fresh market which is busiest in the morning sells fresh meats and vegetables at very friendly prices; and the flower market, just on the other side of the canal. There are also lots of snacks and drinks along the alwaysbusy streets down the Thewet intersection.
 

2. EAT

Although the restaurant has expanded to four branches on the outskirts of Bangkok, Krua Apsorn still has not made its way to the center of town. While there is nothing special about the decor of this original branch, it is still known as one of the best, straight-up Thai restaurants in town. Take note: it gets pretty busy during lunch hours, because the local office workers know the stir-fried yellow chilli crabmeat and Southern-style yellow curry with lotus stems and shrimp are well worth the wait.
Samsen Rd., 02-668-8788. Open Mon-Sat 10:30am-7:30pm
 
Steve Cafe and Cuisine
 
For more Thai goodness, the alfresco Steve Cafe and Cuisine, which now has a second branch in Ari, does great local dishes and provides an awesome view of the brightly-lit Rama 8 Bridge against the backdrop of the night sky if you dine alfresco. For a healthier alternative, Thamna Hometaurant serves up tasty vegetarian Thai and European dishes.
Steve Cafe and Cuisine, 68 Sri Ayuthaya Road, Soi Sri Ayuthaya 21 (Thewet), 084-361- 4910. Opens Mon-Fri 11:30am-02:30pm, 4:30pm-11.00pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-11:00pm Thamna Hometaurant, 175 Samsen Rd., 02-282-4979. Open Mon-Sat 8am-9pm
 
 

3. READ

Far from the hip book cafes that get all the attention, the National Library of Thailand is a great resource for those looking to trace national heritage, science, arts and culture. The massive collection of rare books, ancient manuscripts and journals are divided across six sub-libraries, which specifically cover things like the history of Thai music and books written by HM the King.
Samsen Rd., 02-281-5212. www.nlt.co.th. Open Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
 

4. TAKE A WALK

While the architecture of the Bank of Thailand Museum and Bangkhunprom Palace is beautiful, the exhibitions can be a bit dull and you must make an appointment in advance. Instead, we suggest you take a walk up the iconic Rama VIII Bridge and enjoy the breeze as the sun sets over the Chao Phraya River.
 
Chomp
 

5. ART-MOVIE-DRINKS

For a cozy movie night, head for the couches on the second floor of Cinema Winehouse. Screenings start at 5:30pm, 7:30pm and 9:30pm (check their Facebook for films). You can grab decently priced drinks at the neighboring Chomp, too, which also hosts exhibitions. The current one, Be Humane, a graduation exhibition by Pan-Asia International School, runs from now through Apr 23. The artworks are on sale, with proceeds going to the charity In Search of Sanuk.
Cinema Winehouse, 61 Samsen Rd., 096-465-6526. Opens Wed-Mon 5pm-12:30am Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Rd., 084-098-8633. Open daily 8am-11pm
 
 

6. STAY

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth staycation, we suggest the hidden gem Phranakorn Nornlen. The rooms are very retro, with colorful and quirky decorations. Rooms start from B1,800 for a single stay, which comes with daily organic vegetarian breakfast. But for something more luxurious, the four-star boutique hotel Casa Nithra offers spacious Thai contemporary rooms (starting from B2,300), with a rooftop swimming pool and poolside bar.
Phranakorn Nornlen, 46 Thewet Soi 1. 02-628-8188 
Casa Nithra, 176 Samsen Rd., 02-628-6228