7 hacks for the perfect weekend in Bangkok
From off-the-radar neighborhoods to happy hours and happening markets, here’s how to ace your weekend without skipping town.
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1. Escape the Crowds
Finally, it’s the weekend. You really want to pack yourself into the BTS or get stuck in traffic? We didn't think so. Head instead to the 'burbs for chill spots that feel like the countryside. Our picks include the lush green 99 Rest & Backyard on the edge of town and the laid-back Riva Floating Cafe, a boutique venue on a wooden raft overlooking Nakon Chai Si River, offering slow-drip coffee and a variety of homemade baked goods.
2. Skip the Malls
Bangkok’s gone market mad, with new gatherings popping up all over town. For organic food fanatics, there’s Bangkok Farmers’ Markets at Gateway Ekamai (Oct 31-Nov 1) and or Tha Maharaj (Nov 7-8). Elsewhere there’s also the recently launched Thiptara Craft Market at Peninsula Bangkok (Oct 31) and K-Village Farmers’ Market (Oct 31-Nov1). Niche pop-ups happening this week also include Night Bike Market, Youth Culture Exhibition Market and Play It Art—see our full roundup.
3. Cross the River
Life's slower on the other side. Venture into Thonburi for vintage shopping at Wang Lang market, merit-making at Wat Arun and exploring the local canal life of Khlong Bang Luang community. If you’re an indie-head, head over to the old Thonburi Rama Cinema for 16 Years Panda Records concert this Oct 31. And if you’re more of a slow-life person, now’s the perfect time to revisit the Jam Factory for its end-of-the-month Knack Market.
4. Enjoy a Staycation
Hotels are really cheap in Bangkok right now. Why not save yourself the airfare and spend a night or two in the old town (see our guide here). Walking around Rattanakosin isn't any less cool or charming than a weekend in Kyoto. Pack a bag, call a cab and book yourself into somehwere like Sala Arun, whose amazing river views set you back from B3,500/night or the 1920s Italian mansion-style Praya Palazzo at a similar price point.
5. Get that Perfect Cup of Coffee
You need coffee, we get it. But don't just grab it from your street corner. Roots opens only on weekends and we guarantee the trip to Ekkamai is worth it. Coffee offerings change every 6-8 weeks depending on what's in season; with beans sourced from everywhere from Ethiopia and El Salvador to Northern Thailand.
6. Get Your Drinks for Less
There’s almost always a happy hour somewhere in this town, even on weekends. Some of the best new weekend drinks deals include Marcel’s Shut up n’ Drink on Fridays (half-priced cocktails from 10pm-midnight) and Woobar’s Men’s Night on Saturdays (free-flow drinks for the gentlemen from 8:30-9:30pm). Want to end the weekend on a high note? 1881 by Water Library does buy one-get-one-free on drinks every last Sunday of the month, while hospitality types can enjoy buy one-get-one-free on cocktails every Sunday at Smalls.
7. Travel Smart
So much to do, so little time. GrabCar (grabtaxi.com/grabcar) makes it easier to cover everything in a day without the hassles of traditional car ownership. Just download the GrabTaxi application, available on Apple iOS and Android, and book your own private chauffeur. You won’t need to worry about the traffic either as the total rate will be fixed, calculated from a base rate of B50, plus trip distance in kilometers (+B10 for 0-10km and +B12 for 10km onwards). You can even plan a perfect day ahead and book your ride up to two hours in advance.
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