Manit Sriwanichpoom’s gallery sits in a restored pre-war shophouse opposite Wat Kaek, just a couple of blocks from Baan Silom. It’s still Bangkok’s preeminent photography gallery and its exhibitions centered on spiritual, sometimes psychedelic subject matter, are well worth hopping off work early for. The latest, the noir-ish Red Dream/Black Rites from young photographer Harit Srikhao, captures the dread and fear at night in the city. On show through Oct 26.

Thanks to Rocket on Sathorn Soi 12, Lower Silom has become synonymous with brunch. But come nightfall, Baan Silom itself is something of a dining mecca. If the nibbles of the market don’t satisfy, or you just fancy a sit-down meal, there’s the swanky steakhouse 661 Silom (02-266-8661), the baby of the team behind Le Beaulieu, Lebanese mainstay Nadimos (02-266-9081) and new Turkish joint Ottoman (02-635-3688). Or, in keeping with the vintage theme of the night, you can venture to nearby Foo Mui Kee (10-12 Prachum Rd., 02-234-6648), an old-school Chinese shophouse that does Easternized versions of European food. 

Ashley Sutton may no longer be involved in all those places he originally designed, like Iron Fairies or Mr. Jones Orphanage. But if sifting through vintage wares has you hankering for a stiff drink, we recommend a retro trip of a very different kind to the speakeasy-evoking Maggie Choo’s. Sip on a cognac, take in the live jazz, just remember the blasé qipao-adorned ladies on their swings are paid to be there.