It seems that everyone is going to Thailand right now. I have friends thinking about going, friends going, and friends there already. So I figured now would be a good time to post about the place and its capital, Bangkok. Bangkok, one of Asia’s largest cities, usually leaves travelers unimpressed. The pollution, the traffic, the lack of tourist attractions. There isn’t much to do here and most people can’t wait to get out. I used to feel that way until I lived here and saw that Bangkok has a lot of offer- it just reveals its secrets slowly to those with the the time to explore the hidden gems of this mega city. It requires you to leave the tourist ghettos of Khao San and Silom, to find a city full of things to do, places to eat, bars, clubs, and sites to visit.
Bangkok has a million malls but, if shopping is not your thing, don’t worry- malls in Bangkok are more than malls- they are entertainment complexes. You can see a movie, bowl, ice skate, dance, and eat at great restaurants. Malls often have shows and concerts on the weekend where you can watch live bands, beauty shows, and even dog shows. Guidebooks will tell you for high fashion you should head to Emporium and Siam Paragon and for cheap electronics head to MBK or Pantip Plaza. But what they won’t tell you is that Zen Cuisina in Paragon has some of the best sushi in Bangkok, you can ice skate at the Esplanade Mall, bowl in Paragon, and watch royalty shop in 
Emporium. Moreover, the third floor in Pantip is best for bootleg games, MBK will give you great clothes, and all malls offer 30-60% off at the end and beginning of each month.
For those looking to escape the nightlight of Patpong and Khoa San, head down to Sukhimvit Soi 11 for the world’s best expat bar, Cheap Charlies, and the best clubs in Bangkok like Bed, Glow, Twisted. Cheap Charlies is an ex-pat institution and you will find people there every night of the week. Visit Thong Lor or RCA to hang out with the local Thais and get down to Thai bands and Thai whiskey. For late night fun, ignore the taxi driver when he asks you to go to Spicy and instead head to Parkbridge or Tunnel. There are great clubs and bars in Bangkok but none of them are in the tourist areas.
Lastly, let’s not forget the food. Thai food is famous around the world and there is no better place to eat than in the country itself. Bangkok has a market or stall on every corner and in every alley of the city. As 
long as you have ten baht, you can never go hungry in the city. But more than great local food, Bangkok has great international food. With so many foreigners passing through each day, it was bound to happen. Check out Lemoncello or Bella Napoli for Italian, Zen Cuisina and Uomasa for sushi, Senor Pico’s for Mexican, and Coyotes for great nachos. (Coyotes also has free margaritas for ladies on Wednesday nights).
Bangkok might not offer much on the surface but once you peel away the layers, you find a vibrant city that is more than just temples, tourists, and touts. You find great international cuisines, world class bars and clubs, an assortment of activities, great places to shop, interesting neighborhoods, and much more. If you get off the Lonely Planet trail and out of the main areas, you will find a city in which no one calls you over for a Taxi or gives you a special “foreigner” price.
Matt,
Just to add to your suggestions, good mexican is incredibly hard to find in BKK, but Bourbon St. (Sukhumvit Soi 22) is my favorite.. run by a native Texan, they serve a mexican buffett every Tuesday night. Can’t be beat!
I agree, Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in the world.
I’ve logged many a night there at Cheap Charlies when I was staying at Suk11 – great hostel.
like BK but not my fav – maybe I should spend more time next time
To go to Thailand and not eat Thai (exclusivey), well its verging on the criminal. When in Rome….
@seth: i used to live right near there! good food!
@greg: i was at CC about 3-4 times a week!
@quick: you should
@wonderwilm: I don’t believe in that. If you want something else, should you not eat it? To say you have to do something because you are traveling to one place is silly. Yes, eat the thai food but if you desire something else go for it. Bangkok has great food all around- why limit yourself to one thing? The Thais dont…
Great news that lots of people are thinking about coming to Thailand! I would also encourage them to visit Chiang Mai for the culture, the loveliest people, the food, and to escape Bangkok! : )
I let go of an offer to go with a friend to bangkok this month..maybe she will extend another soon and I will enjoy all of these
I wish I had read this post before I went to Bangkok! Fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) I only spent 4 days there so I will definitely be going back at some point. I’ll be sure to keep your advice in mind when I do.
So true. Thailand really has become an “it” destination. I even know photographers that are going all the way over there to do a photography workshop. I wish I could go, but don’t have the money yet…
Neat you just posted this the other day. I arrived in Bangkok last night at 1AM on Khaosan road and wow, that was an eye-opener. I wont begin to describe because I’m sure you all know the ghetto tourist spots. My spirits were high today though, able to move around and see what the city has to offer. Kind of a sad place but i love it. Great food cheap. Thanks for the tips y’all.
It would be nice to move to Thailand again for a couple of months, but the current Visa rules are hassles without end. They only seem to want retirees or package tourists. Wishing that will change soon again due to the economic downturn, but don’t have much hope.
There are so many cities I’m longing to travel to, Bangkok is definitely one of them.
@nomad4ever Too bad the Visa rules are a hassle, but hopefully they’ll improve them in the near future!
Is Thailand so appropriate now with all the protests going on? I’m a bit put off by it all so looking at alternatives such as Indonesia now. I’ve always fancied Thailand though.
That is why I live in Bangkok. Been here for 3 years now and love every minute of it!
M
You are right! Everyone IS going to Bangkok!! I found your blog very useful and will make sure that I visit all the places that you have mentioned. I was lucky enough to find a website that gave me numerous discounted hotels in Bangkok to choose from and I was especially surprised to get deep discount rates with discount online booking. Well…Here I go!!