8 secret spots in Bangkok that only the locals know of

This massive retired L-1011 TriStar Lockheed is right smack in the middle of the park

1. Chang Chui

Housing a variety of businesses, including restaurants and bars, a gallery, a drone flying school and a taxidermy museum that’s housed in an old Lockheed TriStar jet, the buildings in this unusual mall/market are made from upcycled corrugated iron, and old windows and doors.

Quince at Siri House offers fine dining quality amidst a relaxed atmosphere

2. Quince

This down-to-earth eatery in a restored 1950s home serves up delicious contemporary dishes using locally sourced ingredients, such as the slow-cooked organic pork belly. However, locals flock here for the lazy weekend a la carte brunch, which has become a much-loved institution.

Located in the old chinatown of Bangkok, the interior evokes a ’70s vibe

3. Ba Hao

This atmospheric Chinatown bar looks like a scene straight out of a Wong Kar-wai movie, all red mood lighting, bright neon signage, and Sino-inspired decor. The cocktail menu offers a superb selection of Chinese-accented cocktails, with an excellent menu of classic snacks like jian bing (savoury wheat crepes).

A cosy, casual café with an industrialised decor

4. Ink & Lion

Bangkok is not short on great cafes, but this little place – hidden at the end of a nondescript lane in Ekkamai – just has a unique charm. Maybe it’s the whitewashed brick walls and the changing art exhibitions they play host to, perhaps it’s the Melbourne-esque chilled vibes, but mostly, it’s the amazing coffee.

This hipster hangout has artful outdoor spaces, artisanal products, eateries and a market

5. The Commons

With Bangkok already saturated with malls featuring ubiquitous shops, this venue broke all the rules when it opened its Thonglor venue, with its indoor-outdoor atmosphere, multi-layered spaces where free music performances are held, and emphasis on community. Locals can’t get enough of the eateries and shopping – not to mention the markets and fairs regularly held here. It now has another spot in Saladaeng.

Bridge sits at the foot of the iconic abandoned Sathorn Unique skyscraper

6. Bridge Art Space

Located at the southern, less-frequented end of gentrifying Chaoren Krung Road, this small gallery in a shophouse nevertheless has a strong local following for its experimental shows and forward-thinking exhibitions, which include live performance art, audio-visual work, and mixed-media pieces.

Experience the wilderness in this man-made forest in the eastern part of Bangkok

7. PTT Forest in the City

Until recently, this roughly 2ha wooded park – just west of Suvarnabhumi airport – was a dumping ground. Remarkably, it has been transformed into a natural habitat and wetland, which can be traversed by elevated walkways, and features informational exhibits on green living.

Brewski is the highest duplex rooftop craft beer bar in Thailand

8. Brewski

The Thai capital is not short on rooftop bars – some even featured in movies – in hotels around town. However, residents know that the best deals, and views, can be found along Sukhumvit Road; don’t miss Brewski, a superb craft beer pub on the 30th floor of Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok Hotel.

– TEXT BY SIMON OSTHEIMER

This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.

SEE ALSO: Neighbourhood spotlight: Phrom Phong, Bangkok

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