Bangkok in January

Lion and dragon dances, red lanterns and temple fairs along Yaowarat.

Why go: Very atmospheric but extremely crowded; go early evening.

Where: Yaowarat Road and Chinese shrines in Chinatown

Thai New Year: temple merit-making in the morning, then the city-wide water fight.

Why go: Huge fun but you will get soaked — waterproof your phone. Many Bangkokians leave town, so traffic is light.

Where: Silom Road, Khao San Road, and malls city-wide

One of Asia's largest Pride parades, held since 2022.

Why go: Big, welcoming street event; check the organiser's announcement for the route.

Where: Rama I Road / Siam area parade route

Nine days of the Chinese 'jay' observance: participants avoid meat and animal products, and Yaowarat fills with yellow flags, vegan food stalls and palanquin processions from 22 local shrines.

Why go: One of the best street-food nights of the year — everything is plant-based. Opening ceremony 10 Oct, 4–10 pm; the road closes to traffic for it.

Where: Yaowarat Road from the Chinatown Gate (Odeon Circle) to Lamphun Chai junction · The Nation, 5 Oct 2026

The former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

💡 Strict dress code (covered shoulders and knees). Go at 8:30 opening; ignore anyone outside saying it's closed.

Home of the 46 m Reclining Buddha and Thailand's traditional massage school.

💡 A 10-minute walk south of the Grand Palace; massages inside the temple are reasonably priced.

Riverside 'Temple of Dawn' covered in porcelain mosaics.

💡 Cross by the 5-baht ferry from Tha Tien pier; best light late afternoon.

Neon-lit main road that becomes a street-food strip after dark.

💡 Arrive after 6 pm; MRT Wat Mangkon station is right there.

Commuter boats that double as the cheapest river tour in town.

💡 Orange-flag boats run a flat fare along the main tourist piers.

One of Asia's largest markets — 10,000+ stalls of clothes, crafts, plants and food.

💡 Weekends only; go before 11 am to beat the heat.

Teak houses and art collection of the American who revived Thai silk.

💡 Guided tours only; near BTS National Stadium.

The 'green lung' across the river — mangroves and quiet cycling paths.

💡 Rent a bicycle near Bang Na Nok pier; a calm half-day escape.

Small, intense bowls of beef or pork noodle soup with a rich spiced broth.

💡 Victory Monument boat-noodle alley

Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, egg and peanuts.

💡 Thip Samai, Maha Chai Road

Poached chicken over rice cooked in chicken stock, with ginger-soy sauce.

💡 Pratunam area stalls

Hot-and-sour prawn soup with lemongrass and lime leaf.

💡 Riverside restaurants and Yaowarat

Grilled marinated pork skewers with sticky rice — the classic Bangkok breakfast.

💡 Street carts, mornings

Sweet coconut sticky rice with ripe mango; best in mango season (Mar–Jun).

💡 Mae Varee, Thong Lo

Hand-woven silk scarves and fabric.

💡 Jim Thompson shops

Menthol/herb inhalers and Thai herbal balms — light and cheap.

💡 Any 7-Eleven or pharmacy

Five-colour enamelled porcelain, once made for the royal court.

💡 Chatuchak, River City

Quilted cotton bags and pouches from a Bangkok brand.

💡 Naraya stores, Central malls

Easy edible gifts that travel well.

💡 Supermarkets, Chatuchak