I often hear from different people who visited Bangkok that they didn’t really get it, and that is just messy and overwhelming. And the city can be like that, especially without a bit of direction.

I have been going to Bangkok for years now (and even lived there for 4–5 months during my modelling past). I agree that it is not tranquil or quiet, yet it somehow resets me. That is why I decided to put this guide together — to offer a way into the city that feels more enjoyable.

Getting to Bangkok is very easy. There are direct flights from Dubai (Emirates), Abu Dhabi (Etihad) and Sharjah (Air Arabia), with the whole journey taking around six hours (and closer to seven hours on the way back).

Even though the city has so many indoor activities, I enjoy it most when I can spend time outdoors, which is why I usually plan my trips between November and April. The weather is more forgiving, making it easier to walk around without melting. From May to July the heat can be intense, and between August and October (early November) the rainy season might disturb any of your plans.

Worth mentioning, that Christmas vibes are insane here!

When it comes to where to stay, I prefer the Watthana area. I first lived there during my modelling trip eight years ago, and it quickly became my default. I am especially drawn to the area around Benchakitti Park — having that stretch of green in the middle of such a huge city makes Bangkok feel more livable.

However, every time I am there, I promise myself to explore other parts of the city and stay somewhere new. Areas around Lumphini Park and Sathorn are high on my list — also very green, more central in a way, and offering another perspective on how the city lives. It feels like another reason to keep coming back.

I genuinely enjoy doing some cliché tourist things in Bangkok. I never skip visiting temples, especially Wat Pho and Wat Arun, which I find just as impressive no matter how many times I see them. Also, seeing them (and the city) from the water is another favourite, whether it is a simple canal tour or just drifting past neighbourhoods you would never reach on foot. And despite the traffic, I still love getting around by tuk-tuk — it feels like the most immediate way to experience the chaotic and fun Bangkok.

Food is a big part of why I love Bangkok. Mornings especially — the city has a great breakfast and coffee/matcha culture, with plenty of small, cute places. On my last trip, I discovered Larder and Holey Artisan Bakery, and they quickly became part of my routine. I ended up going back almost every other day, which is usually the best sign that a place really works.

When it comes to Thai food, there is one place I always recommend. Kinnaree by Vanessa WU is a must — the food is just excellent, classic but perfectly done, and very overrated, as somehow it is never as busy as you’d expect.

I also love spots that don’t try to fit into one category. The Shed is two restaurants under one roof, combining Thai and Italian, and it works surprisingly well. The Thai side is especially strong and worth going for on its own. And if you are in the mood for Italian, go to La Bottega — it never disappoints: a small menu and a really good location/venue that makes it easy to turn dinner into a long evening.

And then there is Yankii, which is my all-time favourite. I don’t eat Japanese food that often (not in Dubai, not anywhere else), but in Bangkok, I kept going back to Yankii. Not just for the food but for the vibes. I will say no more, just try it!

Bangkok is famous for its nightlife, and rooftop bars are an obvious part of many people’s experience — they are everywhere, and they are great for an early evening drink, especially when the heat finally drops.

Beyond rooftops, I am more drawn to smaller, niche bars. Rabbit Hole is one of my favourites — quite tiny and dark. The drinks here are excellent, the crowd is good, and it feels intimate in a way that is rare in a city this big. It is the kind of place you go for one drink and end up staying for hours.

If you want a proper night out with dances, Sing Sing is the place. It is always buzzing, and it even made it into The White Lotus (season three). For something slightly different, I also really enjoyed Apt 101 — had a few great nights there, as it had the right balance between atmosphere, music, and crowd.

And then there are places you don’t quite make it to for some reason. Clutch in Chinatown kept coming up in recommendations, but for some reason, I never went, which just gives me another reason to come back.

Shopping in Bangkok can easily take over your trip. Beyond the variety of shopping malls packed with all the familiar international brands, Thailand has an incredibly strong scene of homegrown designers, and it is worth doing a bit of research before you go.

If vintage is more your thing, Bangkok is especially good. Red Building is a must — a huge vintage shopping mall right next to the famous Chatuchak outdoor market.

There is also 2nd Street, a chain of second-hand stores with an impressive mix of mass, premium, and luxury brands, all in great condition. It is one of those places where you go in to look around and leave with something you didn’t plan on buying, which is ‘why not’ for vacation.

There are a few other things worth mentioning that don’t always fit neatly into categories. If you are into art, Museum of Contemporary Art is a great place to explore Thai contemporary art, and they often have strong temporary exhibitions that make each visit feel different.

Thailand is also, of course, famous for its massages. I have honestly never had a bad experience, whether it was a regularly priced neighbourhood salon or a very fancy spa. There is something for every budget, just use common sense and avoid the shady-looking places — the good ones are easy to spot.

Finally, Bangkok is an emerging cultural hub with constant events, activations, and pop-ups happening around the city. On recent trips, there were temporary projects from luxury brands like Dior and Louis Vuitton, alongside exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. Before travelling, it is always worth quickly checking what is happening in the city within your interests — it can easily become the highlight of your trip and add another layer to the experience.