Bangkok is a city of beautiful contrasts—where skyscrapers and rooftop bars rise alongside centuries-old temples and quiet canals. As Thailand’s bustling capital with seven million population, Bangkok is undeniably cosmopolitan, yet it never loses touch with its cultural soul.
From the shimmering spires of the Grand Palace to the sacred stillness of Wat Arun at sunrise and sunset, the city offers moments of quiet reflection. Whether you’re wandering through the courtyards of Wat Pho, taking a boat into Thonburi canals or escaping the fast-paced Silom to Lumpini Park just across the road, Bangkok invites you to pause and be present.
What makes Bangkok truly special is its diversity—not just in people and food, but in the experiences it offers. It’s a city where you can savour Michelin-starred cuisine one night and explore street food from trolleys along the road the next. You can pamper yourself at luxury wellness spa one day and have a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho the next.
So Many Temples, So Little Time? Here Are My Picks:
Sure, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun are on every must-see list—and for good reason. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds and soak up the serene side of Bangkok’s spiritual heritage, don’t miss these lesser-known gems: Wat Kalayanamit, Wat Prayurawongsawat, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Suthat, and Wat Benchamabophit. Each offers stunning architecture, rich history, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the tourist buzz. (Read more here.)
How to Avoid Heavy Traffic? Are There Eco-Friendly Public Transport Options? Is Bangkok Walking Friendly?
Like many big cities, Bangkok is no stranger to traffic jams—but the good news is, it’s also home to an expanding network of modern, eco-friendly public transport that makes getting around both easier and greener. The BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and Chao Phraya river boats are efficient ways to skip the gridlock while enjoying scenic views and local life along the way.
While Bangkok isn’t walkable everywhere, certain neighbourhoods are perfect for slow exploration on foot—and honestly, they’re best experienced that way. I’ve put together five curated routes that combine public transport and walking, tailored to different interests, plus extra tips for discovering the charm of Bangkok’s Old City on foot.
Bangkok’s Unique Wellness & Yoga Experiences
Bangkok has been blossoming with quirky, holistic, and truly unique wellness experiences that go beyond your standard massage or vinyasa flow. Here’s a curated list of wellness and yoga spots in Bangkok that offer something a little different—perfect for conscious travellers or anyone looking to relax in a memorable way:
PAÑPURI Wellness at Gaysorn Urban Retreat (BTS Chidlom)
Step into serenity at PAÑPURI Wellness, one of Bangkok’s most luxurious and thoughtfully designed wellness sanctuaries. Here, rituals are more than routines—they’re journeys. From Japanese-style onsen therapy and aromatic salt chambers to their signature Mind-Body-Sense ritual, you’ll be guided through meditation, tea ceremonies, and aromatherapy in a private suite designed to calm every sense.
Furapy (Fur + Therapy) on Soi Udomsuk
Furapy is Bangkok’s first kitten yoga studio, and it’s absolutely adorable. With 17 kittens per class (more kittens than humans!), this isn’t just about stretching—it’s about joy, laughter, and lots of furry cuddles. Poses are kept beginner-friendly and playful, making it a heartwarming wellness experience.
Rasayana Retreat on Soi Sukhumvit 39
Hidden in a peaceful garden off bustling Sukhumvit Road, Rasayana Retreat is part raw food café, part detox centre. Whether you’re popping in for a cold-pressed juice or embarking on a full emotional detox program, this is a sanctuary for your body and soul. They also offer infrared saunas, reiki, and natural therapies grounded in both science and spirituality.
Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa on Soi Thonglor
More than just an onsen, Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa blends Japanese soaking traditions with Thai wellness rituals for a full-on sensory reset. Their Urban Onsen Rituals include mineral-rich hot pools, Thai herbal compress treatments, body scrubs, and even a Himalayan Salt Room and Ice Room for contrast therapy.
Breath Inspired in Bang Krachao
Just across the river from Bangkok’s bustling core lies Bang Krachao, so called the “Green Lung” of Bangkok. Here, Breath Inspired offers forest bathing walks, sensory mindfulness sessions, and nature meditation led by certified guides. It’s the perfect antidote to the city’s rush—inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world. If you are here on the weekends, rent a bike and explore Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market after your session.
RAKxa Integrative Wellness in Bang Krachao
Also in Bang Krachao, RAKxa Integrative Wellness offers a transformative escape from the city’s hustle. This luxury eco-conscious retreat seamlessly blends cutting-edge medical diagnostics with time-honored holistic therapies, all set within a serene, nature-rich environment.
In Short …
As someone born and raised in Bangkok and who lived there well into my thirties, I wouldn’t call the city serene—but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. What I love most is its diversity. One moment you’re weaving through crowds at some of Asia’s largest shopping malls or grabbing street food at a bustling market, and the next, you’ve turned a corner into a peaceful laneway lined with quiet cafés and timeworn temples. In one part of the city, a vast public park stretches out beneath a skyline of soaring skyscrapers; in another, you’re surrounded by ancient temples and crumbling shophouses—many of which now house stylish bars and minimalist cafés. In Bangkok, you can live luxuriously one day and keep things delightfully simple the next. It’s a city full of contrasts and surprises, always buzzing with energy, yet still offering moments of calm and laid-back charm. This is the Bangkok I know and love.
These photos are the Bangkok that I miss …
