Ruth’s Blog: My guide to shopping and eating in Bangkok

It’s official – Thailand has stolen my heart (and Bangkok’s to blame)!

An explosion of colour, chaos and culinary joy – with just the right amount of madness to keep things interesting.

As of April 2025, I’ve been lucky enough to visit nine times, clocking up over seven months in this gloriously unpredictable city. And yes, having a brother who lives here definitely helps – I like to call it research, but let’s be honest, it’s mostly been me eating and shopping my way around town. Bliss.

Getting around (without losing the plot)

First up: the Skytrain (BTS).

Honestly? It’s a dream. Spotlessly clean, super easy to navigate, and no one’s elbowing you in the ribs like they are on the Tube. There are little arrows to show you where to stand, people actually queue, and absolutely no eating or drinking onboard. Sounds dreamy, right?

• Taxis – Always insist on the meter. No meter, no ride.

• Grab – Bangkok’s version of Uber – a great app for booking taxis (and even food) without the hassle.

• Tuk Tuks – Great fun for short trips – just agree the price before you hop in. A bit of bartering is expected (and part of the fun).

Bangkok + Shopping = A dangerous combo

If retail therapy is your love language, Bangkok is basically soulmate material. Whether it’s breathable linen for the heat, a suitcase to lug it all home or a knock-off designer bag that might not survive Heathrow baggage reclaim – this city has you covered.

Platinum Mall

Six levels of pure temptation. Fashion, accessories, luggage – and enough impulse buys to have your bank texting 'Are you sure this is you?'

Pratunam Market

Right across the road. Total TikTok mayhem – live-streaming sellers, organised chaos, brilliant bargains.

MBK

Leather goods, tech bits, souvenirs... and some very convincing replicas. I had a bespoke three-piece suit made here (cashmere and silk blend) for under £180. Ready in two days. Unreal.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

And then there’s the legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market. Possibly the biggest market in the world. Vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, plants, pottery, pets – you name it. Even if you don’t buy anything (unlikely), the people-watching is pure gold.

If you’re after the shiny stuff, malls like Siam Paragon, Icon Siam, and Emsphere are next level.

(Just a heads-up: genuine designer brands can be pricier here than at home – but Zara, Mango, H&M etc are all well represented).

Come hungry (leave obsessed)

Now, onto the main event – the food. Oh my word.

Whether you’re perched on a plastic stool by the side of the road or sat somewhere with actual tablecloths, Bangkok’s food scene is next level.

• Street food is where the magic happens. Grilled meats, noodle soups, mango sticky rice… heaven.

• Mall food courts – don’t laugh. Some of the best meals I’ve had have been next to a Zara escalator.

• Local, family-run restaurants are tucked around every corner – and if you’re eating Thai-style, your baht goes a long, long way.

Top tip: Don’t over-plan. Wander. Get lost. Follow the smell of sizzling garlic or a queue of locals – you’ll rarely go wrong.

After dark: Bangkok turns it up

When the sun goes down, Bangkok does what it does best – gets even more fun.

Jodd Fairs Night Market

If seafood’s your thing, you’ll be in heaven. Grilled prawns bigger than your head, sweet roti, pandan cakes, rolled ice cream... all with a side of neon. Feeling brave? Fried insects, live squid shots, sushi towers – they’ve got it all.

Chinatown (Yarowat Road)

Bustling, bright, brilliant. Queue up at the best stalls and you’ll be rewarded.

Drinks with a view

And if you fancy a drink with a view? Bangkok’s rooftop bars are nothing short of cinematic.

Vertigo at the Banyan Tree and Lebua State Tower (yes, the one from The Hangover 2) are both brilliant. The skyline is just... wow.

Top tip: If you’re at Icon Siam in the evening, don’t miss the fountain show – it’s free and fab. Then hop over to Asiatique - a fun spot by the river for food, shopping and cocktails.

And there’s more...

Bangkok’s not just about shopping and eating (though it’s a pretty strong case). There are palaces, temples, peaceful canals, and so much more to dive into – but that’s a blog for another day.

For now? Pack light, eat everything, follow your nose... and have the best time. 💛