Joanna James
Listly by Joanna James
A comfortingly decadent appetiser for the rest of Southeast Asia, Bangkok is a lusciously atmospheric tourist-savvy hub with its unparalleled medley of authenticity, modernity, and affordability. Here are some unusual after-dusk city escapades you can't miss!
Bangkok is one of those rare destinations where every minute brings on a new sensation and the thought of being bored is pushed out of your mind by diverse cutting-edge and vintage-inspired allurements. If you're all aboard for a quirky and stimulating after-dark caper, look no further than the vibrant Capital's sensational night markets. From the Chang Chui Plane Night Market, where you can enjoy a transporting dinner inside a massive, decommissioned military plane and steep in the bohemian artisan vibe, to the retro-chic Jodd Fair mecca with its luxe tented boutiques, innovative foodie scene, and adjoining skate park, you can spend all night soaking in the ambient glamour of these rustic centres.
After working up an after-dinner appetite roaming the jewel-toned pavilions hawking everything from stunning hand-painted sneakers and artisan sushi to lush potted plants and exquisite silks, or if you've just enjoyed a detoxifying soak in a luxurious Japanese-style onsen and your stomach is growling, Bangkok's customised Midnight Tuk-Tuk Food Tours have got you covered! Hop in a jaunty three-wheeler and whirl through the neon-lit enclaves of this sparkling metropolis to feast both your sight and taste buds on the most decadent regional dishes you could dream of.
Like all the most enticing cities painting the world's canvas, Bangkok brims with irresistible contrasts, from imperial national parks hosting colonial-style greenhouses and antique pavilions to culture-soaked art centres full of futuristic creations and kaleidoscopic night-time cruises to best admire the cutting-edge high-risers. If you're looking for this deliciously eclectic ambience condensed in a single place within the metropolis, head over to Asiatique The Riverfront, where you can enjoy scenic views as your stop at dazzling storefronts showcasing the best Thai fashion brands, stockpile inexpensive souvenirs at charmingly quaint boutiques, explore fascinating exhibits inside a heritage ship museum, and enjoy a multi-cuisine dinner that's worth writing home about! If you crave a little spike in adrenaline levels, be a spectator at Muay Thai Lives: The Legend, which is a classic action-packed live show featuring Thai martial arts, breathtaking acrobatics, and a captivating storyline.
From theatrical late-night sagas and floating market excursions to sampling iconic comfort food at street stalls and riding whimsical Ferris Wheels for mind-blowing city views, there's plenty of exhilarating nocturnal adventuring to look forward to. If you want to start your eventful night with some serene exercise, opt for a picturesque bike ride around the old-world Thonburi district during golden hour.
After all that walking through cutting-edge malls, antique-chic markets, plush parks, and mesmerising galleries visit Khao San Road for a much-needed outdoor foot massage as the sun goes down! If you're looking for luxury serviced apartments in Bangkok proffering prime access to its bizarre and brilliant urban hubs, venture no further than Ascott Thonglor Bangkok.
If wild partying isn't your thing, but you still want a dose of exhilarating craziness with your mates, sign up for a high-stakes, all-action, and unforgettably entertaining game of tech-infused laser tag at Lazgam Laser Games.
While each of the city's waterborne trade posts is enchanting in its own way, the Amphawa Floating Market is the most quaint and munificent - a promenade of boats laden with plenty of exotic temptations! But the dreamy colonies of native fireflies that can be viewed close-up via a rustic longtail boat ride is one of its most magical experiences on offer.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.