This year, Bangkok overtook Paris as the most visited city in the world. It’s also one that spends the most time on Instagram out of any other country. It only makes sense, then, that Bangkok is a city that contains the most Instagram worthy places in the world.
But anyone can tell you all the over-done tourist’s Instagram spots in the city — that’s easy. You probably already know all about the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, Yaowarat Road, the Mahanakorn Skywalk, the Jim Thompson House, the Railway Market, and even the front of Sarnies Café (come on, we know you’ve done it). So, you won’t be seeing any of these on our list of the most Instagram worthy places in Bangkok.
As much as those places are super Instagrammable, they’re also super overcrowded — both on social media and in real life. To give your ‘gram a bit more edge and original content, we’ve rounded up some of the most Instagram worthy places in Bangkok that are more low-key and lesser known. These spots are still just a few steps away from the bustling hotspots of the aforementioned areas, but you won’t have to fight off a swarm of tourists to snap your pics. Now, let us give you a little Instagram tour.
[Hero image: Sretsis Parlour; Feature image: Lido Connect]
Josh Hotel, Ari
Josh is a retro-style boutique hotel on the leafy and street-art-lined street of Ari 4 Fang Nua. The exteriors are pretty classic-cool, but explore inside and you’ll also find an adorable ice cream shack, quirky shops, and an old-school art-deco diner.
The Portuguese Embassy Wall, Charoenkrung Soi 30
Right on the wall of the Portuguese Embassy is one of the coolest pieces of street art you’ll find in Bangkok. Done by a Portuguese artist who goes by the name ‘Vhils’, the wall is titled ‘Scratching the Surface’ and is created using only a drill to etch the design straight into the wall. Continue strolling around this area and you’ll also find other beautiful wall murals and street art.
Soi Na Na, China Town
Probably one of Bangkok’s coolest little alley to hang out in, “The Other Soi Na Na” teems with low-key cafés, cool-cat speakeasies, and charming old architecture. Chill with the old-fashioned furniture and crockery in NaNa Coffee Roasters, the sticker-surrounded wooden door of Teens of Thailand, or the tropical plants in front of Wallflowers café.
The Salil Hotel, Sukhumvit 57
Here’s a hotel with an aesthetic that’s quite unlike any other in Bangkok. The courtyard and exterior has a slight Disneyland feel to it, but go inside for a very Instagrammable staircase too. While you’re in Thonglor, you won’t be short of other Instagram-friendly locations; just head over to The Commons, Toby’s, Patom, or any of the area’s neon sign bars.
Paco, Sukhumvit 31
Is there any dish more Instagrammable than the meticulously-arranged acai bowl? We think not. And nowhere in Bangkok does this better than the recently established Paco, located in the vibrant Soi Sawasdee. Not only are the Acai bowls here bursting with bright colours, galaxy patterns, and tons of stunningly cut tropical fruit, but the interiors of the café are also very colourful and full of art.
Lido Connect, Siam Square
Revamped and opened just this year, this old warehouse space now features a collection of edgy art exhibitions, stalls selling trendy handmade goods, a recording studio, a small concert space, and lots and lots of neon signs. Walk around Lido Connect with a camera and you’ll find loads to snap at while you take in the cool vibes of this indoor “walking-around” spot.
Woof Pack, Sala Dang
An art gallery, a screening room, a rooftop bar, and an event space rolled into one — Woof Pack houses cool works of contemporary art as well as stickers of funny quotes that you’ll come across if you hunt around the many corners of this place. Head up to the ‘Woof Top’ for sweeping views of the city and some drinks to feature — responsibly — in that ‘gram.
Sretsis Parlour, Central Embassy
Here, you’ll step into a fairytale wonderland of a café. The magical-looking drinks and cakes are served on fancy floral china plates and cups, while you could be sitting in some plush pink velvet sofas, engraved-wooden chairs, and be surrounded by so many more eclectic pieces of furniture. A truly fashionable fantasy corner indeed.
The Author’s Lounge, The Mandarin Oriental
Possibly one of Bangkok’s dreamiest places for afternoon tea, the Author’s Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is old but most definitely gold. The serene white furniture, wall panels, and elegant imperial staircase makes it one of the most tranquil spaces in the city. The lighting in here is even better when warmed by the natural sunlight that seeps through the overhead skylights.
Erawan Museum, Samut Prakan
If you’re willing to take a trek out all the way to Chang Erawan (accessible by BTS), you’ll be greatly rewarded by the incredible visual phenomenon that is the Erawan Museum. With gorgeously ornate pink architecture on the outside and sweeping, swirling sculptures on the inside, be sure to bring a fully-charged camera.
