8 ways to find calm in Thailand's larger-than-life capital city

National Geographic

12-05-2025

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Bangkok may have a reputation as one of the world's biggest concrete jungles, but in between the neon-lit streets, rooftop bars and crowded markets there are some glorious pockets of calm. The city's network of canals help create breathing space among the tuk-tuk packed neighbourhoods, and there's a surprising amount of green space in the city's environs — accessible by boat, bike or on foot. Here are eight of our favourite hideaways. 1. Above Riva
One of several plush hotels lining the Chao Phraya River, the Riva Arun is noteworthy for its peaceful, top-floor terrace restaurant, Above Riva. You can ease into the day with breakfast or settle in for sunset cocktails, watching boats crisscross the river. The dinner menu goes big on both Thai and European dishes with a twist — such as duck confit green curry or fettuccine with a tom yum goong (hot and sour Thai soup) sauce. 2. Bang Kachao
You'll need to dedicate a little more time — either a half or full day — to visit this artificial island known as Bangkok's 'green lung'. Book a bike tour from the city, which starts with a boat ride before you pedal through 6.2sq miles of mangroves. Tours typically pass through Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden and past the small villages and markets that dot the canals. At the rooftop bar of the Above Riva hotel, you can ease into the day with breakfast or settle in for sunset cocktails, watching boats crisscross the river. Photograph by Mark Parren Taylor 3. Jim Thompson House Museum
With its tranquil gardens and canalside setting, the elegant former home of American Jim Thompson, who helped to transform the Thai silk industry, is about as peaceful as it gets. Take a walk through the Thai teakwood buildings to learn about the artefacts, fabrics and art inside, before wandering through the gardens. Leave time for an iced coffee at the cafe afterwards. 4. Bang Prathun coconut community
Local farmers still practise traditional coconut harvesting at Bang Prathun in southwest Bangkok, one of the city's last remaining coconut orchards. You can visit independently, but booking a trip with a local guide or as part of a community tour will give you a better understanding of the local way of life and the traditional methods used in the orchards. You'll also have the chance to try fresh coconut products and family recipes. 5. Baan Silapin
Also known as Ban Silapin, this centuries-old, traditional Thai-style wooden house and gallery is located in the Thonburi area, right on the canal. It's a fascinating escape from the more contemporary side of the city, where traditional shows are performed using intricate puppets, with plotlines from Thai folklore. Paintings, masks and puppets line the walls and there's a small cafe selling iced coffee and tea to help you cool off. 6. MOCA Bangkok
Galleries often offer respite in frantic cities, and MOCA (the Museum of Contemporary Art) Bangkok is a perfect example. It's calm, quiet and cool — quite literally, as the aircon will provide some relief from the sticky city. You're not just here for the atmosphere, of course, but for the five floors of permanent and rotating exhibitions of Thai modern art. While weekday mornings are the quietest, you could combine your trip here with frenetic Chatuchak market, a 10-minute drive away, which is at its liveliest on Saturdays and Sundays. At Suan Somdet Ya (Princess Mother Memorial Park), visitors can learn about Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of Thailand's ninth and longest-serving king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946-2016). Photograph by Mark Parren Taylor 7. Suan Somdet Ya
Hop on an express boat on the Chao Phraya River and get off at Memorial Bridge Pier. From there it's a short walk to Suan Somdet Ya (Princess Mother Memorial Park), where you can learn about where Princess Srinagarindra grew up. She was the mother of Thailand's ninth and longest-serving king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946-2016). Take a wander through the large garden, pause at her statue and then head for lunch at My Grandparent's House, a cafe on the water. 8. Talad Phlu market
You'll have your fill of markets and street food in Bangkok, but if you find the noise and chaos a little overstimulating, Talad Phlu in Thonburi is one of the most popular with locals and least hectic (although don't expect silence). There's a big Chinese community and it feels untouched by tourism, with stalls selling cheap dishes made roadside. Seek out crispy pork with rice and khanom buang (Thai crispy pancakes). It's easy to reach on the BTS Skytrain, and great for lunch or dinner. Getting there & around
British Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Bangkok several times a week. Thai Airways flies direct from Heathrow to Bangkok twice daily.
Other carriers, including Qatar, Emirates and Finnair, offer one-stop flights via their hubs.
Average flight time: 11.5h.
It's possible to explore certain neighbourhoods in Bangkok on foot, but to get around you'll want to hop in a Grab (similar to Uber), tuk-tuk, the MRT train or the BTS Skytrain. Both train systems are efficient and simple to navigate. You can buy tickets at the station or put money on a prepaid card. There are also commuter boats across the Chao Phraya.
When to go Bangkok is a hot and humid city year-round, with temperatures in the high 20Cs up to the high 30Cs. Much of the rain is during September and October and the most humid months are April, May, September and October, but you'll feel the heat no matter when you go. You're best off planning your trip to Bangkok around the rest of your Thailand itinerary. The beach regions of Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta, for example, are best from November to March when rain is minimal; for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, travel March to October.
Where to stay
137 Pillars & Suites. Thonglor neighbourhood. From 5,515 THB (£127).
More info:
tourismthailand.org
Rough Guide to Thailand. £16.99
How to do it:
Inside Asia has a five-night Bangkok cultural adventure from £437 per person, including three-star accommodation with breakfast, airport transfers, some private guiding and a full-day solar boat tour of the city's khlongs. Excludes flights. Bangkok can also be included on longer itineraries incorporating Thailand's islands.
This story was created with the support of InsideAsia. Published in the May 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).