3 Fun-Themed Bangkok Cafes, Thailand

In the fast-moving city of Bangkok, where the passion for coffee seems to be on the constant rise, niche-themed cafes have become a bit of a thing. And I’m all for it! These Bangkok cafes join communities together that share an interest in something – cats, forests, mermaids, unicorns, you name it. No matter how random it might be, there seems to be a niche café for everyone! 

These types of cafes seem to be something of another world in Bangkok – completely inheriting the topic into everything they do. So, needless to say, it had to be done! 

I visited 3 quirky, Insta-worthy themed cafes in Bangkok Thailand and I’ll tell you everything I experienced there in the article below. In detail!

Pssst! Scroll down to the end of the article if you’re looking for a bonus list of themed cafes in Bangkok that I didn’t get to visit during my trip – but I so wish I did! Maybe you can add them to your itinerary instead?

Let’s go!

3 Instagrammable themed Bangkok cafes

1 – Unicorn Café

Unicorn Cafe Bangkok Thailand
Unicorn Cafe Bangkok

Bangkok’s Unicorn Café is, without a doubt, the most Instagrammable café in the city. Get ready because, once you step inside, you’ll enter a world of sparkles and rainbows where everything glitters and shines, even the food! 

Pastel pinks and purples are everywhere; stuffed unicorns line sparkly sofas, pony dolls dangle from the ceiling, multicoloured cakes glitter at you from behind the glass counter. With one look, it becomes very clear that you won’t be leaving here without a long-lasting sugar high. The walls are decorated with acid pink and purple pony themed graffiti. Any 6-year-old would be driven wild with glee but, oddly, the clientele seems to be mainly adults. 

Most people came for the same reason –  to get photos posing with cute cakes and novelty decorations, snapping selfies dressed in cute unicorn onesies (which you can rent for 100 Baht / 3 US$)… and I did exactly the same!

The Unicorn Café is located in the Silom district and is actually split across two venues; zone A and zone B. They are literally 2 minutes apart, so you can easily walk between the two and check out both before deciding on a seat. Zone A is the original venue but it feels a bit older and duller than its younger, more vibrant sister, Zone B (which opened in 2017). 

TIP: You can’t reserve tables, so if you’re visiting on the weekend during lunchtime, prepare yourself for a wait. I’d personally recommend going later in the afternoon for coffee and cake instead. You’ll have more space and a more relaxed experience.

NOTE: Make sure you bring cash as The Unicorn Café doesn’t accept card payments.

Thailand Bangkok Unicorn Cafe

WHAT WE HAD & OUR EXPERIENCE

I only came by for a drink, but the Unicorn Café has an extensive menu of magical meals. Everything seems to be available in rainbow; rainbow spaghetti, rainbow crepes, rainbow milkshakes and horned unicorn burgers (you know, just to mix things up from all the rainbow). 

Personally, I feel I’m a bit old-fashioned and like my food to be normal coloured. Luckily, they also have options on the menu that cater for my (obviously bland by their standards) palate.

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS: 

ADDRESS: 44/1 Soi Sathon 8, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500. Find it on Google Maps here.
FACEBOOK: Unicorn Cafe
FOR THE GRAM: @unicornbrand

RELATED READ: 5 Unmissable Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

2 – Caturday Cat Cafe

Caturday Cat Cafe Bangkok Thailand
Melissa playing around with cat in Cat cafe

Cat lovers, unite! Caturday Cat Café caters to all the cat lovers out there. Obviously, we had to visit. My boyfriend Guga is somewhat cat-obsessed (it’s not uncommon to find him procrastinating over cat videos on Reddit for hours).

First, they ask you to take off your shoes and wash your hands on arrival, before promising to abide by a set of rules created to protect our feline friends and stop them from being stressed out by overly eager visitors. The main rules are simple; don’t irritate, feed or pick up any cats.

Floor level tables have pillows scattered around them for seating (to get closer to the cats). They also have a few normal tables to choose from. Against the wall you’ll find a wooden frame filled with sleeping cats, all huddled into comfy, little cat beds. Cats seem to be everywhere; munchkin cats, Scottish folds, ragamuffins, exotic shorthairs – the space is full of cats of all shapes, colours and breeds. Luckily, they all seem to be very happy sharing their cafe home together!

However, almost all of them have zero interest in human interaction (they are cats, did you really expect much else?). If you’re imagining a magical experience where cats come meowing up to you for cuddles and deep, meaningful connections are formed, wipe that image from your mind. Just because you stick them in a cafe doesn’t stop them from being cats! 

Some cats did become curious and sniffed us out a bit. Some even came to have a sleep by/on our table and allowed us to give them a little pet (in true cat fashion). The important thing is that the cats seem very happy. The staff are attentive, keep the space incredibly clean (no mess or cat hairs) and obviously know their kitties well.

Cat Cafe in Bangkok Thailand

WHAT WE HAD & OUR EXPERIENCE

We wanted to check out the food as well, but we weren’t particularly hungry, so we shared the lasagne. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. It was pretty good. Much better than I had expected! The menu has a lot of warm meals to choose from, along with sweet treats. For drinks, there were coffee options, smoothies, and frappes. The menu felt slightly overpriced, however, we had expected this as there was no entry cost and the cats need taking care of.

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS:

ADDRESS: 10400, 89/70 Phayathai Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400. Find it on Google Maps here.
FACEBOOK: Caturday Cat Cafe
FOR THE GRAM: @caturdaycatcafe

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

3 – Cintage School

Cintage School Bangkok Thailand
Cintage School Bangkok Thailand

Cintage School is more than just a cafe. It’s actually a three-floor building with the café only taking up the top floor. The ground floor hosts a retro clothing shop that sells a mix of cute and colourful vintage pieces for bargain prices. On the second floor, you’ll find a nail salon known for its quirky nail art and fun designs. 

The third and final floor is the cafe. Although the clothing shop has been popular for a while, Cintage School only gained its internet fame recently after adding an Insta-perfect set up to their location; a retro ball pit designed to look like a pastel coloured swimming pool!

On the second floor, you’ll also find some other cute photo setups. Following the “back to school” theme, there’s a section with little pink school desks set under a neon Cintage School crest and another section with a row of pink lockers covered in bright, colourful stickers. 

Cintage School is defined by its baby pink branding, so if you’re looking for a girly, school-themed photo location – tie up your pigtails and grab your tartan skirt because this is the place for you!

Cintage School Bangkok Thailand

WHAT WE HAD & OUR EXPERIENCE

Everything on the menu catered for a sweet tooth with sugary food and drinks. The menu at Cintage is limited. Everything was way too sweet for me personally but Guga enjoyed it as he was in the mood for dessert.

USEFUL INFO:

OPENING HOURS: Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

ADDRESS: Siam Square Soi 6, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330 Thailand. Find it on Google Maps here.

FACEBOOK: Cintageshop

FOR THE GRAM: @cintageshop

RELATED READ: Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips

BONUS – 7 More themed cafes in Bangkok we didn’t get to visit

themed cafes in Bangkok

These three places were the ones we got to visit (and we also liked a lot!) but, of course, Bangkok is filled with TONS of other themed cafes worth seeing. Here’s a round-up of some interesting ones with different themes and moods:

If you’re a fan of botanical-themed English tearooms, this one’s for you. And trust me, they really take plants and flowers seriously – it’s like a green oasis there! And, as far as I’ve heard, their soft mousse cakes are a must-try if you’re looking for some flavourful desserts with local ingredients.

Address: 88/1, Thonglor Soi 8, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Website

2 – LITTLE ZOO CAFE

The first exotic pet cafe in Bangkok! Little Zoo Cafe is exactly what you’re imagining it to be – a cafe filled with animals where you can also have a meal or drink some coffee. The interior is filled with lots of animals – cats and dogs in the dining room that looks like a restaurant and other wild animals in the “animal interaction area” such as foxes, for example. Sounds cool to me and it’s definitely one of Bangkok’s coolest cafes – make sure you don’t miss it!

Address: 424/7-8 Siam Square Alley11, Rama I, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand

Website

3 – HAJIME ROBOT

While not technically a cafe, this restaurant is still a nice addition to your itinerary. This is actually a “Yakiniku restaurant” which means that you’ll be eating from a small barbecue that is placed right in the middle of the table. But, above all, this place is awesome because you won’t be served by a person… but by a samurai robot! All in all, I really think this robot-themed place is pretty much unique and it’s definitely on my list. If you’re lucky, you can also snap some Instagram videos with the robots doing a Lady Gaga dance, haha!

Website

RELATED READ: A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

4 – MOCKING TALES

Delicious coffee (including yam coffee!) and desserts, even more delicious cocktails in the evening and an incredible set-up where you can see fairytales coming to life. Sounds pretty good, right? Plus lots of photo opportunities!

Address: Thong Lo 4, Khlong Tan Nuea

Website

5 – VILLA DE BEAR

In case you’re imagining this is a bear paradise… well, you’re not far from the truth at all! This Instagram-worthy bear-inspired place serves really good food, drinks and some pretty nice dessert options as well. Oh, and their bear mascot is pretty fun too! I think this is one of the best cafes to visit in Bangkok with your little ones!

Address: 5, Ratchapruk Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170 Thailand

Website

6 – PATOM

In case you’re a fan of plants, organic things and simply a nice decor overall, Patom is a great choice for you! This cafe is, in fact, a huge greenhouse located inside a garden – can it get any better than this? 

Address: 9/2, Soi Sukhumvit 49/6, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Website

TIP: Alternatively, you can also visit the Wood Cafe, which is smaller but equally nice (Address: 44, Soi Lat Phrao Wang Hin 48, Lat Phrao Wang Hin Road)

7 – MOOMIN CAFÉ

If you’re a fan of the Finnish cartoons called Moomin (or if your kids are!), this place will seem incredible to you. The entire cafe is made to look like a Moomin house and you can serve some delicious dishes there or play with Moomin dolls. Fun, right?

Address: 240 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Website

NOTE: Maybe you’ll read in some other articles on the web about Sanrio Hello Kitty House, which sounds absolutely marvellous. Unfortunately, that cafe is now permanently closed – which is such a shame because what can be better than a Hello Kitty paradise? Let’s hope they reopen something similar soon!

RELATED READ: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

This was my complete guide to the cutest cafes in Bangkok that also have some cool themes – unicorns, cats, cartoon characters, flowers, gardens and everything else you can think of! I’ve also told you all about my experience visiting 3 of the best ones out there, together with some useful info.

So if you’ve always dreamed of having brunch in a fantasy-themed cafe like no other in the world, these options in Bangkok Thailand will surely blow your mind. Good local dishes, coffee and rainbow-coloured desserts served in amazing interior decor and tons of Instagram photo corners – you can expect all these and more during your visit!

In case you need more information that will help you plan your upcoming trip to Bangkok, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this cool destination. And here you’ll find all my posts about Thailand!

xoxo,

Melissa

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Best themed cafes in Bangkok Thailand
3 Unmissable themed cafes in Bangkok Thailand

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Top 10 Instagrammable Places in KL, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is one of the most diverse capitals in Southeast Asia, showcasing a beautiful mix of cultures. KL has so many incredible places to explore, and I’ve been talking about the best ones in detail in my complete guide to the city. But today I want to select only the best Instagrammable places in KL where you can get snap-happy and take some unique images!

This list of Instagrammable spots combines some iconic attractions, rainbow stairs, gorgeous temples, street art, natural wonders and more. 

Scroll down to find out more!

Top 10 Kuala Lumpur Instagram spots

1 – Petronas Twin Towers

Melissa looks up at the Petronas Twin Towers from the KLCC park.
Melissa stands in front of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

I guess the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur city centre needs no detailed introduction, as I’m sure we’ve all seen at least a couple of photos of this iconic landmark on the Internet. This unique and insanely large complex of twin buildings connected by a Sky Bridge is an obvious favourite Instagram-worthy spot to photograph in Kuala Lumpur!

And because this is one of the best photo spots in Kuala Lumpur for some unforgettable pictures, I’ve found two great options for you:

FROM KLCC PARK

You can get a great shot of the towers from KLCC Park, which is right near it. Remember to also visit at night when the building lights up!

Address: KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur City Centre

FROM AN INFINITY POOL

Many hotels and Airbnb’s in the KLCC district have rooftop infinity pools offering stunning city views with the Petronas Towers as a backdrop. Sunrise, sunset… any time of day really, you’ll get an epic photo of KL’s cityscape!

There are so many amazing options for accommodation in KL to choose from, two of my favourites (which have incredible infinity pool views of the Petronas Towers are):

RELATED READ: In case you’re looking for more accommodation options, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur – 5 Best Areas and Hotels

2 – Batu Caves

Melissa swishes her skirt at the entrance to the rainbow steps of the Batu Caves in Malaysia.
Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur

This location is a must-visit place for two reasons: its cultural importance to the Hindu religion (they’re dedicated to Lord Murugan) and its stunning colourful 2018 renovation! The Instagrammable highlight of Batu Caves Selangor is, without a doubt, the stairway leading to the entry of the caves, where you will find 272 rainbow coloured steps leading up to the temple caves. Perfect choice if you’re looking for colourful Instagrammable spots!

Address: Batu Caves, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

RELATED READ: Complete Guide: Visiting Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3 – Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown

Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown 1
Kwai Chai Hong Street in Chinatown

This famous Chinatown street is a place full of history. Once home to the first Chinese community in Malaysia and preserved as it was in the 1960s, the pre-war buildings were left ramshackle until their 2019 seven-month-long restoration. Now, it is one of the coolest Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur, due to the incredible, lively painted pieces found on the buildings’ walls.

Alternatively, you can also check out Petaling Street in Chinatown as well.

Address: Lorong Panggung, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: 12 Things to Do in KL (Kuala Lumpur), Tours, Restaurants & More

4 – Thean Hou Temple

Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur
Thean Hou Temple

On top of a hill southwest of central KL, you will find a gorgeous temple – Thean Hou, one of the oldest temples in South East Asia, dating back to 1894. Also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, this traditional Chinese temple is colourful and simply put, absolutely stunning.

Address: Thean Hou Temple, 65, Persiaran Endah, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

5 – Menara Tower Sky Box

Melissa sitting in the Sky Box at the KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur
Melissa sitting upside down in the Sky Box at KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur

Atop the Manara Tower (also known as the KL Tower) and 300 meters up, this view beats the Petronas Towers’ height by a whopping 100 meters and provides the best view of the city. The glass structure is almost fully transparent, so as long as you’re not scared of heights, there’s room for lots of out the box ideas.

Address: Manara Tower, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: Sky Box KL Tower Guide – Is It Really Worth It?

6 – Masjid Wilayah Mosque

Masjid Wilayah Mosque
Masjid Wilayah Mosque KL

Forget about Abu Dhabi, here’s Masjid Wilayah! Also known as the Federal Territory Mosque (due to its location in Wilayah Persekutuan), this dreamy architectural wonder is one of the largest mosques in Malaysia. Constructed from 1998 onwards, this site presents a more modern look. I recommend you take your time exploring different angles here, as this spot allows for a lot of creativity.

Address: Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

7 – Perdana Botanical Gardens

Perdana Botanical Gardens
Perdana Botanical Gardens KL

The Perdana Botanical Garden is such a pretty place to spend an afternoon exploring the man-made lake, flower gardens and animal parks. Its modern, yellow tree structure of the Perdana Canopy is my favourite location in the gardens, offering some insane architecture. Ah, and let’s not forget about the Orchid Garden – absolutely stunning!

Address: Perdana Botanical Gardens, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

8 – KL Forest Eco Park

KL Forest Eco Park
KL Forest Eco Park

Located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Forest Eco Park KL and its Lake Gardens comprise one of the oldest rainforest reserves in Malaysia. The canopy walk in the forest park is really nice and you’ll get the opportunity for some awesome snaps crossing the jungle bridge. Just imagine you’ll have the Kuala Lumpur skyline as a backdrop – cool, right? Oh, and don’t forget to check out Laman Perdana at the Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) as well for some awesome photos with the geometrical yellow trees.

Address: KL Forest Eco Park, Jalan Puncak, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: Ultimate Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in KL, Malaysia + Foods to Try

9 – Bukit Bintang street art

Bukit Bintang street art
Bukit Bintang street art KL

Once troubled streets that weren’t considered safe for tourists or locals, Bukit Bintang has gentrified into a colourful and vibrant place. Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor Street are now famous for their vivid street art pieces and have quickly become two of the best places to go for urban photo ops! 

Address: Graffiti Alley, 64 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang

10 – Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Inside the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Sultan Abdul Samad is a stunningly iconic building located right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It has Moorish architecture with a shiny copper dome and provides plenty of photo ops!

You can go to Dataran Merdeka Square if you want to take some beautiful pictures of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building from the best angles.

Address: Jln Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

RELATED READ: 13 Best Spots for Breakfast and Brunch in KL, Malaysia

BONUS: More Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

In case it’s not your first time in Kuala Lumpur or if you’re looking for some more, lesser-known photo spots in the city, take a look at the list below which include some newly opened locations as well:

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for KL

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Kuala Lumpur provides amazing photo opportunities. If you want to make the best of them, make sure to pack your best camera and lenses. Here is what we have in our gear:

This was my complete list of photo spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! From the well-known Thean Hou Temple to a breathtaking mosque, the streets of Bukit Bintang, the rainbow stairway at Batu Caves, the lush KL Forest Eco Park, this list includes the most iconic landmarks in the city, as well as a bonus section with some new hidden gems. 

If you’re looking for more information for your upcoming trip to the city such as the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur during your itinerary, where to stay or where to eat, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this wonderful city. And here you will find all my articles about Malaysia.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Kuala Lumpur?

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A guide to Kuala Lumpur most instagrammable places
3 Most Instagrammable Spots in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

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My Hoi An Tailor Experience – Top Tips & Recommendations

Visiting one of the famou Hoi An tailor shops is one of the best things to do in the city during your trip, I swear! No, really, the tailors and tailor shops here are so good and talented, people from all over the world travel here to get a custom-made suit or dress. The tailoring tradition in Hoi An is rich in culture and is an important part of society today.

If you’re excited to try out a custom tailoring experience in Hoi An (which I definitely recommend!), this guide contains everything you need to know. I have put together all the information I have about the best Hoi An tailors (fittings, process, price, etc), as well as my most precious pieces of advice. 

So regardless if you decide to make some expensive clothes with high-end materials or some more casual, still quality pieces, this Hoi An tailor guide will surely help you along the way.

Let’s proceed!

About the tailors in Hoi An, Vietnam

About the tailors in Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An in Vietnam is said to be the “tailoring capital” of the world. Custom tailoring is a huge part of the culture in Hoi An and also one of the main attractions for tourists during their trip, especially when it comes to shopping lovers.

But why is tailoring so famous here? The tailors of Hoi An are immensely talented and versatile, they work with a wide range of fabrics (quality ones, too) and they can make clothing for any need you may have. There are tailor shops in Hoi An for any item or style you can think of: elegant dresses, suits, ball gowns, winter coats, casual pants, shirts and even pyjamas!

So, how did everything start? Tailoring in Hoi An is closely connected to its history, largely because Hoi An was a trading port city on the famous Silk Route. It wasn’t until about 20 years ago that tourists began travelling to Hoi An specifically for tailoring.

Nowadays, the amount of tailor shops in the city is literally two times bigger than all other businesses combined. They, of course, range from large tailoring corporations to small, local tailors and from high-end pieces to casual clothing. All of them are an important part of the tailoring experience and history of Hoi An!

RELATED READ:  9 Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam – A Complete Hoi An Guide

How to get tailor-made clothes in Hoi An – step-by-step process & tips

Enough with the history, now let’s talk about more serious stuff such as the entire process of choosing and going to a tailor, how to choose the material, and some useful tips to keep in mind along the way:

Step 1 – Find the best tailor in Hoi An

tailor-made clothes in Hoi An

Naturally, the first step in getting a tailored outfit made is finding the right tailor shop for you. Hoi An has more than 500 tailor shops… So making the best decision is kind of a challenge. Don’t worry, as I have my own selection of tailors in Hoi An for you!

BEST TAILORS IN HOI AN – MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS:

Some other popular choices (that I didn’t get to try out myself, unfortunately) are BeBe Tailor (they have 3 shops in the city now but the most famous Bebe Tailor is probably the one on Hung Dao street), A Dong Silk (they have a customer-friendly, time-efficient 10-minute measuring process ) and Mr Xe.

Step 2 – Discuss what you’d like made

step by step process at hoi an tailors

Once you have your mind and heart set on a tailor shop, it’s time to have a conversation about what exactly you’d like made. Tailors have tons of lookbooks that you can browse, with a huge selection of clothing – anything from dresses, skirts, suits etc. Alternatively, you can also provide them with a photo of the clothes you’d like created. So make sure you spend some time researching and finding inspiration before your visit!

This is also when the tailor will take your exact measurements.

TIP: Always be super specific about what you want, down to the smallest details. They may be talented designers, but they will need your guidance because they can’t just guess the exact details of the clothing you dream of!

Step 3 – Choose the fabric

getting tailor-made clothes in hoi an vietnam

Once the design issue is settled, it’s time to choose the fabric. Many tailors have entire aisles of material with different prices depending on their quality. Of course, some tailors may suggest some materials that will fit your design needs. Just remember that not all fabrics can be tailored the same and not all pieces of cloth work well or move in the same way. I suggest taking their advice into consideration when it comes to this, even if this means changing your mind and adapting a bit!

TIP: You’re getting something tailor-made specifically for YOU. So make sure you choose a quality fabric that screams “I’m perfect for an outfit that is unique to you!”. I know, the pressure is huge, but remember that this will be a one-of-a-kind piece. Don’t waste this awesome opportunity on choosing a dress that you could’ve bought on the highstreet or from the local market.

Step 4 – Pay the deposit

All Hoi An tailors require customers to pay a deposit before they start creating the custom piece.

Step 5 – Fittings and final product at your Hoi An tailor

fittings at hoi an custom tailors

Usually, the tailors will arrange your first fitting for the next day. This means you have to come back to the store and try on your outfit. This is basically the moment when the tailor will see how the garment sits on your body when you wear it, pinning it in the places that need retouching or amendments. 

My most precious piece of advice here is to be really honest about the changes that you want made and to be super clear with your explanations. You can even arrange for a second or third fitting (in fact, I recommend 3 fitting sessions to most customers) to make sure that your final piece of clothing is perfect for you and your style.

NOTE: A basic dress will be ready much sooner, but if you buy a suit or a gown, expect to go to a few fitting sessions before taking it home with you to wear. So make sure you have enough time in Hoi An for this entire process!

TIP: You can arrange for items to be delivered directly to your accommodation once they’re finished, but I always recommend heading to the store yourself to ensure that you are happy with the final version. After all, this is such a special, personalised shopping experience, it would be a shame not to enjoy it to the fullest!

Prices & recommended budget

hoi an tailoring

Let me start with a disclaimer here: prices change massively depending on your chosen tailor in Hoi An, what item you want to be made and how well you negotiate. Yes, the final price always depends on negotiation. Almost every tailor will negotiate on price depending on the number of items you order, so don’t be ashamed to do so.

Here’s the average price range for different types of clothes:

WOMEN

MEN

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

My best tips & tricks

tips and tricks for tailor made clothes in hoi an

Because I experienced getting tailored clothes made in Hoi An myself in 3 different places, I was able to learn and gather some very useful information that I can now pass on to my readers. So read and learn, my friends!

CHECK MORE THAN ONE STORE

If you’re not pressed for time, shop around at different stores to get a feeling of what you like best. They’re all capable of creating the same outfit, there’s just a difference in cost, quality of the fabric and stitching and maybe the customer service too.

TAKE TIME INTO CONSIDERATION

You shouldn’t stress too much if you only want a casual skirt or shirt done, as this usually takes around 2 days. But if you want to make sure the entire process is doable during your trip, here are some average times to take into consideration:

FOR CHEAPER TAILORS, DON’T SHOP DOWNTOWN

As you might expect, the most expensive tailors are located in the Old Town / Ancient Town of Hoi An. Avoid that area if you want to save some money from your budget and try to find ‘obscure’ shops on the edge of town that don’t get as much attention. Except for the lower price tag, there’s another huge advantage here: these tailors will have more time to focus on your outfit and will most likely complete it faster!

ALWAYS, ALWAYS BARTER

Here’s an unwritten rule that you should know: the first offer a tailor makes is always MUCH higher than what they expect you to pay. They do it on purpose, of course: they jack up the prices for tourists, a very popular ‘activity’ in many other popular tourist spots around the globe. So make sure you negotiate well to get the most affordable deal and only leave the shop when both parties feel happy with the final tailored piece.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

This means you should know exactly what you want before talking to the tailor. This will eliminate a lot of on-the-spot hassle and your research will help you answer every question your tailor might ask. Plus, this also helps reduce the feelings of disappointment related to the final product. After all, making custom clothing is not an easy job!

DON’T GET TOO SET ON A SPECIFIC OUTCOME

I know… this advice kind of counters the one above, but remember: these guys are tailors, not wizards. Don’t expect them to be able to conjure up an exact replica of that 2015 Dior Gown you ripped out of a Vogue magazine. Be open to changes and keep in mind that this dress will be unique to you.

BUY ITEMS IN BULK

If you are with friends, or if you want more than one item, buy them all from the same tailor. They’ll offer discounts for large orders– especially the smaller, more casual and basic stores.

ATTEND MULTIPLE FITTINGS

Clothes will never be perfect from the first try. Only stop getting your outfit altered when you are happy with it, even if it means wasting a couple of hours from your precious vacation time. If you’re pressed for time, keep getting fittings until you leave town. If anything, the tailor can mail your outfit to you. This is better than getting something that doesn’t fit right and then feeling sad.

RELATED READ: 10 Unmissable Da Nang Tourist Attractions – A Complete Guide To The City

That’s about everything I wanted to share with you about how to get tailored clothes in Hoi An, Vietnam, a very popular and fun activity while you’re in the city. I have told you all the details I know and talked about cost, process, measurements, quality of the fabrics and craftsmanship and lots of useful things to know before stepping foot inside a tailor shop to get a dress, shirt or suit done.

If you ask me, going home with a unique piece of clothing created especially for you and to your measurements, with your hand-picked fabric is one of the most beautiful souvenirs you can bring back home from Vietnam!

Except for getting custom-made dresses and shirts, there are SO many other unforgettable things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam! If you want to read more or need help planning your upcoming trip, I recommend heading here to find all my articles about Hoi An. And here you will find all my posts about other destinations in Vietnam.

xoxo,

Melissa

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A guide to the Hoi An tailors in Vietnam
A complete guide to tailors in Hoi An Vietnam

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Cafe Apartment Saigon – 3 Best Cafes Worth Visiting

In case you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you might’ve heard about the country’s incredible coffee culture. And if you want to set foot in Ho Chi Minh City soon, then you surely know about the Cafe Apartment Saigon on Nguyen Street! If not, worry not, as I have gathered aaaaall the information you need on the Coffee Apartments in Saigon below, including the 3 best cafes worth visiting inside the building!

And, trust me, if you’re a lover of coffee and coffee shops, you just HAVE TO add this incredible attraction to your bucket list. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in the country, after all! 

I have written about it before in my Complete Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Guide, but this time I’ll tell you about it in-depth, together with my personal experience visiting it.

Let’s go!

Quick info about Ho Chi Minh Cafe Apartment

info about Ho Chi Minh Cafe Apartment

Before jumping into the three recommendations, let me tell you some interesting information about this quirky attraction:

What is the Cafe Apartment Saigon?

Let’s start at the beginning. The Apartment Cafe is basically a 9-storey old apartment building converted into a tourist spot and the epicentre of coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh City (once known as Saigon). 

It has quite an interesting history, I might add. The building is around 60 years old, it has undergone some renovations over time and, at one point, it even housed American officers in the 50s and until the post-war period. 

Putting its rich history aside, it is still an apartment building, but with a twist – ever since Nguyen Street became a pedestrian walkway gaining a lot of popularity in 2015, the owners (which regained ownership of their properties after the fall of Saigon in 1975) started renting their apartments to small businesses. Which are mostly coffee shops, tea houses, fashion boutiques, beauty parlours and even co-working spaces. And it seems they’re growing in number every day!

colourful balconies Nguyen Street

The building looks cool, yet gritty on the outside with its colourful balconies, which is definitely part of its charm. But it’s what is on the inside that counts, right? And once you step foot into this apartment building on Nguyen Hue walking street, you’ll see exactly why it has become so popular. 

This apartment block hosts lots of independent businesses and cool spots to hang out, grab a coffee, work together with other creatives, go on an unconventional date and more! 

NOTE: It is said that, officially, it’s kind of… illegal to rent these apartments for commercial, non-residential use, so all the businesses inside might get evicted at any moment. Which only means one thing: make sure you visit this apartment block while you still can!

TIP: Each level of the building is different and unique and, because of the building’s layout, some shops or coffee apartments might be more visible than others. This is exactly why I advise you to take your time, skip the elevator and explore each level with patience. Oh, and make sure you walk past it at least once at night as well, it looks even more cool when all the colourful signs are lit up!

Where is the apartment building located?

Where is the Cafe Apartment

The location of the apartments is in District 1, on the famous Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, at number 42. It’s iconic and you can easily remember it!

ADDRESS: The Cafe Apartment – 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Useful info to know once you arrive

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

3 Best cafes worth visiting

I really loved our visit to the Coffee Apartment block – it’s hip, modern and very good-vibey. After exploring some cute fashion boutiques and shops, we visited some of the coffee shops too and these are the three I loved most (and that I, of course, recommend!). By the way, there are more than 30 cafes here, which makes choosing almost impossible!

1 – Saigon Ơi ($)

saigon oi
Saigon Oi cafe in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon Oi really impressed us with its incredibly flavourful coffee and creative, fun drink options on the menu. The decor is rather simple and natural, with wooden floors and plants forming a real garden inside a bathtub, which I liked a lot! And in case you have some emails to send or calls to make, you can even work in this cosy environment.

You can find various snacks, juices, salads, Vietnamese coffee and other non-caffeinated drinks on their menu (lucky me – reviewing a cafe apartment although I don’t really like caffeine!). Ah! And their balcony has a very pretty view of a bit of the city and Saigon river too – perfect for some photo opportunities!

FIND IT ON: 5th floor

WHAT WE HAD: Yogurt Rainbow Drink & Iced milk coffee

OPENING HOURS: daily from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

INSTAGRAM: @saigonoicafe

WEBSITE: https://saigonoicafe.com/

2 – Thinker and Dreamer ($$)

Thinker and Dreamer
Thinker and Dreamer coffee

Intimate, romantic and super cosy, Thinker and Dreamer coffee shop is a real “forest” inside the apartment building! They have amazing coffee and a hip but tiny balcony facing Nguyen Hue Street with a nice view.

TIP: The owners really know how to speak social media, so if you’re browsing the menu and see a little icon of a camera next to a drink, this means that the drink is Instagram-worthy, haha!

NOTE: They now have two locations in the city, one at 42 Nguyen Hue and one on 26B Le Loi Avenue in District 1, very close nearby.

FIND IT ON: 4th floor

WHAT WE HAD: Coffee of Mr Thinker & Coffee of Mr Dreamer

OPENING HOURS: daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

INSTAGRAM: @thinker.dreamer.coffee

WEBSITE: https://thinkerdreamer.vn/

3 – Partea ($)

partea
partea saigon coffee apartments
© @partea.tearoom

This is probably one of the most famous spots inside the apartment block! Partea (get it? get it?) is an English-style tea house with a really unique, accurate decor – it oddly feels like you’re in England! So if you’re planning on drinking some 5 o’clock tea, this cosy and comforting place is the best choice. They have entire walls full of tea flavours (and coffee too!), lots of teapots to choose from, a cosy atmosphere and lots of yummy, gorgeous cakes to accompany your drink.

FIND IT ON: 4th floor

WHAT WE HAD: a pot of Jasmine Tea & an amazing lava cake with a ball of ice-cream

OPENING HOURS: daily from 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

INSTAGRAM: @partea.tearoom

FACEBOOK: Partea – Tea Room

Other notable places to check out at 42 Nguyen Hue

42 Nguyen Hue

In case you’re looking for an extensive list of cool spots inside this apartment block other than these 3 cafes, make sure you check out the following too if you have the time:

RELATED READ: Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

BONUS: Everything you need to know about coffee in Vietnam

coffee culture in vietnam

Vietnam has a rich history – and their love for coffee is no exception. Coffee was introduced in Vietnam by the French in 1857 but it has only become a real “national sport” in 1990, thanks to a program started by the Government. Nowadays, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world. And us, travellers, can’t be anything but thankful!

Although it will be a bit hard to find your classic almond flat white in Vietnam, there are other caffeinated specialities worth exploring here. Which is an amazing thing, as travelling is all about experimenting with new things, right?! 

First of all, you should know about… condensed milk. Yes, the Vietnamese drink their coffee with condensed milk instead of your classic, frothy cow milk or vegan alternatives. Odd or not, it’s really delicious!

Here are some unmissable coffee-related drinks to try while you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, especially at the Cafe Apartment:

RELATED READ: Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City – Complete Guide and Reasons To Visit

Aaand that’s absolutely everything you need to know about the famous Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City! I have told you every tiny detail, from its history after the fall of Saigon to where to park, how much the elevator costs compared to the staircase, what to visit inside and even some drinks worth ordering while you’re there!

In short, this is a hip, modern and creative spot worth visiting at least once in your lifetime – and especially if you’re a lover of caffeinated drinks, tea or cute desserts! Once you enter the building you’ll surely enjoy the atmosphere and grungy style!

In case you’re looking for more exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh, make sure you click here to find all my articles about this incredible city. And here you’ll find all my posts and stories about Vietnam.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Cafe Apartments - A Complete Guide - Ho Chi Minh Vietnam
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Da Nang Marble Mountain, Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you planning a trip to the Da Nang Marble Mountain in Vietnam? That’s an amazing idea, as this is a unique destination and one of the highlights of the entire country! In case you’re wondering when to go, how to properly organise your trip and which tours to choose from all the options out there, I’m here to help. Scroll down to find my complete Marble Mountain guide!

A visit to the Marble Mountains is one of the most popular day trip ideas, especially if you’re in Hoi An.

But let’s start with the beginning:

Where are the Marble Mountains?

The world-famous Marble Mountains are a cluster of 5 limestone and marble hills 7 km south of Da Nang in Vietnam, in Ngũ Hành Sơn District. They’re located in central Vietnam, right on the coast.

Here’s a Marble Mountain map, so you can clearly understand their location in the country:

Da Nang Marble Mountains map

Why visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang?

The mountains are named after the elements: Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire), Tho (earth) and Kim (metal). As I mentioned in the introduction, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang have become one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam over the years!

But what’s so special about them? Well, on one hand, the site is famous for its importance in the crafts of stone sculpting, but it’s also an important place of worship for Buddhists; some statues there are more than 400 years old. Needless to say that this place has big cultural importance and a rich history as well!

What can you see there?

Da Nang Marble Mountain
Thuy Son Mountain Da Nang

Even though you might be expecting just a simple mountain, there’s quite a lot to see here! You can spend around half a day on-site (let’s say around 3-4 hours), just walking around and exploring the numerous caves, tunnels, pagodas, temples and a beautiful summit. There are even some bullet holes dating back to the Vietnam War!

Thuy Son Mountain

As said before, there are a total of five Marble Mountains. The only mountain available for tourists to explore is the ‘Water’ Mountain (named Thuy Son), where you can find caves that lead to beautifully built pagodas, a few viewpoints, lots of outdoors temples and constructions, and so much more! The best part? Thuy Son Mountain also has the highest summit of them all, so you’ll have a unique, panoramic view of the other mountains and the entire coast as well.

You’ll find a little stall at the entrance where you can pay for your entrance ticket, and then you can choose whether you want to take the stairs or the elevator. The hike to the summit consists of 156 rather steep marble steps. It’s not really a breeze, but it’s not that hard either! But, in all honesty, the elevator is so cheap that I wouldn’t blame you if you chose to shorten the ride.

Non Nuoc Village

Non Nuoc Village Marble Mountains

Underneath the Marble Mountains, you can find the stone-carving village of Non Nuoc. The village is a part of Da Nang city and it has been a stone carving hub since the 17th century. There are over 600 families around the village producing statues, jewellery and artwork using the marble collected from the mountains. The stone itself and the products made from it have been exported to many countries and they’re quite popular!

Ticket prices

To enter the mountain and its tourist attractions, Hòn Thủy Sơn, you must pay a small entrance fee. There is an additional fee for those who would rather go up the mountain using the elevator, but you can avoid that fee by taking the stairs instead.

Marble Mountain Da Nang entrance fee: 40.000 VND (1.80 US$)

Elevator fee: 15.000 VND (0.65 US$)

How to get to the Marble Mountains

Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

The Marble Mountains are located around 10km from the city of Da Nang, on the Southeast side. Because of its prime location, it is quite easy to get to this destination, no matter if you’re visiting from Da Nang or Hoi An. 

You have two options here: you can either join an organised tour, where a professional guide will take care of everything, including roundtrip transportation – or you can take a taxi if you want to visit on your own. You can order a taxi on-demand using the Grab app, which is basically the Vietnamese version of Uber. They have lower fees than regular Vietnamese taxis and your trip will be stress-free. 

FROM HOI AN

A Grab from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains should cost around 250.000 VND to 350.000 each way (11 to 15 US$). There is around 20km between the two points and the ride should not take more than half an hour.

FROM DA NANG

From Da Nang to the Marble Mountain, the Grab costs around 100.000 VND each way (4.30 US$). The ride takes around 5 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re in Da Nang already, you can also hire a scooter for the day of your visit – this way you can also go and explore other places as well. The cost is around 5 US$ for the entire day and the scooter parking at the Mountains is 3.000 VND (0,15 US$).

Best tours of Da Nang Marble Mountains

Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam
Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

If you’re looking for that extra bit of information about the mountains and that extra insight on the Buddhist culture from a local guide that knows what he/she’s talking about, taking a tour would be ideal for you. Plus, the tours are excellent if you want to squeeze in some other close-by destinations such as My Son Sanctuary or Son Tra Peninsula. There are numerous tours from different travel agencies you can take, but they will all offer a similar experience. 

Here are the best options I have selected for you. All of them offer different itineraries and activities, so you can pick your Marble Mountain tour depending on your preferences:

TOURS FROM DA NANG:

TOURS FROM HOI AN:

When to visit the Marble Mountains

Unlike most tourist sites in Southeast Asia, the crowds didn’t seem to be an issue at the Marble Mountains. Instead, you will be battling the heat and sweat of the midday sun! For that reason, I would recommend avoiding the midday heat (if you can’t, please bring a hat and lots of water) and visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What about cloudy weather? Well, that isn’t necessarily bad either – unless it actually rains! But, in fact, a less sunny day will make your experience a lot nicer, as it won’t be that hot. Now I know it sounds like I really hate summer right now, but I actually don’t. I love it. BUT. Trust me, the heat in Vietnam during summer is… something else!

Marble Mountains opening hours: 7.00 AM – 5.30 PM, open year-round

My experience

Da Nang Marble Mountain
Da Nang Marble Mountain Vietnam

Truth be told, I didn’t have very high expectations of the Marble Mountains when we visited. It seemed like a huge tourist trap to me. But, when we got there, I realised that the site is actually much more than a few souvenir shops and an elevator that leads to a viewpoint. On. The. Contrary! 

The Marble Mountains actually have a lot to offer! The map at the entrance helped us a lot to figure out where we were and what was available for us to see, so don’t forget to take a copy after you buy your ticket. After that, we just walked around and explored the countless temples and pagodas in the mountains. The more I think about it, the more I realise that the Da Nang mountain surprised me a lot. For a (very) small entrance fee, you’ll get an activity that fill at least half a day, and you’ll learn a lot about Buddhist culture and architecture. The only negative I have is that we visited a bit later in the morning – so we really ended up feeling the heat! Sweating our way around the site wasn’t what I had in mind when planning the visit, but we still had a great time. So be wiser than us and visit early in the morning!

BONUS: What to pack for your visit to the Marble Mountain

Packing list for Da Nang Marble Mountain

I won’t mention the heat again. Heh, I’m sure you already know all about it now. So if you really can’t avoid visiting in the middle of the day, here’s what you HAVE TO bring with you to survive:

Marble Mountain Da Nang dress code: there’s no dress code for visiting unless you’re entering the temples. If you want to enter the temples (and you will want to!), it’s advised to cover your shoulders and knees. Don’t worry if you have nothing that fits the bill – so you can simply bring a scarf along for this.

And here we are! This was my complete guide to one of the most popular mountains of Vietnam – the Marble Mountains in Da Nang! In this post I have collected all the information you may need before you visit, such as when to go, how to visit (by yourself or with a guide), how much it will cost and everything else in-between.

The Marble Mountains are a very interesting destination that I totally recommend adding to your Vietnam itinerary in case you’re in the mood for some history, culture and awe-inspiring views of the coast. 

In case you want to find out more about other exciting places in Vietnam, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this country.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Vietnam Guide to the Marble Mountains
Guide to the Marble Mountains in Vietnam

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Where to Stay in Phuket – 7 Best Areas & Hotels

Are you travelling to Phuket soon? If the answer is yes, then get ready for some world-class relaxation and unforgettable days of laying on the beach! In case you’re wondering where to stay in Phuket, Thailand, this complete guide is here to help you. I have selected the 7 best areas to stay in Phuket, together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations for each. Scroll down to find everything you need to know!

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia, with over 9 million visitors flying in each year, and it’s easy to see why! This tropical Thai island offers a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok and it’s famous for its clear blue waters, paradisiac settings and luxury accommodations. 

I mean, who doesn’t want relaxing island vibes, great restaurants and stunning weather that any beach lover would dream of? Find my list of the best places to stay in Phuket Town (spoiler alert: expect MANY beaches!), along with my top picks for hotels in each location!

Best of Phuket – Where to stay for first timers

Map of Phuket in Thailand with the best areas to stay marked

Before jumping right into it, here’s a short round-up of my selection of areas in Phuket, so you can easily choose the best one for you:

OTHER GOOD BEACHES IN PHUKET, NOT COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE:

Okay, now let’s dive (hehe!) right into it and find more details about the 7 best areas to stay in Phuket, as well as the best accommodation options for each (expect lots of beach resort options!), broken down by budget:

Karon Beach

Karon Beach captured on a drone during a sunny day

With one of the longest beaches on the island, you just can’t go wrong with 5 kilometres of pristine white sand! Karon is perfect if you’re looking for a beach holiday, as the area offers lots of water activities like kayaking, water skiing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing. 

Karon is much quieter than its crazy, party town neighbour, Patong – but you’ll still find that there is a lot to do in the Karon area, with many restaurants and bars. I personally prefer Karon to Patong (below in this list), as I like to get away from all the madness and stay somewhere a bit more chill, with plenty of beach resort options. Plus, it’s only a short ride to Patong’s party scene – so why not enjoy the best of both worlds?

Where to stay in Karon Beach

MY TOP PICK: Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort If you want to be right on the beachfront of Karon, with a private secluded, quiet beach at your disposal, this is your choice!

Beachside Pool surrounded by palm trees at Le Meridien in Phuket

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Patong Beach

Patong Beach in Thailand with swimmers on the ocean on a sunny day

When speaking of Phuket, Patong is undeniably THE most popular spot for tourists around! It’s the best place to find hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and the craziest nightlife on the island. So, if you like to be in the centre of the party, this is the perfect place for you to stay in Phuket!

Listen to me when I say that Patong is NOT the location you are looking for if you’re hoping for a relaxing holiday. Patong is known for its wild side. Think neon lights, blaring music, clubs advertising some weird, kinky ping-pong ball show (don’t even ask), street stalls selling spiders and scorpions to eat, ladyboy cabaret shows, beach clubs and Muay Thai boxing competitions. What I am trying to say is, there is a lot going on in Patong! It’s loud and lively and a complete shock to the senses – but if you’re ready to be immersed into the madness, Patong is the rabbit hole you’ve been looking for!

Where to stay in Patong Beach

MY TOP PICK: Amari Phuket – This 5-star resort in Patong is a superb place to stay if you want to relax and enjoy not one, but two outdoor swimming pools, a private beach, a wonderful spa and free shuttle to Kata Beach. Why choose when you can relax all over Phuket, am I right?

Hangout area with a view to the ocean at a room in Amari Phuket

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Mai Khao Beach

Melissa with her hands in the air while an airplane flies over her in Mai Khao Beach Phuket
Melissa hugging a palm tree in a Mai Khao Beach Resort

If you want some peace and quiet during your trip, the resort heaven of Mai Khao beach is THE place to be! This beach is considered to be the longest beach in Phuket and it’s home to a lot of the island’s nature parks and luxury accommodations.

Tourists don’t tend to bother visiting Mai Khao unless they are staying at one of the resorts in the area, as it is so much further north than the other tourist places on the island. This spot is also popular for plane watching because it sits at the tip of Phuket Airport’s runway. You’ll catch people standing at the edge of the runway, waiting for planes to land to feel a rush and get a close-up snap with the belly of a plane.

Where to stay in Mai Khao Beach

MY TOP PICK: SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort – This superb 5-star resort boasts a lush garden, a beach club, two beachfront pools (how awesome is that?!), gorgeous rooms and a resort spa as well. Just picture a vacation during which you sip on cocktails on the beach and then you relax in one of the beachfront massage terraces.

Private pool at a villa in Sala Phuket

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Phuket Old Town

Melissa wearing a pink dress in front of a pink house in Phuket Old Town
Melissa crossing the street with an old peranakan house in Phuket Thailand

If you want to explore a town filled with colonial heritage and culture, then Phuket Town is an excellent area to stay for you! This part of Phuket may not be directly on the beach, but it’s filled with many great spots and you’ll find that its location is a great base if you are hoping to explore the smaller islands off the east coast. Old Phuket Town itself is very pretty to visit! It feels like a colonial Portuguese village, with small, colourful shops, cute coffee spots and traditional Thai restaurants hidden within its colourful streets.

TIP: Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Phang Nga Bay are the most popular island day trips that you can take from Phuket Town. Personally, I would recommend checking out the smaller boat trips to some of the more secluded islands and enjoy them all for yourself. Either way, Phuket Old Town is the perfect base for daily island trips as it is situated close to the harbour!

Where to stay in Old Town Phuket

MY TOP PICK: Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel – This is one of the best places in Phuket Town for travellers who want to do some sightseeing rather than just lay on the beach all day! This colonial accommodation has beautiful rooms, free Wi-Fi and it also offers an airport shuttle. Plus, Patong Beach is only 20 minutes away by shuttle!

Hotel Room at Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

Bangtao Beach

Palm trees and rocks next to the ocean at Bangtao Beach

Sure, Phuket by itself is a luxurious destination full of 5-star resorts and hotels, but Bangtao Beach (also spelt Bang Tao Beach) is the ultimate area for complete splurging! Because Bangtao Beach is a lesser-known part of Phuket, compared to Patong, for example, you’ll find a lot more peace and quiet here and a laid-back atmosphere. You can also prepare your heart for a long strip of white sand beach, high-end villas with swimming pool and sea views, and crystal clear waters. 

This is one of those great places to stay if you’re not planning on exploring too much, but you’d rather spend your days lazing at a luxurious resort, in complete relaxation.

Where to stay in Bangtao Beach

MY TOP PICK: Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – This gorgeous beach resort in Phuket is one of your best options if you want to stay in Bang Tao Beach. The accommodation has an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre and plenty of dining options. The best part is that you’ll only be 20 minutes away from Patong and 25 from Phuket Town!

Spacious hotel room at Outrigger Laguna

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Kamala Beach

Person walking towards the ocean at sunset at Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach on the West Coast is the place to go for lots of family-friendly hotels and resorts (and some peace and quiet). In case you want to party as well, no worries, as you’ll only be 20 minutes away by car (or tuk-tuk) from Patong Beach, the clubbing heart of Phuket. 

There are also plenty of places to eat and grab a cocktail around the area, within walking distance from the beach, so you can rest assured that you won’t get bored while in Kamala!

Where to stay in Kamala Beach

MY TOP PICK: Keemala – Now this is one of the best places to stay if you’re looking for a special experience! Unlike other beach resorts in Phuket, this accommodation offers clay cottages surrounded by nature in the forest, each of them with its own private pool. In short, this 5-star hotel is stunning, with gorgeous views, free Wi-Fi and more. Recommended for an unforgettable vacation in Phuket!

Jungle villas with private pool at Keemala Hotel

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

MID-RANGE:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Kata Beach

Beautiful seaside resort with private villas and pool at Kata Beach

Speaking of beautiful beaches in Phuket… here’s another good option for you! Karon and Kata are equally awesome parts of Phuket, so it may be hard to choose! I feel like if you want to visit Phuket for water sports and adventure, either one will be a good option and you’ll be fully satisfied! Kata Beach, divided into Kata Noi and Kata Yai) is located right next to Karon. It’s a bit smaller, a bit quieter, but still offers a lot of things to do!  

The night scene here isn’t very lively, so you can expect some serenity and lots of relaxation during your stay.

Where to stay in Kata Beach

MY TOP PICK: The Shore At KatathaniIf you’re looking for some good mood, good food and complete relaxation, here’s your place in Phuket! This 5-star adults-only resort is right on the beachfront and you can choose from villas with private pools, sea views and more. They also teach yoga lessons and aqua aerobics on-site!

Private pool in a villa at The Shore At Katathani

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS:

LUXURY HOTELS:

MID-RANGE:

BUDGET HOTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

Okay, that’s me done! Here’s my complete guide on Phuket accommodations! In this post, I have discussed the best areas for all types of travellers and I have also given you my hand-picked recommendations for splurgin’ resorts, mid-range hotels and budget ones as well. 

Regardless if you’re going to choose the vibrant Patong Beach, fun Karon, family-friendly Kamala or culture-rich Phuket Town, I’m sure you’ll have a great time on your travels!

If you want to read more about the best things to do in Thailand and my adventures in this wonderful country, I recommend heading over to this section here.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Where to stay in Phuket

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Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

In case you’re planning a trip to this part of the world soon, you might be wondering where to stay in Bangkok, correct? Correct! And in order to offer you a complete answer, I have put together this complete guide for the best neighbourhoods and hand-picked hotels in the city. Scroll down to find the best place to stay in Bangkok according to your budget and preferences!

I’m just going to say it… it is easy to get overwhelmed — and lost — in Bangkok! The capital city of Thailand is huge, spread out and with a lot to offer. From beautiful temples to huge shopping centres, 5-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels, street markets to local restaurants, Bangkok is the best kind of busy as it makes you want to come back for more!

Map of Bangkok showing where to stay in bangkok with the best areas marked

When it comes to the best places to stay while you’re in Bangkok, here is my selection of the 6 best neighborhoods, with recommended hotels for each:

Khao San Road

Road at Khao San Road

If you’re visiting for the first time, fancy a bit of fun and you’re only staying in Bangkok for a few days before moving on to other cities in Thailand, you might want to book a hotel in Khao San Road. This is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for nightlife! Offering a bit of everything, from cheap street food to tourist attractions, this district is lively, fun and very touristy.
Khao San is dubbed as the famous backpacking area, which means you’ll find many budget hostel options and a whole lot of nightlife here! While you’re here, you can get a massage from one of the numerous parlours,  go and experience some pumping bars, find stall vendors selling spiders and scorpions to eat… All in all, let’s just say that Khao San Road is a TRUE experience! For those that fancy a bit of luxury, Khao San Road is also home to a lot of 5-star accommodations. 

TIP: Keep in mind that this area is not situated near the BTS Skytrain or Metro (the most common public transportation options in the city) – so if you want to explore other areas of the city, you will be reliant on taxis and tuk-tuks.

Where to stay in Khao San Road

MY TOP PICK: Praya Palazzo – I consider this to be one of the best hotels in all of Bangkok! It’s world-class facilities and excellent location is what makes me recommend this 5-star hotel, as it’s walking distance to the Grand Palace, by the Chao Phraya River. While you’re there, you can enjoy the outdoor pool and free 24-hour shuttle boat service!

hotel room at praya palazzo hotel in bangkok

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

Other than Praya Palazzo, here are some other excellent hotels in Bangkok, Khao San Road area, sorted by budget:

LUXURY HOTELS

BOUTIQUE HOTELS

MID-RANGE HOTELS

BUDGET HOTELS

HOSTELS

ENTIRE APARTMENTS

WHAT TO DO IN KHAO SAN ROAD

RELATED READ: 5 Unmissable Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

Siam

Peekaboo shot of Wat Benchamabopit seen through an archway

Wondering where to stay in Bangkok for shopping? I got you! If you’re looking to be in the heart of Bangkok or you just want to be near the city’s top shopping destination, Siam is the best area to stay for you! This area of the city, located around Siam Square, is built up with skyscrapers, filled with mega-malls, hotels, restaurants and offices.

A downside is that traffic can be pretty horrific in this part of town, but as the most central location in Bangkok, Siam is well-connected with both BTS Skytrain and the Metro stations nearby. This makes Siam my top choice for travellers who want to explore a lot of the city by public transport (recommended!). And if I sit and think about it, I can easily recommend Siam as an excellent place to stay for your first time in the city!

Where to stay in Siam

MY TOP PICK: Hotel Indigo – If you’re dreaming of staying at a luxurious 5-star hotel in one of the best neighborhoods in the city, want to enjoy an outdoor infinity pool while being located close to Siam Paragon shopping mall and Siam Square, this is the place for you. This hotel in Bangkok offers excellent service and an amazing location to top it off!

Girl Around the World sitting on the balcony facing the park at Hotel Indigo Bangkok
Melissa sitting in front of the infinity pool at Hotel Indigo Wireless Road Bangkok

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

Here’s my complete selection of the best hotels in Siam for a superb stay in Bangkok:

LUXURY HOTELS:

BOUTIQUE HOTELS:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

HOSTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

WHAT TO DO IN SIAM AREA

RELATED READ: Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips

Sukhumvit

sukhumvit in bangkok

In case you’re wondering where to stay in Bangkok for a luxury, high end experience, this is a great place! Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok’s fancier districts, scattered with 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in the neighbourhood, world-class rooftop bars, elite nightlife spots and luxury hotel options. If you’re looking to live it up and splurge, then Sukhumvit area in Bangkok is surely one of the best places to stay in Bangkok for you!

This modern neighborhood in Bangkok is well-connected to the rest of the capital, with the BTS Skytrain running down the length of it, easily connecting with the main intersections in Siam.

Where to stay in Sukhumvit

MY TOP PICK FOR SUKHUMVIT: Hyatt Regency Bangkok SukhumvitIf you’re looking for a luxurious, world-class stay in the city in one of the best areas, I whole-heartedly recommend Hyatt Regency. This hotel boasts a superb outdoor pool, as well as a fitness centre for those of you who, like me, cannot start their day without a proper workout! And the rooms? Simply superb!

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

Other than this excellent hotel, here are my other top picks for a wonderful stay in the city:

LUXURY HOTELS:

BOUTIQUE:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

HOSTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

WHAT TO DO IN SUKHUMVIT

RELATED READ: A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Riverside Area

riverside area in bangkok

If you’re looking for a Bangkok neighborhood that’s more laid-back and offers scenic views of Chao Phraya River, then the Riverside area is your answer! You’ll find many temples worth visiting around this area, together with the famous Royal Palace. And if you’re looking for some luxury, it is well-known that this area hosts TONS of luxurious hotels in Bangkok!

Another advantage is that this neighborhood in Bangkok has a very convenient location, so it will be very easy to get around the rest of the city and its top attractions.

Where to stay in the Riverside Area

MY TOP PICK: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – This is a superb 5-star hotel located in the Riverside Area (one of the BEST areas of Bangkok for first time visitors, if you ask me!) that boasts a gorgeous outdoor pool and wonderfully decorated rooms. Ah, by the way, if you choose to book a room here, you’ll be able to choose from 10 (ten!) different on-site restaurants. Wow!

anantara riverside bangkok hotel

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

Here is my hand-picked selection for this area:

LUXURY HOTELS

BOUTIQUE

MID-RANGE HOTELS

BUDGET HOTELS

HOSTELS

ENTIRE APARTMENTS

WHAT TO DO AROUND THE RIVERSIDE

RELATED READ: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Silom and Sathorn

silom area in bangkok thailand

Silom and Sathorn are two smaller areas located right next to each other, which we can consider to be one bigger neighbourhood. This is one of Bangkok’s financial districts (Silom is even considered to be Bangkok’s Wall Street!), situated further out from the city centre. This makes it appealing for travellers who are looking to get away from the busy bustle that takes over so much of the city’s central areas. 

With a thriving dining scene, shopping and nightlife, you’ll find that even though Silom and Sathorn especially are a bit further out, this area of town has no shortage of great things to do. Even though the metro and BTS Skytrain are accessible here, you may need to rely on taxis to get around this part of the city.

Where to stay in Silom and Sathorn

MY TOP PICK: W Bangkok Hotel – It’s well-known that the W chain of hotels offers superior quality all over the world and their hotel in Bangkok is surely no exception! They have an outdoor swimming pool, an excellent on-site restaurant and the accommodation is located close to Silom Road. Ah, and make sure to check out the views from the top floors – simply breathtaking!

W Bangkok Hotel

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

Take a look on the list below:

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS:

BOUTIQUE:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

HOSTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENTS:

WHAT TO DO IN SILOM AND SATHORN

Chinatown

tuk tuks on the road at the chinatown of bangkok

In case you’re wondering where to stay in Bangkok in order to explore the city’s best cuisine, you’ll find your answer in the Chinatown area! Offering more than just amazing street food, Chinatown has become one of Bangkok’s most popular areas to stay. This is THE largest Chinatown in the world and a fun neighbourhood all in all! 

There is a lot on offer here; sample dishes from the endless street food stalls selling a selection of Asian foods, wander the narrow street of Sampeng Market which seems to sell everything yet nothing really at all or visit the world’s largest golden statue at the Buddhist temple of Wat Traimit.

Where to stay in Chinatown

MY TOP PICK: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – If you’re looking for a high quality stay in one of the most interesting areas in the city! This hotel is located in the heart of Chinatown! It has nicely decorated and clean rooms that actually recreate the traditional 1930s’ style in this area. A true gem!

Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

OTHER NOTABLE HOTELS

LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS:

BOUTIQUE HOTEL:

MID-RANGE HOTELS:

BUDGET HOTELS:

HOSTELS:

ENTIRE APARTMENT:

WHAT TO DO IN CHINATOWN

Aaand we have reached the end of my complete guide about where to stay in Bangkok! In this article I have told you everything you need to know about the 6 best neighbourhoods in the capital for tourists visiting for the first time or not! I have also selected some carefully hand-picked hotels for all budgets and preferences out there: resorts, upscale hotels, mid-range accommodations, as well as hostels and apartments. In short, you have everything you need here!

I’m sure your trip to Bangkok will be unforgettable! If you want to read more about other amazing destinations in Thailand, I recommend checking out this section here.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn or Wat Chaeng among locals, is one of the highlights of Bangkok and an unmissable place to visit during your trip to Bangkok. It’s located right on the riverside of Chao Phraya and it has incredible architecture.

If you’re planning a visit soon, you’re in the right place! The complete guide below will tell you everything you need to know before visiting Wat Arun in Thailand, from opening times to ticket prices, tours, how to get there and more.

Are you ready?

First of all, why should you visit Wat Arun Temple?

Melissa sitting on the stairs of one of the sides of Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok
portrait of Girl Around the World in front of the tiles at Wat Arun

It isn’t hard to see why Wat Arun is considered one of the prettiest temples in Thailand and one of the main attractions in Bangkok! Standing majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is an impressive sight at both sunrise and sunset when Wat Arun shines golden in the light.

Wat Arun dates back to the 17th century and its beautiful prang (main spire) was only added when King Rama II ruled the country. The central spire of Wat Arun stands over 70 meters high with four smaller spires found at each corner of the main paragon. The surface of the temple is covered with over one million broken pieces of Chinese porcelain tiles (how awesome is that?!) which shine as they catch the light. If you listen closely, you will hear the little bells that dangle from the top of all 5 spires, gently chiming in the breeze.

Named after the Hindu Goddess Aruna, the word “Arun” in Sanskrit translates to “the light of dawn”. It is believed that Wat Arun was built by General Taksin in 1768, who arrived at the temple during daybreak after returning from battle. For a time, it acted as the king’s royal temple and was home to the Emerald Buddha before the statue was moved to the Grand Palace.

You can normally climb the stairway of the main temple but we were unlucky when we went as climbing was not allowed due to reconstruction. The steps to the top are known to be quite steep, but the railing is there to help keep you steady. All in all, it’s a must-visit!

RELATED READ: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Everything you need to know about visiting Wat Arun, Bangkok

What to see inside Wat Arun Temple

Melissa on her knees praying in front of a monk in Wat Arun

Did you know that Wat Arun is not just one temple, but a temple complex? And quite a gorgeous one, I must admit. You’ll find the Main Temple (also known as the holiest of all temples), the Ordination Hall and Phra Prang. Plus other beautiful buildings, murals and statues that are waiting to be discovered.

I 100% encourage you to visit the rest of the temple complex. So many tourists simply visit the main temple and then leave, but I loved walking around and exploring the smaller temples on the Wat Arun grounds and was lucky enough to receive a blessing from a monk there.

As I was exploring the grounds, I heard chanting from inside a smaller temple. I slipped off my shoes and slowly peered inside. A solo monk sat on a raised area, inviting people forward for blessings. The monk saw me watching from the doorway and beckoned me forward, motioning for me to sit before him with my hands in prayer high by my forehead.

As he recited a blessing, he gently sprinkled holy water across my head and shoulders. The monk then directed me to put my arm out before him and lightly tied a sai sin (blessed bracelet for good luck and protection) around my wrist. He was so deft, effortlessly tying the string not too loose or too tight, without ever coming in contact with my skin.

It was such a special experience, both to witness and to have for me.

RELATED READ: 5 Unmissable Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

How to get to Wat Arun, Bangkok

Map of Bangkok with the three main attractions marked on the map

Wat Arun is centrally located, on the West bank of the Chao Phraya River, which divides Bangkok in two. Its location is right on the opposite side of Wat Phra Temple. By far, the easiest way to reach it is by ferry. You can catch a ferry from Tha Tien Pier, which will drop you right in front of Wat Arun and vice-versa on return. The terminal is small and surrounded by food stalls, restaurants and souvenir shops. You really can’t miss it if you stick to the riverside.

NOTE: The ferry can get pretty full around midday, so you may need to stand, but the journey is so, so short (literally 5min) so it isn’t too inconvenient.

There are other options to get to Wat Arun by road, but I really wouldn’t recommend it (unless, of course, you are staying on the West side of the river). It’s far by road and the journey length really doesn’t make sense when getting a boat is so cheap and easy!

Boat price: 4 baht/person, each way (0.13 US$)

Leaving: Every 5-10 minutes or once the ferry is full from Tha Tien Pier

Journey duration: 5 minutes

Wat Arun address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600

Co-ordinates: 13.743704, 100.488877

Wat Arun opening hours

Wat Arun Temple is open every day, year-round, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last admission is at 4:40

PM.

RELATED READ: Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips

Best time to visit Wat Arun Temple

Landscape of Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok
Looking up at the stairway up Wat Arun

AIM FOR: If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Wat Arun is in the morning. Most tourists head to the Grand Palace first, so heading to Wat Arun early is a nice way to get it all to yourself.

Around 10:00 AM Wat Arun starts to get busier and by midday, it’s all hot and crowded. You’ll find yourself dancing around the central spire searching for a spot of shade. After 3:00 PM the temperatures cool down a bit and the crowds die down too (the last admission is at 4:40 PM), so the late afternoon is another good time to visit. In short, aim for sunrise or sunset.

AVOID: Peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM

TIP: Head to the East side of the river for jaw-dropping sunset views over the temple. As the sun begins to sink, the sky turns red and the temple almost lights up before plunging into a dark silhouette.

HOW LONG TO SPEND AT WAT ARUN

At least 1 hour, ideally 2 hours. During our visit, it took about two hours to slowly wander around Wat Arun and its grounds.

Wat Arun entrance fee

The Wat Arun grounds (which include a few smaller temples) are free to enter and explore, but you will need to purchase a ticket at the entrance to access the main temple.

Wat Arun ticket price: 50 baht (1.60 US$)

Best Wat Arun tours

Melissa facing the opposite way on one of the sides of Wat Arun
Statue made out of tiles in Wat Arun

Here’s an idea: instead of losing precious vacation time trying to organise your itinerary to the main highlights of the city such as the Grand Palace with its Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun as well, why not book an organised tour with a local guide? A combo tour is great for saving time and seeing as much as possible in a short given time. Here are my hand-picked recommendations for combo tours for Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the famous Grand Palace.

Best restaurants with a view of Wat Arun

Girl Around the World on the balcony of a hotel room facing a river overlooking Wat Arun

Here are the best spots for sipping a drink and admiring an amazing view of the temple, especially at night:

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

Wat Arun dress code

Melissa placing her shoes at a stand for shoes in front of Wat Arun

Like many religious sites, there is a dress code to abide by when visiting Wat Arun. Visitors must cover their shoulders, chest and knees. Men should wear pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) and women should wear pants or skirts that pass their knees. If in doubt, just keep in mind that this is a place of worship and dress modestly.

However, if you find you don’t have clothing that fits the requirements, don’t stress too much. You can cover up by renting a sarong at the entrance for 20 baht (there is also a 100 baht deposit).

RANT: One of my personal pet peeves that I saw happen around Wat Arun (sorry, but I just have to call this out) was women covering their legs and shoulders to get past the entrance and then altering their clothes for photos once inside. I am serious. I actually saw women changing their outfits to be more revealing, I am guessing ‘for the gram’.

This is so ridiculous to me. Beyond ridiculous. This should be obvious, but just to clarify – it is not okay to hitch up your skirt or unbutton your blouse for an Instagram picture when visiting a religious site. Wat Arun is not the place to go for a sexy photo shoot. It’s disrespectful and quite frankly, it makes you look daft. Save the ‘oh la la’ for the poolside, ladies.

Packing list for Wat Arun

Remember to bring:

What to visit near Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok

Golden Stupa at The Grand Palace in Bangkok

Except for the Temple of Dawn, there are some other unmissable attractions to tick off your list on the banks of the Chao Phraya River:

BONUS #1: My best tips for visiting the Temple of Dawn

Wide angle photo with Melissa on the bottom stairs of Wat Arun
Portrait of Melissa leaning on the tiles at Wat Arun

I just couldn’t miss the opportunity to give you the most precious tips I found out when I visited Wat Arun, am I right? Here goes:

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for visiting Bangkok

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us, perfect for Bangkok too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENS: Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPOD: Benro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about our photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

You have reached the end f my complete travel guide for Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok. This gorgeous temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is one of Thailand’s treasures, a place full of history, with superb architecture! I truly believe this is one of the unmissable spots that should be part of your Bangkok itinerary for sure.

If you want to visit some other unforgettable attractions located in Bangkok such as Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about Bangkok.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

Pin me for later!

A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok
An Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok

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5 Unmissable Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

Heading to Bangkok soon? Phew, there are SO many places to visit in Bangkok, you won’t even believe it! Scroll down to find my complete list of the best things to see in Bangkok, as well as the best places to stay, what and where to eat and more!

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia for sure. It has everything you can dream of: a rich history, incredible gastronomy, awe-inspiring temples and buildings, exciting nightlife and everything else in-between, catering for ALL types of tourists out there. From the Grand Palace to Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples, museums, street food and souvenir markets, your list of fun things to do in Bangkok will be ever-growing.

Map of Thailand with Bangkok's location marked on the map

Okay, enough talking and let’s get going. Here is my hand-picked list of the top things to do in Bangkok, plus many useful tips that will help you properly enjoy this special city:

Top 5 places to visit in Bangkok, Thailand

1 – The Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew

Golden building at the Grand Palace Bangkok
Melissa walking down a walkway leading into a spire in The Grand Palace Bangkok

RELATED READ: Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips

The Grand Palace is, without a doubt, one of the most famous places to visit in Bangkok, if not all of Thailand. This tourist hotspot housed the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the 20th century and it’s located on the banks of Chao Phraya River.

While you’re there, make sure you enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to see the… well, the Emerald Buddha, of course – Wat Phra Kaew – one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in the world. Visiting the Grand Palace is definitely a must-do for all first-time visitors!

Grand Palace entrance fee: 500 baht ($16,5).

2 – Go temple hopping

Melissa posing in the courtyard of Wat Pho Bangkok
Looking up into the highest point of Wat Arun Bangkok

There are literally thousands of temples to see in Bangkok! Most of the tourists’ flock to the more popular ones (Wat Pho and Wat Arun, of course), but there are some smaller, lesser-known temples too, all of them worth discovering if you have the time. These are always less crowded and you’re much more likely to have them all to yourself.

Here’s my checklist of Bangkok temples:

The entrance fees to these temples differ, ranging from 50 to 100 baht per person (1,60 – 3,30$).

RELATED READ: A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

3 – Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market

hundreds of stalls at Chatuchak weekend market seen from above

Chatuchak Market is another one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok and a must-visit for all your souvenir shopping! It’s actually one of the largest weekend markets in the world and the biggest market in Thailand as well. Chatuchak Market hosts more than 15.000 stalls, so make sure you don’t get lost while you’re searching for those handicrafts, Thai silk dresses and ceramics. By the way, you should also take this as an opportunity to indulge in some yummy food here at some of the many food stalls!

RELATED READ: Guide to Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

4 – Airplane Graveyard

Inside of a cockpit of an abandoned airplane at the airplane graveyard bangkok

For a unique experience, the aeroplane graveyard is one of the more adventurous sites to visit in Bangkok. Here you’ll find the carcasses of three abandoned aeroplane bodies – two of them are small, but the other one belongs to a huge 747 that you can enter and explore. If you’re feeling creative, this location is a photographer’s paradise! As this “graveyard” is further out of the city, it’s less visited by tourists than other attractions! 

By the way, you will most probably need to pay a fee to enter the plane, as there’s a local family living there. They usually ask for 200 to 300 baht/person (6,50 – 9$).

5 – Floating Market

river with dozens of merchant boats at a floating market in bangkok

Visiting a floating market in Bangkok is a unique experience where you get an insight into the history of Bangkok back when the city heavily relied on water transport. There are a few different floating markets to choose from where you can take boat tours to explore the different stalls and produce.

Some great ones are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Bangkok

Melissa looking down from one of the edges of wat arun temple in Bangkok

The list above included the 5 must-visit Bangkok attractions for just a couple of days, but the city has so much more to offer! If you have more time on your hands before heading over to other destinations in Thailand, below are some cool places and activities that I recommend you add to your list. Just mix and match the most exciting ones for you:

Best tours of Bangkok by type of traveller

Girl Around the World posing in front of Benchamabopit Temple in Thailand
person holding a fried scorpion on a stick in front of khao san road in Bangkok

Yep, indeed, there are tons of Bangkok tourist places and your bucket list might be super long in the end. In case you don’t want to spend endless hours planning the perfect Bangkok itinerary for your trip, a great idea would be to book some organised tours. Here are my best recommendations:

Where to stay in Bangkok

Girl Around the World sitting on the balcony facing the park at Hotel Indigo Bangkok
Melissa sitting in front of the infinity pool at Hotel Indigo Wireless Road Bangkok

RELATED READ: What you’ll find below is just a quick round-up. For an in-depth look at the best areas and hotels in the city, I recommend checking out my complete article: Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

To be completely honest, choosing the best place to stay in Bangkok can be quite an overwhelming task! There are tons of accommodation options here, from high-end hotels to hostels, apartments and more. With so many different neighbourhoods to stay in this gigantic city, the easiest way to go about it is to filter accommodations by area, depending on what you want to visit during your trip.

In order to make things easier for you, I’ve made a hand-picked selection with some of the best places to stay in Bangkok in each of the most popular areas for tourists:

Historic Old Town – Sala Arun Bangkok

Sukhumvit – Hotel Indigo Bangkokthis is where we stayed!

Chinatown – Shanghai Mansion

Siam – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Khao San Road – Riva Surya Bangkok

Best places to eat in Bangkok & what to eat

When it comes to food, Bangkok is bursting with endless choices! Thai cuisine is extremely flavourful and interesting, and indulging in some traditional dishes HAS to be one of the best things to do in Bangkok! If you feel me, here’s my list of some must-try dishes during your visit to Bangkok, together with the food places where you can try them:

PAD THAI

Pad Thai is possibly the most popular dish from Thailand. It’s basically stir-fried noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg, topped with crushed peanuts. The most famous place to have Pad Thai in Bangkok is Thip Samai which happens to be one of the oldest restaurants to serve this dish, dating back to World War II. The original place can be found at Maha Chai Road.

Plate of Pad Thai

TOM YUM

Tom Yum is a signature Thai dish; this sweet and sour soup is made with lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, kaffir lime leaves and some chilli to give it a bit of a kick. For a good street food restaurant that serves it, try Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu. For a less, spicy version of this dish, look out for Tom Kha Gai, which is made with coconut milk instead.

Tom Yum Soup with eating sticks on top

PANANG CURRY

A bit less spicy than the other curries in Thailand, Panang curry is a tourist favourite in the country. A good place to have Panang Curry is Krua Apsom – so good, in fact, the Thai royal family often visits!

a pan with panang curry and a dish of jasmine rice on the side

MANGO STICKY RICE

A must-try dessert when visiting Thailand! It’s a simple and easy to find dish in Bangkok, made up of rich, sticky coconut rice, condensed milk and sweet mango slices. It’s insanely indulgent. A well-known place for making amazing mango sticky rice is Kor Panich.

plate of mango sticky rice

Getting around Bangkok

Okay, now that you know what to do in Bangkok and which places to visit during your trip, how do you actually get around Bangkok? There isn’t one single way to get from point A to point B, but several! Here are the best options for travellers:

tuk tuks on the road at the chinatown of bangkok

SKYTRAIN (BTS)

Probably the easiest and most convenient way to travel around the centre of the city. One-way tickets start at around 15 baht (0,50$) per person. By the way, the so-called “sky train” is one of Bangkok top tourist attractions actually and taking a ride around the city with this special means of transport is an unmissable activity – as odd as this may sound!

SUBWAY (MRT)

In case you prefer not to be up above, then let’s try something down below. The MRT covers a larger area than the Skytrain and you can even change between the two at Silom or Asoke station.

TUK-TUK

In all honesty, this is a must-do for first-timers in Bangkok, at least for fun! A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeler commonly found in most Asian countries. Okay, they’re not extremely comfortable and they’re super loud as well, but they have their own, authentic charm. Compared to other means of transport, all tuk-tuk ride fares must be negotiated right when you set foot in the vehicle, so this is a touristic experience in itself! 

MOTORCYCLE TAXI

These ones are pretty similar to the tuk-tuks, but they’re… motorcycles. You can find tons of them outside Skytrain or MRT stations and they’re extremely affordable, making them great for short distances. Don’t forget that the ride price must be negotiated beforehand, just like for the tuk-tuk! Work on your haggling skills!

TAXI

Cheap and convenient, especially after midnight, when there’s no public transportation operating. Insider tip: when you enter a taxi in Bangkok, make sure the driver turns on the meter and doesn’t try to negotiate a fixed fee instead; they have a bad reputation for ripping off tourists! Starting fare is 35 baht.

CHAO PHRAYA RIVER EXPRESS BOAT

How about you go from one attraction to the other by boat instead of train or taxi? There are boats departing every 20 minutes (5 minutes during rush hours) that can take you to all the main attractions in the city for small fees.

Round-up of my Bangkok city guide

If you were looking for a complete guide to Bangkok, Thailand – now you have it! In this article, I have covered your most burning questions about the best tourist places to go in Bangkok and tours, as well as some excellent hotels, unmissable dishes to try and how to get around the city. 

Bangkok offers endless activities and things to do for all types of travellers out there – and I mean all! Regardless if you’re a backpacker ready to raid some food markets, a culture lover with a list of beautiful temples to see or a luxurious traveller who wants to stay in a superb hotel and go on a shopping spree, followed by a night out clubbing, rest assured that Bangkok is THE place to do all this and more!
But as wonderful as it may be, Bangkok is not the only amazing destination in Thailand. If you want to further discover this unforgettable country, I recommend checking out all our adventures and articles about it here.

xoxo,

Melissa

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