This is where you can see local markets selling fruit and fabric, strange mannequins, speciality shops that look like a hoarder’s attic and in between the chaos, what everyday life is like for most Thai people living in Bangkok. Bring your camera and look both ways when you cross the street! Near the Phra Khanong BTS there is also a great underground bar scene featuring smaller places with their own unique vibe and budget friendly drink prices.

The “Green Lung” of Bangkok - due to merciful zoning laws no tall buildings can be built here - leaving us with a gorgeous garden oasis in the center of this chaotic metropolis. This is the perfect cycling location in Bangkok. If you’re looking for a quick dose of nature this is the place to go. It has a great weekend market, park and many very cool cafes. Recommended to go on the weekend as most of the cafes aren’t open during all the weekdays.

This area hosts many of the city’s top restaurants, rooftops, clubs, cafes and cocktail bars. It is a popular hang out spot among young Thais, international foodies, salarymen, and models. The one thing they all have in common is they have a little money in the pocket. But don’t let that scare you - if you play it right even those of us on a budget can have a great time here. This is the perfect place to eat a world class meal, sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar as the sunsets and go dancing with some new friends.

This is the raunchy business district of Bangkok. This area is home to Terminal 21 (and the Pier 21 food court), many pool halls, indian and arabic restaurants, night clubs and the infamous red light districts, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza. Here you can see a lot of the diverse cultures that are also part of the fabric of Bangkok. Whether you are looking for something extra naughty or not, this is a good area to let loose in. The vibe is less self conscious and classy than some areas of Bangkok. If you choose to participate in the red light activities of BKK, be smart. It is a safe city, but once you step into the dirty underbelly everything gets a little less safe.

Siam square and the surrounding areas are great for shopping whether you are looking for global brands or cute boutique shops selling local brands. It is also home to the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Center - the main museum of the city, which is free to enter. You can have a nice day here visiting the museum and some surrounding galleries stopping for nice coffees and cakes in between. There is also the Jim Thompson museum, which will be of particular interest to those into ancient Thai architecture. Not far away is the famous Pratunam market and Palladium world - wholesale and retail markets.

This is another neighborhood of Bangkok known for its posh and trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. It is a very sought after neighborhood to live in by expats and wealthy Thais. There are some cool art galleries around here. Nearby is the neighborhood Silom, which has become the gay party capital of Bangkok. Great for drag shows and gay parties!

This neighborhood is famous for its street art, winding alleyways, chinese style temples and riverside cafes. You can tell the long history in this neighborhood; it has been around for far longer than most of the city. It is also an area popular among mechanics who leave giant piles of metal and gears outside of their shops, adding to the vaguely cyberpunk aesthetics of the area. Definitely bring your camera when you go. This is a great place to hop between art galleries, and wander the funky streets between different relaxing cafes before catching the sunset at River Vibe rooftop.

Chinatown is a vibrant, historical neighborhood full of shopping and street food. It is really fun to wander around Yaowarat road in the evening time and see the lights and try different street food, fruit juices and snacks. Although heads up - it can be really overwhelming with all the people, sounds, smells and sights crammed into a small space. There’s a lot of famous restaurants here that you will probably have to queue for if you come at peak time. After an evening in Chinatown one could swing by the swanky soi nana (different from Sukhumvit Nana) for a delicious cocktail at one of the many nice bars on this street.

This is where you can visit the most famous temples in Bangkok, get scammed by a tuktuk driver, and stay up until sunrise drinking in the infamous Khao San all in one day. This is a classic area of Bangkok for travelers. The little back streets around Khao San are great for wandering around and exploring. Leave your pretension at the door and pack your elephant pants and earplugs - let’s go party in Old Town!