Looking for gifts in Bangkok

The original riverside building of the Mandarin Oriental, now called the Authors' Wing, dates to 1876 and hosted writers such as Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham. Staying in a suite there is the full experience, but non-guests can still step into the history with afternoon tea in the Authors' Lounge. Reserve ahead…

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and the city administration run a free Concert in the Park at Lumphini Park. In 2026 the series ran on Sundays from mid January to the start of March, with music from 5:30 pm and a mix of light classical, film scores and Thai traditional tunes. Bring a mat and arrive…

Rattanakosin, Banglamphu and Khao San put temples and the river on your doorstep and suit first-timers who want history, but Skytrain and metro access is limited. When you want the rest of the city, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat or tourist boat to Sathorn pier, next to Saphan Taksin BTS station. Khao San Road…

Each year in the ninth lunar month, usually in October, Yaowarat and nearby Talat Noi fill with stalls flying yellow flags marked with the Thai letter เจ. Jay food is stricter than ordinary vegetarian, with no meat, seafood, eggs or dairy, so it suits vegans well. Go in the evening on foot and try noodles, mock-meat…

The Thailand Cultural Centre has a 2,000-seat main hall and is where the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra stages its concerts, from classical works to jazz-flavoured evenings. Check the orchestra and venue schedule for the dates that match your trip, then book in advance through the official channel. Evening concerts…

Saxophone Pub, just off Victory Monument, is a long-running venue for jazz, blues and funk, with live sets late into the night. The pub opens in the evening and the first set starts around half past seven. Take BTS Victory Monument and walk to the pub, then order a drink and settle at a table with a view of the stage…

Sampeng Lane runs behind Yaowarat Road and is a wholesale lane of fabric, buttons, ribbons, hair accessories and toys. Go on a weekday morning before the heat, because weekends are busiest and shops start closing between four and five. Many shops sell wholesale only, so ask first about single items. Enter from…

Bangkok main flower market on Chak Phet Road never closes, and it is liveliest in the small hours, when wholesale buying peaks. Arrive around 2 to 4 in the morning to watch buyers and garland makers at work, and ask a seller to weave a jasmine garland to order. By about 7 the pace drops and the rest of the day is…