Bangkok

Believe what you’ve heard, but Bangkok will always be more. Between the buzzing tuk-tuks (motorcycle taxis) and the vendor-filled streets, the City of Angels – also Krung Thep to the locals – is a rotating tapestry of commerce, colour and culture. It’s not uncommon to see an ornate golden shrine next to a sparkling mall, or have a well-heeled business set venture into a refurbished warehouse for a tech presentation, and the accessibility to diversity is a boon for any business event organiser.

The Kingdom’s grasp on finessing modernity with identity is unparallelled in the region, and every visit will stand out as an uncompromised experience, sealed with signature Thai hospitality.

Cultural

When it comes to culture, where do we start? Thailand’s multi-ethnicity has created rich traditions that infuses every aspect of its cities, and Bangkok’s triple set of temples is a good place to start.

If you’re an early riser, Wat Arun as the Temple of Dawn will reward you with an iridescent greeting, with prangs (spires) covered in coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. Then visit Thailand’s most important temple at Wat Phra Kaew, where a Buddha statue carved from a single piece of jade has blessed the country with prosperity. Finally, admire the giant Reclining Buddha and fascinating religious art at Wat Pho amongst the locals. Finish off with a traditional Thai massage at their endorsed school nearby.

Retail

Indisputably a regional haven for shopping, Bangkok’s newest landmark shopping destination manifests itself as ICONSIAM. The mixed-use project is a shining beacon along the Chao Phraya River, and adds to the many revitalisation efforts to the majestic waterway. Now it’s possible to enjoy an afternoon of temple-hopping and end at the sprawling malls of ICONSIAM in one day.

While luxury goods and fine-dining are a definite, one can also find authentic local products within their offerings – such as at the atmospheric SOOKSIAM – in the developer’s bid “to turn local heroes to global heroes”, as they preserve Thai legacies.

Dining

Chang Chui Creative Park was named by TIME in 2018 as one of the World’s Greatest Places, and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the market an artistic explosion of local designers, it houses galleries, cafes, bars, and retail in a surrealistic landscape – one with a landlocked airliner in the middle!.

The indiscriminate nature of the space has led to fine-dining options and street eats alike to sit side-by-side, offering visitors the ultimate Thai buffet in one spot, no matter your temperament. It even features insect haute cuisine for the adventurous!