Okay, so The White Lotus Season 3 dropped, and the “White Lotus effect” is in full swing – suddenly, everyone’s craving a bougie Thai getaway. This hits even harder now, as Travel+Leisure has named Southeast Asia the 2025 destination of the year.

Every time we visit Bangkok, we’re reminded of how the city thrives on constant reinvention. (Have you seen the stunning Dior Gold House yet in the city’s Phloen Chit district?) It’s a metropolis where art, design, and culture come together in unexpected ways, from street corners to rooftop spaces. We’re always exploring the local art scene and seeking out spots where design takes centre stage. 

In this guide, we’re sharing some of our go-to places in the city where the boundaries between art, design, and culture blur. Whether it’s a gallery with an interactive exhibit, a creative new hotel, or a sleek cafe with art as its backdrop, Bangkok offers a fresh perspective at every turn. If you love exploring the creative side of a city, this guide is your ticket to discovering Bangkok’s art scene like never before.

Songwat, Bangkok’s coolest new postcode, is where heritage meets haute! This riverside ‘hood, once a sleepy trading district, is now brimming with chic cafes, artisanal boutiques, and speakeasy bars tucked within beautifully restored shophouses. Imagine: sipping a matcha latte amidst antique charm, then discovering a hidden gem for vintage finds. It’s an Insta-worthy blend of old-world allure and modern-day cool, perfect for the woman who appreciates culture with a contemporary twist. Get ready to explore!

Follow the community page to check out the latest installations and pop-ups in that area

Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

@madeinsongwat community on Instagram

Warehouse 30 feels like a secret world tucked away in the bustling streets of Bang Rak. It’s an old warehouse that has been transformed into a vibrant space with various vendors, combining art galleries, quirky shops, and cafes. The place offers a creative playground where visitors can wander, discover local artists, and grab a coffee all in one spot. The vibe is relaxed, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon. 

Don’t forget to check out its Instagram page for a list of current vendors, exhibitions and events. 

48 Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

  www.warehouse30.com or @warehouse30.bkk on Instagram

We always make it a point to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) every time we’re in Bangkok. The exhibitions change quite regularly, and we often find ourselves here for at least three hours at a time. On our last visit, we managed to see works from both international and local artists featured at the Bangkok Art Biennale, including a Singaporean artist, Amanda Heng. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a stunning spiral walkway that loops around its massive open space – perfect for that Instagram shot.

BACC is just a short walk away from Siam Square, Siam Paragon, SiamScape, and MBK Center, so you can easily make it a full day of shopping and art in the same area.

939 Rama I Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand 

www.bacc.or.th/en or @baccbangkok on Instagram

If you’re a fan of unique, high-quality fragrances, Copenn is a brand you’ll want to check out. Apart from the beautifully crafted scents that are earthy and nature-inspired (in my opinion), the stores are also beautifully designed. They also offer incense sticks and cones, hand creams, and sprays that you can use at home too. 

Copenn’s pop-up in the trendy Song Wat neighbourhood will be available only until December 2025, so it’s a great opportunity to visit the area if you haven’t already.

1452 Song Wat Rd, Khwaeng Chakkrawat, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, 

Thailand 

www.copenn.com or @copenn.official on Instagram

Set in a former printing house in Chinatown, Bangkok Kunsthalle is one of those places that challenges both artists and visitors. It spans a trio of brutalist buildings, so we should probably wear our grungiest outfits for the best pictures here. We caught “Nine Plus Five Works by Michel Auder,” its first exhibition, which featured coloured neon lights framing different parts of the space, complete with experimental films and film poetry.

Bangkok Kunsthalle is temporarily closed from time to time for exhibition changes or maintenance, so be sure to check its socials for the latest updates.

599 Pantachit Alley, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand 

www.bangkok-kunsthalle.org/en/ @bangkok_kunsthalle on Instagram

Baan Silapin, tucked along the Thonburi canals, is a charming wooden house that has been transformed into a vibrant art space where we can not only admire local art but also get creative ourselves. What we love about it is that it’s not just another passive location – it’s a living, breathing cultural hub. We come here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, but if we want, we can even make our own little bead bracelets or paint by the canal – all while sipping a refreshing glass of sugarcane juice.

Baan Silapin is a little further from central Bangkok, so you’ll need to allocate time for travelling.

309 Phet Kasem Rd, Khuha Sawan, Phasi Charoen, Bangkok 10160, Thailand

www.facebook.com/BaanSilapin/ or @artisthousebkk on Instagram 

The museum showcases an impressive collection of modern Thai art and international works, all housed in a sleek, modern building that’s as much a work of art as the pieces inside. What we love about it is how it captures the evolving Thai art scene — everything from traditional influences to experimental, cutting-edge pieces. 

Check out one of the permanent exhibitions on the third floor — an area designed to resemble an old Thai-style house, dedicated to the Thai classical literature Khun Chang – Khun Paen. It’s called the “House of Phimphilalai” and retells the story of Phimphilalai, a beautiful woman fought over by two men, through two interpretations by artists of different generations.

499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

https://mocabangkok.com or @mocabangkok on Instagram 

This multi-brand shop curates an amazing selection of slow fashion pieces, from stylish swimwear to lifestyle accessories and vintage clothing. What we love about Blulagoon is how they focus on quality and sustainability, so we can feel good about what we’re buying.  

It’s located in Siam Square, so you’ll definitely pass by it on one of your shopping trips.

Lido Connect fl 246 Siam Square Soi 2, Patumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand

@blulagoon__ on Instagram

Images of plump, raw prawns doused in what looked like a chilli, garlic, and coriander-laden sauce were enough for a local friend to convince us to dine at Ruay Mitr. They’re known for being a porridge joint on the trendier side — by that, we mean it’s IG-worthy, and you can order some delicious cocktails — all paired with an extensive menu that’ll make us wish we’d brought more friends to share it all with. 

Other dishes you have to try include the Son-in-law eggs and the Hong Kong-style quick-fried tenderloin.

28 N Sathon Thani Road, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand 

@ruaymitr on Instagram 

The vibe here is all about fun and creativity, from its signature drinks to the unique food menu. What’s cool is the “funkiness scale” they use to guide us through its drinks, starting with something more approachable like the Tokyo Banana (funk level 2) and working our way up to bold and adventurous flavours. As for the music, they play funky tunes and R&B, with DJs spinning from Thursday to Saturday.

The space has an outdoor seating area as well if you want some fresh air 

1, 39 Sukhumvit 37 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

@fnkytown.bar on Instagram 

If you’re the kind of person who has a habit of buying one ceramic item on every holiday to support local artists and have a visual and practical piece at home to remember the trip by, Cone Number 9 is a must-visit. It houses handmade ceramics, all crafted with care in its family-run factory in Mae Tha district, Lampang. Each piece is created using a unique glazing technique that they’ve been perfecting for over 10 years. The best part? It’s also part café, so you can get your caffeine fix while browsing too. 

Cone Number 9 HQ เลขที่ 281/7, Soi Sukhumvit 63, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand 

www.conenumbernine.com/ or @conenumber9 on Instagram 

Bonci is the perfect café for a laid-back yet Instagrammable experience. The two-storey space features a minimalist design with warm wood textures and navy blue accents throughout. The second floor offers more dining spaces and a photobooth, and it is also where they host workshops from time to time. 

Bonci regularly collaborates with various brands and artists, so be sure to check its social pages for the latest updates.

1477 Phahonyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand 

@hellobonci on Instagram 

You can’t miss Thai iced tea when you’re in Thailand, but if you’re looking for a trendier alternative to ChaTraMue, Khiri Thai Tea is a great place to start. Its flagship store in Yaowarat is housed in a beautiful three-storey building, where they serve freshly brewed Thai tea sourced from different regions of the country, accompanied by a mini teapot and fresh milk on the side. 

It has three outlets in total, including one on the G floor of Siam Paragon and a pop-up on the B floor of EmQuartier.

Tri Mit Road, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

@khiri_thaitea on Instagram 

If you’re into bold, experimental dining in a one-of-a-kind setting, Electric Sheep is the place to be. Think retro-futuristic décor straight out of Blade Runner  –neon lighting, mannequins dressed in neo-noir garb, and a dining experience that feels like stepping into a dystopian film set. As for the food, Michelin-starred chefs Amerigo Tito Sesti and Yoan Martin serve up Mediterranean flavours paired with local Thai ingredients. 

Electric Sheep is open only from Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to midnight.

: 4th Floor, 867 ถ. เจริญกรุง Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand 

@electricsheepbkk on Instagram 

Club Salva: Record Bar is all about good vibes, offering an impressive selection of tunes ranging from jazz to minimal house, all spun on vinyl. The cocktails here feature a fun twist, with a focus on fermented ingredients for a truly unique experience. 

If you’ve ever been to Modern-Day Culture, Club Salva is located just one floor below it.

70 (Floor, 3 Soi Sukhumvit 63, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand 

@clubsalva on Instagram 

Opened just last year, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is the first Moxy in Thailand and the largest in the Asia Pacific. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the playful, artistic vibe – check-in takes place at the vibrant Moxy Bar, and the spaces are designed to encourage interaction. Whether you’re hanging out in the Library, relaxing in the Lounge, or planning your next adventure in one of the smartly designed rooms, everything here is about breaking the mould and offering a lively, social atmosphere. 

Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is located right next to Big C and has a linked bridge to CentralWorld, making it one of the most convenient places to stay in the city.

Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bkkox-moxy-bangkok-ratchaprasong/overview/ or @moxybangkok on Instagram 

If you’re into art, culture, and a bit of adventure, The StandardX Bangkok Phra Arthit is the place to stay. What makes the space truly unique is that the lobby itself doubles as an art gallery, showcasing rotating exhibitions from local and international artists. When we last visited, they featured works from local Thai artist Gongkan, one of Asia’s rising art stars. While we didn’t (read: couldn’t) buy one of the featured pieces, we managed to pick up some merch from The StandardX store, also located on the first floor. The cosy space features just 62 rooms, and they have a rooftop pool that overlooks the Chao Phraya River as well.

Bang, the in-house restaurant, offers a Happy Hour Bogo deal every day from 4pm to 7pm.

45, 1 Phra Athit Road, Khwaeng Chana Songkhram, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

www.standardx.com/bangkok/ or @thestandardxbangkok on Instagram 

For a truly immersive experience, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok is where art, culture, and fun collide. The hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a vibrant space that celebrates creativity. The lobby and common areas showcase a rotating art exhibition, such as the current Souvenirs by Simon Pillard and Philippe Rossetti, which will be here until December 2025. If you’re in the mood for something interactive, join in activities like their Backyard Boogie or Trivia Tuesday at Paradise Lost, where four rounds of exciting trivia bring together both locals and visitors for a lively competition.

BanThat Thong Road, famous for its buzzy nightlife and street food, is just a short walk from the hotel.

865 Rama 1 Road, Opposite National Stadium, Wangmai, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

www.siamatsiam.com/bangkok/ or @siamatsiambangkok on Instagram 

If you’re looking for a hotel that feels more like a living art piece, The Mustang Blu is unlike any other place. Located near Bangkok’s Chinatown, this boutique hotel has just 10 rooms but makes a significant impact when it comes to design. It’s not just about the aesthetics, though – The Mustang Blu has a cool, intimate vibe that makes you feel as though you’re stepping into an artist’s dream. Each room follows the same theme, with classic old wood floors, porcelain clawfoot tubs, and antique brass accents.

Even if you’re not staying here, this hotel is worth a visit  (there’s a cafe!) to admire its one-of-a-kind design. 

721 Maitri Chit Rosd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

https://www.facebook.com/cohost.msblu/ or @themustangblubangkok on Instagram