The Bohemian Guide to exploring Bangkok with 13 tips on things to do, places to eat, and more

Stay wild, flower child – even when you’re travelling to the city, my gypsy queen!

Do you love to run freely, filled with cultural delights, colours of a rainbow and all things artsy?

Well, believe it (or not) but Bangkok has a playground filled with all sorts of treats that will set your creative soul on fire!

Get lost in her world (and streets) of art, enjoy time among the flowers – or delight in eating them too if that’s what you wish – or take up a new skill, such as leatherwork! (Making your very own camera bag in whatever leather and colour you wish? How satisfying!)

Spend the day exploring dope boho neighbourhoods or lose yourself for a good few hours in the BIGGEST secondhand book store in Thailand. Naturally, get cultured in galleries too.

Whatever your creative tastes are after, Bangkok has a flowing plethora of artsy fartsy, beautiful bohemic scenes – and you’ll find that you might just never want to leave!

Read more:

19 Enchanted forest and garden cafes to dine at in Bangkok for a magical experience

34 Charming new unique cafes and restaurants in Bangkok that are must-visits!

17 Cafes in Bangkok with the most Instagram-worthy desserts

19 Unique and magical places to visit in Thailand with fairies, dragons and flaming cliffs

1. Explore and discover the magic of a Bohemian neighbourhood – Ari District

One of my favourite things that I lurve to do when visiting any new city – especially if it’s a big one like Bangkok… Is to check out a particular neighbourhood filled with some kind of magic; explore places, take photos, eat and treat, see what that place is actually about.

And my little heart started to beat oh-so-fast when I had a look at just how totally beautiful and creative this little space in the middle of a bustling city, truly is!

Filled with cool cafes, brunch spots, things to do, street art, photo opportunities galore and lastly, some BKK neighborhood architecture. You could easily get lost here for 3 hours.

Recently, it’s been claiming fame to being the new cafe district and I can totally see why. There’s all sorts and styles, an overflowing abundance of greenery, and I love Daydream Believer’s hidden garden vibes – so enchanting.

I also fell in love with this florist/cafe/flower workshop space, sweetly named Flower in Hand by P. They also make cookies with edible flowers here – sooooo beautiful.

Lastly, what’s better than gelato on a hot day? Umm nothing! Step back to the 50’s at Floaters and pop past this totally adorable stand-alone stall. They’ve just opened and are located in Sananapha area near the end of Soi Ari.

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2. Beautiful greens, colours, art and even a stay on the riverside – The perfect Boho Accommodation

Being the type of person affected by the energies of my surroundings, I always like to ensure that the place I lay my head at night, is a constant surrounding of zen.

So naturally I’m on the lookout for accommodation that offers this. Somewhere close to nature, filled with colour, tons of greenery and a lightness – I’m sure you catch my vibe.

Here are some of the places to stay in BKK that ensure just that!

2-a) Feel like you’re entering into a heaven of flowers – K Maison Boutique Hotel

Calling all you flower children and fairies, you might just take an actual ‘GASP’ when you first take sight of this beautifully magical stay – that’s the only way to describe it.

A bit fancier than the rest with her marble floors, this has a slight Alice in Wonderland/let’s go meet the Queen theme, but in this weird, pretty and wonderful way.

Decorated in whites, wickers, English-blues and head-to-toe florals – literally there’s a hallway made fully of flowers – well the walls and roof is covered in them anyway – it’s seriously gorgeous.

Kay’s Boutique Breakfast, the hotel’s cafe also draws in crowds alone for the food – it is also an amazing breakfast spot! They’ve got everything from granola bowls to ‘Hangover French Toast’.

2-b) Check into an antique botanic warehouse – at J No.14 Hotel

Full of open brick, hanging ferns and flora, and a lick of an industrialistic touch, this is the epitome of city meets country. So let’s start with the elephant in the room – which is more of a prop deer behind a collection of dried butterflies.

The lobby strikes you at first sight with an incredible mixture of oddball items. An animal skull resting on top of some Encyclopaedia Britannica style books, or a gorgeous classical wooden piano and even antique typewriters.

This former warehouse was envisioned and decorated by an interior design school graduate – the owner’s son to be more precise.

The imposing atrium is brimming with exotic plants whose magnificent Lincoln green colours are enhanced by the natural light.

But the best part by far is your room – a bare-bone and bare-brick setup with antique style furnishings, mahogany wooden floors, reworked walls and black and white tiled bathrooms.

This place is giving me all the 20s countryside/Parisian boutique hotel feels.

2-c) A bohemian lover’s paradise and my personal fave – Time Sabai

Now this little gem is what I would think of as trying to describe a Bohemian Rhapsody, filled with colour, raw materials, hanging hammocks and woods – all things artsy fartsy and a magical garden in which your accommodation is built within.

It feels very peaceful and the place seems to be all about them relaxed, flowing, easy-going vibrations. It feels like you’re in your own little tropical utopia to be honest.

The rooms are gorgeously decorated in rich colours, warm woods, stunning ceramics here and there (bright orange bathroom sink bowls – obsessed) – and big french windows/or a balcony ensure that natural light is your friend.

Most of the rooms are dormitory style, but are unique and comfortable. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re travelling with a group or pair of friends. I’m so into this place, and totally would recommend it to friends! <3

2-d) Special Mention: Stay on the riverside in the Bohemian-esque, cultural stay – Loy La Long Hotel

Imagine waking up in the morning, to the natural sunlight bouncing off the water, streaming across your duvet sheets, as you rise from your splendid dream right on the riverside.

Yip, that’s right. This is ideal for escaping the city as it’s literally located on the Chao Praya River. The two story building sticks out into the river and you can even dip your toes in it. The entrance to your stay is actually tucked away through the entrance to a temple and Chinatown is just 3km away.

I love the setup and decor, an old tweak house boasting seven unique rooms, each decorated according to its colour scheme – and name of the room. It’s got a real authentic, bohemian, artsy kind of feel, and reminds me of the type of apartment an artist in Brooklyn would have. I love it!

Art, colour, textures, greens and more. Expect to find amazing common areas – a hugeee deck that stretches onto the water where pillows and mats are strewn across the wooden floors, a great space for meeting people.

PS:. Their motto is “Let it be. Let it go. Let it flow” – I mean, go figure, hippies. Peace.

3. Get lost and appreciate some seriously amazing street art – Street art hunting

I mean, it would be totally weird if Bangkok didn’t have any incredible street art, right? Where all sorts of folks and people of the earth love to roam, there has to be some form of a creative outlet that unite people; I’m talking about art here.

So naturally you’ll glee with excitement over the variety (and the amount) of epic, incredible and very talented pieces around the city, across buildings and walls, around street corners and some even on the floor!

If you’re an avid street art fan like myself, you’ll recognise the traditional Thai style figurines and portraits. There’s tons of HUGE pieces across buildings illustrated amazingly, and some just BURSTING with colour and talent!

Some of my favourite places to check out street art are Chalermla Public Park (the park walls here are covered and it just happens to be named Graffiti Park, I mean go figure as well as the art changes regularly)…

And around Chinatown (Talad Noi), and of course, often just walking around the streets of Bangkok present to you some of the most delightful street art surprises!

4. Wanna check out some really cool bookstores? — Passport Bookshop, Dasa Book Cafe

Nothing fills my soul more than stumbling across a hidden gem of a bookstore, which inevitably leads to me leaving with a new book – or five – and another treasure to add to my collection.

The smell of a bookstore alone can entice me inside, and a lot of times I’m not too fussed about the interiors, but more so the quality of books. Luckily, Bangkok’s been able to meet both criterias and these two bookstores are a must-visit!

Get this, Dasa Book Cafe is the biggest secondhand bookshop in Bangkok with over 18,000 books! Before stepping in, the shopfront with its cart of used books on sale outside makes it look like a simple and unassuming book cafe – however enter inside to 3 levels!

Passport Bookshop is a hidden gem simply oozing with character! They’re not huge, but they have an awesome collection and intriguing array of titles and selections. Plus, look how beautiful it is!

5. Uber magical boho spots to dine at? — Enchanted Forest Cafes

If you’re a free spirit, sometimes the business of the city, tall buildings, zooming vehicles and millions of people, can become a bit overwhelming/interfere with your energies.

So a place of relaxation, plus good food and good vibes is always a lovely treat. We’ve found a few of our favourite that really tickle our fancy and are as pretty as a picture. It’s time for some inner zen!

5-a) A charming hidden café at the flower market – Floral Café

Amidst Bangkok’s Old Town, hidden in its flower market lies an enchanting secret café that blesses you with a floral abundance.

Besides being hidden in a flower market, the café also requires you to walk through a flower shop before chancing upon its beauty – decorated from floor to ceiling with natural flowers, crystals, branches and everything magical (like beautifully detailed ceramics which are also on sale!)…

Apart from it’s magical, flowery interiors; the café is often raved about for its array of homemade sweet treats like massive cakes, flower flavoured ice-creams and teas…

Lavender tea or rose ice-cream – the theme at the café depends on the season; so coming back few months later, you might find another side of the Floral Café… Warm coloured flowers could be replaced by cooler ones… I totally love this concept!

Floral Café always surprises with its decoration so that every time you drop by, it leaves you speechless… And I totally get these wonderful Enid Blyton feels!

5-b) Woodn’t you want to know what’s behind that door? – Wood Café

If you ever stumble upon an old wooden door shrouded in greenery, chances are that it could be the entrance to a café!

Once you’re past the door, you’ll enter a splendid garden with an English cottage in the center. Yes, the café is in that cottage.

Brown, earthy hues with decorative fresh flowers make customers feel as if they’re dining in the home of a woodland fairy – as they sip on iced chocolate and take a bite of their cake.

There are also main dishes for guests with bigger appetites, including salads and pasta.

Wood Café has live performances from time to time, so be sure to check their Facebook page for updates! Perfect for some chill time in a lovely environment.

5-c) Dining in a magical floral extravaganza – The Blooming Gallery

A delight for the senses is what The Blooming Gallery is. Step inside and you’re immediately surrounded by all sorts of gorgeous florals.

Bunches of flowers and ferns delight on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, and decorating every imaginable corner of the space. It’s quite literally a place where you can imagine flower fairies flitting about, the perfect space for an enchanting time.

Not to forget, they also have a sweet Afternoon Tea Set for 4 available! It’s simply gorgeous if you ask me, wow. (It’s also super affordable at 313 Baht / USD $9.45 per person.)

Just look at the menu with fantastically named dishes like “Morning by the Blooming Garden”, The Duck Pond”, “A Path in the Forest”, “The Wood Lane” and more

Our favourite thing about this cafe honestly, is their spectacular attention to detail.

From the intricate decor and well presented food, to even little things like the names of the dishes – The Blooming Gallery is definitely a must-visit in our books.

6. Time to get thrifting, bargaining, shopping and tasting – Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin and Chatuchak Playground

The spectacular thing about Bangkok is that around every nook, cranny and corner you’re guaranteed to find some gems – and/or basically anything that you’re looking for, and that includes its markets.

With that being said, and to fit the boho profile, these are two of my personal faves:

Firstly, Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin offers the most incredible mix of vintage, groovy, old-school, dont-need-it-but-have-to-have-it stalls selling everything from daisy dungarees from the 90s (yip, of course I bought them)…

Treasure hats from the 50s to today, vintage figurines, socks with all sorts of patterns and designs – I’m a sucker for socks haha! – leather goods and brass jewels… I mean it’s a treasure trove down here.

(And don’t forget to try Monster Shrimp’s seafood extravaganza – you WON’T be disappointed, I personally promise).

Next, and quite new to the scene is the Chatuchak Playground, located just outside the main market! I love love loveee this one as it’s actually a real-style flea market selling all sorts of vintage items and antiques, with lots of stalls displayed on the floor – gypsy style.

I’m talking old film cameras, all types of brass, second hand clothing, leather bags, boots, bowls, statues, all types of homeware from the 50s to the 90s. I can guarantee you won’t leave without buying at least one thing.

7. Healing, power and energies; Always looking to add to your collection? – Crystal Shopping

I’m an avid believer in the power of my stones and I’m never without my 7 chakra crystal, smoky quartz and moonstone around my neck. Without them I feel bare, they do their balancing work, ya know…

Now I’m sure if you’re reading this guide, you’re pretty much the same. You never travel without your beloved stones/crystals, each for their various healing purposes and strengths.

Note: If you don’t know the crystals you’re wearing/in possession of, you should definitely always ask the person you’re buying it from, or check it out in a Crystal bible. If you don’t have one, Google always helps – as each stone carries its own properties and purpose and some may or may not gel with you.

So naturally, you’re always on the hunt for them stones, especially in a buyer’s paradise such as Bangkok. To narrow it down, we’ve listed a few spots that offer variety, raw and untumbled stones as well as other little treasures:

❏ Power Stone – If you’re looking for sizely, raw stones, this is your game and they have an excellent variety of cluster, transmitters, spheres (balls), pyramids, generators and geodes! As well as pendants and tumbled stones!

❏ Siam Colour Stone Beads – If you’re after tumbled stones (and in ABUNDANCE) this is the place (they also sell beads of crystals, like every single type you can imagine). If you’re looking for some jewellery pieces too such as pendulents and wands, they’ve got a great display and choice for you to choose from.

❏ Lapis Centre – Holy Moly Macaroni, all I’m gonna say is wholesale people, i.e. stones in the BUCKETS. And they’ve been around since 1994! JACK.POT!!!

The markets will always have a few stones (although they may be your common ones such as amethyst, rose quartz, clear quartz, tigers eye, etc) but Chatuchak Market does have two or three stalls that sell alot of wands and pendulums – and I always stop by there for a shop!

8. Snap away at all the amazing architectural, cultural, hip and beautiful spaces – Get creative with a photography jaunt

I recently bought my very first film camera and I have to say, I can’t wait for a trip to Bangkok to get snapping away at its streets!

The air is filled with LIFE in this city you know; there’s a beautiful kind of chaos that translates into a story when captured on film (digital or old-school).

And what cooler way to truly experience the vibe than exploring it on wheels? Tokyo Bike is this super chic, trendy bike store, that not only sells but you can rent one for the day! I’m so into the pastel colours, so retro!

Apart from the street art mentioned above, China Town (Talad Noi) is also absolutely full with beautiful buildings of old and new art – and Sieng Kong Zone, also known as Sarn Chao Sieng Kong. This area is home to the largest used car parts market in the capital, sounds random but makes for ultra cool and beautiful photos!

Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market is filled with garlands and bouquets and for quite obvious reasons, make for characteristic and colourful images!

The Grand Palace is also a must visit and the beauty of her patterns, mosaics and architecture is undeniable.

The Maeklong Railway Market as well as Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Bangkok’s main hub and central train station) – photos of tracks are always epic.

9. Get your creative juices flowing and try one of these amazing workshops! – Leather, Jewelry and DIY Arts & Crafts Workshops

Whether you’re simply passionate about any of the above (knowing that BKK will always be cheaper to do such workshops), or maybe you’re simply interested in picking up a new hobby…

A fantastic opportunity this is indeed!

9-a) Master the craft of leather designing – Craftsmangus

Have you ever felt intrigued by how leather products are made? Now you have a chance to experience it first hand and also learn basic leather craftsmanship.

Craftsmangus is your one-stop destination for learning all about leather – tools, skills, techniques and a lot more! So if you are a lover of leather goods, this is a must-try!

9-b) Get creative and learn some beautiful techniques – Onepiece-Oneform

Here they offer courses and classes for all levels, teaching you the art in some beautiful jewellery-making. Rings, bangles, earrings, necklaces, pendants as well as other experimental jewellery!

There’s no greater satisfaction than walking away with something so unique that you’ve created and get to wear – or give to someone.

9-c) Fuel your creativity and get artsy with watercolour and more – Olive Creative Laboratory

If cooking is not your thing, how about tapping into your creative side? Olive Creative Laboratory in Bangkok is your one-stop destination for all things artistic.

If you’ve always wanted to pick up new skills in watercolour, stitching or calligraphy, this art school has at least 10 different courses you can choose from!

10. Visit an art gallery, or three – Rebel Art Gallery, Goja Gallery & Speedy Grandma

It would be totally weird if we didn’t include any galleries/creative spaces in this list wouldn’t it… Here are three that have been making a bit of noise around the arts scene lately in town~

Rebel Art Space is a new venue focusing on art related to acts of rebellion, social activism & projects which bring attention to societal issues. This is a space to bring awareness and they also host talks, providing a platform for artists and people to exchange their thoughts and ideas.

Goja on the other hand, is a bit more contained than the previous, and they’re more of a creative space combined with this total Japanese-cool like feel. The gallery’s two white walls are lined with art pieces, which stand out in it’s minimalistic design.

You can also enjoy some divineee drip coffee, and they also frequently throw on a good show with frequent live music nights, as well as featuring Thai and Japanese DJs. Groovy man.

One more gallery but it’s a must! Speedy Grandma is a more quirky, down-to-earth kinda place, and focuses on displays of guerilla act arts. You know, because art is about creating conversation.

I love the eclectic mix of curated pieces as well as forms, and you can expect all mediums from traditional canvas art to experimental film screenings and performance art!

11. Unwind and have a little fun with some… PAINT! – Paint Bar

Their motto is paint, sip, repeat, so I’m sure you catch the drift as to what’s in store for you here.

Enjoy an evening spent laughing and sipping on some vino, whilst letting your creative side run free and wild! Sounds amazing right? Well, it truly is!

If you’re just a beginner, there’s no need to fear, with the help of an instructor (plus some craft beer/cider in your belly) you’ll feel confident soon enough I’m sure. So put that paint to blank canvas and let your imagination take control!

They’ve also got reasonably priced tapas such as meatballs and tacos!

PS: They supply you with all your materials so all you need is yourselves and your creativity and let the fun begin!

12. “I’ll take a cocktail with my wildflowers” – Wallflowers Upstairs

Looking to chill at a specifically bohemian bar? Step into this cosy vintage florist/rooftop bar and let your body relax among the flowers and florals of green.

With its reworked interiors and old-world charms, it feels like its own little haven.

Think ferns and flora…everywhere! The space is two stories, with the bottom half dedicated to the florist.

Now the second half is where you’ll find it’s beautiful glass rooftop bar, which feels like a magical secret garden of some sorts.

Nightfall and the fairy lights are out. Take a sip of their Lychee fizz Cocktail. Or perhaps a glass of vino? If you’re hungry, there’s good food to be had, such as the Kobe Beef Tataki (380 Baht).

So unique and beautiful in its set-up, the hours will simply slip past you here.

13. Bring your favourite Thai dishes home! – Cooking with Poo

Workshops are one thing, cooking classes are another. I know some of you boho lovers reeeeeally love the art of cooking. I mean, I just got a new cookbook myself and have been learning how to make my pastas from scratch!

Well, probably one of the most popular cooking classes in Bangkok, Cooking with Poo is owned and run by a lady named Khun Poo. She has even cooked her Thai recipes alongside the likes of Jamie Oliver! (My personal idol in the cooking world I might just add).

The cooking classes are designed such that the menu changes every day of the week. So, if on Monday, the main course dish is Pad Thai noodles, and on Friday it is Stir-fried chicken.

This gives you an opportunity to choose what you’d like to learn to cook.

At Cooking with Poo, your authentic Thai cooking experience starts even before you actually get to the kitchen.

Once you are picked up from the nearby landmark, at 8.30am, you are directly taken to the local wet market. This will give you an understanding of the fresh local produce and ingredients unique to Thailand.

 A futuristic venture that was started by one person inside a small slum in Bangkok, has now grown to be a 12-member strong team and is starting a new chapter in the outskirts of the city.

If authentic Thai culinary skills is what you are after, a cooking class with Poo and her well-trained team will give you just that.

So there you are my fellow fairies and gypsy hearts… Here’s our list to set your bohemian soul on fire.

And the next time you’re considering Bangkok, make sure you spend more than just a day here, with so many hidden gems, creative spaces, art and culture.

Let us know if Bangkok helped your creative side to sing, and how it all went down… We’re dying to know if she serves you creatively just as much as she does us! <3

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