Fitri Aelang

Let's be real: the golden temples are great and a whirlwind tuk-tuk ride is a rite of passage. But if that’s all you do, you’re only scratching the surface of what makes Bangkok one of the most exciting cities on the planet. The city’s real magic isn’t on a postcard; it's in the details. It’s the slurp of noodles at a tucked-away stall, the discovery of a cool art gallery down a quiet soi, and the laid-back vibe of a riverside park where locals unwind. These are the places that make you fall in love with the city for real. So, how do you get past the tourist traps and into the good stuff? That’s where the Trip.Best Top 100 comes in. By sifting through over 100 million user reviews, Trip.Best by Trip.com has created the ultimate data-driven, local-approved hit list of standout stays, must-try restaurants and unforgettable nights out. This is your key to unlocking the city’s best-kept secrets, like checking into an impossibly chic urban oasis like Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (a winner on the 2025 Global 100 Instagrammable Hotels list) or snagging a coveted table at culinary heavyweight Côte by Mauro Colagreco (crowned on the 2025 Global 100 Fine Dining list). Ready to see the Bangkok that locals are proud to call home? We’ve tapped into the Trip.Best list to get you started. Read on.

It starts the same way, every night. Backstage under the soft hum of dressing room lights, Myra Molloy ties a sai sin (a sacred white thread blessed by Thai monks) into her hair. She sips warm steam to soothe her voice, gets in a quick gym session and says a quiet prayer. These aren’t just warm-ups. They’re grounding. They're reminders that no matter how loud the applause or high the stakes, she knows exactly where she comes from. Minutes later, she steps onto a Broadway stage, becoming the first Thai woman in history to lead a major production. The weight of it all is not lost on her. ‘I genuinely can’t believe it,’ she says. ‘Being able to represent my own country in this way has been nothing short of a dream come true.’ But Myra’s story isn’t just about being first. It’s about opening the door wider, so more voices can walk through it. From the Bangkok stage to Broadway’s bright lights Photograph: Berklee online Myra’s path to the spotlight didn’t begin in New York but in a shopping mall in Bangkok. At 13, she captivated the kingdom by winning the very first season of Thailand’s Got Talent. Such a victory could have turned her into a local celebrity, but she chose not to settle.  Photograph: classicalcrossover While others might’ve chased red carpets, Myra headed to Berklee College of Music in Boston. She honed her skills, pushed herself and embraced the grind by touring internationally with Miss Saigon, voice acting as Moana in Thai and taking on every opportunity wit

The dinosaurs are back – and they’ve swapped Isla Nublar for Thailand’s stunning jungles, limestone cliffs, and turquoise seas! Hollywood’s latest blockbuster, Jurassic World Rebirth, has transformed Thailand into a prehistoric paradise. With stars like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali filming in Trang, Krabi, and Phang Nga from mid-June to July 2024, it’s not just a win for movie fans – it’s boosting tourism, supporting local crews, and powering the economy.  Why Thailand? Beyond the jaw-dropping scenery (think lush jungles and cascading waterfalls), the country offers a 20% rebate for international productions and a world-class team of film pros who know how to make magic happen. Hollywood, meet your tropical set! A Jurassic-themed attraction is coming to Bangkok! Starting mid-July 2025, Jurassic World: The Experience lands at Asiatique The Riverfront. This massive 10,000-square-metre. adventure spans two floors and features life-like animatronic dinosaurs, high-tech visuals, and iconic moments from the franchise brought to life. With 60-90 minute visits and a five-month run, there’s plenty of time to come face-to-face with a raptor (or two). Pre-register now before the dinos take over! Movie not out yet? Theme park still under construction? Don’t worry – we’ve rounded up five spots where you can unleash your inner palaeontologist, right here in Thailand.

Striding into Museum Pier this July, Thainosaur is Thailand’s biggest-ever dinosaur exhibition and it’s staying until November. This isn’t just a lineup of bones. This is a jaw-dropping showcase of real fossils, life-size replicas, and storytelling that brings Thailand’s dinosaur history to life. Who knew Bangkok used to be stomping grounds for prehistoric beasts? 166 Tha Suphan Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon. 

What started as a vision to turn a classic French garden into a botanical valley quickly evolved into something wilder. Nongnooch Pattaya Garden added a playful twist by introducing its first dino residents, starting with a set of triceratops. Fast forward to now, and you’ll find over 230 species of 814 of dinosaurs scattered across the grounds. It’s a dino maze where every turn reveals another prehistoric surprise. Snap a selfie with a stegosaurus, get lost among the raptors, or just take a peaceful stroll away from the city lights and soak up the Jurassic vibes.  34/1 Moo 7 Najomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi. 081-919-2153. Open daily 8am-6pm.

Looking for a roaring good time? Make tracks to this dino theme park, home to more than 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including the Argentinosaurus and T-Rex. But it’s not all posing for pics. Ride dinos, dig for fossils, hatch eggs and even cuddle baby dinos. Bonus: there’s a mini zoo with goats, deer and ducks for the full Jurassic-meets-farm experience. Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. 033-086-565. Open daily 9am-6pm.

Fossils, time travel, and a royal backstory - this museum has it all! Perched on one of Thailand’s richest excavation sites, the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum houses over 700 fossilized bones, including the famous phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae. Step into a cool, air-conditioned journey through time as you explore eight themed zones, from the Big Bang to human evolution. Volcanoes, ancient seas, towering skeletons, and epic storytelling – it’s part science, part adventure, and 100 percent worth the trip to Kalasin.200 Moo11, Non Buri, Sahatsakhan, Kalasin. 043-871-014. Open Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. Closed Mon

Thailand seems to always wake up ready to snatch a crown and this time it’s a big one. The country now ranks first in the world for gender equality in education. According to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum (in collab with Chulalongkorn University), Thai girls are absolutely crushing it, earning a perfect score of 1.000.  In the classroom, girlies are conquering but outside the situation is, well, still loading… Despite this educational glow-up, Thailand ranks only 66th overall in gender equality and 105th in political empowerment. So here comes the million-baht question: If Thai girls are thriving in school, why aren’t they running the world (yet)? These women have been showing up and showing out for years. They lead school councils, dominate university halls, win national contests and break academic records. And yes, Thailand has seen two female prime ministers or even a first Miss World from the nation but beyond those wins, boardrooms, parliament seats and corner offices are still mostly a boys' club. This mismatch hints at something deeper. Education might look equal on paper, but power, opportunity and visibility are still a mixed bag. Even within the country, not all girls get the same shot. Those from rural areas or lower-income backgrounds often face different realities, from being pulled out of school to help with the family shop to being nudged into early marriage. So no, not everyone’s Thailand looks the same. And representation matte

If you’ve ever hitched a ride on a motorbike taxi to skip gridlock, dodge a downpour or make a breakneck dash to the MRT, then you already know – those orange-vested heroes are Bangkok’s real-life fast-forward button. And now our beloved two-wheeled chariots are getting a bit of an upgrade. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a city-wide renovation of all 5,365 registered public motorbike taxi stands. The plan lasts from August to December 2025 and they’re aiming to make stands safer, cleaner and less chaotic. Every district office has been told to inspect 20% of their local stands each month under the ‘Model Stand’ initiative. That means every single stand in Bangkok gets a once-over by New Year’s Eve.  Inspections won’t just check for neat uniforms and straight lines. BMA’s bringing in the big guns, AI traffic cams, citizen reports and good old-fashioned human eyes on the ground. They’re tracking violations, cracking down on rule-breakers and yes, legal action is very much on the table. Citizens are being asked to report violations from sidewalk riding and dodgy plates to suspected drunk driving.  If you have a complaint, just open the Traffy Fondue app and include key details like the vest number, plate number and stand location.  The city’s also brought back its Motorbike Taskforce Meetings, a monthly pow-wow of agencies meant to speed up complaint resolutions and policy updates.     Photograph: iStock   For the riders, this could be a win. With f

August in Thailand is all about honouring mothers and honestly, what says ‘I love you, Mum’ better than a day out surrounded by flowers? If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to escape the smog, ditch the malls and actually hang out with your mum (or your bestie, boo, grandma or just your plant-obsessed self), Flora Festival in Honour of Her Majesty the Queen Mother is calling your name. From August 8-13, Bangkok’s biggest floral fest with over 150,000 flowers takes place at Pupha Mahanatee Garden – the capital’s newest garden right next to Queen Sirikit Park in Chatuchak.  This year’s festival returns with exhibits and plenty of reasons to linger. Scenery is guaranteed to fit your feed, or mum’s new LINE profile pic while the festival’s packed with stalls selling fruit, flowers, handmade crafts, hilltribe produce, royal project veggies and the kind of garden tools your mum will low-key lose her mind over. There’s also live music, art workshops and community crafts if you feel like getting your hands dirty.  The main event is The National Orchid Design Competition, held under this year’s theme ‘Orchids for a Sustainable World.’ Winners will receive trophies presented on behalf of Her Majesty and royal patrons. But beyond the flowers, photo-ops and shopping, this fest is really about something sweeter. In a city of concrete and chaos, a quiet garden in full bloom is a gentle reminder: some of life’s most beautiful things grow slowly, quietly and with a whole lot of love – k

In a big city where people constantly surround you, it’s strangely easy to feel alone. According to a recent survey by Thailand’s Mental Health Department, 40.4% of Thais report feeling lonely. That’s nearly half the country. And if you’re one of them, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a Bangkokian, someone who just moved to the city or an expat starting over in Thailand – loneliness can hit when you least expect it. And sometimes, it makes you feel smaller than you think. That’s why I was so intrigued when I heard about Walk and Talk, an event hosted by Crimson Cat Events, a social group on Meetup. They regularly gather people in the city to join in simple, low-pressure activities that help ease isolation and encourage connection without language barriers. Walk and Talk invites strangers to do exactly what the name promises: walk and talk. I was curious. And honestly, a little nervous. What if it was awkward? What if I said something weird? The event took place at Benchakitti Park from 7pm to 8pm. The sun was already low, the heat had lifted and that calm early-night vibe was settling in. I arrived early – one of the first people there. I noticed two others nearby and even though no one was holding a sign, I could instantly tell they were here for the same reason (maybe it was the familiar ‘lonely but open’ aura).   Photograph: Supathat T. - Time Out Bangkok Soon, more people started arriving almost out of nowhere, and we became a small group. The host mentioned

If you’ve noticed Bangkok’s cafes, malls and even office spaces being slowly infiltrated by furballs in strollers, matching outfits and miniature shoes, congratulations – you’ve witnessed Thailand’s pet boom in real time. Thailand's affection for pets has reached new heights. According to TGM Research, 73% of owners now consider their animals family, and the nation proudly stands as the world's second-largest pet food exporter. This growing devotion is on full display at the Pet Expo Championship 2025, the kingdom's annual celebration of all things furry, feathery, scaly, and squeaky. Set in the massive halls of Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, this year’s edition carries the theme ‘The Magical Land of Friendship’, because where else can a boa constrictor, a capybara, a prize-winning poodle and a snow-white rabbit live in harmony under one (air-conditioned) roof?  Gone are the days when pets just had a bowl and a leash. Today, these four-legged (or no-legged) friends are rocking full wardrobes, organic treats, raw food diets, and going to therapy. Pet parenting is now a full-package lifestyle, and this expo is the showroom for what’s hot and what’s next in the pet world. Highlights of the expo include exciting pet competitions like the Dog High Jump, Agility Challenge and Zig Zag Running. Cat lovers won’t want to miss the Cat Contest, featuring feline contenders across various categories.  The expo’s themed pet zones offer plenty to discover such as Pet Village, wher

Bangkok once prided itself on being the ‘Venice of the East,’ with canals flanked by trees and shaded walkways. Decades of rapid urbanisation, road expansion and real estate pressure saw much of that greenery disappear. By the early 2000s, green cover in central districts was shrinking fast and today, the Big Mango is a very concrete jungle. But change is on the horizon with a campaign called  BangkokTree. It could be a major step forward for the capital, with over two million trees already planted across the city. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), this includes 1.1 million perennial plants, 690,000 shrubs and 180,000 vines and crawlers. The goal now is shifting to hit three million plants. BangkokTree is pursuing a future where the air is fresher, the streets are cooler and city life is gentler. The campaign isn’t just about planting trees in parks. Greenery is cropping up in some surprising places such as empty plots without buildings, railway tracks, sidewalks, central reservations, under expressways, elevated rail lines, in open areas near buildings and along the waterfront.  BangkokTree, launched in June 2022 by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, was framed as a green beautification project and a statement that promises to tackle air pollution, reduce urban heat and reconnect Bangkokians with nature. That first one-million-tree goal was met in just two years. Today, Bangkok is charging towards its next milestone. Bangkok’s problems with heat and haze

Tyla is coming to Bangkok for the very first time and fans are now ready to sway their waists and bounce like they’re in the ‘Water’ music video. The Grammy-winning afropop sensation took to Instagram to announce the dates for her upcoming WE WANNA PARTY ASIA TOUR, lined up across Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. She’s scheduled to perform live in Bangkok on November 14. Here’s the full list of dates for the Asia leg of Tyla’s ‘We Wanna Party’ world tour: November 11 – Tokyo November 14 – Bangkok November 23 – Hong Kong December 03 – Manila December 04 – Singapore Tyla recently dropped her latest EP titled ‘WWP’, and it’s likely we’ll hear fresh tracks from that release live on stage. Of course, you can also expect a steamy, high-energy rendition of ‘Water,’ the viral hit that earned Tyla global recognition. Details on venue, tickets and promoters are still under wraps, but one thing’s clear – this is going to be a big one. Thai fans nearly saw Tyla at Rolling Loud 2024, before her performance was cancelled at the last minute. This time, it’s for real. Keep your eyes peeled for ticket drops. Bangkok’s about to feel the full Tyla fever.

It seems like massive sculptures are having a moment in Bangkok. Over the past year, Bangkok has been riding a wave of oversized art. From KAWS’ lounging Holiday figure at Sanam Luang to the Squid Game dolls near Giant Swing and a Stitch presiding over Iconsiam, giant installations have been popping up across the city like it’s a sculpture scavenger hunt. Next up it’s the turn of a certain brown panda. The Yimu Art Exhibition has landed at Iconsiam, featuring a crew of giant inflatable characters by rising Chinese artist Leo Huang and with them, a much-needed dose of softness in a fast-paced world.  Photograph: Iconsiam Front and centre is Seven, whose main hobbies seem to be eating well, chilling hard and spreading joy. With legs kicked out, a belly that looks like it’s had one too many dumplings and a face of total bliss, Seven embodies what Huang calls the ‘philosophy of the round belly’ – a reminder that happiness can be as simple as a good meal and a quiet moment. Inspired by the creatures of China’s Qinling Mountains, Seven is part of Huang’s Guardians of the Loong series and arrives in Bangkok to celebrate 50 years of Thai-Chinese friendship. Photograph: Iconsiam Close by at Terrace Hall, you’ll find Hippo Go!, a bubblegum-pink hippo mid-climb, radiating determination and innocence like it’s about to audition for an animated comeback. Together, the characters showcase the artist’s whimsical world, where animals reflect human emotions and everyday spaces form a play

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport tops the world’s airports in one surprising metric: the number of airlines operating scheduled flights, according to a new ranking by FlightConnections and Brilliant Maps. The national gateway is officially the most airline-connected airport in the world, with 113 airlines flying in and out of its gates. That’s more than Paris Charles de Gaulle, Dubai International and even Istanbul – some of the world’s greatest aviation powerhouses. Here’s what that looks like in numbers: 113 airlines operating scheduled flights 151 destinations worldwide 484 daily flights 51.6 million passengers in 2024 (expected to hit 65 million in 2025) All of this is part of a larger transformation. Suvarnabhumi climbed from 58th to 39th place in Skytrax’s Top 100 Airports of 2025, thanks to recent upgrades like a new satellite terminal and revamped passenger experience zones. Once just a regional stopover, the airport is now stepping confidently into the ranks of top-tier global aviation hubs. Top five airports with the most airlines (2025) Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – 113 airlines Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris – 105 airlines Dubai International (DXB) – 97 airlines Istanbul (IST) – 93 airlines Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 92 airlines Still, growth comes with growing pains. Bigger crowds mean longer queues, busier terminals, and rising expectations. If Suvarnabhumi hopes to crack Skytrax’s top 20 by 2029, big numbers alone won’t be enough. The airport will need faster security ch

Good news, fun-seekers! Earlier this year, Thailand snagged the seventh spot for happiest countries in the world, according to an IPSOS survey. And it seems that joy is contagious, especially among the younger generation who truly embody happiness in every step. So it's no shocker that the Land of Smiles was recently crowned the third most fun nation globally in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 rankings! This impressive ranking falls under the 'Adventure' category of their 'best countries' report. Based on a global survey of 17,000 people (from business leaders to influencers and the general public) conducted between March and May 2024, Thailand scored a whopping 91.3 in the 'fun' subcategory. What's more, it was the only Asian country to crack the top 10. With its legendary full moon parties, epic street food and endless postcard-perfect beaches, it's not hard to see why. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Thailand explorer, the kingdom's magic truly lies in its captivating contrasts. Picture this: ancient temples just steps from pulsing all-night clubs (Khaosan Road, we're looking at you!), classical dance performances sharing the stage with modern Thai remixes, and street vendors grilling up fresh squid right next to stalls selling traditional herbal elixirs. But here's the kicker: Thailand's idea of fun isn't static anymore – it's evolving fast, and Gen Z is leading the charge. Take Bangkok, for instance. Today's youth are transforming the capital into a playground

Ever seen a hippo walk on two legs? Now’s your chance, sort of. Khao Kheow Open Zoo gets serious (and a little silly) with an emergency animal escape drill. In a moment that was both adorable and alarming, the zoo recently pulled off an emergency response drill featuring Moo Deng the hippo. Well, not the real one. A staffer suited up in a full-on hippo mascot costume to play the part of a rogue runaway. The annual safety simulation, part of the zoo’s 2025 preparedness protocol, played out like a scene from a wildlife action documentary. A cartoon-looking Moo Deng ‘escaped’ from her enclosure, prompting keepers, vets and staff to spring into action. Barricades went up, medics arrived on the scene, and the hippo or rather, the mascot, was eventually ‘tranquilised’ and escorted back to safety. To keep things realistic, the team even staged a mock injury. On-site responders treated a staffer with fake wounds while the zoo’s vet team performed a simulated health check on the pretend runaway. An intensive training scenario included a staff member who was ‘attacked’ by the roaming Moo Deng and sustained a minor injury. ‘This isn’t just for show,’ said Narongwit Chodchoi, the zoo’s director. ‘These drills are vital. They prepare our staff to act swiftly and confidently if a real escape ever happens.’ No real hippos or humans were harmed in the making of this drill. The mascot, however, probably deserves a long soak and a snack.

Break out the yellow plaid. For one night, Bangkok is channeling the '90s with throwback tunes and the charm of Cher Horowitz as Clueless makes a comeback. The Cellar Cinema Series at The Cellar, Mahanakhon, is rolling out a nostalgia-laced movie night that’s tailor-made for '90s kids, film buffs or anyone longing for a midweek escape that doesn’t involve a streaming binge. First released in 1995, Clueless is a teen comedy that reimagines Jane Austen’s Emma through the eyes of Beverly Hills’ most fashion-forward high schooler. Follow Cher Horowitz, a hilariously superficial matchmaker who learns that even the most fabulous lives need a little growing up. The movie is packed with catchy one-liners, iconic outfits and a bodacious '90s soundtrack. It’s become a cult classic that continues to influence pop culture today. Entry is free but the vibes are premium. The venue features low lighting, plush seating and optional wine-pairing specials and bites that go way beyond popcorn. The event takes place on July 30 , starting at 6pm in a wine cellar located inside the Mahanakhon Eatery. Seats are limited, so don’t wait until you're totally buggin’. It’s your chance to relive one of the most iconic coming-of-age films of the decade in a setting that’s both stylish and relaxed.