HIDDEN GEMS IN BANGKOK

There’s no better person to help plan your Bangkok itinerary than the concierge and front desk team at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, they will point you in the right direction and help you make the most of your time in and around town. Here are some insider recommendations to help get you started:

• Chinatown food tour: Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s diverse gastronomic culture with a Chinatown food tour. Anchored around Yaowarat Road, the neighborhood is filled with stalls surrounded by plastic chairs, tea rooms, and sit-down restaurants. The seemingly endless array of options can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so make the most of your time by letting an expert point you in the right direction.
• Sunset at Wat Arun: Bid the day farewell with a “sawasdee” at Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, all within easy access of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Nicknamed the “Temple of the Dawn,” the Buddhist temple is just as magnificent at dusk, its porcelain-encrusted spires casting a commanding glow on the water.
• Day trip to Khao Yai National Park: Since 1962, Khao Yai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the crown jewel of Thailand’s national parks, and no trip to Bangkok would be complete without venturing the 2.5 hours to see it. With more than 2,100 square kilometers of diverse landscapes ranging from rainforest to grasslands—and filled with fauna ranging from elephants to porcupines—Khao Yai offers something for everyone.
• Pak Klong Talad Flower Market: A sea of orchids, lilies, roses, and just about everything in between, Pak Klong is a must-see stop for flora fanatics. The largest flower market in Bangkok is situated right in the Old City, making it easy to visit before or after a trip to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.