Gale & Wes
Things To Do
Chinatown Bangkok
Thailand's Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Southeast Asia and is well known for having some of the best street food and vibrant night markets in the world! Enjoy Chinese roll noodles, Chinese donuts, toasted buns, dimsum, and other sweet and savory foods.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a can't miss landmark for its gold pagodas, impressive mosaic detailing, traditional art and literature, and demon guards standing tall in front of the main Buddhist temples. The grounds have served as the official and ceremonial residence for all kings of Siam since 1782. If you visit, be sure to wear clothing that extends beyond the shoulders and knees.
Benchakitti Park
One of Southeast Asia's most diverse parks located in the heart of Bangkok with lighted skywalks, gardens, and curated swamplands that overlook the city's skyline. We recommend visiting during the morning or evening due to the heat and humidity. Fun Fact: The park is thoughtfully designed to serve as a ‘sponge’ that retains rainwater in the rainy season and discharges the water in the dry season. If you're looking for a chance to see the famous water monitor lizard, we'd recommend visiting "Lumpini Park", another big park about 1.5 miles away.
Jim Thompson House Museum
The Jim Thompson silk brand is world renown and was founded by Jim Thompson, an American architect, WWII spy, and businessman who helped revitalize the Thai silk industry in the 1950's and 1960's. The silk museum and tours of Jim Thompson's home showcase traditional Thai housing styles and living.
ICONSIAM Mall
IconSiam mall is widely considered to be a top four best shopping centers in world. Located along the Chao Phraya River, the mall features more than 7,000 shops, 100 restaurants, and even a curated yet must-see floating market on the bottom floor. Also in case you're wondering, Thailand's mega malls are truly a spectacle and worth experiencing. Due to Bangkok's climate and density, these malls provide an array of services and gathering places making malls a central hub for much of social life.
A KEEN HOUSE
Wes' favorite specialty coffee cafe. The redesigned three story townhouse is a quiet reprieve from the busyness of Bangkok with friendly service, excellent coffee, and memorable interior design.
Supanniga Eating Room by Khun Yai
Homestyle Thai food at this casual restaurant comes with postcard-worthy views of the Chao Phraya River and iconic Wat Arun temple and makes for a perfect lunch spot adjacent to the Grand Palace.
Baan Somtum Sukhumvit
Gale's favorite place for som tum (payaya salad) and, overall, an awesome eating experience that focuses on the authentic and spicier tastes of Thai North-Eastern (E-Saan) food.
AFTER You Dessert Cafe
Gale and Wes' favorite Thai dessert cafe chain. Visit any one of the locations and try the kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) or toast. Our favorite flavors are Hojicha , Mango sticky rice, or Thai tea!
Terminal 21 Asok Mall
A fun all-around mall with international various floor themes of London, Paris, Tokyo, and San Francisco. We highly recommend the mall's Pier 21 food court on the 5th floor - it offers an incredible variety of authentic and inexpensive Thai food such as fried noodles, soup noodles, stir fried dishes like pad kra pao, Thai curries, pork leg stew (ka moo), chicken and rice, and a mixed dish stall (khao gaeng). Our favorite dessert cafe, After You, also has a location here.
MahaNakhon
King Power Mahanakhon Building is a lego-shaped building recognized as Thailand’s tallest tower. Enjoy duty-free shopping, delicious food, and a glass floor observation deck on the top floor. For the best views, visit the nearby Arabica Coffee on the 55th floor of Empire Tower!
Makkha Health & Spa Bangkok (Sukhumvit 24)
In Thailand, massage spots are everywhere and with prices ranging from $10 to $100 per hour. While the variety is exciting, it’s important to choose wisely. Read online reviews before entering to ensure that you have a safe and great experience, as there is a mixed reputation of some establishments. For trustworthy and quality experiences, consider these reputable names: Health Land, Let’s Relax, Panpuri Wellness, or massage services offered at your hotel.
One Bangkok Mall
One Bangkok is Bangkok's newest mall and adjacent to Gale's family's home. The mall's restaurants, shops, hotels, residences, and working spaces has served more than 250,000 people per day since its $4 billion construction completion in October. Gale and I have yet to visit here, but have to imagine it's another frontrunner for malls one might wish to visit.
7-Eleven
Thailand’s 7-Eleven is a cultural gem. Located on every corner and open 24/7, it’s perfect for a quick bite, a cool drink, or discovering quirky local treats. The famous grilled cheese "toastie" or a local Thai milk tea are fun go-to's. A visit to 7-Eleven isn’t just shopping, it’s a slice of Thai life!
KFC
We realize this may come off as a tongue in cheek recommendation but believe it or not, KFC is the top food brand in all of Thailand. KFC in Thailand is objectively different (and many would say far better) than KFC or its other fast food counterparts in the US. In Southeast Asia, KFC is backed by popular demand for its extensive menu, spices, and flavors of fried chicken. If you encounter analysis paralysis along your eating journey, grabbing a bite at a Thailand KFC is sure to be a memorable experience!