Sarinya Sriphetcharawut – Member, Scientific Programme Committee
1. What is your go-to dish to eat in Bangkok?
Boat Noodles!
2. What is your secret spot or hidden gem that visitors should see?
1. Chinatown & Charoenkrung area
- Talad Noi – street art, vintage shops, cafés
- Soi Nana (Chinatown) – a dynamic street with galleries, quirky cafés, bars
- Soi Charoenkrung 32 Art Galleries – contemporary art hub
- Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talad) – vibrant flowers, local vibe
Tip: Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride between spots; ideal for a half-day exploration.
2. Riverside & Historical Bangkok
- Phra Sumen Fort & Santichaiprakan Park – historic fort and peaceful paths
- Kudeejeen Community – Portuguese-Thai heritage, desserts
- The Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) – puppet shows, riverside café
- Pridi Banomyong Park – quiet green space for a break
Tip: Combine a morning walk along the river with a ferry ride to explore Kudeejeen and The Artist’s House.
3. Modern & Creative spaces
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok) – modern Thai art
- Chang Chui Creative Park – sculptures, art, vintage airplane, cafés
Tip: Best visited in the afternoon to enjoy indoor art spaces and avoid midday heat.
4. Museum lover
- Museum Siam
- Jim Thompson House
- Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall – interactive Bangkok history museum
- Bangkok National Museum
5. Local markets & Night spots
- Wang Lang Market – street food, local shopping
- Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin (Train Market) – retro market, antiques, evening vibes
Tip: Evening visit for Train Market; daytime for Wang Lang.
6. Day trip / Nature escape
- Bang Krachao (“Green Lung”) – cycling, parks, riverside scenery
- Paknam Market & Wat Klang Bang Pla – authentic riverside experience outside Bangkok
- Phra Pradaeng Riverside Walk – local riverside life, markets, cafés
Tip: Rent a bike for Bang Krachao to fully enjoy the greenery and quiet canals.
3. What is a favourite bar or signature drink that represents Bangkok?
Signature drinks:
- Thai iced tea (Cha Yen) – a classic Thai street drink
- Oliang – a classic Thai iced black coffee mixed with sugar
- Thai iced coffee – a street drink – strong, dark-roasted coffee brewed Thai style, mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice.
- Thai fruit smoothies
Thai breweries and beers:
- Singha beer or Chang beer – Thailand’s iconic lagers
- Mekhong – Thailand’s signature whiskey, often mixed with soda
- Local craft breweries and beers, such as Mahanakhon Craft Beer, Chit Beer
4. Top shopping destination or unusual shop to visit?
Top shopping destination:
- Siam area (for luxury and trendy shopping) – Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and MBK Center
- Pratunum Market – street style fashion & Platinum Fashion mall – air-conditioned wholesale fashion mall
- Asiatique the Riverfont – night market by the Chao Praya River, good place to get handicrafts, souvenirs, restaurants, and entertainment like the Ferris Wheel
- Chinatown (Yaowarat) & Sampeng Lane – traditional Chinese markets with textiles, accessories, gold, electronics, and street food
- Erawan Bangkok & CentralWorld
Unusual shop to visit:
Bangsue Junction Shopping Center (AKA: Red Building Vintage Store Chatuchak)
5. What is something that you can only find in Bangkok?
Visiting the Grand Palace – it is one-of-a-kind cultural treasure that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
6. If you only had one day in Bangkok, what would you do?
Morning: Start at the Grand Palace. Try boat noodles or Thai porridge for breakfast or brunch.
Lunch + Afternoon: Head to Chatuchak Market for shopping and food.
Evening: Choose a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya with sunset views, or see the glowing Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – a breathtaking sight reflected in the river.
Night: Try Moo Kra Tha (Thai BBQ + hotpot – local favourite and so fun!) and end at Asiatique with dessert + river vibes.
7. What is your top tip for our delegates when coming to Bangkok?
- Keep cool and hydrated. Bring a tumbler or pick up a bottled water from any convenience store. A small fan can also be a lifesaver in Bangkok’s heat and humidity.
- Dress smart for the weather. Light, breathable clothes will keep you comfortable.
- Shoes matter. You’ll walk more than you think! Sturdy sandals are great for markets, and a comfy pair of sneakers will help if you’re exploring all day. Flip-flops are handy too.
- Show respect at temples: Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops, speak softly and never point your feet at Buddha images.
- Protect yourself from the sun and mosquito. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are your best friends — the sun here is strong. In the evenings or outside the city, mosquito repellent will save you from itchy bites.
- Carry some small cash. Street food, tuk-tuks (a three-wheeled motorized vehicle commonly used for transportation in Bangkok), and local shops often prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find, but they usually add a fee.
- Stay connected: Get a local SIM card or set up an eSIM before arriving in Thailand for easy access to maps and Grab (the ride-hailing app). It makes getting around much easier.
- Learn a little Thai. A simple phrase “khop khun” (thank you) or a gentle wai (palms pressed together) goes a long way. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering temples or someone’s home.
- Thai cuisine isn’t always spicy. Many dishes are mild, rich, savory, or even sweet. But when spice is involved, it can be stronger than you expect. If you prefer less heat, ask for ‘mai pet’ (not spicy). You can also try a little chili to test your comfort level.