BANGKOK THROUGH PAENG’S EYES
The Bangkok I Know, Love, Eat In and Always Return To
Bangkok is more than the city where I live and work.
Different neighborhoods hold different chapters of my life and different stages of my growth in business, from Nana and Sukhumvit to Pinklao, Old Bangkok, and Pak Kret.
This isn't a list of Bangkok's most famous attractions. These are places I genuinely eat, visit, enjoy, and return to.
I hope they help you experience a little of the Bangkok that I know and love.
THE NANA YEARS -WHERE IT STARTED
Nana was one of the early chapters of my business life. I spent about three years around Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 11, working hard and probably partying a little too much.
This was also where I developed my love for Indian food. Even today, when I crave Indian food, Nana is the first neighborhood that comes to mind.
BAIYOKE SKY-ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES
I have been to Baiyoke Sky more than 20 times. I love arriving before sunset, watching Bangkok change from day to night and staying for the buffet.
Birthdays, celebrations, friends, or simply a free evening, Baiyoke has followed me through many chapters of my Bangkok life.
Paeng’s Pick - Sunset • Bangkok Views • Buffet
BOOK BAIYOKE SKY → [VIATOR AFFILIATE LINK]
SOI 11 & CLIMAX
Sukhumvit Soi 11 was part of my nightlife years. One of our regular places was Climax underneath the Ambassador Hotel.
When the clubs closed, the night often continued outside with street food, little bars, and late-night Bangkok life.
For me, this is more of a memory than a current recommendation but it is an important part of my Bangkok story.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
THE PHROM PHONG YEARS
Phrom Phong and Sukhumvit 33 were some of the busiest years of my life.
The business was growing, and I was finally seeing the results of years of hard work. But strangely, it was also one of the loneliest periods.
I ate alone, shopped alone, drank alone, and walked around Sukhumvit alone.
That period taught me something important:
Having money does not always mean you are happy.
BENCHASIRI PARK
My favorite nearby escape in the evening. In the middle of busy Sukhumvit, I could walk among the trees, see some green and simply slow down.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
EMQUARTIER
EmQuartier became part of my everyday life eating, watching movies, and sometimes shopping. It was simply part of my Phrom Phong routine.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
SRI TRAT - SUKHUMVIT 33
One of the Thai restaurants I genuinely enjoy and still return to. I love the Eastern Thai food and the atmosphere.
It isn't here because it appears on a Bangkok “best restaurant” list. It is here because I actually eat here.
Paeng’s Pick - Authentic Thai Food
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
The Robin Hood
During stressful periods, I sometimes came here alone in the afternoon for a gin. I liked going when it was quiet, sitting by myself and doing absolutely nothing for a while.
Sometimes that was exactly what I needed.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
MY NAIL & SPA ESCAPE
Ten Ten Hair & Nail Spa. I also had a regular nail and spa place around Sukhumvit 33. I went so often that I became close with the staff.
It was one of my small escapes during some very busy years.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
THE SUKHUMVIT 23 YEARS
Another chapter brought our business to Sukhumvit 23 and the Soi Cowboy area.
SCRUFFY MURPHY’S IRISH PUB
One of my places for a relaxed drink, sometimes with live music. Late at night, I would often find noodles or something simple to eat around the entrance to Soi Cowboy.
I still occasionally return to this neighborhood.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
JP FRENCH RESTAURANT - MORE THAN A RESTAURANT
During 2018–2019, our business was right next door.
Jason loved the Lamb Rack. I loved the Beef Wellington and especially the bread.
We became friendly with JP, the French owner, and spent many evenings eating, drinking wine, and talking about business and life.
Some restaurants stay in your memory because of the food. Others become part of your life.
For us, this one became both.
Paeng & Jason’s Pick
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
PINKLAO & OLD BANGKOK WHEN THE CITY WENT QUIET
After Sukhumvit, another chapter brought me to Pinklao, just across the river from Bangkok's Old Town.
Then COVID changed everything.
Tourists disappeared, Jason became stuck in the United States, and I spent much of that period alone.
When I had free time, I cycled across Pinklao Bridge into the Old Town - temples, Phra Athit, Rambuttri, Khao San and the river.
Seeing Bangkok without tourists changed the way I looked at the city.
The noise, people, tuk-tuks, boats and crowds can sometimes feel chaotic.
But when they disappeared, I realized that the chaos is also part of what gives Bangkok its life.
EXPLORE OLD BANGKOK TOUR [VIATOR AFFILIATE LINK]
THE OLD BANGKOK I LOVE
WANG LANG MARKET
One of my favorite places to walk around and find something good to eat.
I like that Wang Lang still feels like a real local market. Sometimes the best plan is no plan just walk, look, and eat whatever catches your attention.
Paeng’s Pick - Local Food • Market
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
GOLDEN MOUNT & WAT SAKET
I love walking to the top, feeling the strong breeze and looking across Old Bangkok. I also enjoy stopping for coffee around the temple and taking my time.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
THE GRAND PALACE & WAT PHO
Beautiful places, but don't rush from attraction to attraction.
Walk through the neighborhood too. There is a lot of Bangkok happening between the famous places.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
PAK KHLONG TALAT - EARLY MORNING BANGKOK
I especially love the flower market early in the morning - the colors, fragrance, vendors working, and Bangkok beginning its day.
I still come here whenever we need lots of flowers for an event. Sometimes I come simply because I want to walk through the market again.
It isn't just somewhere I recommend tourists visit. It is still part of my Bangkok life.
Paeng’s Pick - Early Morning • Flowers • Local Life
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
PHRA ATHIT AT SUNSET
Santi Chai Prakan Park สวนสันติชัยปราการ. One of my favorite places to be near the river around sunset, watching the boats and looking toward Rama VIII Bridge.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
RAMBUTTRI ROAD
Right beside Khao San, but with a different feeling.
Walk farther along the road, and you can find quieter places to eat, drink, and sit while still being close to one of Bangkok's busiest areas.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
ROOFTOP VIEW OF WAT ARUN
I love the evening view from the rooftop at Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok.
Watching Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya as the light changes is one of those Bangkok moments I never get tired of.
Paeng’s Pick - Sunset • Wat Arun View
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
YAOWARAT AT NIGHT
I have been coming to Yaowarat for more than 30 years, more times than I could count.
For me, it is best at night, when the lights come on, the streets fill with people, and food is everywhere.
Paeng’s Pick - Nightlife • Street Food • Walking
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
THIP SAMAI - MORE THAN FAMOUS PAD THAI
I don't come here simply because it is famous.
I love the Thai character, atmosphere, decoration and history of the place. For me, eating here is about more than just Pad Thai.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
HOW I LIKE TO TRAVEL AROUND BANGKOK
TUK-TUK - MY FAVORITE WAY
I still love travelling around Bangkok by tuk-tuk.
The wind, sounds, lights, and craziness make the journey part of the experience.
Tip: Always agree on the fare before getting in.
SAEN SAEP CANAL BOAT
Not a sightseeing cruise; real Bangkok public transportation.
That is exactly why I like it. You travel alongside people going about their normal day and see Bangkok from a completely different angle.
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT
I have many memories of travelling along the Chao Phraya, especially between the Pak Kret side and Phra Athit.
Morning and late afternoon are my favorite times. You see temples, bridges, houses, and communities along the river.
EXPLORE BANGKOK BY BOAT → [VIATOR AFFILIATE LINK]
PAENG’S FAVORITE EXPERIENCES
CHAO PHRAYA DINNER CRUISE
I enjoy taking guests on dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya.
Bangkok looks completely different from the river at night, with temples, bridges and buildings lighting up along the water.
If you have limited time in Bangkok, it is an easy way to enjoy the river, city views and dinner in one evening.
Paeng’s Pick - Bangkok at Night • River • Dinner
BOOK A DINNER CRUISE → [VIATOR AFFILIATE LINK]
PAENG’S PICKS AROUND KOH KRET & PAK KRET
These aren't restaurants I selected from a “Best Restaurants in Bangkok” list.
They are places I actually go.
RONGSI STUDIO — DINNER ON KOH KRET
One of my favorite places to eat on Koh Kret. I love the flavorful Thai food, sitting by the Chao Phraya River at sunset, and enjoying the live music.
Jason especially loves the journey there. We take a motorcycle taxi through the island during the golden light of sunset before arriving for dinner. For him, the ride is part of the experience, and once we get there, he usually orders Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา), his all-time favorite Thai dish.
With no cars on the island, Koh Kret feels like you have left busy Bangkok behind and stepped into another world.
Paeng & Jason’s Pick - Thai Food • Sunset • Riverside • Local Island Experience
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
FERRY TO KOH KRET → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
PREFER A GUIDED KOH KRET EXPERIENCE?
If you would rather explore Koh Kret with a guide, there are organized experiences that combine the island, cycling, local food, and other activities. This can be a good option if you don't want to plan the ferry, transportation, and route yourself.
EXPLORE KOH KRET TOUR → [VIATOR AFFILIATE LINK]
SAWASDEE CAFE’ DE PAKKRET — ONE OF OUR REGULAR LUNCH SPOTS
One of our regular lunch spots because it is very close to Thai Tattoo Café. Jason was happy to find some good Western-style dishes here too. He likes the pork cheek stew served with warm homemade bread, and they also do a decent steak.
For me, the boat noodle soup is the best. It is what keeps me coming back, and we eat here often when we want something good without going far.
Paeng & Jason’s Pick — Boat Noodles • Pork Cheek Stew • Local Lunch
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
RABIANG KIANG NAM 77 — OUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE
This is one of those restaurants where everyone in our group has their own favorite dish, and somehow, every time we visit, we end up ordering the same things.
My favorite is deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce (ปลากะพงทอดน้ำปลา). Ohh and Bint loves it too. Ohh normally doesn't like eating fish at all, but this is the one place where he happily eats the sea bass.
Jason always goes for the fried chicken wings, King loves the spicy glass noodle salad with seafood (ยำวุ้นเส้นทะเล), O also loves the herb chicken (ไก่สมุนไพร), and Bin's favorite is Tom Yum Chicken (ต้มยำไก่). Ohm always orders crispy pork Pad Kra Pao (กะเพราหมูกรอบ).
We have been coming here for so long that we've become friends with the owner. Good Thai food, warm service, and a beautiful Chao Phraya River view around sunset it is one of those places that feels familiar every time we come back.
Paeng & Team’ Pick - Thai Food • Riverside • Sunset • Our Regular Favorites
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
TAWANDANG GERMAN BREWERY — CHAENG WATTHANA
One of my choices when I want dinner to feel like a night out: food, drinks, and entertainment all in one place.
Paeng’s Pick - Dinner • Drinks • Entertainment
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
BEST COUNTRY BEEF STEAK HOUSE
One of my favorite steak restaurants.
I love that it is Thai-owned and focuses on Thai beef, with the owner closely involved in what they produce and serve. The food is delicious, the owner is lovely, and it is a Thai business I genuinely enjoy supporting.
Jason and I even celebrated our second wedding anniversary here.
Paeng’s and Jason's Pick -Thai Beef • Steak • Local Business
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
WHERE I RECOMMEND STAYING NEAR THAI TATTOO CAFÉ
If you are coming to Bangkok for your Sak Yant or tattoo appointment, staying around Chaeng Watthana makes things much easier. These are the places I recommend around Thai Tattoo Café, Central Chaeng Watthana and the MRT Pink Line.
BEST WESTERN PLUS WANDA GRAND HOTEL
My first choice if you want a comfortable, full-service hotel close to Thai Tattoo Café.
Best for: Comfort • Couples • Longer Stays
HOP INN CHAENGWATTANA
A simple, practical and more budget-friendly choice. Good if you mainly want somewhere comfortable and convenient to stay while visiting us.
Best for: Budget • Solo Travelers • Short Stays
GRASSHOPPER BED AND CAFE
A smaller place around Chaeng Watthana for travelers who prefer something more relaxed than a large hotel.
Best for: Small Stay • Relaxed Atmosphere
THE PATRIX CHAENGWATTANA
Another convenient option around the Chaeng Watthana–Pak Kret area, especially for a shorter stay.
Best for: Affordable • Short Stays
STAYDII SERVICED RESIDENCE
Another local accommodation option around Chaeng Watthana. Agoda doesn't currently give us an affiliate property link for this one, so I still include it simply because I think it is useful to know about.
Best for: Serviced Residence • Longer Stays
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS → [GOOGLE MAP LINK]
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
Some booking links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Thai Tattoo Café may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places and experiences that I genuinely believe are useful to visitors.
Some booking links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, Thai Tattoo Café may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places and experiences I genuinely believe are useful to visitors.
A FINAL NOTE FROM ME
You don't have to visit every place in this guide.
Choose what sounds like you.
Eat somewhere local. Take a tuk-tuk. Ride a public boat. Walk through the flower market in the morning. Sit beside the river at sunset.
Bangkok has changed enormously during the years I have lived and worked here.
I have changed too.
Some places remind me of happy times. Some remind me of lonely times. Some remind me of how hard I worked while building my business.
But every period meant something.
And that is why I still return.
Welcome to my Bangkok.
— Paeng
Thai Tattoo Café
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