Parin is a hip creative soul born and raised in Bangkok. He loves to cycle, studies architecture in the cities old town and has sweet insider tips for the best hidden gems, bars and second hand markets.

What is your favourite neighbourhood in Bangkok?
I prefer to hang out in Bangkok’s Old Town. Also known as Rattanakosin Island. The area has a more chilled vibe than any other part of Bangkok. Old Town is home to the city’s most beautiful temples, palaces and ancient architecture. It has wide avenues, low rise buildings, cozy bars and it attracts a creative crowd.

Where did you have a great dinner recently?
At Phra Pinklao are in the evening on both sides of the bridge always a lot of good street food stands. Especially the one selling spicy papaya salad is one of the best in Bangkok. China Town, famous for having the best street food in Bangkok, is always a good choice to try out some new dishes.

Where do you go for drinks?
My favorite hang out is The Brown Sugar, a jazz bar in old town. They play good live music every night and it just has that special artsy vibe. On Phra Arthit Road are also a lot of nice bars.

What is your favorite roof top in Bangkok?
Sala Rattanakosin is a nice place to relax with a great view. The roof isn’t that high, but it’s not necessary in old town to have a good view. Especially the view on Wat Arun is great. Phra Nakorn bar at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road near the Democracy Monument has friendly staff, a nice crowd, enjoyable live music and a view of the Golden Temple. They also sell bicycles a big plus to my opinion!

What would you do with friends from out of town who come over for a weekend to Bangkok?
If you are for the first time in Bangkok you have to see Wat Po and the Grand Palace, so we spend the morning in old town. After a local lunch we have a quick look at Khao San Road before we head to Jatujak Park. In the weekends there is a big second hand market. We watch sunset and have a Leo beer in Suan Rodfai a lush park next to the market. At night we bring of course a visit to the Brown Sugar for some live music.

The next morning we get up early to have breakfast at a very local floating market in the Klong Lad Ma Yom. Afterwards we have a pick nick and enjoy some life music in the shade at the Jam Factory.

Where would you recommend friends from another city to sleep?
I would suggest to find an Airbnb in Bangkok Old City. Or if you are into camping, find a beautiful mountain camping spot at Khao Yai, to enjoy nature just a little bit out of the buzzing city center.

Is there a shop where you often go?
I mostly go to JJ Green a second hand market. It is located at Mochit a bts station. In the weekend I go to the second hand market in Jatujak Park. 

Where do you meet your friends for coffee?
I go a lot to 8 Ridar Bicycle Shop or Aran Bicicletta. I love to cycle and both are cycle shops as well as great coffee bars. For good coffee, an interesting gallery and a traditional Thai puppet show bring a visit to Baan Silpin at Klong Bangluang.

What would you miss if you were to leave Bangkok?
The most I would miss about Bangkok is the kindness of the local people -the Thai smile- and of course the Bangkok street food scene.