The city of Bangkok is hardly a stranger to the region. The age-old capital of Thailand is often the go-to travel destination for many, a retail, culinary and wellness haven in one. With bustling lanes lined by savoury street food stalls and ancient temples standing against soaring, hyper-modern skylines, the metropolis is a character all its own.
But amidst the Bangkok buzz stands a mighty scene to behold: its creative community. You’ll find an unhurried, affable ease that runs throughout the city, a sensibility that is reflected through the artists, designers and visionaries that call this city their home. Here, individuality and expression run freely, led by a community that isn’t afraid of voicing out and expressing themselves. From fine and contemporary art and experimental mixed mediums to whimsical handcrafts and vibrant prints, there is a dedicated space in the capital for all.
For the gallery-goer, consider M Contemporary, where you’ll find a wide range of local and global artworks. Meanwhile, Bangkok Kunsthalle is a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary artists, the industrial space playing host to seasonal series and exhibitions. Purveyors of creative culture may indulge in The Independent Print Club or The Corner House, where a selection of zines, handcrafted mementos, social gatherings and workshops run amok.
There is always something new to discover about the Land of Smiles. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or rookie visitor, look to Vogue Singapore’s guide on the best creative spaces to visit in Bangkok, spanning art galleries, independent bookstores and social enclaves.
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The Corner House
The Corner House is a creative community space housed within, as its name suggests, a corner building in the heart of Bangkok’s old town district. Preserving its original Sino-colonial structures as an ode to its past, the four-storey building is home to quaint eateries, co-working spaces and event spaces that host a dynamic range of social gatherings, exhibitions and workshops run by the local creative community. A century-old architectural icon for locals, the orange building was once a department store, soda factory, sneaker warehouse and skating room before becoming the understated cultural hub it is today.
The Corner House, 951, Chai Phatthanasilp, 35 Charoen Krung Rd Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
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The Independent Print Club
The brainchild of independent publisher Spacebar Zine, The Independent Print Club is a haven for regional printmaking and art. The hybrid retail space encompasses a library, paper and ink lab, gallery and boutique entirely dedicated to print media and visual storytelling by Asian artists. Here, you can discover emerging artists over specialty coffee, learn about the book printing process, ponder upon large scale art installations and, of course, shop a vast array of zines, books, art prints, and exclusive artist goods. One thing is for sure: you won’t be leaving without something unique in hand.
The Independent Print Club (IPC) by Spacebar Zine, One Bangkok, The Storeys, 2nd floor, Wireless Road, Lumphini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330
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M Contemporary Museum
The walls of M Contemporary are ever changing, an expansive selection of artworks from Southeast Asia and beyond in rotation for all to see. Through constant collaboration with fellow museums, public institutions and private collectors, the gallery is a city-wide platform for rising and established contemporary artists as they pop up in retail spaces across Bangkok. Their newest exhibition sees a partnership with Joyman Gallery in Siam Paragon, gathering psychedelic works rooted in characters from Thai literature and explored through film, video games and pop culture.
M Contemporary, 1F-03, Lumphini, Gaysorn Centre 999 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
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Galile Oasis
Inspired by Galileo Galilei’s finesse for art, science and human ambition, the lifestyle hub welcomes guests from all walks of life to step in and freely discover its fluid creative community. Housing an art space, gallery, theatre and hotel within its compound, Galile Oasis restored a row of shophouses into a space where art, education and social initiatives intersect. Here, the true essence of community can be felt from the moment you step in. You’ll find music and theatre performances, art talks and workshops, works from homegrown artists and social community programmes for the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Galile Oasis, 535, 32 Soi Rong Rian King Phet, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
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Warehouse 30
What was once an abandoned block of warehouses built during the Second World War has now become an enclave of Thai designers, artists and businesses. The row of slanted roofs offer a sense of refuge, allowing you to stroll at your own pace as you skim from store to store, where independent designers, coffee shops, vintage collections and seasonal exhibitions await. Amongst them sits Horse Unit and Woot Woot, where you can discover one-of-a-kind home objects, furniture and quirky mementos.
Warehouse 30, 48 Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
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Passport Bookshop
Tucked in the Phra Nakhon neighbourhood, Passport Bookshop is a space of solace away from the bustling city crowds. It was established 20 years ago as a labour of love by a married couple, whose bibliophilic habits form the curation of the store’s shelves. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a vast collection of regional works, travel books and non-fiction titles in both Thai and English. While the afternoon away browsing and gaining a wise tip or two from the owners, who never hesitate to provide local insight. Upstairs, a quiet cafe awaits with a careful curation of beans and leaves, much like the collection of books that sit below.
Passport Bookshop, 28 Soi Samran Rat, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
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Bangkok Kunsthalle
The once-abandoned printing house’s facade may seem unassuming, but don’t be fooled. Within lies a space devoted to art, cinema, music, dance and all forms of creative expression, courtesy of Bangkok Kunsthalle. The building’s original structure is wholly preserved, the raw industrial space a blank canvas for a stimulating roster of experimental exhibitions, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art with mixed-media installations and public programmes from the likes of artist talks, workshops, screenings and readings. Artists are commissioned to create site-specific artworks as an homage to the district’s layered visual language and cultural history.
Bangkok Kunsthalle, 599 Pantachit Alley, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100
