EAT, PLAY, LOVE: A Students’ Guide to Experiencing Bangkok

Bangkok shines as one of the world’s most memorable cities. AIHM students enjoy the luxury of calling this incredible city home! We get to make memories here that will last a lifetime. Of course, it’s a great city for learning about the hospitality business, but even more than that, it’s an exciting place to live, to make new friends and to experience new things together.

Truly, Bangkok has something for everyone. We could fill one hundred websites with all things to do here and still have more things we haven’t covered yet. We’ve decided to share some of our personal favourites below to give you a taste of what Bangkok has to offer!

EAT

Melissa So - BBA Student from Phnom Penh, Cambodia

My friends and I have developed a strong fondness for mala cuisine, whether it's mala tang (spicy soup) or mala xiang guo (spicy stir-fry). Mala cuisine is a popular and flavourful Chinese cuisine known for its spicy and numbing flavours. It originated from Sichuan Province in China and has gained popularity around the world. Bangkok is a heaven for mala!

Usually, my friends and I dine at a mala restaurant called Spicy House, which is located at the Terminal 21 Rama 3 Mall, situated close to AIHM. However, recently we visited a new mala restaurant called Chilli Pot that just opened on Soi Chula 6, offering a similar dining experience. Despite its somewhat distant location, we were still willing to ride all the way there to try it. Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by lively staff members and a vibrant atmosphere, with the aroma of mala spices drifting through the air.

At Chilli Pot, we enjoyed the freedom to handpick our preferred meats like slices of pork; vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy and lotus root; as well as seafood. After that, the skilled chefs at Chilli Pot work their magic and prepare them either as a soup or a stir-fry, according to our personal preference.

The combination of spice and numbing sensation definitely didn’t disappoint and satisfied our mala craving, ensuring that we will continue to come back. Chilli Pot has now become a new dining favourite among us. I highly recommended it to mala enthusiasts and those looking to explore new flavours.

Khemkhaeng Rohrbach (Andrew) - BBA Student from Bangkok, Thailand

My friends and fellow students at AIHM know me for my deep passion for culinary exploration. In fact, I feel much like a hotel concierge here at our institution. I love giving other AIHM students specially selected recommendations and introducing them to hidden gems. I immensely enjoy delving into diverse cuisines. While I’m passionate about the “food” side of F&B, I also have a passion for the other side of the equation. Given my love for both coffee and cocktails, I'm eager to share my top recommendations for experiencing them at their best in Bangkok.

For a unique cocktail experience, I highly recommend the Opium Bar situated in Yaowarat, Chinatown. Housed in an ancestral building owned by Ms. Pichaya Utharntharm, this bar holds a rich history—having previously hosted a Chinese medicine shop, a dining space and an opium den. Despite its name, the Opium Bar doesn't use the substance but crafts cocktails to create a nostalgic, surreal experience. Led by the Bar and Beverage Manager Mr. Matteo Cadeddu, the Opium Bar’s aim is to transport guests through time with sensory cocktails, respecting the building's heritage. Amidst modern Bangkok, this establishment in the old town area preserves tradition while offering a unique, modern experience, honoring the region's roots.

When it comes to coffee, my go-to spot is The Coffee Academics Bangkok at Velaa Sindhorn Village. Surrounded by numerous restaurants, The Coffee Academics Bangkok is situated in the lush green Sindhorn Village development. At the heart of this location lies a sizable park where the Sindhorn Kempinski and Kimpton Maa-Lai hotels are also found. Every time I visit, the serene atmosphere of the area leaves me feeling tranquil and relaxed. Furthermore, the Arabica coffee at The Coffee Academics is graded in the top 5% from over 50 coffee farms. The concept and the quality of The Coffee Academics’ products won me over and continue to impress me.

Kanyarat Sitthilersjanya (Soft) - BBA Student from Bangkok, Thailand

In the bustling campus life, there's a gem that stands out in the hearts of my friends and me—Shell Mu Kratha, our go-to restaurant. This spot has become synonymous with good times and great food. After each class, it's an unspoken tradition for our group to gather at Shell Mu Kratha, and the reasons behind this ritual are as flavourful as the dishes it serves.

Mu kratha, a Thai-style barbecue hot pot, is the star of the show at Shell. The sizzling combination of meats, vegetables and a delectable broth creates an interactive and communal dining experience that we all crave after a day of learning. The aroma of the grilling meat, the lively chatter and the shared laughter make every visit a memorable occasion.

For those who haven't experienced mu kratha, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. The combination of flavours and the joy of cooking your own meal at the table is an experience like no other.

PLAY

Yadanar Moe (Ratna) - BBA Student from Tachileik, Myanmar

My favourite place to hang out with my friends or alone has to be Asiatique. Getting there is easy. You can choose between land road or boat transport, but I prefer taking the boat because it’s more convenient. From the central part of Bangkok, just head to Saphan Taksin and hop on Asiatique’s complimentary boat, and it will only take around 10 minutes to reach there. If you choose to go by land, be prepared for delays due to Bangkok’s traffic. You’ll reach there anyways though; it just might take a little longer. A perk of studying at AIHM is that Asiatique is extremely quick and easy to get to from our school. We even have a direct boat that leaves regularly from the Avani+ Riverside Hotel, where our school is located.

Asiatique itself is incredibly appealing. It offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options all in one open space. One of its standout features is the Ferris wheel, which offers outstanding views of Bangkok. (Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the ride.) Personally, I enjoy going to Asiatique for sightseeing—simply sitting back and admiring the view of the river. My favourite time to visit is during the evening when I can capture the most breathtaking photos. The time when the sun is about to set so is the perfect timing for photogenic pictures.

Normally, I enjoy going to Asiatique with my friends to socialise, grab a bite to eat and explore the sights. One thing to note is that it can get crowded on weekends so if you want a relaxing time just make sure to choose the day wisely! 

LOVE

Khin Thiri Naing (Julie) - BBA Student from Yangon, Myanmar

As human beings, everyone has a hard time and everyone needs a healing time. Aims differ as names differ, so one person’s healing method can be different from others. For me personally, I heal myself with music. I spend most of my time listening to music, which provides me with positive energy. While living in Bangkok, we have to take great advantage of it, don’t we? Luckily, it’s an extraordinary city for music.

Bangkok attracts performances by world-famous musical artists. When artists I like are visiting, I try to get tickets to their concerts. I love going to enjoy their music in a crowd of people with the same musical tastes. Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok is great venue for concerts as it’s big enough to accommodate large audiences with ease.

Another activity I like to do when things get heavy is to visit a quiet restaurant with slow music like jazz or blues so I can relax in a cozy ambience with my loved ones. Bangkok offers a wide range of such cozy places to unwind and treat myself to some musical healing.

I also really like going to enjoy karaoke with my friends. We can sing along and spend some quality time together with the help of music. One good place is Manekineko Karaoke at MBK Center. It’s a family karaoke spot with a wide variety of songs to select from. The soft drinks that they offer are a plus. After a singing session at Manekineko, I can guarantee that your friendship bonds will become stronger than before.

In addition, since we’re talking about relaxing activities in Thailand, of course Thai massage cannot be left unsaid. As this is also my mother’s favourite activity for relaxing in Thailand, I have found several great massage places. If your family is visiting you in Bangkok, I recommend taking them for a massage at place like Let’s Relax or Health Land. This will be very beneficial for them after a long day of shopping around in Bangkok or exploring the city’s sights. A Thai massage can even potentially be a family bonding activity.

Learn More About Bangkok from AIHM’s Students

Are you a high school student curious about life at AIHM? Want more recommendations for student hotspots in Bangkok? Wondering if AIHM is a good fit for your dreams and your lifestyle? Want to chat with us to get an insider’s perspective from someone who just made the same choice you’re about to? Or maybe you’ve already started university somewhere else but you’re considering joining AIHM as a transfer student?

Talk to us! Visit the Student Ambassador section of AIHM website now to chat with current students and browse some of the photos and videos we post.

We also invite you to follow AIHM on TikTok. You’ll see lots of posts by us and our fellow students. Check us out now and see if AIHM is right for you!