Vol. 09 - Nov 2025

We always use Booking.com when planning our trips, it just makes everything easy. From family hideaways in the mountains to unique riverside stays, the site helps us compare options, read real reviews, and book in minutes.

And it’s not just hotels. You can book your flights, car rentals, and nice activities & experiences to do across Thailand all in one place.

It’s our go-to every time we explore a new corner of the country - simple, reliable, and made for travelers who love discovering as they go.

Last weekend we made a quick escape down to Bang Pu, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of easy, no-planning-needed seaside afternoon we’ve been craving. If you’re based in Bangkok (or there for a few days) and want ocean air without the long drive, this area deserves a spot on your list.

Enjoy this weeks List!
Ploy & Jochem ❤️

A travel story

We started our day at Sailom Bang Pu, which is only 1 hour from Bangkok city center, and right away it felt like the kind of place you want to stay a while. Bright, open, a bit like Ibiza with it’s mosaic tiles and bright colored pottery. It offers a combination of seaside dining and handicrafts.

For lunch we ordered a few dishes, but the one that stood out was the Tom Kha Kai - rich, fragrant, super creamy, easily one of the best versions we’ve had in Thailand. It alone is worth the trip.

After lunch, we walked over to their little craft corner. Moana did a ‘decorate your own mug’ course and somehow turned it into actual art. Mine… did not go the same way. But it was fun, and it’s one of those activities that makes the afternoon feel like a nice family get-together.

About 15 minutes down the road, we stopped at the Bang Pu pier. The moment we stepped out, the sea breeze hit us - in this time of year it feels rather cool, and such a nice break from the city heat. We leaned over the pier railing and watched small sea creatures moving in the water below, which was a fun surprise.

From there, we followed the wooden walkway through the mangroves. It’s calm, shady, and an easy walk. At the end, we reached an open spot with a wide view of the water. We arrived right as the sun started to drop, and watched many sea gulls flock the air right as the whole sky slowly turned orange.

It wasn’t a long trip, but it felt like a real reset - great food, a bit of creativity, a walk by the sea, and a sunset that makes you want to come back again. If you’re looking for an easy escape from Bangkok, this is one of those spots that stays with you!

If you want to turn this into a slow weekend instead of just a day trip, Rimkhobfa Urban Resort is a great place to stay. It’s calm, spacious, and close enough to both Sailom and Bang Pu that you can take your time without rushing anywhere.

Handy when you spot sea creatures swimming below the pier.

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

If you liked this week’s edition, here’s how we’d spend a day in Bang Pu:

• 11:30 am : Sailom Bang Pu - Lunch by the Sea

Arrive just before lunch and settle into Sailom’s bright, beachy space. Order the Tom Kha Kai, it’s the standout dish, and enjoy the wide sea view while the breeze picks up. It’s relaxed, calm, and the perfect slow start to the day.

• 1:00 pm : Handicraft Time at Sailom

After lunch, join the small craft activity. Moana made a mug that looked like real art; mine definitely wasn’t on the same level, but it’s fun for everyone and a nice way to linger a bit longer.

• 2:30 pm : Easy Seaside Walk

Take a short stroll along the waterfront near Sailom. It’s quiet, with open views and fresh air, and gives you a moment to reset before the next stop

• 3:30 pm : Bang Pu Pier - Sea Breeze & Sea Creatures

Head to the Bang Pu pier and enjoy the strong, refreshing breeze as soon as you step out. Look over the side and you’ll spot small sea creatures moving in the water, kids and adults both end up pointing things out (we even saw 4 sea snakes! 😨)

• 4:15 pm : Mangrove Walkway

Follow the wooden platform through the mangroves. It’s shady, peaceful, and an easy walk for all ages. A simple way to get a little nature in without leaving the city far behind.

• 6:00 pm : Sunset at the Viewpoint

Reach the open viewpoint just in time for the sunset. The sky turns warm and orange here, and it’s one of the best sunset spots near Bangkok.

• 7:30 pm : Dinner at Rimkhobfa Urban Resort

End the day with a relaxed dinner at Rimkhobfa Urban Resort. It’s quiet, comfortable, and close to everything you visited.

• Tom Kha Talay (ต้มข่าทะเล) : A seaside spin on Tom Kha Kai, made with mixed seafood in a creamy coconut milk broth. Fragrant, mild, and especially good near the coast.

• Pla Muek Yang (ปลาหมึกย่าง) : Grilled squid served with spicy seafood dipping sauce; one of the most popular snacks along Thailand’s coast.

• Khao Pad Poo (ข้าวผัดปู) : Crab fried rice with real crab chunks.

• Bang Pu Pier (Sala Suk Jai) : The heart of the area and a classic weekend spot, with a long wooden pier, steady sea breeze, and plenty of space to wander and watch the water.

• Bang Pu Mangrove Walkway : A peaceful wooden path through the mangroves where you can spot small fish, crabs, and birds. Family friendly!

• Sailom Bang Pu Craft Corner : A simple but fun spot to paint a mug or create your own small souvenir (necklaces, bracelets).

• Ancient City (Muang Boran) : One of Thailand’s most impressive open-air museums, just a short drive from Bang Pu. You can explore life-size replicas of historic temples, riverside villages, and royal architecture by tram, bike, or golf cart. It’s huge, surprisingly peaceful, and perfect for slow wandering.

• Bang Pu Birdwatching Point : Tucked away near the pier, this quiet spot is a favorite for locals who know when the migratory birds arrive. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see them swoop over the water.

• Sala Suk Jai Dance Hall : A nostalgic wooden hall at the end of the pier where locals gather for old-style social dancing on weekends. It’s charming, casual, and feels like stepping back into another era.

• 🌿 TIP: Stop by the Mangrove Learning Center : A small, low-key center right by the walkway where kids can learn about local plants, crabs, fish, and shoreline ecology. It’s simple, free, and surprisingly interesting.

Every week we drop new pins onto our Local Secrets Map - special spots you won’t always find in the guidebooks. Street stalls tucked down alleys, rooftop bars only locals know, temples that feel like they belong to you alone.

This map is just for Insiders, and it grows with every edition - a living guide that keeps unlocking Thailand, piece by piece.

👉 Tap the link on your smart phone or computer, and choose “Open in Google Maps” for the full interactive experience! 🌏

That’s this week’s adventure. Next week we’ll be setting off on a family trip to the coast. Expect an underrated and stunning place - but we’re keeping it secret (for now 😁). Stay tuned!

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Thai List. If you did, please share the love 💕 by inviting your friends and family to join us. Each week we uncover local secrets, hidden escapes, and the best food and drinks Thailand has to offer. Don’t miss out on the journey.

Wishing you save travels,

The Thai List - Your weekly postcard from Thailand 🇹🇭