We all have that one overachiever friend who excels at everything and whom everyone wants to be like. And in the world of travel destinations, without a doubt, that friend is Singapore.

Topnotch, well-connected airport? Check. Incredible food? They got it. Clean streets that make us wonder what our barangay would be like in another universe? You bet. But if there’s one thing that absolutely amazes me about SG: No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to see or do.

Every year, it’s like they launch innovative, mind-blowing attractions. Sometimes, I wonder: Is it a national conspiracy to keep us coming back again and again? Maybe. Do we mind? Not really. Not at all. In fact, we’re always happy to return and give it our wallets with all our heart. So, if you’re planning your next trip and are thinking, “Seen it all, I can skip Singapore this time,” let me stop you right there. It’s constantly evolving, and you’re about to discover why it’s still worth a visit (or revisit). Here are 7 shiny new attractions to add to your itinerary.

🔥🔥🔥 PRO TIP: Book these attractions on Klook and use our promo code TPTKLOOK5 for up to PHP500 OFF! (That’s 5% discount, capped at PHP500, minimum spend of P7000.) Or you can automatically redeem this P500 discount voucher here!

1. Tandem Bungy at Skypark Sentosa

Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett isn’t really new. Daredevils have been bungy jumping here since 2014. But I guess someone watched the solo jumpers and said, “You know what would make this even more fun? Adding a plus one!”

Enter the Tandem Bungy, because some thrills are best shared. You know, someone to hold your hand, someone to scream your lungs out with, someone to laugh with when it’s all over. I can’t wait to free-fall 47 meters towards the ground with Vins and see his reaction!

We haven’t experienced this one yet, but we did try their tandem giant swing, and let me tell you, it was intense. The kind of intense that makes you wonder, just before you pull the trigger, if you’ve updated your will. But I can totally imagine that the tandem bungy would be more insane!

This new tandem bungy jump is perfect for couples looking to strengthen (or test) their relationship, best friends who swear they’d do everything together, or siblings who just want to see each other’s reaction when jumping off a platform. It’s adrenaline-packed therapy, complete with breathtaking views of Sentosa’s beaches, that is if you could steal some glances as you scream your way down.

So, grab your bravest buddy and take the plunge. And don’t worry about looking cool. Once you’re mid-air, dignity is the first thing to fly.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED SENTOSA TANDEM BUNGY TICKETS! Be sure to select Tandem Bungy Jump in the options. Currently, there’s a 42% OFF promo available so get it while you can. But you can also use promo code TPTKLOOK5 or THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for additional 5% OFF.

2. Battlebox Singapore

Most tourists only know Fort Canning because of that Instagram-famous tree tunnel (you know the one that looks like an influencer showdown).

But while everyone’s busy perfecting their angles in the tunnel, why not dive into Fort Canning’s other side?

Battlebox is an underground WWII command center, said to be unmissable for history buffs and curious wanderers alike. They say that a visit feels like stepping into a time capsule—except instead of dusty artifacts, you’re surrounded by immersive exhibits and spine-tingling stories. It’s like a war movie, but you’re in it. You’ll also learn about Singapore’s surrender during WWII and get to walk through the actual bunker where big decisions—and probably a lot of panicked yelling—happened.

Battlebox has been around since 1997, but it was in February 2024 when it officially reopened with spanking new attitude, proving that history doesn’t have to be boring. It can be chilling, inspiring, and surprisingly IG-worthy, too.

✅ BOOK BATTLEBOX HERE!

3. Keong Saik Audio Tour, Chinatown

We’ve explored a lot of areas around Singapore’s Chinatown, including Tanjong Pagar and Telok Ayer, several times before because who doesn’t love good eats, a bit of heritage, and a showcase of Singapore’s religious and cultural diversity. But somehow, Keong Saik has remained the elusive mystery on our map. And now, we’ve been hearing so much about it, we’re starting to feel like we’ve been missing out big time.

Keong Saik is said to be where the ghost of a red-light district past now rub shoulders with third-wave coffee shops and boutique hotels. Yes, I wrote “red light”. Not a mistake. Color us intrigued!

But don’t expect to be greeted with that kind of scandal! This street has undergone the ultimate glow-up. It is now a cultural hotspot. Come hungry, come curious, and maybe come with a list of places to hit, because every corner has a story. To make things even cooler and more enlightening, you can even take an audio guide tour that spills all the tea while you stroll. Just pop on your headphones and get the lowdown on how this street went from a red-light district to one of Singapore’s most happening hotspots.

✅ BOOK BATTLEBOX HERE!

4. Klook Chinatown Hawker Food Pass

Whenever I’m in Singapore, I eat at a hawker center every single day. Yes. Every. Single. Day. I’ve lost count of how many stalls I’ve tried, but one thing’s for sure: whether it’s an old-school stall or a trendy one reinventing local flavors, it’s always something to remember. But if there’s one hawker place that I want to return to, it’s Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre. I visited it once before to try Hawker Chan, but it was already closed for the day.

Thankfully, Klook now offers the Klook Hawker Food Pass, a convenient way to explore Chinatown Complex while enjoying savings on a variety of local dishes. By purchasing a pass through Klook, you can access discounted cash vouchers redeemable at participating stalls in several popular hawker centers across the city.

Purchase one here before your visit! Then, select a package and get a voucher on the Klook app or website. Upon arrival, just present your voucher at participating stalls, including:

• 02-008 Old Amoy Chendol
• 02-049 Ming Fa Fishball Noodles
• 02-088 Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Foo
• 02-112 Ann Chin Popiah
• 02-123 Hakka Hamcha & Yong Tau Foo
• 02-131 Heng Ji Chicken Rice
• 02-143 Hui Min Chinese Herbal Tea
• 02-222 Nasi Padang Mamifita

The Klook Hawker Pass is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich hawker culture. These centers of culinary creativity serve up everything from chicken rice to char kway teow, all at prices that make your wallet smile. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, hawker centers are where locals and visitors alike bond over shared tables, good eats, and the occasional debate on which stall does it best and who reserved the table first.

✅ GET YOUR KLOOK HAWKER PASS HERE!

5. ArtScience Museum’s New Exhibits

The ArtScience Museum at the Marina Bay Sands complex might not be new, but it sure knows how to keep things fresh. While most visitors flock to the iconic lotus-shaped building for Future World, a dazzling interactive exhibit by teamLab that feels like stepping into a sci-fi fever dream, this museum is anything but a one-hit wonder.

Thanks to its rotating lineup of seasonal exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover. Right now, they’re serving up two major crowd-pleasers:

• The World of Studio Ghibli is a must-visit for fans of Hayao Miyazaki’s enchanting worlds. I haven’t visited yet but I can only assume I can meet Totoro here or admire Howl’s Moving Castle or lose yourself in the whimsy of Spirited Away. Reserve tickets here! ✅
• Altered States dives deep into the mind-bending relationship between “art, science, and experimental cinema” through the works of a select group of local and international artists and filmmakers.

Whether you’re here for dreamy nostalgia or cinematic exploration, the ArtScience Museum proves there’s always something new under the Singaporean sun—even if it’s in the same, iconic lotus.

6. Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy

You know Singapore is way ahead of the game just by looking at Gardens by the Bay, which is probably what gardens in the distant future look like. Opened in 2012, this iconic site is where towering trees, jaw-dropping flower displays, and next-level green tech come together in a seamless harmony.

But while most tourists flock around the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome (completely understandable), it does have other gems hidden in its other nooks, just like Floral Fantasy, a magical indoor garden that opened in 2019.

It’s where flowers are not just decorations—they’re the stars. With suspended blooms and fields of petals, a stroll here feels like walking through a botanical fairy tale. This is probably why when I first visited this back in 2022, I instantly thought of Disney movies and started humming Someday My Prince Will Come. Excuse me, Snow White.

It looks like I’m not the only one who had that idea because apparently, it has been transformed into the Disney Garden of Wonder. At least until March 2025. I can totally picture my favorite Disney characters made of flowers! It will be like the childhood dreams I buried in the closet have caught up with the loud and proud gay me of today. Ariel is there, too!

But don’t worry—if Disney’s not your jam, I’m sure Floral Fantasy will keep it fresh with new themes in the future.

7. Borealis at Gardens by the Bay

One of my favorite things to do at Gardens by the Bay is watching the Gardens Rhapsody light show. It’s like the trees put on a light-up concert, and you get to be front and center. The Supertrees seem to dance and shimmer to a soundtrack that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a luminous fantasy.

But now, there’s something new that’s adding to the park’s after-dark magic: Borealis, named after the famed Northern Lights. I have to say this because it’s relevant and I take every opportunity to brag: I’ve just seen the aurora borealis last year. But still, I’m extremely excited that they have this light show in SG because while the real aurora was indeed magical, it was also not very accessible for us Southeast Asians! So I would totally be watching this with my eyes and mouth wide open next time I’m in the city. Based on the videos online, it looks surreal and stunning, without the freezing temperatures!

So, if you’re into getting your light fix while soaking in some next-level visuals in Singapore, Borealis is where you want to be after sundown. It’s perhaps the perfect way to cap off a night at Gardens by the Bay, especially after you’ve already seen the Gardens Rhapsody.

Singapore never runs out of surprises, does it? I’m sure next year, we’ll be updating this article or creating a completely new one featuring another set of brand new attractions. The Lion City is just one of those destinations that refuses to accept “been there, done that.” And that’s what makes Singapore the tourism powerhouse that it is today.

Additional photos provided by Klook.

When people tell me they hate Bangkok and don’t find a lot of things to do there, I totally understand. It’s a love/hate city that most people aren’t a fan of on arrival.

In fact, when I first visited Bangkok in 2006, I despised the city and couldn’t wait to leave.

It wasn’t until I lived in Bangkok that I really fell in love with it.

Almost twenty years later, Bangkok is still one of my favorite cities in the world.

It just takes a little time to get to know and love.

Bangkok is not a city that opens itself up easily, and most people spend just a day or two here before leaving to go to the islands or the jungle.

That said, there are a lot of things to do and see in Bangkok. Cheap things, expensive things, unique things, and outdoor things. Bangkok has a bit of everything.

To help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit, below is my suggested itinerary for Bangkok. It will help you tackle this sprawling, hectic city in a way that gets you on and off the beaten track so you can peel back the onion that is Bangkok and discover why I love it so much.

Bangkok Itinerary: Day One

The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun

The first place you should visit in Bangkok is the Grand Palace (Royal Palace) and neighboring Wat Pho, home to the famous reclining Buddha and massage school. The Royal family doesn’t live in the palace (it’s only used for official state functions) and you can’t go into any of the buildings, but wandering the grounds and open temples is worth the visit. It’s beautiful and the craftsmanship in the architecture is amazing. Go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Afterward, wander down the street to Wat Pho and the famous reclining Buddha (as well as the famous Golden Buddha). It’s the largest reclining Buddha statue in the country at 46 meters (150 feet) long. The Wat Pho complex fills a city block so while seeing the statues doesn’t take long, you could spend a solid hour wandering the maze-like temple grounds.

Next, head across the river to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace. It has one main spire and four small ones and is so iconic that it’s on Thai money. From the top of the main spire, you get to see sweeping views of the city. It’s my favorite temple in Bangkok.

If you want a deep-dive into the temple and palace, take a guided tour. You’ll learn about the history of each temple and the palace from an expert local guide who can answer all your questions and provide a much more nuanced experience.

Note: When visiting these places, be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders; it’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothes. That means no short skirts, no tank tops, nothing that shows your stomach, and no ripped pants.

The Grand Palace is located on Na Phra Lan Road; royalgrandpalace.th/en/home. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB.

Wat Pho is located on 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 083-057-7100, watpho.com/en. Open daily from 8am–7:30pm. Admission is 300 THB.

Wat Arun is across the river at 158 Wang Doem Road, +66 2 891 2185. Open daily 8am–6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Take a River Cruise

Take a tour of the Chao Phraya River, a relaxing and beautiful experience that shouldn’t be skipped. Don’t take an overpriced tour, though (they cost over 2,000 THB). You can ride the water taxi up and down the river for around 35 THB. Start at the central pier, go to the end, and come back. Presto! Instant tour for a fraction of the price!

Tour More Temples

Bangkok has a lot of beautiful temples. Hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you around for the day to see the temples. This is often the cheapest and most efficient way to see the temples throughout Bangkok. You can even split the cost with other travelers to save money.

My favorite temples are:

Wat Saket – The Golden Mount has an enormous, 100-meter-high, 500-meter wide chedi (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics). This is one of my favorite temples in the city because of its beautiful golden temple and wonderful views of the city from its top. At the base of the mountain is an overgrown cemetery for 18th-century plague victims. Open daily 7am-7pm. Admission to the temple is free while the chedi costs 100 THB.

Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the back of the 5-baht coin. The white marble used to contrast the building was imported directly from Italy, and there is a unique blend of both Thai and European architecture and design. In the courtyard, there are 53 Buddha images representing every mudra (gesture) and style from Thai history. This makes it a good place to visually see how Buddha has been represented in Thailand over time. Open daily 8am-5:30pm. Admission is 50 THB.

Just make sure your tuk-tuk driver doesn’t take you shopping along the way — drivers get kickbacks if they bring customers into certain shops. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for a reputable driver; they will likely know someone.

Visit Khao San Road

The backpacker capital of the world, this road (along with Soi Rambuttri) is a must visit! You’ll find endless bars, shops, street food, international restaurants, vendors, locals, and activities all day and all night. It’s also a popular spot on the weekend for Thais. I personally like the quieter Soi Rambuttri, but Khao San is an awesome place to sit outside and meet other travelers. It’s much more commercial than it used to be, but it’s still fun to explore!

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Two

Check out the Floating Market

You can enjoy a half-day visit to the floating markets around the city (Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan are the two most popular). It makes for a filling morning adventure and if you get there early you can avoid a lot of the crowds. Thaling Chan is the more touristy one so to avoid the hordes of tour groups, definitely get there early. They’re not the best place to shop, but they are great for people-watching and eating. Both markets can be visited by public transportation.

I love the chaos, the smells, and the little ladies cooking and selling you various treats as they paddle by you. (You never leave hungry.)

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok is a culinary feast. You can go shopping here and buy lots of useless souvenirs, but what I love about this area is the food. On the chaotic vendor-lined streets, you’ll find a ton of vendors selling food you hardly see anywhere else in the city. This is a crowded and busy part of the city but one of my favorites. At night, the area is one of the best places in the city to get delicious seafood.

Visit the Malls

Okay, hear me out: Malls in Bangkok are more than just malls, they are social hubs (thanks in part to the air-conditioning) where people eat (mall food courts in Bangkok are delicious), drink at bars, see movies, sit at coffee shops, and even go bowling! A lot of life in the city happens in the malls and each has its own character.

Here’s a list of the best malls in the city:

• Terminal 21 (88 Sukhumvit Road 19, +66 2 108 0888, terminal21.co.th)
• MBK Center (444 Phayathai Road, +66 2 853 9000, mbk-center.co.th)
• Siam Paragon (991/1 Rama I Road, +66 2 610 8000, siamparagon.co.th)
• Emporium (622 Sukhumvit Road, +66 2 269 1000, emporium.co.th)
• CentralWorld (999/9 Rama I Road, +66 2 640 7000, centralworld.co.th)

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai (a combat sport involving striking and clinching) is everywhere in Thailand and Thais take it very seriously. Fighters train for years. Don’t bother seeing the tourist Muay Thai fights on any of the islands. Instead, spend a night seeing an authentic match with world-class fighters in Bangkok at Rajadamnern Stadium, which can hold up to 8,000 spectators. There’s usually something going on every night so check the website.

You can also catch fights at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, which seats up to 5,000 people, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Between the two stadiums, there are fights going on every night of the week.

1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, +66 2 281 4205, rajadamnern.com. Tickets start at 1,500 THB.
 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Three

Wander the Chatuchak Weekend Market

The weekend market is one of the best things in Bangkok. It’s the size of many football fields and quite crowded. You’ll find everything and anything from authentic designer clothes to their fake counterparts to phones to knockoff movies to pets to backpacks to kitchenware. There’s a big dining area with great, cheap food. Don’t miss coming here. With over 15,000 stalls, it really does have everything!

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, +66 2 272 4813, chatuchakmarket.org. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.

Tour Jim Thompson’s House

Jim Thompson was an American spy and silk merchant in Thailand during the ’50s and ’60s who vanished mysteriously in 1967 while in Malaysia. Some say he was lost or killed while hiking while others say he disappeared himself (he was a spy, after all).

When he returned to private industry after the war, he almost single-handedly revitalized Thailand’s sinking silk industry. He made his home in the traditional Thai style, decorating it with beautiful teak wood and a surrounding garden. The tours feature a lot of history about Jim, the silk industry, and how and why Thais design their homes the way they do.

1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, +66 2 216 7368, jimthompsonhouse.org. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Relax in Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is Bangkok’s Central Park. This sizable green space spans over 140 acres and is well worth a visit if you’re a people watcher. At all hours of the day, you’ll find people playing sports, walking, biking, practicing tai chi, or just relaxing. In a city that lacks much green space, you’ll probably crave a little wildlife after navigating all the traffic and vendors in this concrete jungle. Grab a book, pack a lunch, and come and lounge in the shade and watch the afternoon go by. It’s a nice change of pace from the hectic flow of the rest of the city (it’s a no-smoking area too).

192 Wireless Rd, +66 2 252 7006. Open daily 4:30am-10pm.

Hang with the Hipsters on Soi Nana
There are two areas in Bangkok called Soi Nana (one is a sex tourism hub), but the Soi Nana I’m referring to is a hip area for nightlife near the train station in Chinatown. This street is filled with tiny bars, cocktail lounges, and art exhibits in old-style Chinese homes left in their original style.

Some of the best bars are Pijiu (Chinese beer bar), Teens of Thailand (first gin bar in Thailand), Ba Hao (four-floor Chinese-inspired bar), El Chiringuito (Spanish tapas), and 23 Bar & gallery (bar in an art space). It’s incredibly popular with young Thais and one of the coolest areas of Bangkok. Don’t miss it.
 

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Four

Visit the National Museum

Opened in 1874 and established by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), this museum focuses on Thai culture, with highlights that include a large collection of musical instruments, recorded music, ornate royal funeral chariots, and impressive wooden carvings. The museum isn’t very big and the signs aren’t very detailed, but the artifacts are interesting to look at.

Na Phra That Alley, +66 2 224 1333, finearts.go.th/museumbangkok/. Open Wednesday-Sunday 8:30am-4pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Take a Food Tour

Bangkok has an incredible food scene and is one of the best foodie destinations in the world. The best way to learn about the food culture (while devouring some samples) is on a food tour. Bangkok Food Tours has a variety of tasty tours where you can try everything from street food to exotic fruits. Tours start from 1,650 THB.

And for cooking classes, a half-day cooking class (including a market visit) costs around 1,345 THB. They’re a fun way to learn about the cuisine while learning new skills and recipes you can try when you get home.

Enjoy an event at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center
This contemporary arts center highlights and hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. Opened in 2007, the BACC hosts cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. There is also an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and book store here too. In a city that lacks a real art scene, this is an enriching place to see some local art. Check the website to see what’s going on during your visit.

939 Rama I Road, +66 2 214 6630-8, en.bacc.or.th. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Admission is free though events cost money. See the website for pricing and tickets.
 

Other Things to See and Do in Bangkok

Have more time in the city? Here are some other things to see and do in Bangkok:

Museum of Siam
This museum uses a variety of media to explore the origins of the Thais and their culture. Opened in 2007, there are displays, movies, and multimedia that cover culture, history, Buddhism, war, and the making of modern Thailand. It’s an interactive and educational little museum housed in an old 19th-century European-style building that not a lot of tourists visit.

4 Maha Rat Rd, +66 2 225 2777. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 100 THB.

Wakeboard at Lake Taco
If you want to get out of the city and have some adventure, head to the outskirts of Bangkok for some wakeboarding (riding on a short board while being pulled by a motorboat). This is a popular thing to do with expats and though I never did it, my friends always said it was a fun time. The lake is just 40 minutes away so it’s an easy activity to do whenever you need a break from the city.

thaiwakepark.com. A 90-minute beginner session costs around 395 THB.

Calypso Ladyboy Show
This ladyboy show is actually a good cabaret show that attracts a variety of visitors. It’s Bangkok’s version of Moulin Rouge. There’s glitz, glamour, and spectacle — everything you’d expect from a cabaret show in Bangkok. Calypso Cabaret, founded in 1988, is the best place to see a show in the city. Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret are two other reputable venues that host fun performances as well.

2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road, Warehouse #3, +66 2 688 1415, calypsocabaret.com. Performances are at 7:45pm and 9:45pm and tickets start at 900 THB.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya (pronounced ah-you-tah-ya) was founded around 1350 and was the second capital of Thailand (it was the capital before it relocated to Bangkok). Unfortunately, the city was destroyed in 1767 by a Burmese attack and there are only ruins and a few temples and palaces still left standing.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to the summer palace and tons of breathtaking and unique temples. Since it’s so close to Bangkok, it’s a very popular day-trip destination for tours.

While lots of companies offer trips, it’s so easy to get to that you should simply go on your own by train. Train tickets cost around 130 THB, with the journey taking 1.5 hours each way.

To really learn more, take a guided tour. They’re just 1,300 THB and are a great way to learn about this UNESCO site.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to see and do in Bangkok than just temples, shopping, and traffic. It’s a city whose charm emerges slowly once you get off the beaten path.

While you can see the highlights in a couple of days, with four or five days you can start to peel back the layers of this chaotic city and start to see why Bangkok really is one of the best destinations in the world.

But don’t just take my word for it. Use this post as a guide and learn to love the city the way I did. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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