Bangkok’s Creative Corners: Play, Chill, Connect
From mindful playgrounds to bold art hubs, discover the City of Angels’ hidden havens
Words: Sarita Urupongsa
Photos: theCOMMONS, TEA Art Hub, Slowcombo, THIRDBASE, and Fruitails
Bangkok’s creative scene is booming – and it’s not just for artists. From dynamic community hubs to lifestyle playgrounds, the city offers a wealth of artsy spaces where you can unwind, spark inspiration, and discover something new. Whether you’re diving into a chill book club, hunting for unique treasures at a vibrant outdoor market, or flowing through a rooftop yoga session, these creative corners redefine what a fun day out in the city truly means. Ready to swap busy shopping malls for soulful spaces buzzing with energy, colour, and connection? Here’s your ultimate guide to Bangkok’s coolest community spots that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and craving more.
Get Wholesome & Artsy
theCOMMONS is far more than a hangout – it’s a lifestyle hub where creativity, connection, and community come alive in a lush, open-air environment. Branches at two prime spots, Thonglor and Saladaeng, offer a perfect blend of artisanal cafés, boutique shops, and inspiring events designed to bring people together through shared passions. Whether you’re here for wellness, food, art, or simply a slower pace, theCOMMONS invites Bangkokians to reconnect with the joy of everyday living.
Mark your calendar for the first of every month, when theCOMMONS transforms weekends into a vibrant festival of wellness, creativity, and social energy. Join theWHOLESOME Run Club at Saladaeng, a welcoming community for runners of all speeds, from casual strollers to seasoned sprinters, where moving together sparks new friendships. Over in Thonglor, immerse yourself in a lifestyle fiesta: try a calming Tai Chi class to centre your mind, browse fresh organic finds at the All Kinds Farmers Market, or gather with fellow book loves at theWHOLESOME Book Club for thoughtful discussions. Prefer something more laid-back? The Reading Party offers the perfect Sunday sanctuary with good books, great drinks, and zero pressure vibes.
Don’t miss the soulful Refugee Dinner, a heartwarming event where you can savour delicious meals while supporting refugee families who’ve found a new home in Thailand. It’s community, creativity, and compassion all rolled into one magical experience, and it’s waiting for you to show up and soak it all in.
Open daily 8am-1am; www.thecommonsbkk.com
Playground for Bold Ideas
Housed in a holistic warehouse, TEA Art Hub is a buzzing new contemporary art space born from a collective of passionate creatives with backgrounds in art, film, music, and design. Their dream was to build an open platform where bold, diverse ideas could flourish, free from trends and commerical pressures.
More than an arts showcase, TEA Art Hub sparks dialogue, fosters connection, and offers an immersive experience where visitors can engage deeply with Thai and East Asian cultures. The space also boasts a unique cinema experience desinged for more than just passive viewing – a venue for meaningful exchanges, rare film and animation screenings, and interactive events that both challenge and inspire.
August marked the debut of TEA Art Hub’s first major event, TEA Art Weekend – a vibrant two-week festival featuring contemporary art, live music-accompanied silent films, performance art, workshops, and a curated mini art fair. This dynamic fusion of creativity and culture makes TEA Art Hub an exciting new destination for travellers seeking alternative art experiences that inspire, challenge and celebrate inclusivity.
Warehouse 5, I.C.C. International PCL, 530/1-2, Sathu Pradit 58; Instagram: tea.arthub
Slow Down, Play More
Slowcombo is Bangkok’s vibrant “Mindfulness Playground”, a heart-centred sanctuary where busy city life slows down, allowing space to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Spread across three thoughtfully designed levels, Slowcombo offers a holistic lifestyle experience blending wellness, creativity, and sustainability.
On the first floor, Eat Wisely serves a delicious and wholesome menu, from Naivedyum’s fragrant Indian vegan and vegetarian dishes to guilt-free desserts and dairy-free, matcha-rich drinks at GOOD CHĀ. Head upstairs to Live Slowly, where lifestyle boutiques and wellness activities create a soothing atmosphere. Here, you’ll find soul therapy sessions, spiritual wellness offerings, and eco-friendly floral arrangemnets by Malibarn. The top floor is a creative haven, divided between a 150-square-metre art space featuring rotating exhibitions and an expansive 800-sqm Active Space. This indoor playground hosts everything from sports events to creative workshops and lively gatherings.
Each month, Slowcombo’s vibrant social media channels showcase a diverse lineup of activities, from crystal healing and Pilates classes to flower arranging workshops and soothing Balinese massages. The venue also publishes a monthly waste report, tracking onsite recycling as part of their sustainability drive.
Slowcombo is a fresh, fun, and mindful space that invites everyone to slow down, play more, and live better.
Open daily 10am- 8pm, 126 between Chulalongkorn 48 and 50; Instagram: slowcombo
Fuelling Ideas, From Dawn to Dusk
THIRDBASE pulses at the creative heart of Ekamai as a collaborative, every-evolving space designed to be the “third place” between home and work. Combining the best of design, coffee, and natural wine, it brings together STUDIO360, SPOT Coffee, and WUUNWINE under one roof.
STUDIO360, formerly known for its design stationery, now leads workshops that nurture self-expression through art and creativity. SPOT fuels your mornings with carefully brewed coffee, perfect for sparking ideas or diving into work. When the sun sets, WUUNWINE brings a playful cultural flair, serving up natural wines that brighten conversations and connections.
THIRDBASE is more than a venue – it’s a living hub where Bangkok’s creative community gathers to share stories, collaborative, and build something new every day. It’s where notebooks open, ideas spark, and friendships brew from dawn to dusk.
38 Charoen Chai Alley, Khlongtan Nuea; Instagram: third3ase
Fruit, Tea & Imagination
Tucked away in Ekamai, Fruitails is a refreshing haven that blends health, sustainability, and playful self-expression. This charming café reimagines fruit and tea-based drinks as vibrant works of art. Using cold-pressed juices, cold-brew teas, and bartending techniques, Fruitails crafts colourful, flavour-packed beverages that nourish both body and soul.
But Fruitails goes beyond drinks – it transforms leftover fruit pulp into natural pigments for its unique perfume balm and clay jewellery workshops. Visitors can dive into hands-on creativity, designing their own scents and accessories in a warm, welcoming space.
With its cosy, home-style vibe, Fruitails invites visitors to slow down, reconnect, and let their imaginations flow at one of Bangkok’s most refreshing spots for creative minds and conscious souls alike. Want to join a workshop or learn more? Drop by or check out their social media for the latest updates.
20/19 Soi Sukhumvit 49/1; www.facebook.com/fruitails
Whether you’re seeking soulful experiences, creative expression, or wellness adventures, Bangkok’s community spaces offer something truly special. From wholesome markets and mindful playgrounds to bold art hubs and flavourful sanctuaries, the city’s creative pulse is alive and welcoming for visitors. So if you’re planning your weekend, swap the mundane for the unexpected – Bangkok’s coolest creative corners are ready to be explored!