The countdown is on for the final phase of Bangkok Design Week 2026, a festival transforming Bangkok into a hub of creativity. For those who haven't yet experienced this year's event, the Phra Nakhon district is an absolute must-visit.
In 2026, there is a must-visit checkpoint, especially the 1.9-kilometer walking route along Bamrung Muang Road, which guides you through a classic atmosphere while offering a design experience seamlessly integrated with traditional lifestyles.
Here's a guide to highlight activities and exhibitions worth exploring like a city explorer before the festival closes on 8 Feb 2026, this coming weekend.
For those unsure where to start, heading to Praeng Nara Road, a historic commercial area with century-old buildings as backdrop, is quite appealing. This year, the area is revitalized with a historical video, "Praeng Nara," featuring community voices that bring history—once only in textbooks—vividly back to life.
Not far away in Fueang Nakhon, The Roots Routes together with the brand Saisalang host a workshop called "Fragrance Tales of Fueang Nakhon." This activity invites you to explore the former royal district and transform memories from visual impressions into unique scents, creating a fascinating sensory journey.
On the way toward Sao Ching Cha, stop by Craftsman Roastery at Old Town to view the exhibition "The V.V.I.P.: Important Persons," an illustrated work inviting you to discover the meaning of being an "important person" that may reside within each of us.
Upon reaching Lan Khon Muang, you will encounter a major transformation of public space showcased through two standout works: LongiPark! – Long Heal, a simulated forest garden designed to soothe the urban mind, and People Pavilion, an architectural piece repurposing old lamp posts into a resting pavilion for all, reflecting a concept of maximizing existing resources.
An intriguing street highlight is the experiment at the median island near the turn before Sao Ching Cha through the project Public Space Design SOS: Observer Station, which temporarily closes the slip lane to create seating spaces for people to pause and observe the city.
Also featured is Place to Pause—a wooden and acrylic sculpture inviting us to compare past and present images of Phra Nakhon from a new perspective.
Additionally, at the median island of Unakan–Siriphong Road, there are installations like Living Cube made from recycled plastic tiles, and a Pop-up Library by TK Park that brings a library into the street, demonstrating that learning spaces can happen anywhere.
Architecture lovers should not miss detouring into Khai Alley to visit the Prince Sommot Aropan Palace, where the exhibition Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive displays architectural sketches from post-war Hong Kong in a classic old building setting.
Conclude your trip with a memorable experience at Swinghood: Watana Phanit featuring Twilight Journey, an activity chasing the day's last light through hidden spots in Samran Rat–Pratu Phi neighborhoods, alongside the exhibition Spirit of Place: Book Street, which compiles historical evidence of the area as Thailand's cultural reading center from past to present.
Information and images: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Design Week
