When you think of Bangkok, food, shopping, and nightlife usually come to mind. But there's a new reason to visit this huge metropolis: street art, as travel blogger and frequent traveler Chris Ashton recently discovered…

Unlike in New York or Berlin, where you often find many artworks in one neighborhood, Bangkok's street art is more scattered and therefore harder to discover. Fortunately, there is at least one neighborhood you can visit to get a feel for the local street art scene: Ratchathewi, just a few minutes by train from Siam's city center.

Located near the Vie Hotel MGallery by Sofitel, Si Surat Alley and the aptly named Graffiti Park are a true explosion of color, adorned with vibrant artworks by local and international artists, including Alex Face and the late Mamafaka.

Bangkok's street art scene is still in its infancy, but it is enjoying steadily growing popularity. The highly acclaimed Bukruk Urban Arts Festival in 2016 marked a turning point: street art stepped out of the shadows and into the mainstream.

Organizer Nico explains that the local population remains divided on street art. Many welcome the freedom of expression, while others still view it as vandalism and fail to recognize its value. Regardless, street art has arrived and is here to stay.

Ratchathewi is easily accessible via the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit line. A day pass is the most economical option, allowing unlimited travel for approximately 140 THB (around 5.20 AUD). Exit the park via the stairs on the right, heading towards the Vie Hotel. Walk for about 50 meters, and you'll find the Graffiti Park on your left – it's impossible to miss. A gate on the adjacent Si Surut Alley leads into the park. Be sure to explore the alley itself, as numerous artworks are hidden within its narrow lanes.

The Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is a paradise for street art enthusiasts. The hotel impresses not only with its bold and visually stunning design, but also with its graffiti elements. In collaboration with Thai graffiti artist Cheap7, the facade has been transformed into an imposing work of art that reflects the hotel's strong focus on music and design. Ideal for tech-savvy and budget-conscious travelers, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring Bangkok.

Further information can be found at aloftbangkoksukhumvit11.com.