So you’ve just weathered a long plane ride to arrive in a city that’s full of life 24/7 — why on earth would you spend time sitting in a movie theatre, staring at a screen? Because, for one, Bangkok can get wildly hot in the afternoon and at some point you’ll likely want an air-conditioned refuge. Secondly, Bangkok has some of the world’s best cinemas! Theatres like the Lido and Scala are also classic heritage buildings that still retain the design and energy of the cinemas of yore.

Situated across from the massive shopping mall MBK in popular Siam Square, Scala has been around for over 50 years. It’s fair to say that it’s Bangkok’s most beautiful theatre, the art deco architecture and old-school style offers viewers a different movie-going experience. Not only that, but the theatre’s surprisingly inexpensive prices are some of the cheapest in the city. Both Thai and international films are shown here, including classic and independent features.