Bangkok

Bangkok has something for everyone. There are temples, museums and other historic sights for those interested in traditional Thai culture. There is an endless variety of good restaurants that cater to every taste. Luxury aircon shopping malls, hidden outdoor stores, market places selling more than you can imagine, karaoke bars, nightclubs, movies in several different languages and modern art galleries for those seeking the contemporary Bangkok. One thing is for sure: you will never be bored in this city.

Sightseeing
If you stay in Bangkok for only a few days then you won't be able to see all the many attractions. For visits of 3 to 4 days we would recommend Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Benchamabophit, the National Museum, Erawan Shrine, Jim Thompson's house, Vimanmek Teak Mansion and a river or canal trip. For a 2 day stay, leave out the National Museum and the shrine. If you have longer then include a trip to Chatuchak weekend market (where you can buy just about everything) and visit a Thai boxing match at one of the 2 boxing stadiums. This is a good cross section of the city. If you're in for shopping then include any of the full aircon shopping malls like Siam Centre, Tokyo, Robinsons, MBK or Isetan or try your luck at the countless street vendors. Evenings are a good time to sample the diverse Bangkok cuisine, especially at one of the riverside restaurants or during a riverboat cruise where you can feel the atmosphere of the old city.

The River
Rivers and canals have long been a traditional form of transport in Bangkok. When the city was founded in 1782, the Chao Phraya River formed part of the strategic defence system, and canals were dug in the low-lying marshy ground as moats and as a means of communication. In fact, the first roads were not built until the 1860s. Building Bangkok around the river and canals is what led European visitors to describe the city as the Venice of the East. Today, even though Bangkok is a modern metropolis, the architecture and way of life along the river and canals, especially those on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya, remain remarkably true to the city’s origins. Numerous scheduled boat trips can be taken, and boats can be hired on an individual basis, for visitors to enjoy the scenic pleasures of an altogether more tranquil age.

Thai boxing
Thai boxing (Muay Thai) is said to be one of the most demanding disciplines in the world. Unlike western boxing, the pugilist can use his elbows, fee and knees to strike blows on the opponent. Bouts last 5 rounds of 3 minutes and can be quite violent. The rules are complicated and the scoring system is difficult to follow, however, a visit to one of the boxing stadiums is recommended as you can experience the atmosphere that is difficult to describe. Thai boxing can be seen at 2 boxing stadiums in Bangkok: Lumphini (on Rama IV Road near Sathorn Tai Road) and Ratchadamnoen (on Ratchadamnoen Road net to the TAT office). Action starts usually at 17:00 or 18:00 hr.

Thai massage
Massage parlours have been firmly established as a way of life in Bangkok for generations. This is partly due to the healing qualities of traditional massage and partly due to the fact that Thai culture is male dominated. It is not unusual for Thai men to visit massage parlours on a regular basis. Although there are massage parlours that act as fronts for brothels, it is possible to get a legitimate massage at most of the venues. When you can see the area, where the massage will take place, from the outside then you will have found a genuine traditional Thai massage location.

Shopping
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets but to many areas throughout the city, affording ample choice and easy access. The best places to go for jewellery and gemstones are Mahesak Road between Silom and Suriwong, the Oriental Plaza and the River City shopping complex near the Chao Phraya river just south of Hua Lampong railway station and Chinatown. Bangkok's largest centres for ready-to-wear clothing can be found on Khao San Road (near the Grand Palace) and the daytime markets of Pratunam (near the Amari Watergate hotel) and Bo Bae (near Prince Palace Hotel). Department stores and luxury shopping malls can be found near the World Trade Center (Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza) and around the Siam BTS Skytrain station (Mah Boon Krong, Tokyu, Siam Center and Siam Square), all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Center and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centers selling items from all parts of the country. Along Silom and Sukhumvit Road you will find dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls and night markets also abound at Patpong (between Silom and Suriwong Road). Also Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke). Finally, at Chatuchak weekend market located adjacent to Chatuchak Park on Phaholyothin Kamphaengphet roads, you can buy just about everything you can imagine, from insect-eating plants to designer dresses, from furniture to home decoration and everything in between. A paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet. But buying isn’t the only point of visiting Chatuchak. Just being there is half the fun. It’s a kind of cultural exploration, and the bustling atmosphere of the market is what makes it such a matchless shopping experience. The weekend market is open on Saturday and Sunday.

Dining
Thailand is famous for its eating places with a variety of cuisine available. Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, French, Italian and of course Thai restaurants can be found in abundance all over the city. For the adventurous, there are thousands of cheap Thai eating houses which offers excellent local cuisine at very reasonable prices. Eating out Thai style is very much a social occasion and something not to be rushed. Thais generally order much more than they will eat because it is considered good hospitality. Chinatown never sleeps. The area houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city as well as the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. The restaurants mostly specialize in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime. Dim sum dumplings dominating the menus. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into Soi's will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. At night the neon glow from hundreds of hawker stalls electrifies the atmosphere of the streets. Ad hoc seafood stalls line the sidewalks, drawing such crowds that late-comers have to wait for seats. On Sukhumvit Road there is no shortage of eating places. European, American, Italian, French, British, German, Mexican, Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants lining along the road and presenting a variety of options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit 55, also known as Soi Thonglor, and its labyrinthine branches are also full of restaurants of every kind. Sukhumvit Sois 23, 24, 47, 49 and 63 are typically sophisticated restaurant streets. On Silom Road several food streets are linked in Bangkok’s busiest area. Many restaurants are found along the main thoroughfare, but there is an even greater number tucked away in its side alleys. As if awakened by street lights, seafood stalls sprout along the section near Saladaeng Intersection after sunset until late at night. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from Italian, Swiss, Californian to an Irish tavern. Opposite, a crush of Japanese restaurants makes Soi Thaniya into a lively walkway for Japanese visitors and sushi lovers of all nationalities. Thai food is available in palace style and street style, side by side. The best selection of the former can be found in Soi Pipat. Dozens of vendors sell quick meals such as Kwae Theew noodle and khao kaeng curry rice. The shopping center of Siam square is crammed with medium to high priced eateries as well as American fast-food outlets. Whether you crave for Thai, European, or Chinese foods, there is a place for you somewhere in this fashionable area. Traditional Thai restaurants are flanked by gaudy fast-food franchises and Japanese suki parlours. Soi 1 has conventional Chinese restaurants. Bangkok’s branch of Hard Rock Cafe is just up the street. Dozens of food stalls sell meatballs, grilled squid, and fried bananas along the walkways that connect the main streets.

Nightlife
Bangkok is well known for its nightlife in all the various versions, from dining to dance shows, from music performances to discos, from karaoke to go-go bars. Indeed one can find something in this field to suit any taste. All the major hotels have trendy nightclubs, many feature live music - rock, jazz, country and also Western and Thai pop music. There is a large number of karaoke bars in Sukhumvit and Silom Roads where you can sing your favourite songs. Also there traditional Thai dancing performances (Khon, Manora, "fingernail dance") with Thai music on the background and dinners in Kantoke style. There are also a number of dazzling transvestite cabaret shows. Bangkok’s nightlife is in a league of its own and having a good time here won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The restaurants, clubs, bars, discos and other entertainment venues are all reasonably priced, especially when compared to other major cities. The choice of venues and things to do here are countless. Unusually amongst big cities, Bangkok does not have one single major entertainment district. Instead, it has many areas offering leisure time activities. So wherever you stay, great nightlife opportunities are never far away. Below a summary of the main venues. Click on the buttons for a detail description.

• SUKHUMVIT ROAD    (click to expand)

  • Sukhumvit is unquestionably the most cosmopolitan area of the city. With the Skytrain serving more than half its length, thus easing access to the various pleasures located on the main road and its adjoining streets, Sukhumvit is favoured by foreign residents as the place to live and play. It is also popular with well-to-do Thais who enjoy the area’s international flavour. Essentially, Sukhumvit can be broken down into four distinctive entertainment areas: Nana, Asoke, Emporium and Thong Lor. Each has its own charms and attractions, and appeals to different groups of people. All of them feature numerous restaurants, bistros, bars and pubs, both large and small.
  • ASOKE for all kinds of ethnic cuisines. Among the best are Baan Kanitha for Thai, Le Dalat for Vietnamese, Oille for Southern French, Homework for Thai and Swing for Mediterranean. Soi Cowboy has many night clubs and go-go bars.
  • NANA is perhaps best known for the four-storey entertainment plaza near the mouth of Soi 4 also with techno music, shows, beer and go-go bars. Further down the Soi is a number of small restaurants and British-style pubs. Other busy night venues can be found in nearby Soi's 5, 7, 8 and 10.
  • EMPORIUM is the newest of Sukhumvit’s entertainment zones beside Soi 24 and includes Sois 18 to 39. The store itself has an excellent cinema complex. Soi 33 features cocktail lounges with funky music. Owners tend to name their premises after famous painters like Renoir, Van Gogh, Dali and Monet. Soi 33 has several popular restaurants, most notably Pan Pan and Fino serving Italian food and Om Thong which specializes in Thai cuisine. The area is packed with Irish and English pubs.
  • THONG LOR at Soi 55 offers all kinds of entertainment venues, including restaurants, pubs, karaoke lounges, nightclubs and even a traditional Chinese tea house. A couple of the city’s best theatre restaurants are located within this area for those who want to sample Thai culture. Also note the Piman Thai Theatre on Soi 49 located inside an authentic Thai house, and Baan Thai set just inside Soi 32.
• SILOM ROAD    (click to expand)

  • Bangkok’s main business street, Silom is also the focal point of a thriving entertainment industry. Patpong Road, which links Silom with Surawong Road, is known around the world for its night market, music halls and bars, but it is by no means the only area with after-dark attractions. Convent Road, for instance, is witnessing a rapid increase in restaurants, including the elegant French outlet What’s Up. At the Silom end of Convent is Shenanigans, the city’s first Irish pub, which regularly draws a large crowd of local and expatriate businessmen. Its nightly live musical entertainment has also proved a big hit.

Getting around Bangkok  

• By Taxi    (click to expand)

  • Metered taxis are available 24 hours in Bangkok. The metered fare is standardized, with the flag down rate being 35 Baht for the first 2 km and around 5 Baht for each km thereafter. Passengers must pay tolls if using the expressways. Make sure the driver turns on the meter once you get in. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts at about 3:30-4:00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination is convenient. If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting. The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are 60 - 200 Baht, for the latter amount you can almost cross the city. No tip is expected, but it is a nice gesture.
• By Tuktuk    (click to expand)

  • The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor" taxis are renowned for their capability to maneuver into the tightest spots, offering passengers an interesting ride. Accommodating two passengers (three or four at a squeeze), it is best for short trips during off-peak hours. Settle the fare BEFORE proceeding. Normally metered taxis are cheaper but the fare for a tuktuk ride should never exceed 200 Baht per trip and should be far less than 100 Baht for short trips. Only after midnight and around the busy tourist areas like Patpong and Khao San the prices will rocket up to 300 Baht or higher. Take a short walk away from these areas and you will find tuktuks and taxis at normal prices again.
• Sky train or Metro    (click to expand)

  • With stations in major commercial areas and departures every 5 minutes, it is an ideal means of transportation to escape the traffic. Skytrain service is via 2 routes: the Mo Chit - On Nut route (runs along Sukhumvit Rd.) and the National Stadium-Taksin Bridge route (runs along Silom Rd.). Running from 6 am to midnight, the fare depends on distance traveled, ranging from 10-40 Baht per person. Routes and fares are posted at every station, where tickets must be purchased. The Metro runs between Mo Chit northern bus terminal and Hua Lampong railway station via Sirikit convention centre. It intersects the skytrain on 2 locations.
• City bus    (click to expand)

  • Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving every part of the city, providing a fun and cheap way to explore the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles. The fare for the former depends on the distance traveled, starting from 10 Baht per person and the buses are colored blue, orange or white/green, depending on the route. The latter charges a flat fee of either 3.50 Baht per person (green and white/red colored buses) or 5 Baht per person (white/red and white/blue). Because of the low fares, the open-aired buses tend to be heavily crowded, especially during the peak hours in the morning (6-9 am) and evenings (4-7 pm). Be watchful of your belongings and learn the art of balancing since the ride might be jerky, with sudden stops and accelerations. You can request the purser to notify you of your stop. People at the bus stops will gladly inform you of the correct bus number to take if unsure of how to get to your destination.
• Motorcycle taxi    (click to expand)

  • Unique to Thailand, these taxis emerged in response to needs for faster transportation during traffic jams and access to main roads from remote neighborhoods and deep Soi's (alleyways). Drivers wear colorful vests and fares are slightly higher than those of metered taxis. Fare should always be negotiated BEFORE proceeding. Thai laws stipulate helmets must be worn in the use of motorcycles on public roads. Be prepared for an adventurous ride.
• Trips along the Chao Phraya river    (click to expand)

  • Boat services on the Chao Phraya River to connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi operate daily from 5:30 am-6 pm from Wat Ratchasingkhon, a riverside temple in the Yannawa area, to Nonthaburi. On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, visitors can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings, including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunrawong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.
• River Taxi    (click to expand)

  • Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya river. Some ferry passengers across the river (2 Baht), while others run the route to various landing stages on both banks, going up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Fare ranges from 5-20 Baht per person, depending on distance. Signs at the landing piers are posted in both Thai and English.
• Hired car    (click to expand)

  • If you want to experience driving in Bangkok, there are many car rental firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis. The road system is good and well posted with signs written in English. An international driving license is required.