contents
Special Speci al Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Introducon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Nature & Outdoors . . . . . . . . . 10
1. Siam Ocean World . . . . . . . 2. Samphran Elephant & Crocodile Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Fis Fishin hing g at Bun Bungsa gsamra mran n Lak Lake e . . 4. Dusit Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Buddhamonthon Park. . . . . . 6. Lumpini Park . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Green Phra Pradaeng . . . . . .
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
8. Baan Silapin (Arst’s House). . . . 18 9. Thai Kickbo Kickboxing xing Fight . . . . . . 19 10. Flowhouse . . . . . . . . . . . 20 11. Bangk Bangkok ok Safari Wor World ld . . . . . 21 12. Bangkok Shoong Range . . . 22 13.. Ba 13 Bang ngko kok k Sn Snak ake e Pa Park rk Sh Show ow . . 23 14. Sunset at Benjaki Park . . . . 24 15. Thai Football Match . . . . . . 25 16. Sepak Takraw Match. . . . . . 26 17. Hot Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 18.. Bi 18 Bik ke Tou ourr of Ba Bang ngk kok . . . . . 28 19. Segway Tour Thailand . . . . . 29 20. Bangk Bangkok ok Canal Cruise . . . . . 30 21. Boat Trip Trip to Koh Koh Kret Kret Island Island . . 31 22. Bangkok on a Tuk Tuk . . . . . 32 Enter tainment . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
23. Siam Niramit Theater Show . . 34 24. Luxury Spa Treatment . . . . . 35
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25. Get a Massage . . . . . . . . 26. Luxury Movie Theater . . . . 27. Khao San Road . . . . . . . . 28. Yaowarat Chinatown . . . . 29. Siam Park City Amusement Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.. Le 30 Lear arn n to Gi Give ve a Ma Mass ssag age e . . 31. Vol olun unte teer er in Ba Bang ngk kok . . . . 32. Bangkok “Hangover 2” Tour . 33. Learn to Spea Speak k Thai . . . . . 34. Jam to Live Music . . . . . . 35. Toast on a Rooop Bar . . . 36.. Pa 36 Party rty Ni Nigh ghtt in Ba Bang ngk kok . . . 37.. Gold and Gems Shoppin 37 Shopping g . . 38. Order a Custom Suit . . . . .
. . . .
36 37 38 39
. . . . . . . . . .
40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49
39. Khlong Lat Mayom Floang Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 40. Taling Chan Floang Market . 51 Shopping & Markets . . . . . . . . . 52
41. Saphan Phut Youth Market . 41. 42. MBK Shopping Center . . . . 43. Malls at Siam . . . . . . . . . 44. Asiaque The Riverfront . . 45. Chatuchak Week Weekend end Market 46. Bangkok’s Flower Market . . 47.. Electronics 47 Elec tronics at Panp Plaza . . 48. Planum Fashion Mall . . . . 49. Pratuman Market . . . . . . 50. Or Tor Kor Market . . . . . . 51. Khlong Toey Fresh Market. . 52. Anque Train Market . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
53. Silom District . . . . . . . . . . 65 Historical Temples . . . . . . . . . . 66
54. Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho . 67 55. Wat Phra Kaew . . . . . . . . . 68 56. The Grand Palace . . . . . . . 69 57.. Wat 57 Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn . . 70 58. Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit 71 59. Erawan Shrine . . . . . . . . . 72 60.. Th 60 The e Marble Temple . . . . . . 73 61. Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 62. Wat Rakang . . . . . . . . . . 75 63. Wat Yannawa - Boat Temple . 76 64. Wat Saket - The Golden Mountain. . . . . . . . . . . . 77 65. Assumpon Cathedral . . . . . 78 Museums & Galleries . . . . . . . . 79
66. Wat Chang Sam Sien 3 Headed Elephant . . . . 67.. For 67 Forens ensic ic Med Medica icall Mus Museum eum 68. Jim Thompson House . . . 69. ThaiCra Fair . . . . . . . .
. . 80 . . 81 . . 82 . . 83 70. Bangkok Naonal Museum . . 84 71. Vimanmek Mansion . . . . . . 85 72. Suan Pakkad Palace Museum . 86 73. Bangkok Art and Culture Center87 Center87 74. Naonal Gallery . . . . . . . . 88 75. Bangkok Museum of Counterfeit Goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 76. Museum of Contemporary Ar t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 77.. Ban 77 Bangk gkok ok Sea Seashe shell ll Mus Museum eum . . 91 78. Bangkok Correcons Museum 92
79. Naonal Museum of Royal Barges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Food & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
80. Le 80. Lear arn n to Co Cook ok Th Thai ai Fo Food od . . . 95 81. Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
82. Self Barbecue and Hot Pot Sukii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Suk 83. Street Food Excursion . . . . . 98
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84. Four Se 84. Sea ason onss Br Bru unch . . . . . 99 85. Wang Lang Market. Market. . . . . . . 100 86. King of Frui Fruits ts - Duria Durian n . . . . . 101
87.. Boon 87 Boo n Rawd (Singha) Brewery Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88. Bangkok Coee Shops . . . . 89. Nana for Middle Eastern Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90. Pahurat Lile India . . . . . 91. 5-Star Chef Stre Street et Food . . . 92.. Boat Nood 92 Noodle le Alle Alley y . . . . . . 93. Street Cocktails . . . . . . . 94. Baiyoke Tower - Top of Bangkok . . . . . . . . . . . 95. Annual Vegetarian Fesval & Vegetar Ve getarian ian Food Courts . . . 96. Exoc Thai Delicacies . . . . 97.. Marvelous 97 Mar velous Japanese Buet . 98. Ban Bangk gkok ok Food Courts . . . . 99. Royal Thai Food . . . . . . . 100. Snack on Bizarre Thai Foodss . . . . . . . . . . . . Food 101 01.. Sa Samp mple le Th Thai ai De Dess ssert ertss . . .
. 102 . 10 103 3 . 104 . 10 105 . 106 . 10 107 7 . 108 . 10 109 . 11 110 0 . 11 111 1 . 112 . 11 113 3 . 11 114 . 11 115 5 . 116
Bangkok Map . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 117 7
Airport Informaon . . . . . . . . 118 Accommodaon . . . . . . . . . . 120 Transportaon . . . . . . . . . . . 122 10 Favorite Thai Dishes . . . . . . 127
Cultural Informaon . . . . . . . . 131 Medical Informaon . . . . . . . . 133 Prices in Bangkok . . . . . . . . . 134
Addional Resources . . . . . . . 136
special thanks Before we get into anything else, I would like to rst acknowledge the two people that graciously helped to make eBook: 101 Things To Do In Bangkok possible.
Graphic Design Ramon is a Canadian Filipino and Bangkok resident, a teacher, and a great friend of mine. He also happens to be a wizard at graphic design and formerly operated his own online design business.
When I asked Ramon for help creang the graphics for this eBook , he immediately had ideas. What he came up with, I would have never even been able to dream of. From
the front cover, to the templates of each page, I’m sll impressed how good it looks - and it wouldn’t have been achievable without Ramon. If you need top quality graphic design, get in touch with my buddy Ramon.
Thai Translaon There’s no person that’s more special to me than my wife Ying. On top of doing all the Thai translaon within this eBook , on countless occasions she has also paently waited as I annoyingly take photos of every single thing we eat (before we eat it), gone on long and sweaty missions just to nd certain foods (yes, I’m obsessed), and she’s also the one who lms many of my YouTube videos.
I cannot thank Ying enough for all her help and support!
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about the author I ew into Bangkok in early 2009 with no intenon of staying longer than whatever amount of me I felt neces sary.
I stayed for about two weeks. But I didn’t leave Southeast Asia, instead I traveled around the region for about six months before returning to
With the best fruit in the world - durian!
Bangkok to rendezvous with a friend. It was at this me that I seled in Bangkok, rented my rst studio apartment, and eventually signed a contract to teach English for an enre year (quite a serious commitment for a guy with no plans). I needed to replenish the funds, and Bangkok was as good or beer of a place to do that as any.
English teaching wasn’t for me. However, while teaching and collecng paychecks, I was able to connue blogging, wring, and nkering with various online projects. Aer compleng the year, I made up my mind to live frugally, connue traveling (with Bangkok as a home base), and pursue both food and travel.
I’m an explorer. I like to learn about new cultures, submerse myself into unknown territories,
5
and most of all, I enjoy eang and understanding food from around the world. As much as I love to sit at my laptop blogging and surng the web, I like to wander, discover unique aracons, and go on food pilgrimages. Bangkok is a city that has so many dierent layers and dimensions; It’s a city that’s loaded with an overwhelming quanty of aracons, historically signicant sites, endless street buets, and a fusion of cultures. And that’s precisely why I wrote this eBook : to be a useful, praccal, and entertaining resource for both short term tourists and long term residents. It’s a guide that will hopefully spark adventures and supply ideas which will assist in discovering the wonders of Bangkok. - Mark Wiens P.S. Nowadays, I maintain both Migraonology.com , where I publish my travel and street experiences, and EangThaiFood.com, a site that focuses on Bangkok food. Also, check out the latest videos on my YouTube channel, and be sure to drop by my Facebook Fanpage and say “Hi.”
If you have any quesons or would like to contact me for any reason, I’d love to hear from you. E-mail me at: migra
[email protected].
One of my favorite foods in the world - sr fried snk beans!
6
introduction One could create an enre hundredand-one list of only temples or acvies that revolve around eang in Bang kok - so what I’ve tried to do is keep things balanced, a well-rounded list. While eBook: 101 Things To Do In Bangkok does include some of the
most famous aracons in Bangkok, it also highlights some unique aspects of the city, as well as other things that showcase Thai culture, food, and lifestyle. In order to cater to both a short term tourist and a long term resident, this
guide includes a diverse range of acvies; Some are perfect for a two day visit, others I would recommend only if you remain in Thailand for a longer
period of me.
Wat Rakang (Bell Temple)
Also, I’m an advocate for craing a unique inerary that relates to what is most interesng for you (you may be passionate about shopping, so don’t go to museums - focus on your interests). This eBook is a collecon of exploraon ideas and ps. It’s a guide that is not
only meant to be a list of aracons, but also a wake up call to the endless possibilies and opportunies that Bangkok presents.
7
If I had just one day in Bangkok, this is what I would do: 1. Begin the day at Khlong Lat Mayom
Floang Market (#39 - only open on weekends) 2. Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn (#57) 3. Grand Palace (#56) and Wat Phra Kaew (#55) 4. Wang Lang Market for lunch (#85) 5. Khlong Toey Market (#51) or Chatuchak Weekend Market (#45 only open on weekends) 6. Benjaki Park (#14) or Lumpini Park (#6) in the late aernoon 7. Victory Monument for food and shopping (#92, boat noodles or Kuang Seafoods restaurant)
8. Yaowarat Chinatown for street food and acon (#28) 9. Nightlife - perhaps a beverage and
view at one of Bangkok’s sky bars (#35) Suki Haeng (Glass Noodles w/ Vegetabes)
Note: This is a very packed day, so this amount of acvies could easily be stretched for 2 days as well.
Now before we jump into the bulk of this eBook , we need to rst go over a few
quick things. A list of 101 things can be overwhelming, so I’ve divided them into six main categories to make it easier to navigate:
1. Nature and Outdoors (zoo, parks, biking) 2. Entertainment (theaters, sky bars, nightlife, massage, oang market) 3. Shopping (malls, markets) 4. Historical Temples (Grand Palace, Golden Mountain) 5. Museums and Galleries (forensic museum, cra fair, teakwood mansion) 6. Food and Drink (street food, cooking courses, Royal Thai cuisine, exoc dishes)
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Addionally, you’ll nd a few icons in the top corner of an aracon (if applicable). Here’s what they symbolize: My personal recommendaon
Great family acvity
Located outside central Bangkok - more of a day trip aracon Cost: THB also known as Thai Baht is Thailand’s currency. Throughout the eBook,
I use 33 THB equal to 1 USD. Thai Direcons: Within the descripon box, you’ll noce the informaon box. At the boom of the informaon box is the “Thai Direcons” heading. This is intended for those that wish to jump in a taxi - not necessarily always recommended for every aracon - but if you’d like to use a taxi, these direcons will be useful. Links: Clickable links, which are either “yellow and underlined,” or “red and underlined,” are embedded throughout the eBook . Be sure to click the links for
more informaon. Map: All 101 items have been mapped on Google so you can conveniently see
where everything is located. Take note though, a few of the aracons have no specic locaon. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin discovering Bangkok!
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Click map to view in Google Maps
www.m gra ono ogy.com
nature and outdoors 10
01
Siam Ocean World
(สยามโอเชยนเวลด พารากอน)
Covering an area of over 10,000 square meters and including an astounding 5,000,000 liters of water distributed among the many tanks, Siam Ocean World is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Choose to walk through the 270 degree glass tunnel for a great view of the teeming marine
life, take a ride in a glass boom boat for a peek from above, or even beer, put on an oxygen lled helmet and jump right in the water to bump shoulders with dangerous sharks!
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information Website:
hp://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/ Hours: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm daily (last entry
at 8 pm) Cost: 650 - 1000 THB per person depending on opons Address: B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991
Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 How to get there: Located at Siam Paragon Shopping Center on the Basement Level.
Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam Staon and exit following the signs to Siam Paragon.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ไปสยามพารากอน
11
Samphran Elephant & Crocodile Farm
(สวนสามพราน นครปฐม)
information Website: hp://www.elephantshow.com/
eng/home.htm Hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm daily Cost: 600 THB adults, 350 THB children Phone: +66 (0) 2295 2938 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: Petkasem Road K.m. 30, Sam phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province 73110 How to get there: The farm is located outside of central Bangkok and the easiest way to get there is by Bangkok taxi. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
002
Vising the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo is a great acvity to do as a family in Bangkok. The park oers excing shows such as the “Elephant Theme Show,” and the “Crocodile Wrestling Show.” Watch stunt men as they perform dangerous
animal acvies that will have you on the edge of your seat!
ไปฟารม จระเขส ามพราน นครปฐม Also see this map for drivers
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Photo courtesy of Fish Thailand
03
Fishing at Bungsamran Lake (บงสาราญ)
Bungsamran Lake is a dream come true for
those who are enthusiasc about sport shing. The lake, which is located just outside of Bang-
kok (about 45 minutes away), is stocked with some of the largest species of sh on the planet: the Mekong Giant Caish and the Arapaima Gigas. You just might land that mega 80 kilogram whopper!
information Website: hp://www.shthailand.co.uk/ index.html Hours: 24 hours a day Cost: 3000 - 5000 THB per person per day E-mail: info@shthailand.co.uk Address of the Lake: 21/596 Soi Navamin 42 Navamin Rd., Bungkum Bangkapi Bang kok 10240 How to get there: Best way is by Bangkok taxi, and if you contact the tour above, they
will provide transportaon.
Fish Thailand oers a range of reputable tours
and guides to help you book an excing shing trip to Bungsamran Lake.
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Bangkok Dusit Zoo
(สวนสั ตวด ส ต )
information Website: hp://www.zoothailand.org/
index.php/en/the-zoological-park-organizaon/zoo/dusit-zoo Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily Cost: 100 THB for adults, 50 THB for chil dren Phone: 0-2281-2000 Address: 71 Rama V Road, Chitrlada Subdistrict, Dusit District, Bangkok 10300 How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
004 I’ll admit it’s not the most impressive zoo in the world, but the Dusit Zoo does make for a
great outdoor family oung. The grounds are well maintained and also include lush gardens and tropical plants.
Among the 2,000 animals within the zoo, there are many Southeast Asian unique species, and a famed display of nave Gibbons.
Victory Monument staon and then take a taxi down Ratchawithi Road to the zoo (about 50 THB, 10 minutes) วด ส ต Thai Direcons (for Taxi): สวนสัต
14
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05
Buddhamonthon Park
(สวนพทธมณฑลสาย4)
Buddhamonthon is a large park and Buddhist shrine located in Nakhon Pathom, on the far
outskirts of Bangkok (it’s quite a distance from the center of town). The huge grounds are well maintained and perfectly manicured. Buddhamonthon makes a
great place to spend some me enjoying nature and geng a break from the overcrowded city. One of the main aracons is the giant 15.87
information More info: hp://migraonology.
com/2010/09/a-stroll-through-buddhamonthon/ Hours: 7 am - 7 pm daily Cost: Free How to get there: Taxi is the best way to
get there, but it’s quite a long distance, perhaps a 200 - 300 THB taxi ride. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สวนพทธมณฑลสาย4
meter high standing Buddha.
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Lumpini Park
(สวนลมพนวั น)
information Hours: 4:30 am - 9 pm daily Cost: Free Address: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bang-
kok (in Silom) How to get there: Located in between Sala
Daeng and Rajadamri BTS staons, also accessed from MRT Subway Silom or Lum phini Staons Thai Direcons (for Taxi): สวนลม
006 Lumpini Park is a giant expanse of green
vegetaon in the midst of central Bangkok’s concrete jungle. The park is great for jogging, cycling, walking around, or just relaxing in one of the pleasant pagodas. I like to grab a coconut ice cream in a bun and slowly stroll through the park.
Few places to li weights in the world are as cool as the outdoor gym within Lumpini Park. For just 35 THB per session, you’ll be pump-
ing giant res and doing exercise sets on ancient benches with rusted weights.
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07
Green Phra Pradaeng
(พระประแดง)
Though just a few kilometers south of the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok, the area of
Phra Pradaeng oers a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to relax. Walk around the markets, dine at restaurants in the midst of lush gardens, and even rent a bi-
cycle to cruise around while admiring the quiet scenery. Known as the green lung of Bangkok, Phra Pradaeng is the perfect place to experience the fresher side of town.
On weekends, there’s also the nature surrounded Bang Nam Pheung Floang Market.
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information Hours: Midday is best, oang market is open on Saturday and Sunday from about 9 am - 2 pm Cost: Free How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Udom Suk Staon, and from there take a
taxi to Wat Bang Na Nawk ( วั ดบางนานอก).
From there you’ll need to take the ferry boat across the river and proceed to take a motorbike to either the weekend market or
center of Phra Pradaeng. Alternavely, just jump in a taxi from wherever you are and go straight to Phra Pradaeng. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): พระประแดง
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Baan Silapin
(บา นศลปน)
information Address: 315 Wat Tong Salangam, Phet Kasem 28, Thanon Phet Kasem, Pa Si Charoen, Bangkok, Thailand 10160 Open Hours: 9 am - 6 pm daily Phone: 02-868-5279, 089-125-3949 , 081258-9260 How to get there: Take a taxi to Charoen Sanitwong Soi 3. Go all the way to end of the road at the 7-Eleven. Then walk across the
footbridge, make a le, and you’ll be at Baan Silapin in just a few minutes. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): จรั ญสนทวงศ ซอย.
3 เขา ซอยไปสดซอยจะเจอ 7-11 ลงหนา เซ เวน เดนเขา ไปในซอยขา งเซเวน แลว เดนขา ม สะพานขา มคลอง แลว เล ย วซา ย 18
008 Known also as the Arst’s House, Baan Silapin is a historical preserved wooden home along the canal on the Thonburi side of Bang-
kok. It’s a unique and relaxing place where you can hang out, eat lunch, and have a coffee. At 2 pm each day except Wednesday (and
some occasional days o, so call ahead to conrm), there’s a free tradional Thai puppet show. I truly enjoyed the performance
which depicted a scene from Hanuman.
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Photo courtesy of Ramon
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Thai Kickboxing (Muay Thai) Fight (ดมวยไทย)
Muay Thai, or Thai kickboxing, is one of the most popular spectator sports (es-
pecially for local males) in Thailand. There are 2 main Bangkok stadiums to watch a Thai Kickboxing match: Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium. Lumpini seems to be the crowd favorite as it is older with a more interesng history.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium: Mon – 18:00, Weds – 18:00, Thurs – 17:00 and 21:00, Sun – 16:00 and 20:00 (Prices start at around 800 THB and go up to 2000 THB) Lumpini Stadium: Tues and Fri – 18:30 – 23:00, Sat – 17:00 – 20:00 and 20:30 – Midnight (Price ranges from 800 THB to 2000 THB) Lumpini Stadium direcons: สนามมวยลมพน
Interested in Muay Thai lessons? Here are some suggesons: Fairtex Bangplee: 1,100 THB per day and up Chacrit Muay Thai School: 800 THB per hour
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Photo courtesy of Flow House Bangkok
Flow House
(โตค ล นจาลอง)
information Website: hp://www.owhousebangkok.
com/ Hours: 10 am - 10 pm daily Cost: 550 - 650 THB per hour Phone: (+66) 2 108-5210 Address: Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110. Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Phrom Phong Staon. Exit towards Soi 26 and walk straight down the road unl you reach A-Square building (a 5 - 10 minute walk). Thai Direcons (for Taxi): สขมวท 26
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010 Want to go surng in Bangkok? The brand new Bangkok Flow House gives you the opportunity to ride waves in this urban beach club. The wave machine pushes an impressive 30,000 gallons of water up to 32 kilometers per hour, giving you an endless streaming
ride of your life! On the facility, there’s also a nice bar and grill where you can chill out and
watch the acon.
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11
Bangkok Safari World
(ซาฟารเวลด)
Safari World claims to be Thailand’s most popular “animal and leisure park.” The African and Asian theme wildlife park is entertainment especially geared for families.
The park oers an array of creave and interesting shows and sights including a sea lion show, orangutan boxing, and a cowboy stunt show.
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information Website: hp://www.safariworld.com/ Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily Cost: 700 THB adults, 450 THB children Phone: +662-9144100-19 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 99 Panyaintra Road Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok , 10510 Thailand How to get there: It is located in the Minburi area of Bangkok, easiest to take a taxi directly there Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ซาฟารเวลด
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Photo courtesy of Bangkok Shoong Range
Bangkok Shooting Range
(สนามยงปน)
information Website: hp://www.bangkokshoon -
grange.com/ Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily Cost: Depends on group, guns, and amount
of bullets - expect to pay 1,500 - 2,500 THB per person Phone: +668 2494-1179 E-mail: service@bangkokshoongrange.com Address: 119/875 Moo 5, Amarinnivej 3/4 Saimai Road, Saimai, Bangkok 10220,Thailand How to get there: Send them an e-mail, they may arrange for a free pickup Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
012
The Bangkok Shoong Range oers an opportunity to experience ring a selecon of guns in a safe and regulated environment. Choose
from a number of dierent packages and even get expert shoong lessons from the sta. Even if you’ve never shot a gun before in your life, the Bangkok Shoong Range is a perfect place to try it out for the rst me!
สนามยงปน อัม รนทรน เ วศน สายไหม 22
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13
Bangkok Snake Park Show
(สถานเสาวภา สภากาชาดไทย)
Want to see a man catch a King Cobra with his bare hands? The snake show begins on week-
days at 2 pm and it’s one of the best snake shows I’ve ever seen. The most fascinang part is that throughout the show, the commenta-
tor explains some interesng facts and goes through the an venom treatment for each snake. It’s both entertaining and educaonal. The show takes place at the Queen Saovabha
Memorial Instute, a division of the Thai Red Cross.
Venom Extracon: Mon to Fri – 11:00 am Snake Show: Mon to Fri – 2:30 pm Snake Pictures: Weekends – 11:00 am
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information Website: hp://www.saovabha.com/en/ snakefarm.asp Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm daily Cost: 200 THB adults, 50 THB children E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 1871 Thanon Rama IV, 10500, Bangkok, Pathum Wan, Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Sala Daeng Staon or MRT Metro to Silom staon and walk west on Rama 4 road unl you reach the Thai Red Cross (Snake park is located at the Red Cross) building on your right hand side (about 10 minute walk). Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สภากาชาด อัง รดน ัง ต
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Sunset at Benjakiti Park
(สวนเบญจกต)
information Hours: 5 am - 8 pm daily Cost: Free How to get there: Either take 1) take the
BTS Skytrain to Asoke staon and walk south down Ratchadaphisek Road for about 10 minutes, or 2) take the MRT Metro to Queen Sirikit Staon and follow the sign to Exit #3 which will then lead to the park. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สวนเบญจกต รั ชดา
24
014
One of my favorite things to do in Bangkok is to just leisurely stroll around one of the many lush green, well maintained parks.
Benjaki Park, located near Asoke BTS staon, is a Garden of Eden sloed in-between the sky rise presgious district of Asoke and the lower class area of Khlong Toey. At Ben-
jaki Park you can watch the sunset over Bangkok’s towering skyline while admiring the ickering reecon o the lake.
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15
Thai Football Match
(ชมฟตบอลไทย) สนามราชมั งคลากฬาสถาน
Thailand, just like much of the world, is ob-
sessed with football (soccer). Bangkok’s major stadium, Rajamangala Stadium (สนามราชมั งคลา กฬาสถาน), is the home of the naonal team and local clubs.
information Website: hp://www.thaifootball.com/ index_e.shtml How to get there: Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get there Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สนามราชมัง คลากฬาสถาน รามคาแหง
Browse the ocial site for informaon about aending an internaonal match so you can catch the thrilling acon live!
ก ) runs The Thai Premier League ( ไทยพรเมยรล from March through October annually.
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Sepak Takraw Match
(ชมการแขงขั นตะกรอ ไทย)
information In the evenings (5 - 6 pm) you’ll oen see groups playing takraw in any of the local
parks (like Lumpini Park), but it’s random, so hard to plan for it.
For more organized acon, check out the Naonal Stadium (Naonal Stadium BTS staon) where they play in the evenings starng at about 5 pm on most days.
016 Sepak Takraw is a popular Southeast Asian
sport that’s played by extremely athlec acrobats who bust out some crazy moves. The sport is essenally a combinaon of volleyball and soccer (football) that uses a basket weaved ball. Teams are divided by an elevat-
ed net and are required to use their feet and legs to volley the ball back and forth. The sport is simply a joy to watch and marvel
at the insane abilies of the athletes that do all kinds of bicycle and scissor kicks. Not for
those who are not exible!
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17
Hot Yoga
(โยคะรอ น)
If you’re ready to heat things up and drip beads of sweat, you’re ready to tackle a session of Hot Yoga! As soon as you make that rst move, hold that rst yoga posion, your brow will start dripping. But don’t worry, it’s all part of the cardiovascular workout that will strengthen your body and make you stronger.
information Website: hp://www.absoluteyogabang -
kok.com/main.html Cost: 400 - 700 THB per class Phone: +66-2252-4400 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: Main branch is on the 4th Floor
of Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (just outside Chit Lom BTS
Skytrain staon)
I aempted to do hot yoga once, and it was much more dicult than I had ancipated. Absolute Yoga, along with a host of other studios, oer hot yoga training in Bangkok.
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How to get there: There are a number of
locaons around town, most in very central convenient areas of town - check their of-
cial website for a locaon nearest to you. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
อัม รนทรพ ลาซา เพลนจต
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Photo courtesy of Follow Me Bike Tours
018
Bike Tour of Bangkok
(ข จั กรยานทั วรร อบกรงเทพ)
information Website: hp://www.followmebiketour.
com/ Cost: 1,100 THB per person for 4 - 5 hour bike tour Phone: +66 (0)2 286 5891 Address: 126 Soi Sathorn 9, South Sathorn
Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand How to get there: hp://www.followmebik etour.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ followmeclubhouse.pdf Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
126 ซ.สาทร 9 สาทรใต ยานนาวา
One of the greatest ways to see Bangkok is
on bicycle, and by taking a tour you’ll be able to get an amazing perspecve of the city. Narrow alleys and riverside communies are not accessible by vehicle, so riding a bike
oers a fresh and unique view of life in Bangkok. Follow Me Bangkok Bicycle Tours oer a number of excellent bike routes that all ven-
ture o the beaten path and through local neighborhoods.
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19
Segway Tour Thailand
(เล อนลอ รอบเกาะรั ตนโกสนทร)
Not only do you have an opportunity to view
Bangkok from a bicycle, but also from a unique Segway Personal Transporter.
A Segway is a high tech scooter that’s electric powered, self balancing, and extremely fun to ride. By moving your body forward and back-
ward, you’re able to maneuver in the direcon and speed of your choice. Pair the Segway rid-
ing experience with the beauful aracons of Bangkok and you’ve got a weird and fantasc tour of the city.
information Website: hp://www.segwaytourthailand.
com/ Cost: Full tour - 4,500 THB, per hour - 1,500 THB Phone: +66 2221 4525 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 1st Floor, Maharaj Pier Building,
Maharaj Road, Kwaeng Phra Barom Maha Rat Chawang, Khet Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200 How to get there: Segway tour is located right at Maharaj Pier along the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Chao Phraya river boat to Maharaj
Pier staon.
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Bangkok Canal Boat Cruise
(นั ง เรอชมรอบเกาะรั ตนโกสนทร)
information Website: For a great tour check out hp:// www.thaicanaltour.com/small_teak_week day.php Cost: 1,700 THB per person Phone: 08-7109-8873 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 780/488 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
020
Bangkok did not gain a reputaon as the “Venice of the East,” for no reason. Canals and water passageways weave through the
enrety of the city. Taking a canal tour is yet another memorable way to discover Bangkok. Private long-tail boats can be hired along the
Chao Phraya River for around 1000 THB per hour and there are also a number of tour
companies that oer ocial river boat rides.
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21
Boat Trip to Koh Kret Island
(นั งเร อไปเกาะเกรด)
About 20 km North of Bangkok, accessible by a
series of passenger boats, is a lile island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River known as Koh Kret Island. The island is great Bangkok escape and is fa-
mous for its poery colony and weekend market. If you are looking for a fantasc day trip from Bangkok, vising Koh Kret Island is a worthwhile acvity. It’s best to visit on the weekends when there’s a lot more going one.
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com
information Hours: 9 am - 3 pm on weekends How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat all the way North to Nonthaburi Pier. From there you can either take a private boat to Koh Kret Island, or there may be a communal boat you can join at
the pier, or you can take bus #32 to Pak Kret, catch a ferry to Wat Sanam Neua and
nally take a last ferry to Koh Kret. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ไปปากเกรด นนทบร
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Bangkok on a Tuk Tuk
(นั งต ก ต ก ชมรอบเกาะรัต นโกสนทร)
information Website: hp://www.viator.com/tours/
Bangkok/Bangkok-Tuk-Tuk-Small-GroupAdventure-Tour/d343-5086TUB Hours: 4 hour tours Cost: Around 1,400 THB per person How to get there: Inquire on website
022
Few things are more tourist iconic in Bangkok than riding around in the back of a Tuk Tuk (also known as a trishaw or rickshaw, basically
a motorcycle with a cab aached). Catching a Thai tuk tuk from place to place
can be an exhilarang way to travel. However, having ridden in tuk tuks plenty of mes, I’ll warn you that they are not the most comfort-
able form of transportaon. Nevertheless, they are fun to ride! If you really love Tuk Tuk’s you might even be interested in taking a Tuk Tuk Tour of Bangkok.
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www.m gra ono ogy.com
entertainment
23
Siam Niramit Theater Show (สยามนรมต)
Bangkok’s most renowned live theater performance, doesn’t come cheap, but is well worth the price tag.
The majesc Siam Niramit show is a world class producon of tradional Thai culture in the “Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thai-
land.” The elaborate costumes and stunning choreography will have you thoroughly entertained.
information Website: hp://www.siamniramit.com/ Hours: Show begins at 8 pm daily, gates open at 5:30 pm Cost: 1,500 THB per person Phone: +66 2649 9222 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 19 Tiamruammit Road, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320, Thailand How to get there: Take the MRT Metro to
Thailand Cultural Centre staon and Exit #1. There’s a free shule service from that exit directly to the show - shule service begins at 6 pm daily. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สยามนรมต รัช ดา หว ยขวาง
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Luxury Spa Treatment
(สปาหร)
information Oasis Spa: hp://www.oasisspa.net/des-
naon/bangkok/ Divana Virtue Spa: hp://www.divana-dvn.
02
Bangkok is rated as one of the top desnaons in the world to indulge in a luxurious spa treatment.
com/ Mandarian Oriental Spa : hp://www.man -
From ancient Siamese wellness programs to
darinoriental.com/bangkok/luxury-spa/
modern healing techniques, the city has a
For day treatments check out Health Land.
package that will suit just about any rejuve-
I’ve done their 2 hour aromatherapy a number of mes and each me I felt like I
naon need you require. Choose from single daily treatments to enre spa vacaon pro-
reincarnated into a brand new man.
grams.
Cost: Check out all individual venue spa op-
ons
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com
25
Get a Massage
(นวดแผนไทย)
People tend to associate Thailand with mas-
sages, and righully so, because Bangkok is a self pampering headquarters that includes all forms and styles of massage.
information For a more professional Thai massage try
Dierent from luxury spa treatments (menoned #24), Thai massages are aordable for the general public and very much a part of local Thai culture. The great thing is, you can enjoy a one hour
foot massage or tradional Thai massage for just 150 - 200 THB per hour ($5 - $6)!
Health Land. Prices are higher than the street, but the professional trained service
can somemes be worth it. Website: hp://www.healthlandspa.com/ home.html
There are convenient locaons near Asoke and Sathorn BTS staons.
Massage parlors can be found throughout the
enre city, but go to the places on the side streets, and especially go where you’re not haggled into coming in.
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Luxury Movie Theater
026
(ชมภาพยนตรท โรงภาพยนตร ส ด หร)
information Cost: For comfy massage recliners that also
include appezers and drinks expect to pay 700 - 1000 THB per person Note: Normal Bangkok movie theater seats
are sll quite comfortable and normally cost 150 - 200 THB per person. If you go on Wednesday, rates are cheaper, oen 100 150 THB per cket for a regular seat.
Local Bangkok residents love to watch movies. From EGV Major to Esplanade, Bangkok is full of giganc, arcc-chilled movie the-
aters, where one has the opon of booking VIP seats that are so comfortable, it’s nearly impossible to stay awake. For popular centrally located luxury theaters
check out the facilies at both Siam Paragon and Central World (both located near Siam
BTS Skytrain staon).
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27
Khao San Road
(ถนนขา วสาร)
If you’re backpacking around Southeast Asia, you will most likely eventually land on Khao San
Road (you can judge for yourself whether you like the atmosphere or not). On this foreign backpacker infested street,
information Hours: All the me How to get there: You can either take a taxi, or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Arthit Pier. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ถนนขา วสาร
there’s an abundance of clothes shopping, used English bookstores, eang opons, and a nightlife that never takes a break. If you’re looking to be in a young backpacker energized environment where there’s never a dull moment, you may want to spend me hanging around Khao San!
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Yaowarat Chinatown
(เดนชมเยาวราช)
information Hours: Starts at around 5 pm unl late at night for good street food Cost: 40 - 50 THB and 200 - 300 THB (or
028 Few things in Bangkok oer more excitement than exploring the chaoc mess of markets and street stalls within Yaowarat Chinatown.
much more) for sit down restaurants
Yaowarat is one of the top Bangkok street How to get there: Take the MRT Metro to
Hua Lamphong staon, from there either walk about 10 minutes to Yaowarat Road or take a taxi / tuk tuk (about 50 - 60 THB). Thai Direcons (for Taxi): เยาวราช Video: Bangkok Street Food Tour
food spots, especially in the evening when the streets turn into a sea of vendors and
roaming diners. If you’re in the mood for a sit down seafood restaurant check out T & K Seafood, and for dessert grab some bua loy nam king (sweet ginger water with black
sesame seed dumplings).
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29
Siam Park City Amusement Park
The two main amusement parks in Bangkok are Dream World and Siam Park City. I prefer
Siam Park City as it’s larger and oers more ride choices. The park not only includes a few huge roller coasters, but also a full water park with some gnarly slides.
(นั งรถไฟเหาะท สวนสนก)
information Website: hp://www.siamparkcity.com/en/ main.php Hours: 10 am - 6 pm daily
Cost: 400 - 800 THB per person depending on opons Address: 99 Sukhapiban 2 Road, Bungkum Bangkok, Thailand
If defying gravity and thrills are what you seek, head to a Thai amusement park for the day.
You’ll have a blast!
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How to get there: Known in Thai as “Suan
Siam,” the best way to get there is by taxi. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
สวนสยาม คั นนายาว
com
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Learn to Give a Massage
(เรยนนวดแผนไทย)
information Website: hp://www.watpomassage.
com/2009/ Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Sub District, Pranakhon District Bangkok 10200 How to get there: It’s easiest to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Thian Pier which is just a 5 minute walk from the
temple. You can also easily walk from the Grand Palace. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): วั ดโพธ
41
030
While there are many places to get massage lessons in Bangkok, the Wat Po Thai Tradi-
onal Medical School is the original pracce. Choose from a variety of dierent courses and opons in order to fully focus on what most suits your desire. Medical therapy, facial care, oil and aromatherapy, and professional Thai massage are among the many choices.
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Volunteer in Bangkok
(อาสาสมั คร) คร)
Volunteering Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding things to do when you travel. Not only is it an opportunity to help others, but also to learn about another culture while serving.
Listed under the informaon secon are a number of volunteer opportunies in Bangkok.
information
Dwight, a good friend of mine, started In Search of Sanuk, an organizaon that helps others by having fun – or as it’s known, funlanthrophy. Browse the website to see cur-
rent volunteer opportunies within the city. There is a small fee which covers the coordi-
naon costs, food and other needs. Pakkred Babies Home is a center for orphaned young children. Volunteers Volunteers are wel-
come to spend me helping and playing with the children (their website is fully in Thai so this is the best English informaon) informaon) FFAC Orphanage presents Orphanage presents an opportunity to hangout with underprivileged children.
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Bangkok “Hangover 2” Tour
information Website: hp://bangkokhangovertours.
com/ Hours: 7 pm - midnight daily Cost: About 2,000 THB per person E-mail:
[email protected] Phone: +66-080-044-0988 How to get there: They oer pickup from hotel
03
The city of Bangkok became even more fa-
mous for its already crazy nightlife nightlife aer the release of the Hangover Part II in 2011. If you’ve seen the movie, and want to achieve the same wild experiences the pack had in
Bangkok, the Bangkok Hangover Tour is for you! The tour includes hotel pickup, private vehicle and guide, a visit to some of the bars featured in the movie, a live show, and four
free drinks (all other beverages are on you).
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33
Learn to Speak Thai
(เรยนพ ยนพดภาษาไทย) ดภาษาไทย)
If you end up living in Bangkok for the longterm and want to take on the challenge of
learning Thai, there are many opons.
information This arcle includes some reputable lan guage schools: hp://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/ thcourse.html
Learning to read Thai is extremely benecial because even when a Thai word is romanized into English, the pronunciaon of it will likely be far from the actual way to say it. Reading Thai script ensures that you can pronounce words
more correctly to be beer understood.
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Photo courtesy of Ramon
Jam to Live Music
(ชมดนตรสด)
information 1. Blues Bar (near Khao San Road): Blues
and jazz 2. Brick Bar (Khao San Road): Energec Thai ska and reggae 3. Saxophone (Victory Monument BTS sta-
on): Everything from reggae to rock and jazz 4. Brown Sugar (Silom): Mostly jazz
034 Live music is very popular throughout Thailand, and within Bangkok there are a number
of famous live music venues. Brick Bar, RCA, Saxophone Pub, and Brown Sugar are all entertaining choices that cater to both locals and foreigners. Choose your style of music and head out for an entertaining night while jamming to some
of Bangkok’s best live tunes! For most live music venues expect to pay 100
- 200 THB ($3.33 - $6.66) for a drink.
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Photo courtesy of Ramon
35
Toast on a Rooftop Bar
(บารช ั นบนสดของอาคาร)
Bangkok has a collecon of world class bars where you can toast the evening to a breathtaking view overlooking the enre city. Here are a few Bangkok sky bar suggesons: 1. Sirocco, Lebua at State Tower (Bangrak, closest to Saphan Taksin BTS staon) 2. Vergo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel (Sathorn, Silom) 3. Baiyoke Tower Rooop Bar (Pratunam, near Siam) 4. Three Sixty at Millennium Hilton Hotel (across the river from Bangrak) 5. Long Table at Column Tower (near Asoke BTS staon, Sukhumvit) 6. Red Sky at Centara Grand Hotel (located at Central World in Siam) 7. The Nest at Le Fenix Hotel (near Nana BTS staon, Sukhumvit)
Expect to pay anywhere from 300 - 600 THB per drink at these locaons.
46
Party Night in Bangkok
(ปารต ในกร งเทพในเวลาค าคน)
036
From low-key bars, to hard thumping nightclubs, Bangkok has a nightlife opon that will sasfy your interest. People start going out at 7 or 8 pm to bars, and then hit nightclubs oen around 11 pm or midnight. There are sll aer hours clubs that ll up at around the 3 am mark. Bed Supperclub - A fancy club in the heart of Bangkok that aracts an interna-
onal and high society crowd. Hours: Open for dinner unl late at night Q Bar Bangkok - With a stylish bar, a club style dancing area, and a relaxing gar-
den, Q Bar oers a lile bit of everything. Hours: Show up anyme at night or in the evening and open unl late Narcissus - The popular nightclub aracts a share of celebries and guest DJ’s that spin for the mul-level Roman theme facility. Hours: 9:00 pm - 2:00 am RCA - RCA is a strip mall of clubs, all lined up so you can just sort of meander from club to club. Very popular with locals. Hours: 8:00 pm - 2:00 am Funky Villa - It’s stylish, modern, and just as funky as the name suggests. Hours: 7:00 pm - 2:00 am
47
37
Gold and Gems Shopping
(ซ อ เคร องประดั บ)
Bangkok is world renowned for its gems and jewelry trade. If you are interested in doing some shopping, check out Gems Gallery, the
world’s biggest jewelry store. And if you’re a gems connoisseur, you may want to consider attending a Bangkok Gems Fair.
information Gems Gallery Website: hp://www.gems-gallery.com/ Hours: 9 am - 6 pm daily Phone: +66 81 610 1010 How to get there: If you call +66 81 610
1010 they will arrange transportaon for you
Note: Be aware of the tuk-tuk drivers that oer to take you on a ride for 20 THB but alternavely take you to a bunch of jewelry stores. If you go shopping for jewelry, go on your own, or contact Gems Gallery who will arrange trans-
portaon for you.
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48
Order a Custom Suit
(ซ อ ชดสท)
information Cost: On their site it says 2 custom ed
suits for $300, but be sure to chat with them to get a beer price. Address: 120/91 Ratchaprarop Road., Bang-
038 Ever dream of wearing a custom suit that
includes suspenders, cu links, and rues? Bangkok is one of the world’s best places to order a fully ed custom suit.
kok 10400, Thailand How to get there: Country Road Fashions is
located on next to Indra Hotel at the base of the Baiyoke Tower. You can either take a taxi or walk from Chit Lom BTS staon. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
120/91 ราชปรารภ ประตน า
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Though tailors are located throughout the
enre city, there’s a concentraon of shops in both downtown Silom and around Pratunam. My friend purchased 2 full custom suits and 4 es from Country Road Fashions, everything
was high quality.
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39
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
(ตลาดน า คลองลั ดมะยม)
Khlong Lat Mayom is one of my personal favorite oang markets in Bangkok - a buoyant buf fet in the quiet lush outskirts of town. The mar-
ket is a pleasant leisure oung that oers some peace and fresh air from the bustle of the city. Enjoy a calm stroll, and of course, sample a wide variety of tasty Thai food. The piping hot
noodles, served directly from boats oang in the canal are parcularly delicious!
information Website: hp://khlonglatmayom.com/ Hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays Phone: 089-5318538 Address: Bang Lamad Road, Taling Chan, Thonburi Bangkok How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Wang Wian Yai staon. From there, it’s best to take a taxi directly to the market.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ตลาดน า คลองลัด มะยม บางระมาด ตล งชั น
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04
Taling Chan Floating Market - Talad Nam Taling Chan
(ตลาดน า ตล งชั น)
information
Taling Chan oang market is one of the
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday
more popular local weekend markets within
How to get there: The market is located on
Bangkok. Though it’s called a oang market, the rm ground secon of the market has
the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River about a 100 - 200 THB taxi ride from central Bangkok. Taxi is the best way to get there.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ตลาดน า ตล งชั น
grown much larger than the boat market sec-
on, but nevertheless it’s sll fun to visit. With a few boat vendors, plenty of outdoor stalls, and lots of tasty snacks, the market
remains calm and manageable. If you’re hungry, try a roasted “pla pao” snakehead sh served from a boat.
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shopping and markets
41
Saphan Phut Youth Market
(สะพานพทธ)
It’s a local youth aair every night (except Monday) at Saphan Phut. Discover the latest trends in Thai counter-culture fashion, get a gheo street taoo, and maybe even ride a scooter tricked out with chrome rims! The market gets started at the base of Saphan
Phut Memorial Bridge at dark and doesn’t stop unl late at night. Hanging out at Saphan Phut market oers a chance to do some modern
information Hours: 8 pm - 1 am from Tuesday to Sunday How to get there: The market is located at the base of Saphan Phut Memorial Bridge
along the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to get there is by taxi as the river boats stop service at 7 pm.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): สะพานพทธ
local shopping while observing Thai youth culture.
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04
Shop-till-you-drop at MBK Mahboonkrong(มาบญครอง)
information Website: hp://www.mbk-center.co.th/th/
home/index.php
MBK is Bangkok’s most giganc and insane shopping labyrinth. It’s characterized by swarms of shoppers and vendors selling everything from cellphones to souvenirs.
Hours: 10 am - 10 pm daily Address: 444 Phayathai Rd., Patumwan, Bangkok, Thailand Video: Click here to watch
There’s a hecc food court on the top level that serves quick tasty Thai meals.
How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
suck in its shoppers for hours at a me, and
to Naonal Stadium staon and there’s a
it can be next to impossible to locate an exit.
direct entrance to MBK.
I’ve seen plenty of shoppers that looked like
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): มาบญครอง
they arrived straight from the airport, and
54
Be careful though, MBK has been known to
aer shopping probably headed right back to get on a plane. MBK is literally an enre country of its own!
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43
Malls at Siam
(ช อ ของท สยาม)
information
From Central World to Siam Paragon and Siam
Square – if it’s luxury modern shopping malls (and loads of street shopping too) you are aer, Bangkok’s Siam district will deliver beyond your expectaons.
Hours: 10 am - 9 pm for many shops and malls
Steps outside the giant shopping malls, you’ll nd endless street stalls selling cheap clothing, trendy fashion, and an everlasng supply of on-
ism.
How to get there: Get o the BTS Skytrain
at Siam staon and you will be immersed into Bangkok’s modern shopping extrem -
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ไปสยาม
the-go street snacks.
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Asiatique The Riverfront
(เอเชยทค เดอะ รเวอร)
information Website: hp://www.thaiasiaque.com/
en/index.php Hours: 5 pm - Midnight daily Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Prayakrai District, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok10120
044
Asiaque is Bangkok’s all new riverfront night shopping and entertainment desnaon. The touristy complex includes over 1,500
Saphan Taksin staon, take Exit 1 and walk
bouque stores specializing in souvenirs, home decoraons, clothing and accessories. Along with shopping comes a wide selecon of dining opons including Japanese and Ital -
to the central boat pier. Take the free Asi-
ian choices.
How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
aque ferry straight to the center. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
เอเชยทค เดอะ รเวอร เจรญกรง 56
If you’re interested in a live performance, either check out a Bangkok famous cabaret show, or a more family suitable puppet show.
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45
Chatuchak Weekend Market
(ซ อ ของท ตลาดนัด จตจั กร)
Considered to be one of the world’s largest outdoor weekend markets, Chatuchak is yet anoth-
er Bangkok style shoppers paradise that quite literally never ends. With esmates of around 15,000 vendors, Chatuchak supplies hour upon
hour of shop-ll-you-drop acon. When you’re ready for a break, there are plenty of indoor air-condioned restaurants within the maze of stores, and a number of outdoor cheap food courts as well.
information Website: hp://www.chatuchak.org/ Hours: 6 am - 6 pm on Saturday and Sun-
day (also open Friday aernoon, but not all vendors are open), best me to go is about 11 am Video: Click here to watch How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
to Mo Chit staon or the MRT Metro to Chatuchak Park which are both walking distance from the market.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ไปตลาดนัด จตจัก ร
www mi rationolo
com
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Bangkok’s Flower Market Pak Khlong Talad
(ปากคลองตลาด)
information Hours: You can visit the market 24 hours
a day, but the most energec acon takes place from about Midnight unl 3 am when the real trade goes down. Address: Maharat Road – right at the base
of Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge) How to get there: If you go during the day, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to
Saphan Phut Pier, but at night it’s best to take a taxi.
046
Bangkok’s massive populaon demands no small supply of fresh owers each and every day. The central ower distribuon market is a pandemonium of beauful bright colors and busy people transporng owers from place to place.
Valennes day? Why not purchase an enre truck load of owers for your signicant other!
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ปากคลองตลาด 58
www mi rationolo
com
47
Electronics at Pantip Plaza
(ซ อ ของอเลกทรอนกสท พ ั นธท พ ย)
Panp Plaza is more than just electronics - it’s
information
a mega-structure of all things IT packed into 5 storys under one roof. Computers, hard drives, security cameras, and every imaginable elec-
Website: hp://www.panpplaza.com/ Hours: 10 am - 9 pm daily Address: 604/3 Petchaburi Road, Petcha-
tronic accessory in both cheap and quality form is available somewhere within the mall.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is to either walk from Chit Lom or
When you get red of buying the latest high
Chit Lom walk past Central World, make a le on Petchaburi Road (at Planum Fash-
tech gear, check out the food court on the 3rd
oor for some more delicious Bangkok food.
buri, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Ratchathewi BTS Staon. If you get o at
ion Mall) and connue straight unl you reach Panp Plaza. If you get o at Ratchathewi staon, head east on Petchaburi unl you reach the plaza. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พัน ธท พ ย ประตน า
www mi rationolo
com
59
Platinum Fashion Mall
(แพลตตน ั ม)
information Website: hp://www.planumfashionmall.
com/pfront8/ Hours: 8 am - 8 pm (on Weds, Sat, Sun), 9 am - 8 pm (on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) Address: 542/21-22 Petchaburi Road, Petchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Chit Lom staon, exit and walk north past Central World unl you reach the major intersecon, and Planum will be on the corner, opposite from Amari Watergate
Hotel. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
แพลตตน ัม ประตน า 60
048
Planum Fashion Mall, crammed with over 2,000 individual shops, prides itself as being the largest wholesale mall in Bangkok. For those interested in a fashion shopping spree, the giganc mall will provide endless excitement. While prices are cheaper if you purchase in bulk, vendors are also willing to sell individual pieces at a higher price - but be sure to do some bargaining before making a commit-
ment. For the an-shoppers, this place is a straight up nightmare!
www mi rationolo
com
49
Pratunam Market
(ประตน า )
Pratunam is a famous outdoor market in Bang-
kok that specializes in wholesale fabrics, all sorts of clothing, and plenty of fake brand goods. Crowds of people from around the world
choose Pratunam as their choice desnaon to purchase items in small and large quanes to
information Hours: 9 am - 8 pm daily Address: At the corner of Petchaburi and
Ratchaprarop Roads Video: Click here to watch How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
bring home. Pratunam is normally open from about 9 am to 8 pm, though stall owners pick and choose their
own hours of operaon. The market is located near the base of Baiyoke Tower (Bangkok’s tallest building), and just a short walk from Pla-
to Chit Lom staon, exit and walk north past Central World mall unl you reach the major intersecon. Pratunam begins across the intersecon next to Amari Watergate Hotel.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ประตน า
num mega mall.
www mi rationolo
com
61
Or Tor Kor Market
(ตลาด อ.ต.ก.)
information Hours: 6 am - 8 pm daily How to get there: It’s easiest to take the
MRT Metro to Kamphaeng Phet staon and there’s an exit directly to the market. Alter navely you can take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit staon and walk from there. It’s lo-
05 Or Tor Kor Market is an upscale wet market
that’s clean, organized, and packed with all kinds of tempng fresh food. The market also has an excellent hawker food court serving a diverse array of classic Thai dishes.
cated across the street from the Chatuchak Weekend Market, so you could combine
If you desire to try the famous durian fruit, Or Tor Kor Market always has the highest of
both aracons in a single day.
quality, peeled and ready for you to devour!
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ตลาด อ.ต.ก. จตจัก ร VIDEO: click here
62
www mi rationolo
com
51
Khlong Toey Fresh Market
(ตลาดคลองเตย)
Khlong Toey Market is a sprawling wet market
that is packed with an astounding quanty of fresh food sourced from around the country. If you eat a meal at any restaurant in central
Bangkok, it’s likely that some, if not all the ingredients on your plate passed through Khlong Toey at some point. Despite being surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the market remains lo-
cal and tradional. A visit will widen your eyes and open your senses to the mass distribuon of food in Bangkok.
information Hours: Open all day, but busiest early morning from 4 am - 7 am Address: Corner of Rama IV and Ratchada-
phisek Road How to get there: Take the MRT Metro to
Khlong Toei staon and walk east on Rama IV road unl you reach the huge intersecon. Climb the elevated walk way and navigate your way to the southeast corner
of the intersecon and you’ll enter the
If you go, just like any busy market in the world,
be cauous of your belongings and don’t be too ashy.
www mi rationolo
com
labyrinth of Khlong Toey market. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ตลาดคลองเตย VIDEO: click here
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05
Talad Rod Fai - Antique Train Market (ตลาดนั ดรถไฟ)
information Website: hps://www.facebook.com/tar -
adrod Hours: 5 pm - Midnight on Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun Address: Srinakarin Soi Srinakarin 51, Srina-
karin Rd., Nongbon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250 How to get there: Taxi is really the best opon here. If you’re staying in Central Bang kok you might want to take the BTS Skytrain
to Udom Suk staon rst and then hop in a taxi straight to the market.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ตลาดนัด รถไฟ ซอย.ศรนครนทร 51 64
Talad Rod Fai is a Bangkok anque and retro market that opens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. Both indoor shops and a
large collecon of street vendors set-up to sell rare and unique treasures. Food is available and there are a number of open air bars. Note: Aer a property dispute, the market has relocated (formerly next to the
Chatuchak Weekend Market) to a locaon just behind Bangkok’s Seacon Square shopping mall (far from the original locaon).
www mi rationolo
com
53
Silom District
(สลม / พั ฒนพ งษ)
When it comes to Silom, businesses and banks control the day, while night markets, restau-
rants, and the Patpong night bazaar are famous at night.
information How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Sala Daeng staon or the MRT Metro to Silom staon. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
For lunch, check out Soi Convent, a street that’s
พัฒ นพ งษ สลม
lined with hawkers serving all sorts of deli-
cious Thai dishes. Don’t miss the juicy grilled pork skewers with scky rice. When you’re full, there’s plenty of shopping markets and malls around Silom to keep you busy for hours.
www mi rationolo
com
65
www.m gra ono ogy.com
historical temples
54
Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Wat Pho is famous for two main things: housing a giant reclining Buddha and being the origin of
the renowned Thai massage (check out #25 and #30). The reclining Buddha is nothing short of extraordinary, a massive golden statue relaxing on
its side with a mysfying smile. Aer walking around, you may just be inclined to indulge in a
tradional Thai massage in its purest form!
(วัด โพธ )
information Dress code: no shorts, but jeans are ne, no visible shoulders Website: hp://www.watpho.com/en/
home/index.php Hours: 8 am - 5 pm daily Cost: 100 THB adults Phone: 662-226-0335 Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Sub District, Pranakhon District Bangkok 10200 How to get there: It’s easiest to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Thian Pier which is just a 5 minute walk from the
temple. You can also easily walk from the Grand Palace. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): วั ดโพธ
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Wat Phra Kaew
055
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
(วั ดพระแกว )
information Dress code: No shorts or bare shoulders but they can provide you with a sarong if
needed but you’ll need to leave a deposit Hours: 8:30 am 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm 3:30 pm daily Cost: 500 THB adults (same cket as the
Grand Palace) Address: Na Phralan, Phra Nakorn Old City, Bangkok, Thailand How to get there: The temple is located on the same compound as the Grand Palace. If
you don’t take a taxi, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): วั ดพระแกว
Wat Phra Kaew is the home of the Emerald Buddha, a legendary statue with a fascinating history that originally came from India. Without doubt, the temple is the most sacred place in all of Thailand and a truly respected icon for both religion and culture in Bangkok. Located on the same compound as the Grand Palace, it’s convenient to visit both sites together. Note: Keep your entrance cket, the same
cket can be used (free of charge) within 7 days for one of these other sites: Vimanmek
Palace or Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.
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56
The Grand Palace
(พระบรมมหาราชวั ง)
If there’s one Bangkok aracon that nearly all tourists who visit Thailand share in common, it’s touring the Royal Grand Palace. The palace complex was once the home of the King of
Thailand, and previously it also housed ocial government buildings and the royal court. It’s the ulmate treasure of Thailand, a breathtaking display of architecture, elaborate detail, and
Thai heritage. Even though the fee is quite high, it’s worth a visit once in your lifeme. Also within the Grand Palace complex is a mini version of the famous temples of Angkor Wat.
information Dress code: No shorts or bare shoulders but they can provide you with a sarong in
needed but you’ll need to leave a deposit Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily Cost: 500 THB adults Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City How to get there: The Grand Palace is located on the same compound as the Grand
Palace. If you don’t take a taxi, you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พระบรมมหาราชวัง
Though not as impressive as the real thing, it’s sll a sight to see.
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69
Temple of Dawn Wat Arun (วั ดอรณ)
information Website: hp://www.watarun.org/ Hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm daily Cost: 50 THB How to get there: It’s easiest to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Thian Pier
(at Wat Pho) and then take the Wat Arun ferry across the river directly to the temple
(you’ll see it!). Thai Direcons (for Taxi): วั ดอรณ
05 Standing proud overlooking the Chao Phraya
River is the Wat Arun Temple of Dawn. As the sun rises along the horizon in the early morning, Wat Arun shimmers in the light, ushering in a new day. Wat Arun is one of my personal favorite temples in Bangkok largely due to its waterfront
view and ancient construcon. The steep staircase climb to the top, though a lile frightening, is well worth the view and the
breeze.
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58
Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit (วั ดไตรมตรวทยาราม)
Wat Traimit Temple, in Yaowarat Chinatown, is home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, known in full as Phra Phuha Maha Suwan Pamakon. What makes the sculpture so interesng is that it was once covered in a thick, unappealing plaster cover, before being accidentally dropped
information Website: hp://www.waraimitr-with -
ayaram.com/new_t/index_home.php Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily Cost: To see the Buddha + Museum - 100
THB adults (40 THB for just the Buddha) Address: Thanon Miaphap Thai-China, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
during construcon to reveal the golden statue
How to get there: Take the MRT Metro to
encased. Wat Traimit was built mainly to house the cherished statue.
is about a 5 minute walk from there.
Hua Lamphong end staon and the temple
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
วัด ไตรมตร หั วลาโพง
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059
Erawan Shrine - San Phra Phrom (ศาลพระพรหม)
information Hours: 6 am - Midnight daily Cost: Free Address: Intersecon of Phloen Chit (same
At the corner of the luxurious Grand Hya Erawan Hotel, in the presgious shopping
mall district of Siam, rests the Erawan Shrine, one of the most constantly visited shrines in the city.
as Rama I) and Ratchadamri Road How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Chit Lom staon, and the shrine is located on the corner opposite of Central World shopping mall.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ศาลพระพรหม
เพลนจต ตรงขา มเซนทรั ลเวลด
The Hindu aliated shrine, which is dedi cated to Brahma, is marked by an everlasting stream of local Thais paying respect and tourists observing the scene. In 2006, a man crushed the statue and was immediately
beaten to death by bystanders. Aer much debate and invesgaon, the statue was replaced and connues to aract thousands of visitors everyday.
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60
The Marble Temple Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
(วั ดเบญจมบพตรดสตวนารามราชวรวหาร)
The beauful Wat Benchamabophit temple is constructed of Italian marble, including a marble designed courtyard and marble columns. The symmetrical Thai architecture and intricate
decoraons make the temple a remarkable site. The Marble Temple is such an important landmark in Bangkok, the outline of the structure is ingrained on the back side of the Thai 5 Baht coin.
information Hours: 8 am - 5 pm daily Cost: 20 THB adults Phone: (02) 281-2501 Address: Si Ayuhaya Road, Bangkok, Thai land How to get there: The closest BTS Skytrain
staon is Phaya Thai, but it’s sll a short 40 - 50 THB taxi ride from there. Head west on Si Ayuhaya Road. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
วัด เบจมบพตร ดสต
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Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn (วั ดเลงเนยย หรอ วัด บรมราชากาญจนาภเษกอนสรณ)
information Hours: 8 am - 6 pm daily Cost: Free Address: Thetsaban 9, Sano Loi, Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi 11110, Thailand How to get there: This Chinese Temple is
located quite a ways from central Bangkok and the only real way to get there is by taxi
which may cost 200 - 300 THB. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
061
Located outside of central Bangkok is a massive Chinese Buddhist temple complex known as Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn.
The temple consists of mulple levels and many separate rooms all extravagantly deco-
rated. It’s such an extensive complex, and the arsc details are so precise, it can take hours to explore the enre facility.
วัด เลงเนยย บางบั วทอง
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62 Wat Rakang is a unique and interesng Buddhist temple in Bangkok that’s famous for its good-luck pigeon colony and caish infested waters. The temple itself is quite ordinary, not overly jaw-dropping, but most people come to
feed the sh and pigeons to obtain good luck. If you have ornithophobia (afraid of birds), Wat Rakang is not the place for you!
Wat Rakang
(วั ดระฆัง )
information Hours: 9 am - 6 pm daily Address: Watrakhang Rd., Bang Phlat, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700 Thailand Cost: Free How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya
River Boat to Tha Chang Pier and then take the ferry service across the river directly to
the temple where you’ll noce a ock of pigeons sing on the steps. Alternavely, you can take the boat to Wang Lang Pier and walk to the temple from there.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): วั ดระฆัง (best to take the boat)
www.migrationology.com
ศรราช
75
Historical Wat Yannawa The Boat Temple
(วั ดยานนาวา)
information Hours: 5 am - 9 pm daily Cost: Free Address: 1648 Thanon Charoen Krung, Bangkok, Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
to Saphan Taksin staon, Exit #3 towards the street (not river), make a right turn on
063
Wat Yannawa is mainly interesng because of it’s Chinese boat shaped design and history along the river. King Rama III commissioned the unique temple shape so that people would remember the old style Chinese junks
in a me when modern vessels were starng to overtake the old-fashioned work boats.
Charoen Krung and walk for about 200 me-
ters and you’ll see the temple on your right
On the side of the temple is a small museum
hand side.
housing a collecon of extremely valuable
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
Buddhist relics and statues.
วัด ยานนาวา ยานนาวา 76
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64
Wat Saket - The Golden Mountain (วัด ภเขาทอง)
Wat Saket, also known as Pu Khao Tong or
Bangkok’s Golden Mountain, is a cone shaped golden stupa on the top of a small hill in the heart of old town Bangkok.
information Website: hp://www.watsraket.com/ Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily Cost: Free Address: Soi BorommabanphotBan Bat,
Pom Prap Saru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thai -
The three hundred and eighteen steps to the top level takes just ten minutes to climb, and
your eort is rewarded with fantasc panoramic views of the city.
land How to get there: From central Bangkok take the Khlong Saen Saeb canal boat from
Sapan Hua Chang (near Siam and MBK) to the end staon of Panfa Leelard pier - the Golden Mount is a 5 minute walk from
there. Alternavely, jump in a taxi. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
วัด ภเขาทอง ปอ มปราบศัต รพา ย
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77
Assumption Cathedral
(อาสนวหารอั สสั มชั ญ)
information Website: hp://www.stjohn.ac.th/Depart-
ment/info/ch_schedule.html Hours: Check schedule for services Cost: Free Address: 23 Oriental Avenue, New Road, Bangkok, Bangkok 10500 How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Saphan Taksin staon. Exit #3 and make a le on Charoen Krung road. Walk straight past Robinson shopping center unl you reach Charoen Krung 40 where you make
065
Assumpon Roman Catholic Cathedral was built under French design during the reign of
King Rama II. The Cathedral is the most well known and iconic cathedral in Bangkok. Though weekly mass services are held on
Sunday, it’s a great place to visit when you’re walking around the Bangrak area of town on any day of the week.
a le. Walk around exploring this enre historical district. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
อาสนวหารอัส สัม ชัญ บางรั ก 78
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www.m gra ono ogy.com
museums and galleries
Wat Chang Sam Sien 3 Headed Elephant
(ชางสามเศ า งสามเศยน) ยน)
066
The Erawan Museum is home to an impres-
sively enormous three-headed bronze elephant sculpture that stands over 43 meters high. Within the elephant structure is a museum
displaying religious objects and arfacts ar facts from the collecon of Khun Lek, the private commissioner of the facility. The Erawan Museum is Museum is located in Samut Prakan, south of central Bangkok about 20 kilometers. By taking the BTS Skytrain all the way to
Bang Na staon, and then taking a quick taxi or bus ride, you can get there quite easily.
www.migrationology.com
information
Website: hp://www.erawan-museum.
com/eng/main.html Hours: 8 am - 5 pm daily Cost: 300 THB adults, 150 THB TH B children Address: 99/9 Moo 1, Bangmuangmai, Samut Prakan, Thailand 10270 How to get there : You can actually take the
BTS Skytrain all the way to Bang Na staon and then take bus #25 or #511 straight to the entrance of the temple – only about 3
– 5 km from Bang Na staon. Alternavely Alternavely,, just hop into a taxi taxi from the BTS. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ชางสามเศ า งสามเศยน ยน สมทรปราการ ทรปราการ
80
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information
Website: hp://www.si.mahidol.ac.th/eng/ Hours: 9 am - 4 pm from Monday through
Saturday (closed on Sunday) Cost: 40 THB adults Address: Siriraj Hospital 2 Prannok Road Bangkoknoi Bangkok 10700 Thailand How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya
River Boat to Wang Lang Pier, exit and navigate your way to Siriraj Hospital located next to the river. The museum is located on the 2nd oor of the Adulyadejuikrom Build Building. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
Forensic Medicine Museum
(พพ พธภั ธ ภั ณฑ ณฑนน ตตเวชศาสตร เวชศาสตร)
Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Mu-
seum to be specic, is one of Bangkok’s Bangkok’s most startling museums to visit. Though it’s educaonal, it’s not for the queasy. Don’t miss the hand-dissected cadavers showcasing the nervous and cardiovascular cardiovascular systems. systems. If you aren’t too fond of human insides, this museum just might gross you out -
but if you’re interested, interested, the museum muse um is quite an amazing learning opportunity. opportunity.
พพ พธภั ธ ภัณฑ ณ ฑนน ตต เวชศาสตร เ วชศาสตร โรงพยาบาลศ โรงพยาบาลศรรราช ราช
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Thai Silk at Jim Thompson House
(พพ พธภั ธ ภัณฑ ณ ฑบบ านจ า นจม ทอมปสัส ัน) น )
068
Jim Thompson was an American man who fell in love with Thailand and began a business deal-
ing in Thai silk. He mysteriously mysteriously disappeared on a trip to Malaysia in 1967 and was never seen again.
His historic home in Siam was constructed in the tradional Thai style and has now been opened as a world class museum. The mystery mystery
of his story, and the beauful compound, make the Jim Thompson house worth a visit.
There’s also an elegant garden cafe and restaurant located on the compound.
www.migrationology.com
information
Website: hp://www.jimthompsonhouse.
com/ Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily (last guided tour is
at 5 pm) Cost: 100 THB adult, 50 THB student / children Phone: (662) 216-7368 Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok How to get there : Take the BTS Skytrain to
Naonal Stadium staon. Exit and make a right on Soi Kasem San 2. Walk straight for about 200 meters and the house is on your
le side - about 5 minutes from MBK. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พพ พธภั ธ ภัณฑ ณ ฑบบ านจ า นจม ทอมปสัส นั ซ.เกษมสันต น ต2 82
Photo courtesy of Ramon
69
information Website: hp://www.thaicra.org/
Take a look at the schedule for all ThaiCra
Fair locaons and events. If you are interested, ThaiCra also oers an opportunity to lend a hand by volunteering at one of the events.
ThaiCraft Fair
(ชมงานแฟรสส นค น คาหั า หัตถกรรม) ต ถกรรม)
ThaiCra is a fair trade organizaon that specializes in high quality handicras that are hand produced by arsc communies throughout Thailand. Their objecve is to preserve tradional handmade Thai cras while generang a fair and sustainable income for arsans. Rather than having a single locaon, ThaiCra is a roaming market that sets up on specic dates and various locaons throughout the city. city. Be sure to check out their website
for the latest informaon.
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07
Bangkok National Museum
(พพธ ภั ณฑสถานแหงชาต)
The Bangkok Naonal Museum is a treasure chest of exhibions that showcase the history of Thailand. There’s also notable displays of precious gold relics, and sculptures made of ceramic and ivory.
information
Hours: 9 am - 4 pm (closed on Monday and
Tuesday) Cost: 200 THB adults Phone: +66 (0)2 215 8173 Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang,
A highlight of the museum is seeing the The
Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200, Thailand How to get there: If you don’t take a taxi, the easiest way is to take the Chao Phraya
King Ram Khamhaeng Inscripon, a UNESCO piece of art that oers compelling cultural and
River Boat to either Maharaj Pier (tourist boat), or Tha Chang Pier (local boat), then
historical world value.
walk West to Thanon Na Phra That, make
a le, and walk straight unl you reach the museum on your le hand side. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พพธ ภัณ ฑสถานแหงชาต สนามหลวง
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71
Golden Teakwood Vimanmek Mansion
(พระท น ั งวมานเมฆ และหม พระตาหนั ก)
information
Dress code: No shorts or sleeveless shirts, sarongs can be provided Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm from Tues - Sat
(closed Sun and Mon) Cost: 100 THB adults Phone: +66 2 628 6300-9 Address: Ratchawithi Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument and then take a taxi down
Ratchawithi Road just past the Dusit Zoo (about 50 THB, 5 - 10 minutes), or taxi all the way there Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พระท น ัง วมานเมฆ ดสต 85
The Vimanmek Mansion was built by King
Rama V in 1900 to be a royal palace, and though it is not in ocial use anymore (for that purpose), it sll hosts occasional royal gatherings and events. I was truly impressed by the tour of the mansion and the delicately restored relics and souvenirs housed in the teak wood structure.
I’d highly recommend a visit along with a tour of the palace for a fascinang glimpse into Thai royal life.
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Suan Pakkad Palace Museum
(พพธภัณ ฑว ั งสวนผั กกาด)
Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga made the decision to preserve their classical Thai style wooden home as a museum.
The design of the palace oers an interesng insight into a tradional Thai luxurious dwell ing. There’s also an ornate collecon of art and cherished arfacts displayed within the museum.
information
Website: hp://www.suanpakkad.com/ main_eng.php Hours: 9 am - 4 pm daily Cost: 100 THB Phone: (662) 246-1775-6 E-mail:
[email protected] Address: 352-354 Si Ayuhaya Road, Ratchathewi , Bangkok 10400 , Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
to Phaya Thai staon and make a right on Si Ayuhaya Road and you’ll see the Suan Pakkad Museum on your right hand side. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พพธ ภัณ ฑว ัง สวนผัก กาด ราชเทว ถ.ศรอยธยา
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information
Website: hp://en.bacc.or.th/ Hours: 10 am - 9 pm, closed on Monday Cost: Free
Bangkok Art and Culture Center - BACC
(หอศลปวั ฒนธรรมแหงกรงเทพมหานคร)
The beaufully designed Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) is a mul-funconal facility that includes art galleries, auditoriums, an art library, and a cafe.
Address: 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 How to get there: BACC is located across the street from MBK shopping center. Take the BTS Skytrain to Naonal Stadium sta-
The ultra modern center is a great place to leisurely walk around, enjoy the contemporary art scene, and take advantage of the
on.
quiet air-condioned environment.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi): หอศลปวั ฒนธรรม
แหงกรงเทพมหานคร สยามมาบญครอง
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National Gallery
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(พพธภั ณฑสถานแหงชาตหอศลป)
The Naonal Gallery in Bangkok is specically setup to showcase contemporary as well as tra-
dional Thai art. Housed in the former Thai royal mint building, and stocked with prized artworks, the gallery is making eort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.
information
Hours: 9 am - 4 pm (closed Mon and Tues) Cost: 50 THB adults Address: Thanon Chao Fa Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand How to get there: If you don’t take a taxi,
take the Chao Phraya River Boat to Phra Arthit Pier (near Khao San Road), make a right on Thanon Phra Arthit, make a le on Thanon Chao Fa and walk straight for about 5 minutes and the gallery will be on your
le hand side. Located just a 3 minute walk from the Naonal Museum. ฑสถาน Thai Direcons (for Taxi): พพธภัณ
แหงชาตหอศลป สนามหลวง
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information
Website: hp://www.lleke.com/rm/com -
munity/museum Cost: Free but need appointment Phone: Hathaya Tungkahotara at +66 2653 5546 E-mail: hathaya.t@lleke.com Address: Supalai Grand Tower, 26th Floor,
1011 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa 10120 How to get there: The museum is located
within the oce of Tilleke & Gibbins Internaonal Ltd. law oce. The easiest way to get there is by taxi. แกรนด Thai Direcons (for Taxi): สพาลัย
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Bangkok Museum of Counterfeit Goods (พพธภัณ ฑส นคา ปลอมและสนคา เลยนแบบ) You’ll noce all sorts of fake brand goods walking around the streets of Bangkok - but
even that won’t prepare you for the quanty and selecon of counterfeit products on display at the Museum of Counterfeit Goods. From clothing and watches to electronics and
even dangerous medicaons, the museum has over 4,000 shocking counterfeit items on display. Hours: For general public the museum is open on Mondays at 2 pm and Thursdays at 10 am, but you must make an appointment
at least 24 hours ahead of me. Call or e-mail for details and bookings.
www.migrationology.com
Photo courtesy of MOCA
MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art
(พพธภั ณฑศ ลปะไทยรวมสมั ย)
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Housed in a brand new, state of the art facility, MOCA presents a vibrant collecon of modern Thai works of art. Boonchai, a private art collector, commissioned the museum which includes over 400 immaculate pieces. If you are interested in viewing and learning more about Thai modern masterpieces, a trip
to Bangkok’s refreshing MOCA is a must.
information
Website: hp://www.mocabangkok.com/
museum/web/en/home.htm Hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed Mon) Cost: 180 THB adult, 80 THB student Phone: 02- 953 1005-7 Address: 499 Moo 3, Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 How to get there: The museum is located in northern Bangkok, not far from Don Muang Airport. The easiest way to get there is by
taking the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit staon and then either taking a taxi or taking a local public bus number 29 or 510. ภัณ ฑศ ลปะ Thai Direcons (for Taxi): พพธ
ไทยรวมสมั ย 499/50 ถนนวภาวดรัง สต แขวง ลาดยาว เขตจตจั กร กรงเทพฯ 10900
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information
Hours: 10 am - 8 pm daily Cost: 200 THB adults Phone: 08 9681 3814 Address: 1043/1 Silom Soi 23, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Surasak staon. Exit and walk straight down Thanon Sathon unl you reach the highway. Make a right and walk underneath the high-
Bangkok Seashell Museum
(พพธ ภั ณฑเ ปลอกหอยกรงเทพฯ)
If seashells weren’t already your passion, they just might be aer vising Bangkok’s modern Seashell Museum! The museum is stashed with over 3,000 di-
verse seashells from a multude of unique species. Discover the hidden beauty of sea-
shells you probably didn’t even know existed.
way unl the next main intersecon and the museum will be on your right hand side
at the corner of Silom Road and Soi 23. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พพธ ภัณ ฑเ ปลอกหอยกรงเทพฯ สลม23 91
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Bangkok Corrections Museum (พพธ ภั ณฑร าชทั ณฑ)
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One of Bangkok’s lesser visited, yet truly entertaining exhibions, is the Correcons Museum. The museum is located on the site of the former maximum security prison facility and highlights former life in a Thai prison.
Brutal scenes, execuon chambers, and tools to handle the dirty deeds, are all on display at the
Correcons Museum.
information
Hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm (closed on Sat and
Sun) Cost: Free (but accepts donaons) Phone: +66 2226 1704 Address: 436 Mahachai Road., Bangkok, Thailand How to get there: It’s not far from Khao San
Road and Democracy Monument, but the easiest way to get there is by either walking or taking a taxi. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
พพธ ภัณ ฑร าชทัณ ฑ ถ.มหาชัย
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information
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily (but occasionally
the boats are used and not available to view) Cost: 100 THB adults + 100 THB photo charge Phone: +66 (0) 2 424 0004 Address: 80-1 Bangkok Noi Canal, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand How to get there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Pinklao Pier. Exit and
walk on the le side of the highway unl you reach Soi Wat Dusitaram, make a le and follow the signs, which will lead through the neighborhood, to the museum. ภัณ ฑสถานThai Direcons (for Taxi): พพธ
แหงชาตเรอพระราชพธ บางกอกนอ ย ป นเกลา 93
National Museum of Royal Barges (พพธ ภั ณฑสถานแหงชาตเรอพระราชพธ)
As the “Venice of the East,” Bangkok has a long history with waterways used as transportaon. The Royal Barges Museum houses a number of elaborate vessels from the royal boat procession.
This is a highly specialized museum, so if you’re not interested in boats or anques, it’s probably not worthwhile to visit.
I had the honor of aending the Royal Barge Procession (photo).
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www.m gra ono ogy.com
food and drink
Learn to Cook Thai Food
(เรยนทาอาหารไทย)
08
Those who wish to take the avors of Thai food home with them should be enced by the many Thai cooking courses oered in Bangkok.
information
Here are some recommended Thai cooking schools to give you some ideas: Cooking with Poo (same as Helping Hands
Cooking School)
Most cooking classes rst begin with a trip to a
Baipai Thai Cooking School
local fresh market to pick up some ingredients and are followed by preparing a full meal. And
Amita Thai Cooking
don’t worry, you’ll get to eat everything you cook - so you beer cook well!
Thai Home Cooking
Cooking schools normally take about a 1/2 day and charge somewhere around 1200
THB - 2000 THB for the course. You can also arrange for longer, more in-depth cooking courses.
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information
Here are some dinner cruise boats to take a look at: 1. Chao Phraya Princess 2. Grand Pearl Cruise
Dinner cruises oen start at around 7 pm and nish at around 10 pm. Expect to pay 1000 THB per person or more for a classy meal and trip on the boat.
Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
(กนอาหารบนเรอเจา พระยา) Taking a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya
river is one of the great evening acvies in Bangkok. Whether you’re searching for a romanc me, or an opportunity for a special family meal, the views of the city at night
from the river are enchanng. While the food is nicely displayed, it’s probably not the best food Bangkok has to oer, but it’s rather the lovely ambiance and scenery that makes a dinner cruise worthwhile.
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Self Barbecue and Hot Pot Suki (หมกะทะ / สก )
08
Bangkok, like many places in Asia, has a modern fascinaon with going to a restaurant (or street stall) and cooking your own food right in front of your nose, while eang unl your heart’s content. For a more open-air street food opon try “moo ga ta,” the cheap version of as much as you can eat grilled meat (120 - 200 THB per person). For a nicer seng try King Kong (around 650 THB per person) to eat barbecue, or try the popular MK restaurant chain to eat hot pot suki soup (200 - 300 THB per person).
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Street Food Excursion
(กนอาหารรมทาง)
Rated as one of the top cies in the world for street food, experiencing the plethora of curb side cuisine in Bangkok is an absolute must.
Piping hot bowls of noodles, fragrant sr fried herbs and chillies, green papaya salad, fried chicken, and nearly every other Thai food you can imagine is conve-
niently available right o the street. Food is everywhere you look, and its cheap, fresh, and intensely delicious! Also, if you are specically interested in delicious Thai food, I’d encourage you to check out the Eang Thai Food Guide. “ Armed with this guide, you’ll discover local dishes that many visitors miss.” - Danny Chambers
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Four Seasons Brunch
(โรงแรมโฟรซ ซ ัน )
08
If you’re looking for the ulmate luxurious way to spend a Sunday morning, look no further than the Four Seasons brunch. The spectacular display of cuisine includes fresh seafood, salads, grilled meats, foie gras and smoked salmon. The Four Seasons Brunch is a real treat, and
if you’re a fan of contemporary internaonal cuisine, you’ll be thrilled with the selecon. The brunch also includes endless beverages from
the cocktail bar!
information
Dress code: Smart are Website: hp://www.fourseasons.com/
bangkok/dining/restaurants/sunday_brunch/ Hours: 11:30 am - 3 pm each Sunday
Reservaon: Reservaons are required one week in advance - +66 (0) 2 126-8866 Cost: 2,700 THB adults Address: 155 Rajadamri Road, 10330 Bang kok How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to Ratchadamri staon, exit and walk north on Thanon Ratchadamri and you’ll see the Four Seasons Hotel on your right hand side. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
โรงแรมโฟรซ ซ ัน ราชดาร
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information
Wang Lang Market
(ตลาดวั งหลั ง)
adjacent to Siriraj Hospital. Take the Chao
Located across the Chao Phraya river from the Grand Palace, is a heavenly food market known as Wang Lang. The congested alleys are lined on both sides with an insane variety
Phraya Express Boat to Wang Lang Pier and
of tantalizing treats.
VIDEO: Click here to watch Hours: 10 am - 6 pm daily How to get there: The market is located
you’ll be in the midst of the acon. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
ตลาดวัง หลัง ศรร าช
Don’t forget to try the famous “khanom tungtag,” griddle pancakes lled with coco nut and other sweet llings, or the melt in your mouth deep fried pork.
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Devour the King of Fruits – Durian (ทเรยน)
08
Durian fruit is a devout obsession in Bangkok. I could go on praccally forever describing this magical natural pudding, that’s the closest thing I’ve ever tasted to heaven on earth, but I’ll save my words and let you try it for yourself! Even though durian is not everyone’s choice of a good me, I consider it to be one of the most entertaining and delicious things on the planet. Don’t let yourself get away without a sample of durian when you’re vising. Durian is frequently available throughout the enre city during the main season (April - July), and during o-season durian is sll normally available in both Yaowarat Chinatown (#28) and Or Tor Kor Market (#50). Cost: 50 - 100 THB per kilo
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Boon Rawd (Singha) Brewery Tour
(บญรอดบรเวอร )
The Boon Rawd Brewery (home of Singha),
information Website: hp://www.boonrawd.
co.th/2007/th/home.html Hours: 9:30 am - 12 noon and 1:30 pm - 3 pm from Monday through Friday Cost: 300 THB per person Phone: (662) 598-2070 Ext. 179 Address: 2 Moo 9 Soi Jai-Aua, Bangkuwat, Muang, Pathumthani 12000 Thailand How to get there: Check website and get details from the brewery Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
บญรอดบรเวอร ปทมธาน
was founded in 1933 by Phya Bhirom Bhakdi. Today the brewery produces over 800,000 bot-
tles of beer a day and is one of the country’s most renowned beverages. This aracon is not exactly located in central Bangkok, but rather in Pathum Thani, about a 1 hour boat ride and then a taxi ride away. But if you love
beer, a Singha brewery tour makes a fantasc day trip, and an excuse to sample some beer. You must book a private tour with your own group con sisng of 5 - 60 people. First contact the brewery by phone, then submit a leer indicang your purpose of vising. The brewery will send you a reply. The cost is 300 THB per person which can be paid at the entrance and all proceeds will be donated.
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Bangkok Coffee Shops
(รา นกาแฟ)
088
Coee is not a big part of the Thai culture, so other than drinking instant coee, it can be a challenge to just stop on the roadside for a good shot of espresso.
That being said, coee culture is on the rise in Bangkok and more and more high quality coee shops are sproung up rapidly. Here are a few spots I would recommend for a great cup in Bangkok.
HelpLive Coee Kiosk - When you purchase a cup of coee at HelpLive coee kiosk, you not only get a marvelous brew, but at the same me you’re buying a meal for a refugee on the border of Thailand. There are 2 main locaons, one at Chong Nonsi BTS Staon at Exit #3, and another on Soi Sala Daeng just outside Adam’s Organic vegetable store. Both open from Mon - Fri from 6 am - 2 pm. Coee Society - A popular cafe located in Silom and open around the clock. Kope Hye Tai Ke - A historical Thai-Chinese shophouse coee shop located near the Bangkok Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha เสาชงชา ) For more opons, check out this great list of best espresso coee shops in Bangkok.
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information
Nana for Middle Eastern Food (ซอยนานา)
I would highly recommend Beirut Lebanese restaurant as one of my favorite sit down places.
Tired of Thai Food and craving some hummus or a shawarma? Want to experience a Middle Eastern water pipe tobacco (sheesha)? Bangkok has almost every dimension of the inter-
Hours: morning unl late night (restaurant
naonal dining scene covered.
open 10 am - 10 pm daily) Cost: Shawarmas cost 50 - 60 THB and sit down restaurants run 200 - 400 THB per person Address: Sukhumvit Soi 3 and Soi 3/1 How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Nana staon and walk towards Soi 3 and 3/1 Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
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If you are looking for some ne Middle Eastern food in Bangkok, look no further than
Sukhumvit Soi 3, beer known as Nana or Soi Arab. From sit down Middle Eastern restaurants, to street food shawarmas, the area is packed with great restaurants and an inter-
esng internaonal atmosphere.
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Pahurat Little India
(อาหารอนเดยท พาหรั ด)
090
For a lile avor of India, explore the district of Pahurat, located near Bangkok’s Chinatown. Pahurat is lled with fabric dealers, merchants, a handful of great Indian restaurants, and an Indian shopping center known as India Emporium.
information
VIDEO: Click here to watch Address: Along Thanon Chakphet and Thanon Pahurat How to get there: You can take a walk from Chinatown all the way west on Thanon
Yaowarat unl you reach Thanon Chakphet,
It’s best to wander around the area in the dayme hours, any me from 11 am - 5 pm is great. If you’d like some tasty and aordable Indian street food, my go-to spot is Toney Res-
or take a taxi or tuk-tuk.
Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
อนเดยเอมโพเลยม พาหรัด
taurant. They serve a killer chicken masala with
ro.
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5-Star Chef Street Food
(รา นอาหารโดยเชฟโรงแรม)
There’s a lile trend in Bangkok these days: former hotel chefs opening their own personal street food style restaurants and preparing outstanding food at
fracons of the price. They not only have perfected Thai dishes, but the chefs are also experts at internaonal fare, and creave in coming up with fusion dishes using local ingredi-
ents. I think it’s a win win food situaon for all! Some of the recommended restaurants where chefs have gone street are Gold Bay Leaves (great Thai food and also dishes like lasagna), Chef Odd (makes a killer steak), and Uncle John.
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09
Delicious “Boat Noodle” Alley (กวยเต ยวเรอท อนสาวรย)
It’s a well known fact that local Bangkokians love to eat, and high on that list of most sought
aer soup noodles is a famous speciality known as boat noodles.
Crowds go crazy devouring as many small bowls of boat noodles as possible. The more you eat, the higher stack of bowls on the edge of the table you accumulate. A stack of bowls is pride-
ful evidence of your boat noodle conquest.
information
Hours: 11 am - 9 pm daily Cost: 10 THB per bowl Phone: 02 271 3178 More info: click here How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain to
Victory Monument staon. Exit and walk towards the monument while remaining on the skywalk. Walk about halfway around the
monument unl you go past “Fashion Mall.” Go down the steps and connue your way through the market, across the van access
road, and cross the lile bridge over the
If you’re a food lover, heading to boat noodle alley at Victory Monument, is one of Bangkok’s great culinary experiences.
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canal. I like the boat noodle restaurant on the far right hand side (when facing the restau-
rants). Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
กวยเต ยวเรอท อนสาวรย
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information
More info: click here Hours: 5 pm - 1 am daily Cost: 80 - 100 THB per drink (but it’s street
Street Cocktails
(คอกเทล)
Mr. Akrachai, once a top end hotel bartender and the winner of the Thailand bartending championships, gave up his job and opened
food, so random days o)
“The Cocktail,” his very own street cocktail
How to get there: Take the BTS Skytrain
bar.
to On Nut Staon, exit to the market (On Nut Square) which is across the street from Tesco Lotus, and The Cocktail is between Soi 79 and 81. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
BTSออนนช ตรงขา มโลตัส
Using his expert mixing skills, this guy serves fancy cocktails at an unlikely locaon - within a local Thai market. Drink mixed concocons for a fracon of what they’d cost at a fancy bar.
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Eat on Top of Bangkok Baiyoke Tower
(รา นอาหารท ตกใบหยก)
09
Baiyoke Tower, Bangkok’s tallest hotel and
information
Website: hp://baiyokesky.baiyokehotel.
building, is home to a number of high class restaurants and bars. On the very top is a revolving lookout where you can capture a wonderful 360 degree view of the city.
com/
I have personally been to the Stella Palace Chi-
rarop Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
nese Restaurant for an amazing buet dinner
Thailand How to get there: Baiyoke Tower is not lo-
that included a wide range of Chinese dishes.
The ambiance, the food (including Peking duck), and the service were all spectacular!
Hours: Varies by restaurant Cost: Expect to pay around 600 - 1000 THB per person Phone: Check website, reservaons required Address: 222 Soi Ratchaprarop 3, Ratchap-
cated very close to any mass transit staon - the closest is either Phaya Thai or Chit Lom.
From each, it’s about a 20 minute walk. The easiest way is to catch a taxi to the doorstep of the tower. Thai Direcons (for Taxi):
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ตกไบหยก ประตน า
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Annual Vegetarian Festival & Vegetarian Food Courts
(เทศกาลอาหารเจ)
In the 1800’s a group of Chinese opera performers visited Thailand and all happen to fall ill. Aer much contemplaon, they decided they had all become sick from failing to show respect to the Nine Emperor Gods of the Daoist belief. In order to cleanse themselves, they decided to go on a strict vegetarian diet for
nine days. Nowadays, Thailand’s vegetarian fesval is an annual celebraon that brings together a host of people from around the world all in search of delicious
Thai vegetarian food and snacks. It’s a great opportunity to explore the food and culture of Thailand. The biggest vegetarian fesval celebraon in Bangkok is located in Yaowarat Chinatown, and normally occurs in September or October. Also, if you are vegetarian and want to eat some of the best vegetarian food in Bangkok, be sure to eat at either Baan Suan Pai or Chamlong’s Asoke - 2 of my favorite vegetarian food courts in Bangkok.
If you’re further interested in Thai vegetarian food, be sure to check out a copy of the useful Vegetarian Thai Food Guide.
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Exotic Thai Delicacies
(เมนพเศษ)
09
Bird’s nest soup anyone? The nests, that are created by layers of sparrow saliva, is a seriously exocc dish that’s said to be healthy for nearly every aspect of life. Bird’s nest soup is widely available in Yaowarat Chinatown, and though the cheapest bowls run 200 - 300 THB, it’s a whole lot cheaper in Bangkok than Hong Kong. Raw mans prawns (pictured)? Fish bladder soup? Fried frog with basil? From bird’s nest soup to sr fried shark (nothing endangered), Bangkok is full of exoc delicacies you’ll have fun devouring. Yaowarat Chinatown is one of the best places in town to nd exoc Thai and Chinese food.
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information
Website: hp://www.swissotel.com/hotels/
bangkok-concorde/dining/takumi/ Hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm and 6 pm - 10:30 pm daily Cost: About 600 - 700 THB per person Phone: +66 2694 2222 Ext. 1560 (You
should make reservaons) Address: 204 Rachadapisek Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320, Thailand How to get there: The best way is to take
the MRT Metro to Huai Khwang staon and exit towards the Swiss Hotel Le Concorde. Takumi is on the second oor of the hotel. Thai Direcons (for Taxi): ทาคม
โรงแรมสวส โฮเตล เลอคองคอรด รัช ดา 112
Marvelous Japanese Buffet
(บฟเฟตอ าหารญ ป น ทาคม) Bangkok rates as one of the best cies in the world to enjoy a go-crazy all you can eat Japanese sushi buet for an aordable price. My favorite in town is Takumi Japanese Restaurant located within the Swissotel on
Ratchada Road. It’s an all you can eat buet, but you never have to leave your seat as you
simply order connually o the menu. Another marvelous Japanese buet is Oishi Grand, located on the 2nd oor of Siam Dis covery. They supply fresh sushi and sashimi
and even have an all you can eat Häagen Dazs ice cream stand.
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Bangkok Food Courts
(ฟดคอรท )
09
Bangkok is a food paradise, and while street food is amazing, at mes it can be nice to take advantage of a cleaner (yet sll cheap) food court where there’s a wide variety of dishes available on demand. Many food courts in Bangkok work on the coupon system, you exchange cash for some pieces of paper, and then exchange those coupons for food. If you don’t use all your coupons, you can always exchange them back into cash. MBK Food Court - A giant food court that oers just about everything you can imagine and more, plus a vegetarian stall, an Indian stall, and a Vietnamese stall. Located at MBK Shopping Center on
the 6th oor. Naonal Stadium BTS Staon. Terminal 21 Food Court - Bangkok’s new Terminal 21 shopping mall is clean and refreshing - and
there’s a lovely food court on the 5th oor oering cheap and delicious meals. Asoke BTS Staon. Or Tor Kor Market Food Court - For an outdoor food court, the Or Tor Kor Market (#50 on this list) is hard to beat. Local favorites are plenful and there’s a nice seang area that’s brightly lit. In northern Bangkok, just o the Kamphaeng Phet MRT staon, and walkable from Mo Chit BTS Staon see # 50 for more direcons.
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Royal Thai Food
(อาหารชาววั ง)
By using an exclusive assortment of ingredients and techniques, Royal Thai cuisine is in a class of its own. All avors are balanced in perfect harmony, the sweet and sour, the salty and spicy.
A recent trend of higher end restaurants in Bangkok aim to preserve tradional Thai culture by serving a menu of dishes with origins in the royal Thai kitchen. The mouthwatering dishes are as insighul into Thai culture as they are enjoy-
able to eat. Here are a few recommendaons: 1. Paste Bangkok - Read my review here! 2. Bo.lan 3. The Local - Video - Click here to watch 4. Ruen Mallika Prices: Reservaons are a good idea at these restaurants and expect to pay any-
where from 300 - 1000 THB per person
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Snack on Bizarre Thai Foods (อาหารแปลก)
From pig’s blood mixed with herbs, to ferocious looking fried bugs in lemongrass, Bangkok has a
curious selecon of potenally frightening, yet fun foods to sample.
Dancing shrimp (goong dten), is a dish that is prepared using mini shrimp mixed with a va-
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VIDEO: Click here to watch
Locaon: The problem with bizarre Bangkok foods is that they are oen served from motorcycle carts that roam the city, therefore it’s hard to pinpoint an exact locaon. The easiest thing to do is spot a cart, and immediately purchase some bizarre snacks!
riety of spices and served while sll jumping around. Eaten fresh, you’ll feel the shrimp dancing in your mouth as they go down. The infa-
mous bug carts (malang tod) cruise the streets oering tasty creepy crawlers.
www.migrationology.com
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Sample Thai Desserts
(ขนมหวาน)
Thai sweets, known as khanom wan in Thai, are a huge part of the eang experience in Bangkok.
From the well known appeal of mango scky rice, to crushed ice topped with a choice of candied fruit and toppings, Thai desserts will sasfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Many Thai desserts are lusciously avored with coconut cream and fresh tropical fruit. A few of my favorite desserts include:
1. Khao New Dam Sang Kaya - Sweet black scky rice topped with egg custard 2. Bua Loy Nam King - Ginger water with black sesame dumplings 3. Lod Chong - Green noodles in sweet coconut cream 4. Im Khanom Pang - Ice cream served in a bun
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Remember that you can view all 101 Things To Do in Bangkok ploed on a Google Map.
Just note that a few of the items are ploed, but don’t actually have a specic locaon.
Click here to view map
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airport information Suvarnabhumi Internaonal Airport Bangkok’s biggest internaonal airport is well connected to central Bangkok by the Airport Rail Link and includes a staon on the boom basement oor of the airport. To get to central Bangkok, take the rail to Phaya Thai terminal staon which will connect you with the BTS Skytrain.
Operang Hours: 6 am - 12 am midnight Price: 45 THB Taxi
Ocial taxis are available directly outside the airport and hassle free to use. Tell the sta working at the podium where you are going and they will direct you to a taxi. Operang Hours: 24 hours Price: Probably 300 - 400 THB to central Bangkok (includes a 50 THB surcharge) remember to have cash, in small bills, ready to pay the driver.
Don Muang Airport Unfortunately, Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport is not located near any public
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transportaon hubs, apart from a highway and a railroad staon (and I wouldn’t recommend rail unless you have a lot of me, you may wait for hours). Taxi
You can take a taxi all the way to your desnaon in central Bangkok - should cost around 200 - 300 THB, and also there’s a 50 THB surcharge for taking a taxi from the airport.
Bus or Taxi to Mo Chit BTS Staon If you’d like to take the BTS Skytrain into central Bangkok from Don Muang, you’ll need to rst get to the closest staon which is Mo Chit. Take a taxi (about 150 THB) or take a local public bus (# 29, 510, price will be 7 to 19 THB), and get o at Mo Chit BTS Staon. From there, take the Skytrain to your nal desnaon.
Bangkok’s Colorful Trac
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accommodation Very briey, here are a few accommodaon opons I recommend: 1. New Road Guest House (Budget) - It’s a friendly, budget accommodaon op -
on, located in the Bangrak area of town, and surrounded by plenty of shopping and food choices. The guest house is near Saphan Taksin BTS staon, not far from the river, and a short walk from Silom. Rooms are basic but clean and homey. Dorm - 200 - 300 THB, Private - 800 - 1,200 THB 2. Lub d Siam Square (Mid) - Modern, trendy, clean, and with one of the best
showers I’ve ever experienced, Lub d Siam Square is a refreshing hostel (but really more like a chic hotel). Primely located across the street from MBK shopping center in the lively Siam district, you won’t have any trouble geng around town, being entertained, or nding restaurants. Dorm - 500 THB, Private - 1,400 - 2,000 THB 3. Saphai Pae (Mid) - Catering to both backpackers and families, Saphai Pae is a
stylish hostel with lots of comfortable amenies. Rooms are super clean, beds are thick and comfortable, and the downstairs communal area is a great place to hang out, mingle and watch tv. Located in the Bangrak area, Saphai Pae has easy
access to the Chao Phraya River and downtown Silom. Dorm - 280 THB, Private -
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1,200 - 1,500 THB 4. The Warehouse (Mid) - Brand new and spic-and-spic, The Warehouse is a
fresh addion to the Bangkok accommodaon scene. It’s only a ve minute walk from Khao San Road, Bangkok’s notoriously rowdy backpacker street, yet it’s a world of dierence in local atmosphere. Surrounding the hostel are some of Bangkok’s most renowned sites like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Naonal Museum. Privates from 1,300 - 2,400 THB 5. Bangkok Lo Inn (Mid) - Bangkok Lo Inn is a discount bouque hotel that
oers great accomodaon and service for value. Their contemporary designed rooms are fully furnished, self contained, and spacious. Located in Thonburi,
which is across the Chao Phraya River from the main business district (Silom), there’s quick access by BTS Skytrain and river boat to areas of interest around the city. Private - 1,300 THB 6. Bangkok Tree House (Luxury) - Accessible only by foot, boat, or bike, Bangkok
Tree House is an eco-friendly oasis in Southern Bangkok along the river. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, the hotel’s aim is to blend into nature while providing an extremely high level of service and relaxaon, all just moments from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle. Privates from 4,000 THB - 8,000 THB 7. Amari Watergate Hotel (Luxury) - If you’re coming to Bangkok to go shopping, Amari Watergate Hotel couldn’t be in a more perfect locaon. It is literally located above the bustling Pratunam Market and directly across the street from the mega Planum fashion center. Service is outstanding and the rooms are ex-
tremely comfortable. Deluxe to Grand Deluxe rooms range from $100 – $200. NOTE: If you book your hotel from one of the links listed above, or if you use this link to browse all hotels in Bangkok on Agoda.com, I will recieve a very small
commission (which I would be grateful for). And I personally recommend these accommodaon opons!
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transportation Bangkok includes just about every form of transportaon imaginable, so let’s quickly go over the ways to get around town.
BTS Skytrain The BTS Skytrain is the above ground mass transit train. There are 2 lines: Sukhumvit Line which runs from Mo Chit Staon to Bearing Staon, and Silom Line which goes from Naonal Stadium Staon to Talat Phlu Staon (soon to be Bang Wa). Siam staon is where both lines intersect.
Rates cost from 15 - 52 THB per ride depending on distance, and there are easy to read route maps within each staon. If you plan on riding the BTS a number of mes in a day, consider purchasing a 1 day pass that costs 130 THB and allows unlimited rides for a single day.
Operang Hours: 6 am – 12 am midnight Prices: Single journey fare: 15 – 52 THB depending on distance, all-day BTS pass: 130 THB Website: hp://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/main.aspx
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MRT Metro The MRT Metro is a single line underground subway that goes from Bang Sue Staon in the north of town to Hua Lamphong Staon near Chinatown and at Bangkok’s central railroad staon. The MRT connects with the BTS at Sukhumvit MRT Staon (Asoke BTS Staon) and at Si Lom MRT Staon (Sala Daeng BTS Staon). Operang Hours: 6 am – 12 am midnight Prices: 15 – 40 THB depending on distance Website: hps://www.bangkokmetro.co.th/index.aspx?Lang=En
Airport Rail Link Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link is the most convenient connecon between Suvarnabhumi Internaonal Airport and the central part of the city. The Rail Link connects with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai terminal staon, making it easy to get to other parts of the city.
Operang Hours: 6 am – 12 am midnight Price: 45 THB for airport train
Chao Phraya River Boat Since many of Bangkok’s most revered aracons are located near the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the river boat makes for convenient transportaon access. You may be in a packed boat, but at least you won’t have to ght trac. There are two main boats, the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat which stops at the
main aracons along the river and includes an English speaking commentator, and the Orange Flag local boat that goes from staon to staon picking up and dropping o passengers. The main route begins at Sathon Central Pier (right at Saphan Taksin BTS staon Exit #2) and winds up the river.
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A few notable staon piers include: Sathon Central Pier - Biggest terminal staon (Saphan Taksin BTS staon) Ratchawong Pier - Chinatown, Lile India Tha Thian Pier - Wat Arun, Wat Pho Tha Chang Pier or Maharaj Pier - The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Naonal Museum Phra Arthit Pier - Khao San Road
Operang Hours: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm daily for the tourist boat, 6:00 am – 7 pm daily for the Orange Flag local boat Prices: 40 THB per ride on the tourist boat, 15 THB per ride on the local boat Website: hp://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/home/
Khlong Saen Saeb Canal Boat Another way to travel by boat in Bangkok is by taking the Khlong Saen Saeb public speed boat canal service.
There are 2 dierent canal routes, and the most useful one runs from Pratu-
nam (and Siam) all the way to the Gold en Mountain (#64) located near Democracy Monument (near Khao San Road). Operang Hours: 5:30 am - 8:30 pm daily Price: 8 - 20 THB per ride More informaon: Click here
Taxi Bangkok’s mass transit system is convenient and easy to use, but unfortunately
it’s sll under development and doesn’t cover the enre city, so taxis are also a necessary form of transportaon. Luckily, taxis in Bangkok are aordable and comfortable... that is if trac isn’t too heavy. While taxis can oen be
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cheaper (if you’re with 3 or more people) than other forms of transportaon, just keep Bangkok’s horrible trac in mind.
Taxi Warning: All taxis should use the fare meter at all mes. There are some places in Bangkok (around touristy areas especially) where taxis will aempt to charge a set fee for a desnaon. The price they give is WAY over what the meter price would be. AVOID taxi drivers that don’t use the meter and instead walk away and nd a dif ferent taxi. Example: If I go out to Khao San Road (a touristy area), I normally walk about
500 meters away from the area and ag down a taxi in order to dodge the rip-o drivers.
Addionally, while using a meter, there have been some reports of taxi drivers going clearly out of their way (driving in circles) to raise the price. If you have no idea where you are going, which is likely if it is your rst visit to Bangkok, here are a few ps: 1. Have a Bangkok map out and nd where you are and where you want to go 2. Show the taxi driver exactly where on the map you are going
3. If you suspect anything feel free to get out of the taxi and nd another one That being said, the majority of taxi drivers in Bangkok are hassle free and
friendly. It’s a shame that around touristy areas some drivers take advantage of those that don’t know beer. Always walk a lile ways away from an aracon to catch a taxi for a more posive experience.
Tuk Tuk Riding a tuk tuk around Bangkok is an excing novelty and fun way to get around. However, tuk tuks, unlike taxis, don’t have meters, so you’ll have to judge for yourself how much a journey is worth. A trip around central Bangkok
should be anywhere from 60 - 120 THB but if there’s trac, you may pay more. A short ve minute ride should cost around 50 THB.
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Tuk Tuk Warning: In touristy areas, it is common for tuk tuk drivers to oer city rides for very low prices (20 THB seems like an awesome opportunity). Don’t be too excited, these drivers take you on a whirlwind series of vising gem stores or other places where they make a nice commission o you while wasng your me. Be cauous! Remember, no maer how pushy a driver may be, you don’t have to feel bad about declining a ride. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
Bangkok Public Bus The bus system in Bangkok is vastly
extensive, normally funconal, and cheaper than any other form of transportaon in Bangkok (other than walk-
ing of course). If you are interested in taking the local
bus frequently, I strongly recommend buying the Bangkok Bus Map made by ThinkNet for 99 THB ($3.32). You can purchase it at 7-Eleven or other convenience stores. I use the map all the me on routes that I’m not familiar with. Also check out the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority website for a good bus
routes overview. Buses basically go anywhere in the enre city and also to Bangkok’s furthest suburbs. Here are some prices: Orange minibuses: 6.50 THB ($0.19) Big buses without air condion: 7 - 8 THB ($0.21 - $0.24) Air condioned buses: 12 - 15 THB ($0.36 - $0.45) Express highway buses: 17 - 36 THB ($0.51 - $1.09) Operang Hours: Around 4 am - Midnight
Motorcycle Taxi Easily the most thrilling (but not always
safe) way to get around Bangkok is to take a ride on a motorcycle taxi. You’ll noce motorcycle taxi drivers by their brightly colored vests - oen orange or purple. Price: 10 - 30 THB ($0.33 - $1) for short rides
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10 of my favorite thai dishes 1. Som Tam Thai (สม ตา) Green papaya salad is one of Thailand’s most well known and refreshing dishes. Shreds of crispy green papaya are combined with a few other vegetables and
dressed in sh sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and roasted peanuts. Som tam is
best accompanied with scky rice that is used to dip into the dressing.
2. Larb Pla Duk (ลาบปลาดก) Roasted caish is a very common sh in Bangkok, but rather than just eang the sh whole, I like it deboned and prepared into a tasty salad. It’s mixed with toasted rice akes, lime juice, sh sauce, and a few herbs to make a de-
lighul salad.
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3. Nam Prik Kaphi
(น า พรกกะป)
Nam prik basically means chili sauce, and kaphi is the Thai word for shrimp
paste. If you don’t like seafoody tasng dishes, this is probably not for you, but
if you do, this chili sauce is heavenly. It’s oen served with a variety of steamed or raw vegetables for dipping.
4. Pla Pao (ปลาเผา) In my books, hardly anything can beat a
freshly grilled sh. In Thailand the sh is normally stued with lemongrass and covered in salt before being roasted.
The result is a aky sh that remains moist and is served with a spicy sour dipping sauce.
5. Yam Kor Moo Yang
(ยาคอหมยาง)
Thai style grilled pork neck is so ten-
der and avorful it will honestly melt in your mouth. Take the freshly grilled pork, slice it up into thin pieces, combine it with onions, parsley, and crushed chilies, and you’ve got a marvelous meat salad.
6. Tom Yum Goong Nam Sai
(ตม ยาก ง )
Tom Yum Goong is a Thai herbal soup avored with galangal, lemongrass, kaf r lime leaves, chillies, lime juice, and shrimp. While there’s both a creamy and clear version of broth, I prefer the clear version which is extra sour and
bursng with excing avors.
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7. Panang Curry (แพนง) Thai Panang curry is a mildly spicy red curry that’s truly avorsome and ac-
cented with fragrant sliced kar lime leaves. The coconut milk base makes it rich, creamy, and perfect to go with a plate of rice. Panang curry can be ordered with a choice of meat or seafood.
8. Boat Noodles (กวยเต ยวเรอ) Soup noodles are popular as quick meals throughout Bangkok. Boat noodles, which are rice noodles dunked in a rich pork broth, are especially famous at boat noodle alley at Victory Monu-
ment (#92).
9. Pad Gra Pao Kai Dao
(ผัด กะเพราไขดาว)
When Thais don’t know what to order, without thinking they get the most
comforng dish available: Sr fried basil with a choice of meat over rice with a
fried egg on the side. It’s delicious in every version, and frequently available at nearly every restaurant you go.
10. Gai Pad Prik Gaeng
(ไกผัด พรกแกง)
Even more frequently than eang sr fried basil for a quick and delicious meal I choose chicken sr fried in red curry sauce known as gai pad prik gaeng. It’s a bit spicy and packed full of avor!
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Kuay Teow Gai (Chicken Noodles)
Miang Pla Too (Mackerel and Vegetables)
Here’s more Bangkok food informaon: 1. 100 Dishes to Eat in Bangkok 2. 16 Bangkok Street Food Streets 3. 51 Explicit Thai Food Photos 4. Thai Meat Lovers Guide 5. 21 Healthy Thai Foods 7. Thai Desserts If you love Thai food, and want to further explore the wonderful diversity of Thai cuisine and discover some of my personal favorite restaurants to get these Thai dishes, get a copy of the Eang Thai Food Guide!
“If you’re looking for a crash course in all things Thai f ood, this is the guide for you.” - Jodi Eenberg (Legalnomads.com)
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cultural information The Royal Monarchy in Thailand is the supreme force and deserves ulmate respect in the country. Disrespect is an oense that is punishable by the law. It’s best to not even get involved in any conversaon about the monarchy. Buddhism is the dominang religious pracce of around 95% of Thais and there are temples all over Bangkok. Whenever vising a temple, make sure to keep your voice lowered, remove your shoes before entering any building, don’t touch any shrines or statues, and conrm that it is alright to take photos (in most temples it’s ne). Also, out of respect, it’s best to dress in long pants and shirts that do not reveal shoulders.
In relaon to Buddhism, there are monks throughout Bangkok, both inside and outside of temples. Women are not permied to touch a monk, so if you are a woman and a monk comes passing by, be respecul and move to the side to let him pass. Public transportaon normally has a few designated seats for monks so be sure to leave those free when possible.
A person’s head is the most important and sacred part of anybody. Be careful to not touch a head, especially someone that is older than you. It can be taken as a sign of disrespect and an overall annoyance.
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The Thai “wai” bow of greeng is a great way to show respect to elders. Though most Thais tolerate all forms of greeng, if you take iniave to greet older Thai people with a “wai,” they will genuinely appreciate it. Like in many cultures around the world, the boom of the feet are the most dirty and lowest point of the body. Don’t point at anything with your feet and try not to expose the sole or your shoe to anyone (this means be careful when you
cross your legs sing in a public place). Likewise, if you happen to drop money, remember to not stop it from rolling with your foot (which includes a royal im-
age). Outward displays of anger and annoyance are not the preferred forms of dealing
with emoons when in a Thai cultural seng. Hold back and calmly work things out without raising your voice if you ever get into a conict situaon. Displays of aecon and love (including hugging and kissing) are frowned upon in public areas of Thailand. Holding hands is ne, but anything further should be done with cauon. In general, you will be rewarded by showing outward gestures of kindness and politeness to anyone while in Bangkok. People are friendly and understanding,
yet some get frustrated with recurring disrespecul behavior from visitors. Let’s all do our best to be respecul in a country that’s not our own.
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medical information In case of an emergency in Bangkok, the number to call is 191.
Here are 3 of Bangkok’s best hospitals: 1. Bumrungrad Medical Center ( โรงพยาบาลบารงราษฎร)
33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua), Waana, Bangkok, 10110. Tel: +662 667 1000
33 สขม วท ซอย 3 (นานาเหนอ) เขตวั ฒนา กรงเทพฯ 10110 โทรศัพ ท : 0-2667-1000 2. Siriraj Hospital ( โรงพยาบาลศรราช ) 2 Prannok road, Siriraj, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700. Tel. 02-419-7000
2 ถนนพรานนก แขวงศรร าช เขตบางกอกนอ ย กรงเทพฯ 10700 โทร. 02-419-7000 3. King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital ( โรงพยาบาลจฬาลงกรณ)
1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. Tel (662) - 256 4000
1873 ถนน พระรามท 4 เขตปทมวั น กรงเทพฯ 10330 โทร 02-256-4000
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sample prices in bangkok I’ve used 1 USD = 33 THB
Food Single plate meal on the street: 30 - 40 THB ($1 - $1.33) Piece of fresh fruit on the street: 10 THB ($0.33) Thai instant noodles: 5 THB ($0.17) Small bag of snacks or crisps: 15 - 30 THB ($0.50 - $1) Single plate street meal: 30 - 40 THB ($1 - $1.33) Large street meal: 100 THB ($3.33) Sit down nicer Thai restaurant meal: 200 - 400 THB ($6.66 - $13.33) Japanese sushi buet: 400 - 500 THB ($13.33 - $16.66) Korean barbecue buet: 300 - 500 THB ($10 - $16.66) Very fancy dinner: 1000 THB ($33.33) Brunch buet at the Four Seasons: 1500 THB ($50)
Drinks 1.5 L bole of water - 13 THB ($0.43) Can of soda: 12 - 20 THB ($0.40 - $0.66) Thai energy drink (Red Bull, M-150, Carabao): 10 THB ($0.33)
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650 ml bole of beer (Singha, Leo, Chang): 50 - 70 THB ($1.66 - $2.33) 1 L bole of cheapest liqueur: 100 - 200 THB ($3.33 - $6.66) 1 L bole of imported liqueur (Ex. Absolut Vodka): 1000 THB ($33.33)
Accommodaon Dorm bed: 200 - 400 THB ($6.66 - $13.33) Double room: 300 - 1000 THB ($10 - $33.33) Nice hotel room: 1000 - 2000 THB ($33.33 - $66.66) Extremely nice hotel room: $100 or more
Street Shopping Local made t-shirt: 100 - 200 THB ($3.33 - $6.66) Pair of pants: 200 - 400 THB ($6.66 - $13.33) Shorts: 100 - 300 THB ($3.33 - $10)
Entertainment 1 hour Thai massage: 200 - 400 THB ($6.66 - $13.33) Movie at a theater: 100 - 200 THB ($3.33 - $6.66) Muay Thai ght entrance: 1000 - 2000 THB ($33.33 - $66.66)
Necessies / Other Tube of toothpaste: 50 THB ($1.66) Bole of deodorant: 100 THB ($3.33)
Looking to save money? Use only a fan (instead of air-con) in accommodaon Eat mostly local Thai street food or at neighborhood restaurants
Fill up your water bole at ltered water dispensers (instead of buying water from 7-Eleven everyday) Take public buses and the river boat for transportaon Go places by yourself instead of on organized tours Buy fruit at the market and cut it up yourself
Take advantage of all the free acvies that Bangkok has to oer
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additional resources Useful Informaon: 1. How to Rent Cheap Apartments 2. 100 Bangkok Foods 3. 16 Bangkok Food Streets 4. Eang Thai Food Guide 5. Vegetarian Thai Food Guide 6. Backpacking Southeast Asia Guide Also browse Migraonology and Eang Thai Food for more informaon.
Useful Bangkok Videos: 1. 25 Things to Do in Bangkok 2. Chinatown Bangkok 3. Chatuchak Market 4. Klong Toey Market 5. Victory Monument and Boat Noodles 6. Bang Nam Pheung Floang Market
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