UNSEEN ON CHAOPRAYA RIVER BANGKOK
HISTORICAL TREASURES
GRAND PALACE
Every
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Kingd 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
y tourist to Thailand has to visit the Grand Palace, whether you’re in to culture big time or not. It’s
go-to stop in Bangkok, and not without good reason. The main accommodation of many of the Thai
ls to this day, this sparkling tribute to national royal history makes a superb day out for any tourist.
city’s most famous landmark, the venue was built in 1782 and remains the spiritual heart of the Thai
dom.
G R AND M O U NTAIN T E M P LE
the year to visit Bangkok, thanks to the night festival held at Wat Saket, the location of the Golden Mount. Located in the old town, Golden Mount is one temple you can’t miss, thanks to its gleaming gold hilltop chedi visible from far and wide. The hill, which was actually man made and planned during the reign of King Rama I, rewards visitors climbing the 318 steps to the top with glorious 360-degree views of
4.8 km from hotel 15 min
Mid-November is one of the best times of
10 min
Bangkok’s oldest district.
B E N CHAMABOPHIT T E MPLE (MARPLE T E M P L E ) Tired of all things ancient? Schedule a visit to the very much newer Marble Temple, whose 1899 construction start date makes this something of a newbie on the temple scene. This is a dazzling structure, with a three-tiered roof and an ordination hall of glowing white Italian Carara marble. The structure contains an exquisite Sukothai-style Buddha replica, the original of which is located in Wat Mahatat. Interned in the base beneath it are the ashes of King Chulalongkorn. The courtyard exhibits 52 Buddha images, while behind the cloister is a large Bodhi Tree, bought as a gift for King Rama V from Bod Gaya, the place of Buddha’s enlightenment. 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
4.8 km from hotel 15 min
10 min
TEM P L E OF DAW N After a full day of shopping, hop on to a boat to the Temple of Dawn just in time to see the sunset for which this venue is most famous. Be sure to scale one of the temple’s steep stupas to enjoy views of the river, the Grand Palace opposite and beyond. The architecture is spectacular and it’s well worth a visit.
N A TIONAL MUSEU M O F ROYAL BARG E S You don’t have to be a local to get sick of Bangkok’s traffic, but you might be interested to learn that it wasn’t always that way! In fact, there was a time in Bangkok when boats were the main mode of transport for all, even royalty. At this museum, discover eight of the country’s most unique and stunning vessels: the Royal Barges. Reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession, they have only ever appeared on the water 16 times in the last 65 years. 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
T E M P LE OF THE R ECLINING BUD D HA ( WA T P H O )
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
Up there in the ‘if you haven’t been to Wat Pho, you haven’t been to Thailand’ category, Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. Seen as a sparkling complex from the river, Wat Pho is home to more than 10,000 Buddha images, including its largest Buddha image, measuring 160 feet. The temple also features a monastery school and its southern compound is home to practicing monks.
THAI NATIONAL M U S EUM The Bangkok National Museum is the main branch museum of the National Museums in Thailand and also the largest museum in Southeast Asia. It features exhibits of Thai art and history.
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
ART & LOCAL LIFE ON CHAOP HR AYA RIVER
K LONGS TOUR V E N I CE O F T HE EA ST
Hop on to a long-tail boat and discover the real sights and sounds of the Chao Praya River as you e
of canals there. Expect to see a rare glimpse of traditional Thai life, culture and a very local part of t
enchanting wooden homes, Buddhist temples, small family businesses, floating kitchens and more communities that have called the river their home for centuries.
enter into the complex network
the city. Along the way, explore
e, as you pass the traditional
B A A N SILAPIN (A R T I ST’S HOUSE) 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
Getting there is a challenge, but this one’s high on our must-see cultural list. A hidden gem, the Artist’s House is a beautifully restored traditional Thai home on the Thonburi side of the river. The over 200-year-old house offers a glimpse into a bygone era, and is devoted to promoting local artists. It also brings Thai folklore to life, through the puppet shows and dances it hosts there.
BUKRU K WALL ART WALK 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
Street art has landed in Bangkok and is transforming the streetscapes of its evolving neighborhoods. In 2016, BUKRUK Urban Arts Festival brought in artists from around the world for a 10-day celebration of public wall paintings, art exhibitions, artist talks, animation and music. The festival itself might be transient but its legacy is not – the wall paintings left behind now puts Bangkok’s skin in the game as a contender for an emerging street art city.
R A T TA NAKOSIN E X H I BITION HAL L ( N I TAS R AT TANA KOSIN MUS E UM ) History buffs will go crazy over this one! A multi-media history museum, the venue takes you back into the past through a series of film, music, computer displays and a guided tour. It’s the go-to place too for a better understanding of the palace, temples and communities in the area. 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
S O Y SAUCE FA C TO RY A R T STU D IO
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
The Soy Sauce Factory is as funky as its name suggests. A three-floor converted warehouse next to the klong and near to Royal Orchid Sheraton hotel, the venue offers multi-purpose event space with innovative food and drink facilities like a pop-up kitchen and stylish bar. There is also an attractive third-floor private loft-residence overlooking the canal.
M U S E UM SIAM This used to be the Ministry of Commerce, but today is a splendid museum which is anything but hum drum. With a ‘play and learn’ motto, the museum cleverly takes visitors on a journey of Thailand’s development from past to present. Each room has a different theme, and a map room and immersive theatre for watching movies about Thailand’s history are also featured. 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
THAILAN D CREAT IV E & DES IG N CENTE R 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
You won’t have to travel far for this one! Located right opposite the hotel, this newly opened art and design centre dedicates five whole floors (that’s 9,000 square metres!) to its six different function zones, including a resource center, exhibition gallery, creative co-working space, and three innovative zones – the Creative Business Center, Maker Space, and Material & Design Innovation Center. Entrance is free.
NEVER ENDIN G SUMME R 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
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LOCAL DINING
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S URV IV E T HE BL IS T E RIN G HE AT Remember to protect yourself from Thailand’s relentless sun! When out and about, you’ll need a hat, scarf, shades and sunscreen, and also remember to stay hydrated with lots of water and with delicious local favorites like: Thai iced tea, coconut juice or ice-cream, and nam kang sai (Thai shaved ice), usually served in small bowls with a variety of beans and other fillers.
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corn, soybean and sesame. Most Thais prefer
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condensed milk and sugar.
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Thai tea is made from strongly brewed Ceylon tea or the much cheaper and locally made Bai Miang with added food colouring. Like Thai coffee, it’s usually served with ice and
Oliang,
sweetened with condensed milk and sugar.
rice. Unlike
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H ERE’S A L I S T OF M USTT RIES T HAT H OLIDAYM AKERS TO T HAILAND S IMPLY C AN’T M ISS OUT O N:
Tom Yam Goong – watery or creamy hot, spicy soup, served most often with prawns Som Tum – spicy (the spicier the better!) papaya salad, served with fermented fish and many other ingredients Green Curry – Given its colour from the green curry paste used to prepare it, it is usually served with chicken and is a national favorite. Pad Thai – A casual or street food, this comprises rice noodles, fried with eggs, tofu and other ingredients. Kapao Moo – minced beef with basil, served on rice. This is a Thai staple, most often served with a fried egg.
FLOW
Lobby
For that delicious prime rib you were after, drop in at Millennium Hilton’s signature steak restaurant, Flow, where the food is exemplary and the river views spellbinding. Lots of table side service is also available, and a long wine list of wine and healthy salads add to the appeal. Expect a quiet evening, with services second to none.
A TA STE O F
THAI CUISINE BAAN KHAN IT HA BY THE RIV E R @ A SIA TIQUE 4.8 km from hotel 15 min
10 min
A well-loved brand among foodies, Baan Khanitha has now arrived on the pier at Asiatique, a recently developed riverside attraction. Authentic, flavorsome and always served in generous portions, the venue’s food offerings offer an excellent sampling of the local cuisine. The venue is also accessible by shuttle boat or water taxi.
TEP BAR
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
For a laid back night of local entertainment, food and drink choose Tep Bar, a restored shop-house with plenty of raw appeal. Expect to find potent cocktails mixed with Thai fruits, herbs and spices, and an excellent line of home-infused Thai herbal whiskey. Thai tapas and other local favorites are also available.
ER R RESTA URANT 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
For a laid back night of local entertainment, food and drink choose Tep Bar, a restored shop-house with plenty of raw appeal. Expect to find potent cocktails mixed with Thai fruits, herbs and spices, and an excellent line of home-infused Thai herbal whiskey. Thai tapas and other local favorites are also available.
KHAOSAN ROAD
A step down Khaosan Road is quite an adventur
For the more conservative set, you might want to
dozens of girlie and gay bars, but also regular ba
even cheap accommodation, the venue offers m
into the other side of Bangkok nightlife. If you wa
do so in a group for greater safety, and always s Though not known for its culture, the street also temples, a museum and art gallery.
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10
re for any traveler.
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min
4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
For oodles of Chinese culture, hop over to the sprawling and ever-bustling C
here can be the most memorable of any spent in Bangkok, and the unendin
knacks, is quite unique. Expect to be jostled from side to side, as Chinese t
market alleys, but worry not, there are plenty of coffee shops to rest and en
Chinatown, known locally as Yaowarat. A trip
ng market, selling jewelry, crafts and knick
traders push their way through the narrow
njoy the delicious noodles and other local fare.
SIT & CHILL
THR E E S IXT Y
Named after its spectacular 360-degree vie
their 32nd floor. Take in the unmatched river
impressive selection of cocktails, wines an
Y
31st floor
ews, the circular ThreeSixty Lounge at Millennium Hilton Hotel offers views to die for from
r views, the vast city scape and more, as you listen to the live jazz and sip on the venue’s
nd beers. Don’t forget to sample the signature 360 cocktail!
A S IATIQUE T H E RIVERFRON T 4.8 km from hotel
15 min
10 min
For an evening with a difference, hop onto a river boat at Saphan Taksin, and sail off to Asiatique,
more recent riverside attractions. Featuring nightly entertainment, a craft night market and shoppi
beautifully laid out, and features 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, not to mention a good selec
, one of Bangkok’s
ing mall, the venue is
ction of bars.
MILLENNIUM HILTON BANGKOK Historical Treasures 1 Grand Palace 2 Golden Mountain Temple 3 Benchamabophit Temple (Marple Temple) 4 Temple of Dawn 5 National Museum of Royal Barges 6 Temple of The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) 7 Thai National Museum Art & Local Life on Chaopraya River 1 Klongs Tour 2 Baan Silapin (Artist’s House) 3 Bukruk Wall Art Walk 4 Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Nitas Rattanakosin Museum) 5 Soy Sauce Factory Art Studio 6 Museum Siam 7 Never Ending Summer Local Dining 1 Flow 2 Baan Khanitha by The River @ Asiatique 3 Tep Bar 4 Err Restaurant 5 Khaosan Road 6 China Town 7 ThreeSixty 8 Asiatique The Riverfront
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