Treasures OF BANGKOK CHAO PRAYA RIVER
“A DIFFERENT SHADE OF BANGKOK” Packed to the brim with many delightful sights, alluring charms and a deep-rooted historical connection to the city’s colourful past, the riverside area, also named Thonburi, is indisputably Bangkok’s most prestigious areas. Whilst the majority of visitors that venture this way come to see Thonburi’s star-attraction, the iconic Wat Arun Temple, this everdeveloping area has so much more to offer. With untouched local villages hugging the narrow water-ways, fascinating museums and quaint local markets, there’s plenty of interesting, off-the-beatenpath things to do and see. Thonburi has quickly developed in recent decades but visitors still come here for the cool and peaceful atmosphere. The traditional Thai way of life on the canals still exists here, as do the floating vendors and orchard farms. Most of the best spots in Thonburi are quickly accessible from Millennium Hilton Hotel, particularly for those not familiar with Bangkok. So it’s time to ditch that well-worn tourist map using this guide as the vertebral column of your original discovery along Bangkok hidden treasures.
HISTORICAL TREASURES
G RAND PALACE Distance from hotel
20 min
20 min
Every tourist to Thailand has to
Bangkok, and not without good to national royal history makes
and remains the spiritual heart o
o visit the Grand Palace, whether you’re in to culture big time or not. It’s the go-to stop in
d reason. The main accommodation of many of the Thai royals to this day, this sparkling tribute a superb day out for any tourist. The city’s most famous landmark, the venue was built in 1782
of the Thai Kingdom.
GR AND MO UNTAIN TE MPLE Distance from hotel 17 min
Mid-November is one of the best times of 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
25 min
the top with glorious 360-degree views of Bangkok’s oldest district.
B E NCHAMABOPH IT T E MPLE (MARBLE T E M P L E ) Distance from hotel
22 min
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.
TEMP L E OF DAW N Distance from hotel 15 min
15 min
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.
NA TIONAL MUS E U M O F ROYAL BARG E S Distance from hotel 20 min
15 min
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.
T EMPLE OF THE R ECLINING BUD D HA ( WAT P H O )
Distance from hotel
21 min
15 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 Distance from hotel 25 min
15 min
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.
ART & LOCAL LIFE
K LONGS TOUR V E N I CE O F T HE EA ST Departure Point: Hotel Pier
Hop on to a long-tail boat and discover the real sights and sounds of the Chao Praya River as you of canals there. Expect to see a rare glimpse of traditional Thai life, culture and a very local part of
enchanting wooden homes, Buddhist temples, small family businesses, floating kitchens and more communities that have called the river their home for centuries.
u 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) Distance from hotel
21 min
20 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 Distance from hotel
15 min
5 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.
RAT TA NAKOSIN EXHIBITION HAL L ( N ITAS R AT TA NA KOSIN MUS E UM ) Distance from hotel
20 min
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.
S O Y SAUCE FA C TOR Y A R T STU D IO
Distance from hotel
17 min
5 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 popup kitchen and stylish bar. There is also an attractive third-floor private loft-residence overlooking the canal.
MU S E UM SIAM Distance from hotel 18 min
10 min
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.
THAILAN D CREATI V E & DESI G N CENTER Distance from hotel
16 min
11 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.
JAM FACTORY Distance from hotel
3 min
Jam Factory is the new hip place for art lovers to visit. The stunning compound was designed to bookshop, art gallery, dining areas, and architect office. In weekends, please do not forget to stop by for concerts in open-air courtyard or shop for art souvenirs. It’s just at the corner or 200 metres from hotel pier
LOCAL DINING
Y OUR CA F F EIN E FI X IS NEVER F A R A WAY
Start the day with purpose, and a
thrown in, with a local blend of co
Available throughout the day, you is never far away because these
are served just about anywhere y
There’s no need to be hunting for
while in Thailand, thanks to the w
available local coffee, known as O
purchased for a fraction of the pr
the Expresso at Starbucks, Olian
from one cafĂŠ to another, and, in
coffee, might also contain brown
various grains and seeds like car
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.
a little culture
corn, soybean and sesame. Most Thais prefer
offee or tea.
their coffee with ice, and sweetened with
ur caffeine fix
condensed milk and sugar.
local numbers
you look.
r a Starbucks
widely
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
Other ingredients might also be mixed in to
ng varies
give the drink a more exotic and refreshing
n addition to
flavor, with possible add-ins including orange
n sugar and
blossom water, star anise, crushed tamarind
rdamom,
seed and other spices.
HERE’S A LIST OF MUST-TRIES THAT HOLIDAYMAKERS CAN’T MISS OUT ON: Mango Sticky Rice – Mango sticky rice is a Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk. 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. Tom Yam Goong – Watery or creamy hot, spicy soup, served most often with prawns
FLOW
Lobby Floor
@ Millennium Hilton Bangkok Flow, where the food is exemplary and the river views spell-binding has lots of gastronomic tastes, from South East Asian favourites to the best of Mediterranean cuisines, perched on a terrace overlooking of the Chao Phraya. Besides, Flow also boasts more than 30 kinds of international cheeses in a buffet style. Accompanying this extensive range of cheeses will be condiments including various exquisite dried fruits, homemade jams and a wide selection of freshly baked breads.
A TA S TE O F
THAI CUISINE Khanom Sai-Sai
Put each stuffing sweets
Khanom Tal
Toddy Palm cake
B A A N K H AN ITHA BY T HE R I VER @ A S I ATI Q UE Distance from hotel
Khanom Tuay
Coconut milk custard
15 min
20 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.
T EP B AR
Distance from hotel
20 min
5 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.
E RR R ESTAURANT Distance from hotel 20 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
Distance from hotel
20 min
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.
re for any traveler.
o pass! Filled with
ars, restaurants and
more than a glimpse
ant to visit, try to
stick to fixed prices. features Buddhist
Distance from hotel
15 min
For oodles of Chinese culture, hop over to the sprawling and ever-bustling C
A trip here can be the most memorable of any spent in Bangkok, and the un
and knick knacks, is quite unique. Expect to be jostled from side to side, as the narrow market alleys, but worry not, there are plenty of coffee shops to other local fare.
Chinatown, known locally as Yaowarat.
nending market, selling jewelry, crafts
s Chinese traders push their way through rest and enjoy the delicious noodles and
A S IATIQUE T H E RIVERFRON T Distance from hotel
15 min
20 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
is beautifully laid out, and features 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, not to mention a good sel
, one of Bangkok’s
ing mall, the venue
lection of bars.
SIT & CHILL
T HR E E S IXT Y @ Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Named after its spectacular 360-degree vie
their 32nd floor. Take in the unmatched river
impressive selection of cocktails, wines an
Y
Hotel 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!
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROYAL BARGES
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)
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 Jam Factory 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
3
5
KHAOSAN
7
THAI NATIONAL MUSEUM
BENCHAMABOPHIT TEMPLE (MARPLE TEMPLE)
DEMOCRACY MONUMENT
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