TRAVEL GUIDE
Bangkok is every traveller’s dream come true. It’s home to beautiful temples, a unique culture, an array of eating and shopping experiences as well as the chance to let your hair down and dance the night away. Here are our top picks to do while you enjoy your stay in Bangkok.
THE SITES
OF BANGKOK THE GRAND PALACE The Grand Palace is undoubtedly Thailand’s most famous and iconic landmark. Built in 1782, the complex located in the old city of Bangkok on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by 1,900 meters long walls. The palace features several impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew, Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall and Borom Phiman Mansion. The Grand Palace is perfect for the person who wants to learn more about the history of Thailand or just wants an opportunity to take lots of photos. It’s Bangkok’s most popular location for travellers.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 8:30 -15.30 Location: Thanon Na Phra Lan, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. Price: 500 Baht
WAT PHO It's one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok and is known for its giant reclining Buddha. It’s not too far from The Grand Palace, so it’s recommended to visit both of the temple sites. Wat Pho is quite different from other temples as it’s home to Thailand’s leading school of massage–s o make sure you get a traditional Thai massage before you leave.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 8:00 -17:00 Location: Maharat Road. Close to the river (about a half mile south of the Grand Palace), Old City (Rattanakosin) Price : 100 Baht
WAT TRAIMIT
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 9:00 -Â17:00 Location: Traimit Road (west of Hua Lampong Station), at the very beginning of Chinatown Price: 10 Baht
Wat Traimit is also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, where you can get a real insight into the history and culture of Thailand. The Golden Buddha is made of pure gold and was previously covered in cement to prevent the invaders from capturing it weighing over five tonnes.
WAT ARUN Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. It’s easily one of the most picture-perfect temples in Bangkok and the design is very different compared to other temples in the city. It’s one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples and is definitely worth seeing during your time here. ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 8:00 -17:30 Location: Located on the west side of Chao Praya River (opposite Tha Thien Pier) Price: 50 Baht
PLEASE NOTE Be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders; it’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothes. You can rent pants or shirts at some temples.
THE ARTS
OF BANGKOK
NATIONAL MUSEUM This Thai cultural museum features a large collection of musical instruments, recorded music, ornate royal funeral chariots, and outstanding wooden carvings. It’s a small museum and offers English tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 (Wednesday -Sunday) Location: Na Phrothat Road, near the Grand Palace Price: free
BANGKOK ART AND CULTURAL CENTRE (BACC) It’s the hub of Bangkok’s art scene and offers a unique range of international and local contemporary art, design, music, theatre and film. The centre also contains shops, private galleries, cafes and an art library. The BACC aims to create a meeting place for artists, to provide cultural programmes for the community, giving importance to cultural continuity from past to contemporary.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 10:00 - 2 1:00 (Closed Monday) Location: 939 Rama I Road Wongmai, Patumwan -Opposite MBK shopping mall Price: Free Entry
PLAYHOUSE CABARET Playhouse Theatre is a unique cultural experience and insight into the lady boy culture of Thailand. This exhilarating production features glamourous dancers, fabulous costumes and classic show tunes. The show is different compared to other cabarets, as Playhouse prides on choreographed dance routines and showmanship rather than any kind of erotic dancing. There are over ten separate acts during the 1 hour 15 minute performance during which time the audience will be treated to renditions of Christina Aguilera, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and Swan Lake.
ADDITIONAL INFO Showtimes: 19:00 and 20:25 daily Location: Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchada (Ratchada-ÂLad Prao Intersection) Price: 1,200 baht
JIM THOMPSON HOUSE This iconic property sits on the banks of the Saen Saeb Canal and is the legacy left behind by an American named Jim Thompson. The estate gives an essential insight into traditional Thai architecture and art. If you’re a lover of the arts, history and culture, then you must see this unique property located in the heart of Bangkok.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. Price: 150 Baht
THE TASTES
OF BANGKOK CHINA TOWN Chinatown in Bangkok is a culinary experience worth trying. You can go shopping here and buy lots of cheap souvenirs, but the area is famous with the locals for the abundance of food on offer. You’ll discover a ton of vendors selling unique food you’ll never taste anywhere else in the city. At night, the area is one of the best places in the city to get fresh seafood.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: Best to go after 18:00 Location: 6 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
HUAI KWANG NIGHT MARKET Huai Kwang is your chance to mingle and eat with the locals. It’s not a place that many tourists visit but there’s many hidden treasures you can find while you explore this area. There’s an abundance of street food and many specialty restaurants that specialize in seafood and Isaan Food from the Northeastern region of Thailand. You can try a Thai delicacy called Dancing Shrimp, which basically is eating live baby shrimps.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: Best to go after 19:00 Location: Soi Pracha Rat Bamphen, Din Daeng.
SOMTUM DER There’s no doubting that Thai people love their Som Tum (Papaya Salad) and this restaurant specializes in this popular dish. It’s a small restaurant that also serves tasty Isaan Thai food. The restaurant has a popular outside area where you can see tourists and locals enjoying a variety of alcoholic drinks and nibbling on Thai-s tyle desserts.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening hours: 11:00 - Midnight (Closed on Sundays) Location: 5/5 Sala Daeng Road, Silom
THE SHOPS
OF BANGKOK
JATUJAK WEEKEND MARKET The weekend market is one of the best things in Bangkok. Make sure this market is on your top priority list. It’s the size of many football fields and is packed with people. You’ll find everything and anything from designer and vintage clothes to pets to massages to even kitchenware. This market has it all. There’s a big eating area with cheap local food and also a perfect place to kickback and have a few beers. ADDITIONAL INFO Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 - 1 8:00, and Fridays 18:00 -24:00 Location: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak
ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT Asiatique The Riverfront is one of the newest open-air night markets in Bangkok. While it’s less of a party scene compared to other areas in Bangkok, it’s popular for it’s bars and restaurants. There are more than 40 restaurants here including the ever so famous Baan Kanitha. This restaurant is a topnotch Thai food restaurant specialises in various Thai dishes. There’s also a lot of entertainment to do around here including the Joe Louis Puppet Theater and the Calypso Bangkok Theater.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening hours: 17:00 - Midnight Location: 2194/ Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok
EMQUARTIER BANGKOK If you like the finer things in life then EmQuartier is definitely the place for you. It leans towards the more luxury side of Bangkok’s shopping scene with high end designers and high street brands as well. There’s also plenty of restaurants, good coffee and a stunning view of the city on one of the top floors. It’s one of the best shopping malls in Bangkok.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 10:00-Â22:00 daily Location: 637 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
SIAM CENTER Bangkok Siam Center is opposite the ever so popular and crowded Siam Paragon. This shopping mall has over 200 international and Thai brands including the boutiques of up-a nd-c oming local designers. The mall also has an affordable food court, upscale restaurants and is also a great place to get a haircut as well. ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 10:00 -21:00 Location: Siam
PLATINUM FASHION MALL If you like a good bargain then make sure you stop by this unique fashion mall. It specializes in wholesale fashion clothing and accessories with over 1,300 shops. It’s recommend to haggle down the price and you’ll save more money buying in larger quantities.
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 10:00 -22:00 Location: Petchburi, Ratchathewi (next to Pantip Plaza)
THE ADVENTURES
OF BANGKOK
WAKEBOARDING AT TACO LAKE
GO-KARTING AT RCA PLAZA
Thailand's cable wake park, 20 minutes from Bangna junction & Suvarnabhumi Airport. Enjoy riding with nature. Thailand’s first cable wake park for riders from all backgrounds: skill, age, country and gender who share the same passion in riding with nature. We provide equipments, ranging from beginner’s kneeboards (free of charge) to the more advanced wakeboards and water skis. Our experienced staffs are ready to support and take care of your safety.
Easy Kart is the largest indoor go-karting track in Bangkok and is found at the Royal City Avenue. This activity is for everyone and caters to different age groups and levels of experience.
ADDITIONAL INFO
ADDITIONAL INFO
Open Hours: Mon - Fri 12:00 - 22:00 Sat / Sun / Holiday 10:00 - 22:00 Price Range: Sunset 400 Baht From open - 18:00 Night ride 600 Baht From open - 22:00 PACKAGE Personal 9,500 Baht / 1 Year / 50 Times Party 7,500 Baht / 6 Month / 30 Ttickets (shareable)
Opening Hours: 13:00 - Midnight (daily) Location: Second floor of RCA Plaza, above Tops Supermarket close to the Petchaburi Road entrance to RCA. Price Range: 450 baht for 100cc kids kart, 550 baht for 160cc kart and 850 baht for 270cc
FLOW HOUSE BANGKOK
COMBAT ZONE
Want to go surfing in Bangkok? Well, Flow House Bangkok is an artificial wave machine and beach club. Learn how to surf or body-board and try thing new during your stay in Bangkok. Flow House staff are available to guide you and offer you advice, correct your posture, and give support.
It’s the best international Paintball & BB Guns field in Thailand and a great place to visit with your mates. Make sure you book in advance and enjoy the venue’s shop and restaurant after your game.
ADDITIONAL INFO
ADDITIONAL INFO
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00 (last Flowride commences at 21.00 pm) Location: Flow House, A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong-Toey, Bangkok Price Range: 550 THB (650 THB after 18:00 or on weekends)
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday : from 13:00 - 19:00 Saturday-Sunday-Holiday: from 10:00 - 20:00 Location: Srinakarin Road Price Range: 450 baht with 100 balls (100 balls / 200 baht for extra)
SIDE TRIP
AYUTTHAYA
ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 Location: Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phranakhon Sri Ayutthaya 13000 Thailand
WAT CHAIWATTHANARAM There’s no doubt that Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of the most breathtaking temples in Thailand. This historical park is located on well-kept grounds by the Chao Phraya River in west Ayutthaya. It was built in 1630 under King Prasat Thong with architectural designs similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The King built the temple as a means to gain Buddhist merit and as a memorial to his mother. It’s recommended for tourist to take a boat trip around the monastery, which provides a unique view of this ancient temple.
BANG SAI ROYAL FOLK ART & CRAFT CENTER
This is the perfect place to learn how farmers in different provinces of Thailand live and work. The center is located on a 180-hectare property and is approximately 60 kilometers from Bangkok. It’s a unique place where you can buy exclusive local products of art and craft only found at the center. There is also training courses available if you would like to learn and make your own folk arts and craft with over 30 courses available. ADDITIONAL INFO Opening Hours: 8:30 - 16:00 (Closed Mondays) Location: Chang Yai, Amphoe Bang Sai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13290, Thailand
USEFUL NUMBERS Tourist Service Center 1672 Mobile Police 191 Fire Brigades 199 Tourist Police 1155 Police General Hospital 0 2207 6000 Highway Police 1193, 0 2354 6007
Suvarnabhumi International Airport 0 2132 1888 Departure Info 0 2132 9324 to 7 Arrival Info 0 2132 9328 to 9 Help Desk 0 2132 3888 Flight Info 0 2132 0000 Public Transport Center 0 2132 9100 Limousine 0 2134 2323 to 5
PAY RESPECT TO THE KING The recent news of the passing of Thailand’s most loved king has not only caused waves of sadness throughout the Asian country but has affected the whole world. Many Thais are flocking to The Grand Palace to say their last goodbyes to a king who was a symbol of hope, goodness and love for this great country. During this period of mourning, it’s important to dress appropriately. It’s recommended to wear black clothing to show respect but white and grey is also acceptable. Both men and women should not wear sleeveless tops; shorts, skirts or pants should cover the knees. It’s also important to remove your hat and shoes before entering the main worship area. Make sure you turn off mobile phones, remove headphones, speak softly and no smoking or chewing gum. This time is very sensitive and sad for many Thai people, so please make sure you kindly abide by all the rules to ensure no offense occurs.