4 HOURS IN... 1 WORDS DUNCAN FORGAN
Bangkok Enjoy a leisurely tour of the Thai capital
JANUARY 2022
1
WAT SUTHAT
Take advantage of the relatively calm mid-morning traffic with a cab ride to Bangkok’s old city (THB100/ US$3 from Sukhumvit or Silom), where you can explore the myriad royal and religious highlights. Kick off your stroll at the astoundingly beautiful Wat Suthat Thepwararam, home of Thailand’s biggest wi-hahn (main chapel), and the Giant Swing, a towering landmark formerly used for Brahman ceremonies. From there, it is an easy walk (or short tuk-tuk journey) to other big-hitting sights, including Wat Saket (Golden Mount), the Grand Palace and temple complex Wat Pho – famous for its giant reclining Buddha.
2
KARIM ROTI MATABA
Missing an opportunity to eat in Bangkok is woeful – so it’s time for lunch. Hip, upscale options near the royal sights include Nusara, an intimate Thai dining room presided over by Michelin-starred chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn. Alternatively, Phra Athit Road is a brisk walk (or THB50/$1.50 cab ride) away – where old-school dining can be found at Karim Roti Mataba, a Thai Muslim restaurant that has been dishing out crispy roti with curry for about seven decades. Undoubtedly, the star dish is the mataba, with spicy fillings stuffed into a roti before being pan-fried, but the mutton curry and oxtail soup are dishes to look out for. Choose to
dine in the shabby but atmospheric restaurant, or order takeaway and devour the flaky, spicy goodness by the banks of the Chao Phraya river. roti-mataba.net
3
CHAO PHRAYA
From Karim Roti Mataba, walk to Pra Athit Pier and catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat downriver to Si Phraya Pier (THB15/46 cents). The journey along Bangkok’s so-called “River of Kings” is a memorable excursion. Take a prime vantage point at the side of the boat and observe the passing cargo barges, riverside communities and landmarks. These include Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most striking temples, the legendary pile of the
