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Thailand’s
capital city, know to Thais as “ Krung Thep” (The city of Angels) is one of the world’s most exciting cities.
It holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is very much the
heart of the country, without doubt, this fast – growing metropolis
of roughly 10 million people has something to offer to everyone.
Its lively collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants,
magnificent “wat” (Temples), museums, palaces and parks will
assure that you never get bored.
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Bangkok City Guide
- District Guide
To put it simply, Bangkok can seem like a nightmare to the uninitiated.
Sprawling expressways and overpasses, the huge new Skytrain
and crowded streets full of vendors give the visitor a distinct
Blade Runneresque feel. To confuse matters further, there is
no true "center" to the city, with various districts
famed for different reasons being scattered throughout town.
On the positive side, the Skytrain has made it much easier to
get around, and taxis, tuk-tuks, buses and motorcycle taxis
are plentiful. Get your bearings by reading the following guide
and it will not take long for you to be seduced by the glorious
chaos and charm of the "City of Angels." |
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The most heavily visited area, at least during
the day, is Ko Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin
Island), Bangkok's old city on the eastern bank of the Chao
Phraya River. Here you will find fantastic examples
of historical architecture such as the glittering Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, the Golden
Mount and Wat Suthat. The city's founding pillar, Lak Mueang, is also located in this district, as are the National Museum,
National Theatre and National Gallery. If you are keen on
seeing something completely out of the ordinary, pop across
the river to the Museum of the Department of Forensic
Medicine. Sanam Luang is about the
only green spot on the "island," which is not really
an island but would have just seemed like one in the old days
when many of the canals linking the area to the river had
not yet been filled in. |
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Bangkok was
once referred to as "The Venice of The
East," but today the klongs, or canals,
are concentrated in Thonburi, an area lying to the west
of the Chao Phraya River. You can take a klong tour,
and most will stop at Wat Arun and the museum of the
Royal Barges. Buses heading south from Bangkok leave
from Sai Tai bus terminal, located here. |
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Backpackers head for the Banglampoo and Thewet
districts. Near the Democracy Monument, there is some good
trinket shopping to be done on Khao San Road, a strip lined
with guesthouses and cheap restaurants, none of which stand
out for their ambience or cuisine. A mere stone's throw away,
however, some great restaurants and bars come to life at night
along Phra Arthit Road. Following the eastern bank of the
Chao Phraya, you will come to an area frequented by students
from nearby Thammasat and Silpakorn universities, which has
a laid-back, cosmopolitan feel.
The Dusit district offers plenty of tourist
attractions. Vimanmek Palace, Wat Benchamabophit,
Suan Pakkard Palace and Dusit Zoo are all found here. There is not much in the way of hotels
or restaurants, but a small arty area popular with local students
has sprung up on Rachawithee Soi 34. |
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Northern Bangkok's
highlight for tourists is Chatuchak Weekend
Market, best reached by catching the Skytrain.
Mor Chit bus terminal is located near the same stop--handy
to know if you want to catch an interprovincial bus
heading north or northeast. Don Muang, Bangkok's international
airport, is about 15 kilometers farther north.
Heading back south, the area
around the Victory Monument features a variety of bars,
including Saxophone Pub and Restaurant. This is also
a major transport hub, with the Skytrain and plenty
of buses passing through. |
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Young Thais and keen shoppers head for the
area around Siam Square, a shoppers' paradise--unless
you are a tall Western woman looking for off-the-rack clothes
or shoes. Otherwise, you will find plenty in malls such as Siam
Discovery, Siam Center, Centerpoint (the most popular teenage
hangout), Mah Boon Krong and the World Trade Center. A walk
away from the latter stands Panthip Plaza, also known as the
heaven for computer geeks, and possibly the best place to get
deals on computers in Southeast Asia. The non-shopper can retreat
to the sanctuary of Jim Thompson's House and Museum. There is
a cluster of hotels in this area, including Siam Inter-Continental,
Le Royal Meridien and Novotel Siam Square. Popular restaurants
such as the Hard Rock Caf? are also found here. |
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Heading east
along Ploenchit Road and Sukhumvit Road, you can get
into a shopping extravaganza, both at the street stalls,
which spring up around the beginning of Sukhumvit and
stretch to Soi Asoke, and at department stores such
as Central Chidlom and Emporium. |
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The huge array of dining
options along this stretch include Auberge Dab, Baan
Khanita, Lemon Grass, Cabbages and Condoms and Rossini's.
The Ekamai, the eastern bus terminal, is located on
Soi Ekamai (63), very close to the Science Center for
Education. Sukhumvit Road also features a large selection
of hotels, including the Bangkok JW Marriott, Sheraton
Grande Sukhumvit and Delta Grand Pacific. |
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The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok's
Central Business District, although the Stock Exchange of
Thailand is located some distance away on Ratchadaphisek Road.
The area encompasses a number of embassies and hotels, such
as the Westin Banyan Tree, Sukhothai and Dusit Thani. Silom
Road offers more shopping opportunities, including the Patpong
Night Market. Sri Maha Uma Devi temple is also located in
this district. Restaurants abound, particularly around Convent
Road. Head for nearby Lumpini Park for a break in a rare patch
of green.
If you head west along Sathorn or Silom Road,
you will come to Charoen Krung ("New") Road and
back to the Chao Phraya River. A tram used to run along this
road, but these days hardly anything does--the traffic is
just so thick! This is another popular hotel area, with plush
hotels such as The Oriental, The Peninsula, the Shangri-La,
the Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Marriott Royal Garden Riverside
all overlooking the river. Take a sunset cruise or dine in
one of the many restaurants along the majestic river, such
as Yok Yor Marina and Restaurant. The River City Shopping
Complex sells a huge array of antiques and is worth browsing
through.
North along the river lie hectic Chinatown and
Pahurat, an Indian district. Here you will find Wat Traimit,
but the area is best known for its shopping. Yaowarat Road
has loads of gold shops, while Sampeng Lane has everything
from hair accessories to shoes, all at bargain basement prices.
Farther north you will come to Pak Klong Talat with its colorful
fresh flowers.
There are also a number of
attractions to be found in the outlying areas of Bangkok and
adjacent provinces, including King Rama IX Royal Park, Nonthaburi,
the Ancient City, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Ayutthaya,
a trip to which usually incorporates a visit to Bang Pa-In
Summer Palace. |
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