Overview | Exploring |Temples | Palaces ,Museum | Art galleries | Theatres libraries |
Parks | Around Rattanakosin Island | River Canal tours | Eating out | Nightlife |

Bangkok Overview

In 2002, Bangkok will celebrate 220 years as the nation’s capital, a milestone that coincides with the opening of the city’s first subway system. These two facts, the venerable age of Bangkok and the ongoing advance of modern development, epitomise a duality that characterises the city. It both preserves the old with respect and embraces the new with enthusiasm. During the past two decades the Thai capital has undergone more change than probably at any other period during its history. What had been reasonably steady growth from the city’s founding in 1782 up to the mid 20th century surged spectacularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Fuelled by a highly successful export drive and foreign investment, the Thai economy boomed at that time, resulting in unprecedented infrastructure development. Concrete and glass high-rises reshaped the skyline and multi-lane expressways re-mapped the city’s thoroughfares, while at the end of 1999 the Skytrain mass transit system was completed and now, soon to be finished, is the subway.

The modern cityscape, at moments seemingly reminiscent of Tokyo or Los Angels, is matched by new hotels that rank among the most luxurious in the world, smart shopping plazas selling top brand-named items, classy restaurants, Western fast-food outlets and all the other amenities of a 21st-century city on the move. The ultimate impact of all the development is that Bangkok is now better than it has ever been – it’s greener, it’s more comfortable to experience and it’s quicker and simpler to get around town. Imagine, a cross-town journey that previously would take one and a half hours by taxi or bus can now be completed in a matter of minutes by the Skytrain. Popular destinations, such as Chatuchak Weekend Market, are now uch easier to visit, while the Skytrain also provides convenient links to and from many major hotels around town. Likewise, the options for shopping, dining and entertainment have vastly expanded in the last couple of decades. Now, modern luxury buys are available as well as the traditional handicrafts; Thai restaurants are matched by others offering virtually the whole gamut of world cuisines, while entertainment can be as diverse as a classical concert at the Thailand Cultural Centre or an Irish band playing in an Irish pub. Indeed, Bangkok can be all things to all people. Essentially a paradox in its blend of old and new, of traditional Oriental splendour overlaid with a modern Western facade, the Thai capital defies easy definition. Yet the inescapable fact is that the city is ultimately totally enchanting, impossible to resist”, as travel writer Pico Iyer remarked recently in Time magazine

Bangkok is a city rich in history and one of the world’s most vibrant capitals with a vivid local culture, superlative shopping, world-class restaurants and dynamic day and night-life. Temples, churches & shrines Note: Please refer to A Stroll Around Rattanakosin Island on pages 39 for details on Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Bowon Nivet Wihan, Wat Suthat & Giant Swing, Wat Ratchanatdaram and Loha Prasat, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Inthara Wihan and the Hor Klong and Chao Pho Sua shrines. WAT MAHATHAT Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand. Meditation classes are offered for foreigners. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. WAT TRAI MIT Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong), this temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

WAT THEPTHIDARAM Built by King Rama III for his daughter, Princess Kroma Muen Apsornsudathep, the temple features beautiful floral and bird patterns on the gable end of the ordination hall. This is where the Thai great poet, Sunthorn Phu was ordained and penned three of his most celebrated works. WAT YANNAWA The outstanding features of this roughly 200-year-old temple include the 43-metre junk (Sam Pao Nava) commissioned by King Rama III in honour of China and a monastery built as a memorial to the king. WAT LENG NEI YEE (DRAGON FLOWER TEMPLE) Located on Charoen Krung Road between Mangkorn Road and Soi Issaranuphap in the Chinatown area, it is the oldest Chinese Buddhist temple in Thailand. It contains various deities specific to Chinese worship. WAT KALAWAR (HOLY ROSARY CHURCH) Located on Yotha Road, the church was built in 1787 on the bank of the Chao Phraya River on a plot of land given by King Rama I to the Portuguese in recognition of their assistance in the defence of Ayutthaya against the enemy. The neo-Gothic brick and stucco building was built in 1890 to replace the original wooden church. It is the oldest and one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic churches in Thailand – being registered by the Fine Arts Department as a historical site.

Palaces VIMANMEK PALACE Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, Vimanmek Mansion is the world’s largest golden teak building. The three-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the compound also house museums displaying a variety of artefacts and precious art objects. Vimanmek Mansion Museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 3:15 pm. Admission 50 baht. Tel: 0 2628 6300-9

SUAN PAKKAD PALACE Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, the palace was once the residence of one of Thailand’s leading art collectors, Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. It houses an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques, including items from the prehistoric Ban Chiang civilisation, and also an impressive collection of sea-shells. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission 50 baht. Tel: 0 2246 1775. NATIONAL MUSEUM Within walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok’s National Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts recovered from all parts of the country and dating all the way from Neolithic times, through the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods to the Bangkok era. The complex consists of several beautiful old buildings of colourful Thai design. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, Admission 40 baht. Guided tours are given free by volunteers in English and French on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30 am. The tours in English are on Thai Art, Religion and Culture. Those in French are on Pre-Thai history, Thai Art and Culture. Tours are also given in German on Thai Art and Culture on Thursdays, and in Japanese (1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month on the Buddhaisawan Chapel; 4th and 5th Wednesday of the month on Pre-Thai and Thai Art). Tours in Spanish can be arranged. Tel: 0 2224 1333.

Museums & collections ROYAL BARGE MUSEUM The elaborately decorated and skilfully crafted barges used in royal pageants on the river are maintained in dry dock by the Royal Thai Navy alongside specimens formerly used in battle. The most glorious of the barges is the Suphannahong , exclusively used by the king for the spectacular Kathin ceremony and river procession, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks which generally takes place some time in October or November. Admission to the museum is 30 baht. Tel: 0 2424 0004.

MUSEUM OF IMAGERY TECHNOLOGY The first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia is located in the same building as the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Historic photographs and imaging equipment tell the story of technological evolution. Examples of modern photographic art and photographic and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Admission 100 baht. Tel: 0 2218 5583. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & PLANETARIUM The subjects of astronomy, communications technology and biology are covered within this museum located next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road. Attractions include an excellent aquarium, computer world, a planetarium and numerous devices that combine scientific education with fun. Open daily except Mondays and public holidays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission 30 baht for adults and 15 baht for children. Tel: 0 2392 5952. NATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM Six exhibition floors are devoted to different aspects of science and technology, including traditional Thai technology. Visitors are encouraged to touch and play with exhibits as part of a hands-on educational approach. Located at Technopolis, Khlong 5, Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Admission 20 baht for children and 50 baht for adults. Tel: 0 2577 4172-8. BANK OF THAILAND MUSEUM Located in the former Bang Khunphrom Palace within the grounds of the Bank of Thailand on Samsen Road, the museum houses the nation’s largest collection of coins. Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Group tours only, minimum 10 people and book four to five days in advance. Tel: 0 2283 5265, 0 2283 5284. PHILATELIC MUSEUM A comprehensive collection of Thai and foreign stamps together with a well-stocked library. Stamps and accessories for stamp collection are also on sale. Located within the compound of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission free. Tel: 0 2271 2439.

Art galleries NATIONAL ART GALLERY Housed in the former Royal Mint, the National Art Gallery comprises both permanent and temporary exhibition rooms displaying traditional and contemporary works by Thai artists. Also noted for its small collection of works by national figures, including King Vajiravudh, the present King Bhumibol and former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. Open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. Admission 30 baht. Tel: 0 2281 2224.

ART CENTRE, CENTRE OF ACADEMIC RESOURCES, CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY Displays a wide range of art in various mediums. Emerging Thai and international artists are invited to exhibit alongside each other. Open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Tel: 0 2218 2964-5. ART CENTRE, SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY The gallery is divided into exhibition rooms of various sizes, thereby lending itself to smaller, more intimate exhibitions. Other exhibition spaces are filled by the faculties of Architecture; Decorative Arts; and Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts. Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Tel: 0 2623 6115. Other private art galleries in Bangkok About Studio, Maitrichit Road Tel: 0 2623 1742-3 Akko Gallery, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 2259 1436 Gallery 55, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 2712 7148 Garuda Fine Art, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 2714 1646 Marsi Gallery, Suan Pakkad Palace, Si Ayutthaya Road, tel: 0 2246 1775 Mercury Art Gallery, Ploenchit Road Tel: 0 2658 6226-7 Numthong Gallery, Thoet Damri Road, tel: 0 2243 4326 Open Arts Space, Silom Road Tel: 0 2266 4223 Project 304, Setsiri Road Tel: 0 2279 7796 Rotunda Gallery, Surawong Road Tel: 0 2233 1731 Space Contemporary Art, Sukhumvit Road, tel: 0 2711 4427 Surapon Gallery, South Sathorn Road, tel: 0 2638 0033 Tadu Contemporary Art, Rama 9 Road, tel: 0 2203 0926 Tavibu Gallery, Silom Road Tel: 0 2266 5454

Theatres NATIONAL THEATRE The official arts centre for Thai classical performances, the theatre hosts regular concerts and special shows. Located on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Call 0 2224 1342 for a current programme. THAILAND CULTURAL CENTRE A fully-integrated venue for social, educational and cultural activities equipped with a state-of-the-art acoustic system and located on Ratchadaphisek Road. Opera, ballet, concerts and multi-lingual conferences are all hosted here. The Centre is also home to a permanent exhibition on the history of the Thai people. Open Monday- Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, the exhibition reveals how lifestyles and the Thai cultural identity have evolved through the ages. Call 0 2247 0028 ext 103 for a current programme.

CHALERM KRUNG ROYAL THEATRE An historic venue for Thai dance performances, concerts and plays as well as occasional international film festivals, located on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. Call 0 2225 8757-8 or 0 2222 1325 for a current programme. BANGKOK PLAYHOUSE Apart from hosting contemporary plays, this private theatre also serves as an exhibition space for contemporary artists of all kinds, from performing arts such as music, mime and puppetry to visual arts such as painting and sculpture. Located on New Phetchaburi Road. Call 0 2679 8548, 0 2319 7641-4 for a current programme. PATRAVADI THEATRE This outdoor theatre is the brainchild of one of Thailand’s most outstanding actors and dancers, Patravadi Mejudhon. The theatre has gained popularity with avant-garde audiences through its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating an ingenious blend of theatrical techniques. Shows are on weekends. Located in Soi Wat Rakhang on Thon Buri. Call 0 2412 7287-8. Cultural organisations Alliance Francaise Bangkok Tel: 0 2213 2122-3 AUA (American University Alumni) Tel: 0 2251 1607 British Council, tel: 0 2252 6136-8 Cultural Information Service Centre Tel: 0 2247 0028 Dante Alighieri (Italian Thai Cultural Association) Tel: 0 2258 1778 Goethe Institute (Thai German Cultural Foundation) Tel: 0 2287 0942 Japan Cultural Centre Tel: 0 2260 8560-4 Pridi Bhanomyong Institute Tel: 0 2381 3860-1 Siam Society, tel: 0 2661 6470-77

Libraries NEILSON HAYS LIBRARY Located on Surawong Road, the library was founded in 1896 by the Bangkok Ladies Library Association. One of the founders was Mrs Jennie Neilson Hays who had devoted her life serving the community. On her death in 1920, her husband built the current library and dedicated to her. It is open to all who enjoy reading in English. Has fiction and non-fiction sections. Within the library is the Rotunda Gallery where exhibitions by both Thai and foreign artists are on show all year round. Tel: 0 2233 1731 NATIONAL LIBRARY Located on Samsen Raod, the National Library was founded in 1905 by the order of King Rama V. Many kinds of reading matters can be found here, from royal gazettes to novels, newspapers and magazines. Within the library are many interesting smaller library halls: Wachirayan Library Hall, King Rama IX Music Library Hall, Crown Princess Sirindhorn Music Library Hall, National Archive Hall, National Film Hall and King Vajiravudh Memorial Hall. The library is open to Thai and foreigners. Tel: 0 2281 5212, 0 2281 5313. BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY Located within Siam Square on Phayathai Road, the library’s subject areas covered general reference, business and management, contemporary British fiction, English language learning, over 60 periodical titles, a video collection including both feature movies, documentaries and training programmes. Tel: 0 2252 6136-8, 0 2252 6111 or 0 2252 6830-9.

Parks & gardens SANAM LUANG Occupying the area between the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue, it is the venue for the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony marking the start of the rice planting season in May, and the traditional site for royal cremations. Sanam Luang is also a popular recreational area and venue for the popular kite flying sport from mid-February to April. LUMPHINI PARK Bangkok’s biggest park located in the centre of the business district and bordered by Rama IV, Sarasin and Wireless roads. The park is popular among city dwellers who come to exercise, relax and sing from dawn till dusk while the scenic artificial lake in the centre is perfect for boating. Concerts in the park are a popular feature of cool season Sunday evenings.

BENCHASIRI PARK Often called the Queen’s Park, it is one of the most recent additions to Bangkok’s green areas. This beautifully designed park was opened in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s 60th birthday. Its location adjacent to the Emporium Shopping Centre on Sukhumvit Road makes it ideal for anyone staying in any of the numerous nearby tourist hotels. ROMMANINAT PARK The old Bangkok Special Prison turned into a park. A watch tower, parts of the original wall and a section of prison cells have been maintained. A penal museum is located in a building constructed during King Rama V reign. One part has a display of prison implements and plan and photos of the site when it was a prison. There is a multi-purpose space in the park with a children’s playground, exercise area and jogging tracks. The park is located on Siriphong Road, not far from the Giant Swing and Chao Pho Sua shrine. CHATUCHAK PARK Situated next to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market on Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak Park has a reputation for being Bangkok’s most popular park. With its attractive landscaping, it is an excellent spot for relaxation before, during and after some bargain hunting. SARANROM PARK This delightful small park was originally the garden of the Saranrom Palace and is ideally situated for relaxation after visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The park is particularly noted for its old European style fountain facing the main gate and a memorial to Queen Sunantha Kumarirat, King Rama V’s beloved consort.

KING RAMA IX ROYAL PARK This 200-acre park on Sri Nakharin Road commemorates His Majesty King Rama IX’s 60th birthday in 1987. The park is divided into 5 sections: The Royal Building, Botanical Garden, a large pond, Flower Garden (Suan Rommanee) and the all-purpose playground for the public. Special feature is an exhibition of the life and works of King Rama IX, the present monarch. Admission 10 baht.

THE PRINCESS MOTHER MEMORIAL PARK Located on Somdej Chao Phraya Road in Thon Buri, it is a small but tranquil park with lots of lovely trees. Exhibition on the life of the Princess Mother and history of her childhood community is on show in the renovated building. There’s also a full scale of the house lived in by the Princess Mother during her childhood. RAMA IX BRIDGE PARK Located under the Rama IX bridge, the park cover an area of 20 acres on the Bangkok side and another 8 acres on the Thon Buri side. It offers a spectacular view of the bridge with leafty trees growing along the small canal diverted from the Chao Phraya River. TRAIN PARK Formerly a State Railway of Thailand golf course, the park is located on Phaholyothin Road next to Chatuchak Park. It covers 150 acres with lots of bird life and is a popular bird-watching ground. There’s a train museum on the grounds. Good for jogging, walking, skating or bicycling.

The best way to soak up the history of the sites around Rattanakosin Island is on foot. But because there’s so much to see it’s best to break it down into sections. Basically, five routes cover the ground: ROUTE 1: Inner Rattanakosin Island. Start from the City Pillar Shrine - then Grand Palace - Tha Ratchaworadit - Wat Pho - Hor Klong Shrine - Saranrom Royal Garden - Wat Ratchapradit - Sanam Luang - Tha Phrachan - National Museum and finish at Wat Phra Kaeo. ROUTE 2: Lower north of outer Rattanakosin Island. Start from the National Art Gallery - then Phra Athit Road - Phra Sumane Fort - Khao San Road -Bang Lamphu - Democracy Monument. ROUTE 3 : Centre of outer Rattanakosin Island. Start from Klong Lot - then Wat Ratchanatdaram - Maha Chesadabodin Pavilion and Plaza - Phrang Sapphasart - Phrang Sapphasart Palace Gate - Chao Pho Sua Shrine - Phrang Phuthorn - Wat Ratchabopit - Brahman Temple - Giant Swing - Wat Suthat - Golden Mount (Wat Saket). ROUTE 4 : South of outer Rattanakosin Island. Start at Chalermkrung Royal Theatre - then row houses on Charoen Krung Road - Woeng Nakhon Khasem - Khlong Thom - Constitutional Court - Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat) – Phra Buddha Yodfa Bridge (King Rama I Monument). ROUTE 5 : Upper north of outer Rattanakosin Island. Start from Tourism Authority of Thailand office - then Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue - Wat Parinayok - Bang Khun Phrom Palace - Wat Inthara Wihan - Chan Kasem Palace - King Rama V Statue - Wat Benchamabophit - Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium.

ROUTE 1   The Grand Palace - Wat Phra Kaeo Bangkok’s most famous landmark and the heart of Rattanakosin Island comprises two significant sections: The Grand Palace, the King’s Royal Residence surrounded by other exquisite palaces, and Wat Prasri Rattana Sassadaram, or Wat Phra Kaeo, where the Emerald Buddha (the national Buddha image) sits and where some of Thailand’s most significant religious ceremonies are performed by the King. The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mungkararam (Wat Pho) Dating back to the Ayutthaya era, this monastery has been a centre for collecting religious architectural and artistic treasures, including the great Reclining Buddha. The chapel is also noteworthy for having been the location of Thailand’s first university, a fact which today accounts for its role of correlating religious disciplines with medical science, literature and other academic subjects. The wat’s original charter was inscribed during the reign of King Rama III. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission fee is 20 baht. Wat Arun Ratchawararam Popularly known in Thai as Wat Chaeng and in English as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun was originally included in the compound of King Taksin the Great’s palace. The temple’s most outstanding feature is its 82 metres high pagoda, making it the tallest of the historic buildings around Rattanakosin Island.

Ministry of Defence Originally the site of a palace built by King Rama I for his three sons, the present western style three-storey building was constructed to house soldiers in the reign of King Rama V. The building’s upper gable is decorated with ornate mouldings and gilded with the Ratchawallop seal. Ancient artillery specimens are lined up in front as reminders of military history. Hor Klong Shrine Located behind the Territorial Defence Department, Hor Klong Shrine was established to worship Chao Pho Hor Klong, Protector of the Signal Tower. In olden days, signal towers used three drums to make important announcements. Yam Phra Surisi drum beat the time, Akki Pinat drum raised the fire alarm, and Pikat Pairi Drum sounded the battle alert. National Theatre Established in 1960, this distinctive white building with Thai style roof is located adjacent to the National Museum and presents regular traditional Thai drama and musical performances. National Museum, Bangkok Formerly Bavornsatan Palace (Wang Na), these buildings were converted into a museum in 1887. Several palaces in the compound now house a precious collection of art and historic objects ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayuttthaya to Bangkok period. The museum is open everyday, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission fee is 40 baht. Sanam Luang The ancient city’s original central park, this tree-lined open space has hosted all kinds of royal events, from birthdays to cremations, and is frequently used for public fairs. Building of Permanent Objects Designed in the Khmer style by HRH Prince Narissara Nuwattiwong, this oddly titled building was built over a century ago during the reign of King Rama V. The Phra Vachirayan Library, under supervision of the National Library, was formerly located here. The building is currently being renovated in honour of King Rama V.

Sam Phrang, Ancient Canal and Moat Originally built as residences for senior court officials during the reign of King Rama V, these two-storey, western style row houses are now occupied by various shops. The area also includes three notable phrangs – Nara, Sappasart and Puthorn. ROUTE 2   Wat Bowon Nivet Wihan Constructed during the reign of King Rama III, the wat combines Thai and Chinese artistic elements. Past kings and members of the royal family were ordained as Buddhist monks here. Notable features include the statue of Phra Buddha Chinnasri and the Khurua In Khong mural. National Art Gallery Originally built as a royal mint, this magnificent European style building located on Chao Fa Road now houses the national art collection and hosts regular exhibitions of traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. It is open to public everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission fee is 30 baht. Phra Sumane Fort - Bang Lamphu Community Located on Phra Athit Road at the entrance to Bang Lamphu canal, this white-walled fort was built in the reign of King Rama I to protect the city from attacks from the river. short walk away, Bang Lamphu is a popular haunt of budget travellers and a meeting place for Thai traditional music teachers from schools in the area. Democracy Monument A national symbol of political evolution from absolute monarchy to democracy in 1932. Musical Arts Centre A collection of historic objects from the realms of Thai drama, music and recreation, located on the 4th floor of the Phanfa branch of Bangkok Bank.

	Rivers and canals have long been a traditional form of transport in Bangkok. When the city was founded in 1782, the Chao Phraya River formed part of the strategic defence system, and canals were dug in the low-lying marshy ground as moats and as a means of communication. In fact, the first roads were not built until the 1860s. Building Bangkok around the river and canals is what led European visitors to describe the city as the Venice of the East. Today, even though Bangkok is a modern metropolis, the architecture and way of life along the river and canals, especially those on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya, remain remarkably true to the city’s origins. Numerous scheduled boat trips can be taken, and boats can be hired on an individual basis, for visitors to enjoy the scenic pleasures of an altogether more tranquil age. Trips along the Chao Phraya River Boat services on the Chao Phraya River to connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. Chao Phya Express operates boats daily from Wat Ratchasingkhon, a riverside temple in the Yannawa area, to Nonthaburi. The service operates from 5:30 am-6 pm. During rush hours (6-9 am and 3-6 pm), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at the main piers.	Visitors wishing to travel to Pak Kret are able to connect with Laem Thong’s boat at Nonthaburi Pier. The service is operated daily from 5:45 am-5:45 pm. On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, visitors can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings, including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunrawong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House. When arriving at Pak Kret, visitors can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A shuttle boat leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier. The service runs from 6 am-9 pm. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island. Attractions on Ko Kret include a pottery village located along the pathway around the island. There are some workshops where the pottery making process can be viewed. Villagers make various kinds of earthenware products for daily use such as pots, mortars and flowerpots. This is the oldest and largest centre of earthenware in Nonthaburi Province. The Ancient Mon Pottery Centre, located in the village, collects together a wide range of pottery items.

With gastronomic choice galore, eating out in Bangkok is fun, amazing and inexpensive. In this remarkable city, visitors can experience a cosmopolitan feast of diverse cultures and styles. Eating places range from five-star restaurants to food shops, cafes and street side stalls and food carts. Thai food, both authentic and nouvelle dishes, can be found almost everywhere – at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets. In Bangkok the food is good everywhere. After all, it’s the taste, and not always the place that really matters.

YAOWARAT (CHINATOWN) Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown never sleeps. The area houses some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the city, along with many of the best and cheapest food stalls, especially at night. The restaurants mostly specialise in southern Chinese cooking, with noodles, seafood and, at lunchtime, dim sum dumplings dominating the menus. Large restaurants line the bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into sois, or lanes, will lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments. At night the neon glow from hundreds of hawker stalls electrifies the atmosphere of the streets. Ad hoc seafood stalls line the sidewalks, drawing such crowds that late-comers have to wait for seats. PAHURAT Known as Bangkok’s Little India, the confined alleyways around Pahurat area accommodate a number of authentic Indian restaurants, particularly those offering North Indian cuisine. Alternatively, other subcontinental foods such as Punjabi and Pakistani are also plentifully available. The atmosphere around Pahurat is less chaotic than Yaowarat, yet the vivacity can still be felt in this small but thriving neighbourhood. SUKHUMVIT ROAD Cosmopolitan cuisine is the theme of Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok’s most stylish thoroughfares. There is no shortage of eating places on Sukhumvit Road. European, American, Italian, French, British, German, Mexican, Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants lining along th road and presenting a variety of options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit 55, also known as Soi Thonglor, and its labyrinthine branches are also full of restaurants of every kind. Sukhumvit Sois 23, 24, 47, 49 and 63 are typically sophisticated restaurant streets. SOI LANG SUAN Fashionable restaurants in Soi Lang Suan present interesting eating possibilities at medium to high prices. Also home to some of the most popular jazz pubs in the city,the street’s flashy atmosphere attracts the money crowd in droves after sundown. Like Sukhumvit Road, Lang Suan offers a diverse mix of Thai, Asian, and European influences aided by specialised venues such as the vegetarian-oriented Whole Earth restaurant and the Chinese favourite Nguan Lee. SILOM ROAD Several food streets are linked to this road in Bangkok’s busiest area. Many restaurants are found along the main thoroughfare, but there is an even greater number tucked away in its side alleys. As if awakened by street lights, seafood stalls sprout along the section near Saladaeng Intersection after sunset until late at night. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from Italian, Swiss, Californian to an Irish tavern. Opposite, a crush of Japanese restaurants makes Soi Thaniya into a lively walkway for Japanese visitors and sushi lovers of all nationalities. Thai food is available in palace style and street style, side by side. The best selection of the former can be found in Soi Pipat. Dozens of vendors sell quick meals such as kuai tiao noodle and khao kaeng curry rice. SIAM SQUARE This shopping area is crammed with medium to high priced eateries as well as American fast-food outlets. Whether you crave for Thai, European, or Chinese foods, there is a place for you somewhere in this fashionable area. Traditional Thai restaurants are flanked by gaudy fast-food franchises and Japanese suki parlours. Soi 1 has conventional Chinese restaurants. Bangkok’s branch of Hard Rock Cafe is just up the street. Dozens of food stalls sell meatballs, grilled squid, and fried bananas along the walkways that connect the main streets. BANG LAMPHU Shoestring travellers flock to Bang Lamphu, especially the area around Khao San Road. Most eating places in this area cater for budget-conscious diners. Many guesthouses on Khao San Road have open-air cafes serving standard Thai and Chinese dishes. Other decent possibilities include Indian, Jewish, and Muslim restaurants. Many unassuming Chinese dim sum and noodle places may be found along the adjacent Phra Athit Road. Bold exploration is advised in this interesting neighbourhood.

For variety, energy, enthusiasm and excitement, Bangkok’s nightlife is in a league of its own. Whatever your age, taste and persuasion, you can rest assured that Thailand’s vibrant capital can deliver. What’s more, having a good time here won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The restaurants, clubs, bars, discos and other entertainment venues are all reasonably priced, especially when compared to other major cities. Bangkok is, of course, the heartbeat of the country’s entertainment industry. The choice of venues and things to do here puts other Thai cities and resortsin the shade.   Once the sun has gone below the horizon and the night-lights have been switched on, that amazing dedi cation to having a good time becomes all so apparent. There’s a buzz about the city, a feeling of expectation that something exciting and memorable is about to happen – and it often does. Unusually amongst big cities, Bangkok does not have one major entertainment district. Instead, it has many areas offering leisure time activities. So wherever you stay, great nightlife opportunities are never far away.