Bangkok: 5 Must Dos
Posted by Admin | Filed under Vacation
If you happen to visit Bangkok, then you must do at least 5 things to feel the real Bangkok:
1) Old Kingdom
A walk around the glittering Grand Palace (Na Phra Lan Road, Old City) provides a true feel for the glory of the ancient Thai Kingdom. Much of the sprawling complex is closed to the public but you can visit the outer court with two throne halls. Thai come here to worship at the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the emerald Buddha), with its 18-inch (45.7cm) Buddha (carved from green jadeite, actually). Outside its walls is Wat Po, famous for its 46m by 15m gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha.
Cross the road to the Tha Tha Chang pier for a ride along the khlongs (canals) in a long-tail boat (opt for the smaller and slower but quiter wooden boats). Glide past homes, shops, temples and orchid gardens in the Thonburi area. Boats can be hired privately at several piers, including alongside the famed hotel, The Oriental.
2) New Kingdom
Ascend the 61 floors of the Banyan Tree Bangkok hotel to its post Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar from 5pm to 1am for cocktails with a panoramic view of Bangkok. Then head across town to the ultra-modern and hip Bed Supperclub, which has been described as a merging restaurant, club, art gallery and theatre. Enjoy a four-course set meal of Thai fusion food on weekends and Chef specials on weeknights, served while you lounge on a bed. Then dance to sounds by imported DJs at the bar next door.
3) Thai Dishes with a View
Cross the Chao Phraya river, the main artery of the city’s famed life along the water, on a 1930s-style boat to Supatra River House’s restaurant by the water. The menu is traditional Thai Cuisine and comes with great views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Khon Mask dancing, which takes place every Saturday night. The restaurant is located next door to the Patravadi Theatre where its modern dance troupe premieres on Friday nights and its annual Fringe Festival of Dance showcases contemporary pieces in January and February.
4) Shopping Novelties
In between the unique shopping experiences of the weekend Chatuchak market (take the skytrain to Mochit Station) and the Suan Lum Night Bazaar (take the skytrain to Saladaeng station), seek out bargains at the Bon Marche Market (Thetsaban Sangkaro Road near Wat Samiennaree) with its local foods and lifestyle wares. Then ponder the exquisite silk products at the legendary Jim Thompson House, the historic teak home of this American former military officer who revived Thailand’s silk industry.
5) Menu of Rejuvenation
Many locals and travelers seek out the opulent serenity and one-stop menu of rejuvenation and medical treatments at the S Medical Spa. Signature offerings include an aquatic message in a heated pool, synchronized messaging by two therapist, Tom Yum firming massage, non-surgical facelifts, laser procedures and genetic screening. They also have a gym, a jet lag program and rooms for celebrities. Prices start from US$100.
Trust me; you’ll enjoy the exotic Bangkok to the fullest.
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