Once the residence of James H.W. Thompson, the “Legendary American of Thailand”, the Jim Thompson House is now one of the top tourist destinations in Bangkok. Comprising of six traditional teak houses, the traditional Thai-style complex was completed in 1959 and has been converted to a museum to honor its original owner and his legacy. In the middle part of the 20th Century, Thompson reinvigorated development of the Thai silk industry and collected art and artifacts from all over Thailand and the region, but mysteriously disappeared while on a trip to Malaysia in 1967. Many of his possessions are on display at the Jim Thompson House, and guided tours take guests around the stunning property.
This is a true waterfront experience, where you can combine a meal, entertainment and a river cruise. On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this complex consists of an alfresco eatery, an air-conditioned concert hall and its own landing dock. Live bands and comedians entertain on the stage, while you decide on your choice of Asian or Western food. Seafood is the drawcard here, and you can have it prepared in a variety of cooking styles, including Thai, Japanese, Western or Indian. Light snacks, such as the Vietnamese spring rolls and chicken satay are very popular.
Smack in the heart of the city lies Lumphini Park, an oasis of nature within bustling Bangkok. The first of its kind in Bangkok, plans for the public park began in 1925. Lumphini Park is named after the Buddha’s birthplace and covers approximately 58 hectares, gracing the city with greenery and waterways for picnics, pick-up sports and paddleboat rides. Early mornings are unforgettable: hordes of fitness group regulars engage in synchronized aerobics, while others jog peacefully and practice tai chi. Lumphini Park is a great place to take a timeout during a long day of sightseeing.
In the crazy, cement jungle of Old Bangkok, stands an oasis called the Chakrabongse Villas. Tucked away in the Chao Phya River region, this place used to be the residence of Prince Chakrabong. The guests can choose from three beautiful Ayutthaya-styled cottage accommodations—the Riverside Villa, the Garden Suite or the Thai House. All villas have kitchenettes, gardens and a private balcony, and the place on the whole is leafy, with tall palms, a pool and flowers everywhere. Each room is majestic in itself because of the plush beds, polished floors, dark wood furniture, silk cushions, and Thai decorations.
The Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar is located 61 floors above the streets of Bangkok on the terrace of the Banyan Tree Hotel. From here you can gaze upon the city, through the provided telescopes if you like, and enjoy some jazz music with a glass of bubbly in hand. Perfect for a romantic rendezvous. The food is a mix of BBQ specials that include oysters and scallops. This is truly a venue that will take your breath away.
This Byzantine labyrinth of shops, stalls and alleys is where the movers and shakers of Thailand's economy got started. It has been the main trading center for the Chinese in Thailand since they moved from their old site near the Grand Palace some 200 years ago. Everything from household and electronic goods to Chinese medicine and antique vases are available. It is also a good place to go for deals on gold and obviously Chinese food. Some stores and restaurants are open 24 hours.
Bangkok’s Grand Palace served as the official residence of Thailand’s kings from the time it was built in 1782 until midway through the 20th Century. Although the entry fee is considerably higher than most at 250 baht, the grounds are gorgeous and provide an unforgettable glimpse at Thai history and architecture. Sitting on over 215,000 square meters, the Grand Palace houses government offices, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and royal residences. A trip to the Grand Palace is worth combining with Wat Pho, its next-door neighbor of equal cultural importance.
Over 200 years old, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complexes. For an entry fee of 50 baht, visitors can roam the grounds with or without a guide, stopping along the way at numerous notable temples and sites. The most famous of Wat Pho’s relics is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, wherein lies an impressive 46 meter-long gold-plated image of a reclining Buddha. A first grade royal monastery, Wat Pho is also Thailand’s oldest learning center and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Judging from the beauty and magnificence of Wat Arun, there is no surprise that it is one of Bangkok’s most important cultural and religious landmarks. Built of stucco-covered brick and adorned with beautiful Chinese porcelain, the temple’s towers evoke the Hindu cosmology, with the tallest center “Phra Prang” representing Mount Meru. Ascending up Wat Arun, various representations of animals, gods and ancient soldiers decorate the terraces, and the area surrounding the towers is full of gardens and houses a monastery from the Ayutthaya period. Also called “The Temple of Dawn”, Wat Arun is perhaps most spectacular during the first light of morning, when the sun sparkles off the towers, or at dusk in the shadow of the sunset.
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