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Bangkok and Beyond
Exposure to all things Bangkok and beyond
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If you have a full week in Bangkok, you'll have a chance to really explore and get to know the city and nearby locations. This itinerary guides your way through temples, museums, day trips, restaurants, and activities, guaranteeing that you'll leave Bangkok satisfied.
 Day Note
With all your energy at the onset of an exciting trip, take advantage of your first day in Bangkok. This is a great day to see some of the main sites, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. While you're in that area, check out Sala Rim Naam for lunch before heading north on the river to explore the area around Khao San Road (including Phra Sumeru Fortress). At the end of the day, enjoy the progressive atmosphere of Cabbages and Condoms for dinner before relaxing with a glass of wine at the Living Room.
This restaurant is run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, whose founder, former Thai senator Mechai Viravaidya, believes "birth control should be as cheap as vegetables"—hence the restaurant's name! There is plenty of room, inside and outside in the garden, which is nice if the weather permits. An extensive variety of cocktails and other drinks is available at the "Vasectomy Bar," and the service is friendly and efficient. This is a great choice for good quality Thai food, albeit in slightly surreal surroundings (especially the walls covered with condoms from across the globe!).
Opt for a a touch of both Thai culture and cuisine at this famous restaurant, located across the river from the Oriental Bangkok. Classical dance performances are held each night, attracting a host of tourists. If you are not too keen on watching, you can seat yourself on the terrace—it offers magnificent views of the Chao Praya River. If you're here for lunch, on the other hand, make sure to try the buffet.
A global organization of Buddhists, whose Thailand headquarters lie behind Benjasiri Park. On the first Sunday of every month, it holds a Buddhist forum and free meditation instructions and practices for English speakers. On selected Sundays there is also a dhamma talk--a brilliant opportunity to experience Buddhist instructions from world experts. The forum is an open discussion on a topic of spiritual interest.
Lilting saxophone melodies play in the background as you enter the Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel. Welcome to this trendy, yet casual lounge and bar. Located on the first floor of the very impressive Sheraton Grande, this lounge serves up hot and cold beverages, small snacks and drinks. So doll up and come to impress!
Phra Sumen Fort is definitely worth checking out while in Bangkok, especially because of its location in a bustling are of the old city. The watchtower was erected over 200 years ago, originally part of a defensive wall to protect the city. The octagonal fort sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River and serves as a reminder of Bangkok’s rich history. Across the way are a number of boutique restaurants and tasty food stalls on Phra Athit Road, close walking distance to worthwhile Khao San Road.
Nestled in the old city is high-energy Khao San Road, famous for its reputation as a backpacker stomping ground. By day, the street feels rather quaint, with vendors selling comfortable clothes, regional crafts and trendy jewelry, but at nighttime the street brightens up with dozens of bars and clubs. Delicious, cheap street food is available at all times of the day and cobblestone alleys lead to CD stores and tailors. Khao San Road is also one of Bangkok’s locales for affordable guesthouses and travel agents. The best way to tackle the street is to wander. Gems are lurking around every corner and meeting a character or two is guaranteed.
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.
Cabbages and Condoms
Day Note
Kanchanaburi is one of the most interesting close trips to take out of Bangkok. Get an early start, as to ensure you make your two days in the province memorable. Base yourself in the city of Kanchanaburi, from where you can visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, JEATH War Museum, and Erawan National Park. The train from Bangkok leaves daily and lasts less than three hours.
For those wanting to venture out of the Bangkok metropolis, Kanchanaburi is a perfect overnight destination. This small town to the west of Bangkok is laden with history and remnants of conflict, offering tourists both learning experiences as well as a hearty dose of nature. War history buffs can visit the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, wander through the exceptional JEATH War Museum, and pay respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery; and nature lovers have access to kayaking and trekking in and around town. If time allows, the nearby Tiger Temple is a favorite spot for animal lovers who’ve always dreamed of getting a chance to interact with the majestic king of the jungle.
Day Note
Getting back to Bangkok in the early evening, you will probably want a relaxing night in the city. Siam Square is a nice area to stroll about, and it is home to numerous theaters where you can go and check out a Thai movie if you're up for it. Face is a beautiful restaurant, serving top notch Thai and Indian food...not to be missed. If you're in the mood for a drink before bed, Shades of Retro is a very low-key bar...and most of what's inside is for sale!
This three screen cineplex shows the latest Hollywood films to hit town in Sony Dynamic Digital Sound. As it is located in the heart of Siam Square, it is close to numerous shops and restaurants. Part of the same chain and located a short walk from the cineplex are two of Bangkok's oldest cinemas.
Wooden furniture and Chinese antiques dominate the interiors of this bar. A place to meet friends or make new ones. Enjoy the exotic cocktails coupled with Asian hospitality while you are in Bangkok. Relax at the bar or put your feet up in the courtyard like space, which promises thorough peace and privacy.
Sells retro/vintage furniture and décor, including lamps, rugs, clocks, chairs, and stereos. But apart from being a furniture shop, Shades of Retro is a low-key bar perfect for a relaxing night out with friends.
For those wanting to venture out of the Bangkok metropolis, Kanchanaburi is a perfect overnight destination. This small town to the west of Bangkok is laden with history and remnants of conflict, offering tourists both learning experiences as well as a hearty dose of nature. War history buffs can visit the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, wander through the exceptional JEATH War Museum, and pay respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery; and nature lovers have access to kayaking and trekking in and around town. If time allows, the nearby Tiger Temple is a favorite spot for animal lovers who’ve always dreamed of getting a chance to interact with the majestic king of the jungle.
Face Bar
Day Note
A great way to ease back into Bangkok after Kanchanaburi is to visit a few of the city's notable museums and architectural sites. Not far from the Siam Society is Tamarind Cafe, a charming restaurant that serves strictly vegetarian dishes guaranteed to satisfy everyone...even the meat fanatic. To end the day, try out Beirut for some oustanding Lebanese.
The Siam Society makes for an interesting, intellectual stop outside of the typical tourist path. It was founded in 1904 as a result of cooperation between Thai and foreign scholars who dedicated themselves to promoting the study, enjoyment and availability of Thai art, science, culture and natural history. Nowadays, the Siam Society acts as a non-profit organization committed to the same causes as its founders, offering library facilities, an ethnological museum, and various activities ranging from performances to study tours.
Vegetarian or not you'd be hard pushed to be disappointed with a meal at Tamarind Cafe. Like its sister in Hanoi, Tamarind Cafe offers an extensive vegetarian menu with creative juice and smoothies. This is all served in a contemporary setting on three floors, with a balcony on the third and ongoing art exhibition throughout. A short walk from Phrom Phong sky train station, it's a great place to relax and easy to get to. You'll find some truly imaginative culinary creations that fuse European and Asian styles on the menu, which succeeds in its attempt at being daring.
Beirut
Cuisine: Middle Eastern & North African
Located in the basement of Phloen Chit Center, Beirut is unpretentious and frequented by all types of people. The menu offers everything from hummus and pitas to combination meat platters.
Established in 1874, the National Museum provides for a half day of exploration and discovery. It has three permanent exhibition galleries: The Thai History Gallery, The Archaeological and Art History Collections, and The Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection. The National Museum is huge, but manageable, especially considering the peaceful, shaded courtyards that offer breaks to visitors. Tours are available in English, German, French and Japanese from 9:30am until noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which is also when the museum offers free entry (otherwise, expect to pay 40 baht).
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.
National Museum
Day Note
Today you should be ready to take on a little more Bangkok action. Get an early start at Crepes & Co. for a delicious breakfast before stopping by the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute and Snake Farm. You can even see a snake milking on Saturday mornings. Later, take a stroll around Lumpini Park while you people watch, and then head to Chinatown for an exciting afternoon of markets, temples and food. Leave yourself time to get tickets for a Saturday night fight at the premier Lumpini Boxing Stadium and cap off the night with some drinks and live music at Saxophone Pub.
Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is the national sport of Thailand, and Lumphini Boxing Stadium is the place to see top fights. A very culturally-grounded sport, Muay Thai bouts are preceded by ritualistic music and dance during which the respected fighters pay honor to the sport, the ring and their teachers. Tickets can be pricey – the cheapest third class seats are 500 baht – but one night’s ticket includes all the evening’s fights. The most high-rated fights at Lumphini Boxing Stadium are saved for the end.
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 Pa |
