Bangkok and Beyond

Description:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you had to see one thing in Bangkok, this arguably would be it.

Description:

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. Take a Chao Phraya River ferry to Tha Thien (pier). The Grand Palace is a short walk from Wat Pho. You can also cross the river from the pier to see Wat Arun. Beware that scam artists (often tuk-tuk drivers) will try to claim that the temple is closed for the day. Don't believe it.

[Note: Pho is pronounced with a P like Paul not an F like a Vietnamese noodle soup]

Our Local Expert Says:

The Grand Palace is a Bangkok must-see, but beware of tourist traps! If a tuk tuk driver tells you that the Palace is closed for the day, make sure to get confirmation. And definitely think twice before agreeing to take the city tour he'll probably offer.

Description:

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 300 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.

Our Local Expert Says:

When you're chilling out with a drink, keep in mind that just about anything in sight is for sale…down to many of the chairs you're sitting on.

Description:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

When visiting the Siam Society, be sure to check out the two traditional Thai teakwood houses on the premises. They date back to the 19th Century and are two of the best surviving examples of traditional architecture in Thailand. Also, there is usually one fascinating lecture a month at the Society, so visit their website to see if your travels coincide.

Description:

**On November 20, 2009 fire destroyed the offices and shops but only caused some damage to the library. Events in the auditorium continue, but check the website for updates.** 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.

Our Local Expert Says:

The falafel is the best bet for those on a budget and you won't be sorry for it.

Description:

Don't shun the basement location. This "down to earth" place is popular with foreigners and Thai alike. Located in Phloen Chit Center Tower, Beirut brings the best Lebanese fare in the city with the usual hummus and falafel but also a variety of meat combos.

Description:

This is a great place to see cobras, kraits, vipers and pythons in all their glory. You can also hold a giant python and see snakes "milked" of their venom and see lectures and demonstrations delivered in English and Thai. The snake farm is part of a larger research facility operating a traveler immunization clinic where visitors can get vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, tetanus, polio, Japanese encephalitis, influenza and cholera.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too busy watching the group fitness routines, look out for Lumphini's wildlife. Giant monitor lizards and tropical birds make you forget you're in the middle of a city!

Description:

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.

Description:

Although greenery may be hard to come by in Bangkok, Chatuchak Park surely has a lot of it. A sanctuary for joggers, bicyclists and picnickers alike since 1980, Chatuchak Park is home to a variety of trees, a winding artificial lake and public exercising equipment for all to enjoy. It borders Chatuchak Weekend Market, thus also making it a haven for exhausted shoppers who need a break from the crowds. And although it is a bit hidden, the rolling extension of the park to the northwest cannot be missed.

Description:

Ask yourself whether your body needs to be pampered through and through, and if the answer is yes, head to the Oriental Spa. Located in Oriental Bangkok (The), one of the world's great hotels, this spa, and its professional health and beauty attendants, live up to the reputation of the hotel they are housed in. Services include papaya body polishes, full-body aroma therapy massages, mud wraps, bust-firming enhancement, foot massages and seaweed treatments. Advance booking is recommended and you must check in fifteen minutes before your session.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just strides away from Central World, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping malls, the Erawan Shrine presents the shopaholic tourist with a convenient chance to soak up some culture.

Description:

In the middle of the glitz and traffic of downtown commercial Bangkok stands Erawan Shrine, a very unique place of worship that is a must-see. Devoted to the Hindu god Brahma, Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to honor the spirits that once resided in trees that were chopped down during construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Nowadays, the shrine is constantly flooded with worshippers praying for good fortune as they burn incense, light candles and place carnation garlands at offering tables. Traditional Thai dancers perform on a stage around the clock, and tourists are welcomed to partake in the spirituality. The open-air fills with pleasant scents and the good vibes are abundant. Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok must.