Go Green in Bangkok

Description:

A bit of an old standby the Amari Atrium offers a good mid-range price. Centered around a 12-story atrium, the 568-room property has deluxe and executive suites. The commercial district and shopping areas of Bangkok are a short taxi ride away. Onsite eateries include the Italian restaurant Vivaldi and Mingles nightclub. The pool and accompanying sundeck with Jacuzzi overlook downtown. Internet deals are common on the website.

Description:

See the sights of inner Bangkok from an electric city tram. En-route a professional guide describes the attractions as passengers relax and view Rattanakosin Island's myriad sights and sounds such as the Grand Palace, Pak Talong Flower Market, the Ta Chang Pier, the National Museum and the National Gallery. Multi-lingual commentary is available. Catch the tram near front gates of the Grand Palace in Sanam Luang. Tours leave every thirty minutes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Akbar has delicious lunch platter specials that can easily force you to skip dinner. As for décor, you'll never find anything like it in the West. Tributes to "freedom fighters" and slams against Bush make for a very interesting dining experience.

Description:

Serving tourists and locals for two decades, this 70-seater restaurant has a reputation for serving good food at very reasonable prices. The menu features Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Arabic and vegetarian dishes. There is a small selection of Kormas on the menu, but plenty of delicious Tikkas and Tandoori dishes. A favourite with the locals is the Akbari Chicken. The bar serves local and imported beers, spirits and a limited selection of wines.

Description:

A bit of an old standby the Amari Atrium offers a good mid-range price. Centered around a 12-story atrium, the 568-room property has deluxe and executive suites. The commercial district and shopping areas of Bangkok are a short taxi ride away. Onsite eateries include the Italian restaurant Vivaldi and Mingles nightclub. The pool and accompanying sundeck with Jacuzzi overlook downtown. Internet deals are common on the website.

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:

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]

Description:

This Royal Palace dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The buildings within the palace represent a variety of Thai, Chinese and Victorian styles. Climb the spiral staircase to the top floor of the Red Chinese tower for a great view of the grounds. The small lake in the center features a large Thai pavilion, considered a classic example of Thai architecture. Today, the Royal Family sometimes uses the palace as a residence and for receptions or banquets. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company runs tours to the Palace from Bangkok on the weekends.

Our Local Expert Says:

You may feel overwhelmed at the National Museum, but absolutely make time for the Buddhaisawan Chapel and the gilded funerary chariots, both of which deserve a spotlight.

Description:

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).

Our Local Expert Says:

This is not the best street food in Bangkok certainly, but the variety and price make it a good one-stop for anyone experimenting. The daring will give the fried bug vendor a try.

Description:

It is unlikely to hear Chatuchak Park's weekend market called by its official name. Commonly referred to even by the Thai as J.J. market (from an Anglified spelling of Jatujak) this is the mecca for bargain hunters and a good place to find a variety of street food. The labryinth of covered vendors -- which is only open on the weekends -- gets hot in the midday heat and haggling is the norm. Food vendors are spread throughout the open spaces. Both the SkyTrain (Mor Chit) and MRT Subway (Chatuchak) stop here.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too exhausted after a day of sightseeing, adjacent Santichai Prakarn Park is a great place to join in on free late afternoon outdoor aerobics…or even to try breakdancing or aerobics with the park's regulars.

Description:

Phra Sumen Fort is 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.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Whether or not you're staying on Khao San Road, it is the ideal place to socialize with friend-starved travelers or outgoing locals. You can also pick up used copies of popular travel books for your next adventure.

Description:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Sirocco offers fine dining and the finest eagle's-eye view of the Chao Phraya River.

Description:

Sirocco bills itself as the world's highest alfresco restaurant. Located high up on the 63rd floor of State Tower, Sirocco offers the breezy views one might imagine of the Bangkok skyline. The menu is Italian and much of the fare is imported as appropriate. Prices are not for the casual night out, but the views of stars and city, the live jazz, and the splendid drinks make Sirocco good for special moments and romantic evenings. Expect crisp formal service and be sure to dress on the formal side as well. Be aware that especially outside of the dry season, the restaurant is at the mercy of the weather.

Description:

A bit of an old standby the Amari Atrium offers a good mid-range price. Centered around a 12-story atrium, the 568-room property has deluxe and executive suites. The commercial district and shopping areas of Bangkok are a short taxi ride away. Onsite eateries include the Italian restaurant Vivaldi and Mingles nightclub. The pool and accompanying sundeck with Jacuzzi overlook downtown. Internet deals are common on the website.

Description:

A number of Thai handicrafts such as baskets, wood carvings, artificial flowers, silk products and miniature Thai dolls are produced and sold here. The people who produce them are from rural areas all over Thailand. Most have been trained at the folk center. Visitors can learn about the lives of farmers in Thailand, and also help them by buying their beautifully and uniquely crafted Thai products.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Description:

A full-day guided excursion to the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai, one of Thailand's most beautiful National Parks, is the ideal city escape for those looking to get back to nature on their vacation to Thailand.

Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square miles (2,172 square kilometers) of forests, jungles and grassland the park covers five vegetation zones and is one of the few remaining intact monsoon forests in Asia. The reserve is home to over 153 different species of animals, including 200-300 wild elephants, as well as other rarely seen mammals such as Asiatic black bear, tiger, leopards, barking deer to name a few. Exotic birds such as the great hornbill and the Himalayan ribbed bats also live inside the park and are protected by law. Sightings can never be guaranteed but it is great to wander the park knowing wildlife is out there!

En-route to the park your tour will stop at a local fruit market in the province of Nakhon Nayok so you can enjoy exotic fruits such as mango and rambutans - other wise known as the 'hairy fruit' which is similar to a lychee....

Description:

An award-winning Thai restaurant located in the business and shopping district of Sukhumvit Road, basil is stylishly decorated with soft lighting, pastel colors and lots of wood. The lunchtime clientele is mainly business people from the surrounding offices and hotel guests. In the evenings, a number of tourists spill in. Delicious, spicy, home-style cooking is offered at reasonable prices. Choose from an a la carte menu featuring items from around the country. The curries are delectable, although some are rather hot! Also recommended is the Durian Cheesecake. The drinks include alcoholic beverages and some novel Thai cocktails.