Bangkok
To put it simply, Bangkok can seem like a nightmare to the uninitiated. Sprawling expressways and overpasses, the huge new Skytrain and crowded streets full of vendors give the place a distinct Blade Runneresque feel. To confuse matters further, there is no true "center" to the city, with various districts famed for different reasons being scattered throughout town. On the positive side, the Skytrain has made it much easier to get around, and taxis, tuk-tuks, buses and motorcycle taxis are plentiful. Get your bearings by reading the following guide and it will not take long for you to be seduced by the glorious chaos and charm of the "City of Angels."
The most heavily visited area, at least during the day, is Ko Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island), Bangkok\'s old city on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. Here you will find fantastic examples of historical architecture such as the glitteringGrand Palace (The), Wat Phra Keo, Wat Pho, Wat Mahathat, the Golden Mount and Wat Suthat. The city\'s founding pillar, Lak Mueang, is also located in this district, as are the National Museum, National Theater and National Gallery. If you are keen on seeing something completely out of the ordinary, pop across the river to the Museum of the Department of Forensic Medicine. Sanam Luang is about the only green spot on the "island," which is not really an island but would have seemed like one in the old days when many of the canals linking the area to the river had not yet been filled in.
Bangkok was once referred to as "The Venice of The East," but today the klongs, or canals, are concentrated in Thonburi, an area lying to the west of the Chao Phraya River. You can take a klong tour, and most will stop atWat Arun and the museum of the Royal Barges. Buses heading south from Bangkok leave from Sai Tai bus terminal, located here.
Backpackers head for theBanglampoo and Thewet districts. Near the Democracy Monument, there is some good trinket shopping to be done on Khao San Road, a strip lined with guest houses and cheap restaurants, none of which stand out for their ambiance or cuisine. A mere stone\'s throw away, however, some great restaurants and bars come to life at night along Phra Arthit Road. Following the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya, you will come to an area frequented by students from nearby Thammasat and Silpakorn universities, which has a laid-back, cosmopolitan feel.
The Dusit district offers plenty of tourist attractions.Vimanmek Palace, Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), Suan Pakkard Palace and Dusit Zoo are all found here. There is not much in the way of hotels or restaurants, but a small artsy area popular with local students has sprung up on Rachawithee Soi 34.
Northern Bangkok\'s highlight for tourists isChatuchak Weekend Market, best reached by catching the Skytrain. Mor Chit bus terminal is located near the same stop--handy to know if you want to catch an interprovincial bus heading north or northeast. Don Muang, Bangkok\'s international airport, is about 15 kilometers farther north.
Heading back south, the area around theVictory Monument features a variety of bars, including Saxophone Pub and Restaurant. This is also a major transport hub, with the Skytrain and plenty of buses passing through.
Young Thais and keen shoppers head for the area aroundSiam Square, a shoppers\' paradise-unless you are a tall Western woman looking for off-the-rack clothes or shoes. Otherwise, you will find plenty in malls such as Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center, Centerpoint (the most popular teenage hangout), Mah Boon Krong and the World Trade Center. A walk away from the latter stands Panthip Plaza, also known as the heaven for computer geeks, and possibly the best place to get deals on computers in Southeast Asia. The non-shopper can retreat to the sanctuary of Jim Thompson\'s House and Museum. There is a cluster of hotels in this area, and popular restaurants such as the Hard Rock Café are also found here.
Heading east along Ploenchit Road and Sukhumvit Road, you can get into a shopping extravaganza, both at the street stalls which spring up around the beginning of Sukhumvit and stretch to Soi Asoke, and at department stores such asCentral Chidlom and Emporium. The huge array of dining options along this stretch include Auberge Dab, Baan Khanita, Lemon Grass, Cabbages and Condoms and Rossini\'s. The Ekamai, the eastern bus terminal, is located on Soi Ekamai (63). Sukhumvit Road also features a large selection of hotels, including the Bangkok JW Marriott, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the Westin Grande Sukhumvit (formerly Grand Pacific).
The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok\'s Central Business District, although the Stock Exchange of Thailand is located some distance away on Ratchadaphisek Road. The area encompasses a number of embassies and hotels, such as the Banyan Tree,Sukhothai and Dusit Thani. Silom Road offers more shopping opportunities, including the Patpong Night Market. Sri Maha Uma Devi temple is also located in this district. Restaurants abound, particularly around Convent Road. Head for nearby Lumpini Park for a break in a rare patch of green.
If you head west along Sathorn or Silom Road, you will come to Charoen Krung ("New") Road and back to the Chao Phraya River. A tram used to run along this road, but these days hardly anything does-the traffic is just so thick! This is another popular hotel area, with plush hotels such asThe Oriental, The Peninsula, the Shangri-La, the Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Marriott Spa Resort all overlooking the river. Take a sunset cruise or dine in one of the many restaurants along the majestic river, such as Yok Yor Marina and Restaurant. The River City Shopping Complex sells a huge array of antiques and is worth browsing through.
North along the river lie hecticChinatown and Pahurat, an Indian district. Here you will find Wat Traimit, but the area is best known for its shopping. Yaowarat Road has loads of gold shops, while Sampeng Lane has everything from hair accessories to shoes, all at bargain basement prices. Farther north you will come to Pak Klong Talat with its colorful fresh flowers.
There are also a number of attractions to be found in the outlying areas of Bangkok and adjacent provinces, includingKing Rama IX Royal Park, Nonthaburi, the Ancient City, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Ayutthaya, a trip to which usually incorporates a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.
The most heavily visited area, at least during the day, is Ko Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Island), Bangkok\'s old city on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. Here you will find fantastic examples of historical architecture such as the glittering
Bangkok was once referred to as "The Venice of The East," but today the klongs, or canals, are concentrated in Thonburi, an area lying to the west of the Chao Phraya River. You can take a klong tour, and most will stop at
Backpackers head for the
The Dusit district offers plenty of tourist attractions.
Northern Bangkok\'s highlight for tourists is
Heading back south, the area around the
Young Thais and keen shoppers head for the area around
Heading east along Ploenchit Road and Sukhumvit Road, you can get into a shopping extravaganza, both at the street stalls which spring up around the beginning of Sukhumvit and stretch to Soi Asoke, and at department stores such as
The Sathorn/Silom area forms the core of Bangkok\'s Central Business District, although the Stock Exchange of Thailand is located some distance away on Ratchadaphisek Road. The area encompasses a number of embassies and hotels, such as the Banyan Tree,
If you head west along Sathorn or Silom Road, you will come to Charoen Krung ("New") Road and back to the Chao Phraya River. A tram used to run along this road, but these days hardly anything does-the traffic is just so thick! This is another popular hotel area, with plush hotels such as
North along the river lie hectic
There are also a number of attractions to be found in the outlying areas of Bangkok and adjacent provinces, including
