Bangkok really is a crazy city that has so much culture, fascinating architecture and fabulous sites. You could spend a lifetime here and no see everything, but since most people have a couple of days in the city, here are some of the things that…Read More

Bangkok really is a crazy city that has so much culture, fascinating architecture and fabulous sites. You could spend a lifetime here and no see everything, but since most people have a couple of days in the city, here are some of the things that I think you have to see . . .

1. Grand Palace

Grand Palace is a very aptly named sprawling complex of fabulous buildings and temples that definitely warrant a least a half day visit. It isn't cheap to get in (compared to other things in Thailand) at around £12 per person, but it is an expenses worth spending. The centre piece is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade - you can find out more inside), which is very impressive. I have to admit, I'm not big on religious buildings but the interior of this one is packed full of fascinating features. There are lots of other buildings in the complex, but more of them are best enjoyed from the outside, where you can get some amazing pictures. The place is so big that even though it is busy, you don't really feel crowded at any point. Also bear in mind that it is a religious building so you will have to abide by the rules and cover your shoulders and knees and don't wear anything skintight or see-through.

2. Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most familiar sights in Bangkok and it is the one that tends to dominate postcards and other souvenirs from the city. It is very well preserved and well worth a visit if you are in the area, even if temples are not really your things, because it is an impressive building and offers splendid views. The building is fantastic and gets even more so the closer you get, with lovely detailed frescos and layers upon layers of intricate stone work. It is nicknamed the temple of the dawn because it is the first place to catch the morning light. To be honest I thought it was going to be more colourful than it is; from a distance it actually looks fairly grey. But that is deceptive because when you get up close it is very colourful. Almost like a mosaic, there are hundreds of coloured tiles up and down the temple that add to the ornate look.You can’t go into the temple itself, but walking around it is cool enough. You can however climb up the outside of it, which was one of the best things about it. You may think my choice of word (climb) was a strange one, but that is indeed what you need to do. There are stairs alright, but Western health and safety laws do not apply here, and they are some of the steepest stairs I have ever seen! I am what they call ‘vertically challenged’ and so I had to literally cling to the hand rails to haul myself up. It takes it out of you, that’s for sure, but the effort is so worth it because the views are spectacular. The temple costs 30 Baht for foreigners to enter; it is free for Thai nationals, but it seems to be visited by tourists in the most part.

3. Dining Under the Stars

Bangkok, like most major cities, is full of skyscrapers. The difference here is that you can wine and dine at the top of a few of them under the stars. The first option is the Sky Bar at Sirrocco which featured in the film Th Hangover. Another option is Vertigo Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree. Neither are cheap and you'll have to book in advance (bear in mind that the residents of the hotels that they are both in get preference over 'outsiders'), but the food is good and the views are obviously spectacular. Worth treating yourself if you have anything left in the budget.

4. Fishy Fun

Siam Ocean World is located in the shopping district of Bangkok on the lower floor of the Siam shopping mall. It’s not the cheapest place to get into, especially when you compare it to the prices of other attractions in Bangkok, but it is worth a visit if you have a spare afternoon and you are all templed out. The price reflects which parts of the attraction you want to see and take part in. You can do things like diving with the sharks in the huge tanks and back room tours. We opted for one of the more basic packages which cost about £20 per person and included entry to the aquarium, a drink and some popcorn, a back room tour, a boat ride and film showing, which we thought was quite good value for money.The aquarium is split into different zones, which makes it easy to explore. When you get your tickets, you get a pretty good map which shows you the zones and the location of the extra features as well as giving details about feeding times in the various areas. Overall I thought the aquarium was very good. It is well maintained and there are lots of informative displays. It is well designed and a lot of fun for adults and children alike and, even though it is quite expensive, I would say it is worth the money.

5. Kao San Road

This is the back packers destination and it is manic to say the least. it is full of restaurants and bars where you can get a cheap bite to eat or a cocktail and watch the world go by. You can also buy pretty much anything you want (and lots of stuff that you don't). It is the place to go if you want knock off gear, fake IDs, ping pong shows and some deep fried scorpions. It may sound like hell, but it is one of those places that you at least have to visit just see how manic the city can be.

There are hundreds of other things to see and do in Bangkok, but doing these will certainly give you chance to see a bit of everything that makes the city great.   Close

Understanding the peculiar personal space definition of a foreign culture is critical for the success of a trip there. Knowing how to speak with a denizen while standing at a proper distance is vital; knowing how not to touch is even more urgent. However, sometimes…Read More

Understanding the peculiar personal space definition of a foreign culture is critical for the success of a trip there. Knowing how to speak with a denizen while standing at a proper distance is vital; knowing how not to touch is even more urgent. However, sometimes it won’t help, as in Bolivia, where the concept is unknown; bumping into complete strangers while walking on the street, is almost the norm. But that’s the exception to the rule. In sharp contrast, in Thailand personal space is particularly important. Being aware of one’s body is essential, as these graceful people prove with every one of their moves. Close physical proximity is not accepted, except for places like a crowded bus or Skytrain car; even then, clear rules apply. This paragraph was easy, but how close is too close? Can we measure that?

An example that would make sense to Western readers is a Starbucks’ line. People stand there pretty close to each other, but without touching. Yet, if someone makes a sudden movement, like turning around to take a look at that lovely new pumpkin seed cake, he may touch his neighbor. This is acceptable in the USA and Europe; more often than not it wouldn’t even qualify to an "I’m sorry." This common situation would make a Thai uncomfortable. This is too close, especially with a clumsy foreigner making unexpected moves all over his personal space. Step back one step; the pumpkin seed cake is not running away from you.

Then, it is essential to remember that to Thais, the head is the most sacred part of the body. Touching the head of someone else is almost taboo. This must be understood to the extent of planning to avoid possible errors beforehand. For example, many trekkers would attach an extra pair of shoes to their backpack. While walking quickly in a crowded place, the shoes may shake wildly and touch the head of an innocent passerby. This is a major transgression, since feet are considered offensive. Hiding the shoes within the backpack is the wise approach. The same applies to all movements that may be interpreted as an aggression to the personal space of the person next to you. Do not reach for something over another person’s head; never walk over somebody. Even if you apologize properly afterwards, you would be tagged as a "clumsy pushy farang" (this is the local name for Western foreigners.)

What about a handshake? Handshakes are not part of the Thai culture. They may be used while dealing with foreigners, but not necessarily. The typical Thai greeting is the wai, which obviously avoids physical contact. The wai looks like a prayer; hands are brought together in front of the face and a small bow is performed. The event is quite complex; a younger person is expected to wai first. Then, there are various degrees of wai-ing, corresponding to the amount of honor being given to the other person. Foreigners would be forgiven for mistaking this. However, the best is avoiding extremes. Do not wai with your hands in front of your chest or above your head. Keeping them in front of the chin is about right for daily use. In most cases, the bow should be light, reminding a typical Western affirmative nod.

Despite this being rather straightforward, disasters occur. During my last visit to the Kingdom of the Smiles, I was standing in a line for one of the best Khaosan Road coffee shops. Ahead of me was a Thai girl, and ahead of her a Japanese tourist who obviously was for the first time in Thailand. In an attempt to open a conversation, he asked her in English:

"What’s a pumpkin seed flavored coffee?"

"I don’t know, I drink only farang flavored coffee," the girl answered and added a charmingly silly giggle. Her joke was acceptable if understanding that "farang" is not only the name for a foreigner, but also for "guava" (Portuguese were among the first "farang" in Thailand and they brought guavas to the country).

The tourist reaction was chilling. He stretched his right hand towards her and ruffled her hair while laughing exaggeratedly. It was awesome to see how all other Thais in the shop went quiet and kept looking at the now embarrassed girl. Without saying a word, she quickly left the establishment.

"What happened?" He asked me.
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The Khao San Road. Say these words to anyone who has been to Bangkok and they will either smile or wince, but the surrounding area has so much more to offer than dirt-cheap hotels and even cheaper t-shirts. There are numerous important historical monuments in…Read More

The Khao San Road. Say these words to anyone who has been to Bangkok and they will either smile or wince, but the surrounding area has so much more to offer than dirt-cheap hotels and even cheaper t-shirts. There are numerous important historical monuments in the surrounding area, known as Banglamphu, such as the impossible-to-miss Democracy Monument. Placed in the centre of the junction on Ratchadamnoen Road, the monument is a source of immense pride for Thai people and is worth closer inspection. If you are unable to make it to The Grand Palace then you can get a taste of the stunning Thai-Buddhist style at Wat Chang Songkhram; although nowhere near as impressive as Wat Phra Kaew, it is still a beautiful architectural accomplishment and is located at the very end of Khao San. If you fancy an idling walk along the Chao Phraya River then you may come across Fort Phra Sumen, a striking reminder of the militaristic past of this fabulous country. Built in 1783 to defend the city against forces from the west, this whitewashed gem is a wonderful place to spend some time.

Bangkok wouldn’t be the cultural centre that it is if it didn’t have a wide selection of wonderful restaurants and bars and Banglamphu is no exception; whilst Khao San is awash with bars and cheap food stalls there are a few places worth checking out for the discerning drinker. Hippie de Bar is a lovely oasis of calm amidst the chaos, favored by Thai youngsters and discretely located in an alley halfway down Khao San, this bar of mismatched chairs and a nice little courtyard offers something different. A short walk along Thanon Tanao will lead you to Taksura, a stately home that has fallen into disrepair and has been turned into a glorious bar-cum-house-party. Hidden knowingly down a small lane, Taksura also serves great food, is predominantly frequented by locals and is one of the best drinking dens in town. Suzie Walking Street is a little alleyway that leads onto Soi Rambuttri, a quieter alternative to Khao San which has numerous bars that tend to be a little more atmospheric and is also home to some wonderful street food stalls. If you continue to the end, where the road seems to get quiet, you will find Gypsy Lips, a VW van that has been converted into a makeshift bar. The staff are friendly, drinks cheap and they play great music; what more could you want than that? For the adventurous, there are numerous good bars further up on Thanon Samsen, the best thing to do is to jump in a tuk-tuk and stop at one that takes your fancy.

Hemlock is one of the best restaurants in the area and a wonderful and relatively inexpensive place to sample some of the best cuisine Thailand has to offer. Conveniently located on Thanon Phra Athit, near the end of Soi Rambuttri, Hemlock is perfect for couples and groups of friends who wish to dine in an understated yet classy atmosphere. Of the numerous food stalls that line Banglamphu, the best for price, quality and a seat is the first stall on the left after O! Hungry bar on Soi Rambuttri. For cheap eats in a nice environment, try heading to Bar Bali, which is right next to Hemlock; it can be a bit of a tight squeeze but if you can get a seat, the low lighting and gentle music can be a very welcome respite from the chaos of Banglamphu.

The city is famed for its nightlife, and with good reason. The bars and nightclubs are amongst the best in the world, which is why the city regularly features in many lists of

the best places to party

RCA and Ari are also popular nightlife areas and if you can avoid the sleaze, the touristy Sukhumvit has many great bars to find on many of its soi’s; but write off Banglamphu at your peril as you may just miss out on the best night of your holiday.


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This is one place I could have stayed longer . I loved it and had so much fun . The people are so friendly and the transportation system makes it an easy and fun city to explore . I have to visit again soon. If…Read More

This is one place I could have stayed longer . I loved it and had so much fun . The people are so friendly and the transportation system makes it an easy and fun city to explore . I have to visit again soon.

If you stay near the mono rail it is a breeze to get around the area.
If you want just to relax, you can cruise up and around Bangkok on the river. How amazing to see it from a water view.....temples floating by!!

Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown district runs along Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle, where a huge ceremonial Chinese gate marks the entrance, up to the Ong Ang Canal, which marks the outer boundaries of the royal district.

It's a good place to shop for gold . Note there is no haggling with the gold...it's weighed and priced according to weight.
Nothing opens until afternoon so plan accordingly if you want to shop.

The easiest way to reach Chinatown is by boat. Get off at the Ratchawong Pier and walk up Ratchawong Road to Sampaeng Lane or Yaowarat Road.

Many people come to see Wat Traimit .This small temple is home to the world's largest solid gold Buddha image, the five-ton-plus image sits within the temple. It is breathtaking and a must to see.

There are so many sites to see in Chinatown. Many historic buildings such as the Tang To Gung gold shop on Sampaeng Lane .

The markets are always crowded and fun ...selling a variety of things.

Beware of scam artists !!Beware of guys dressed as the police at Thieves Market . We had one trying to convince us to take a tuk tuk to another area for better shopping!! He was so friendly and convincing....he became too salesy though and it gave him away.


Patpong
Patpong is in fact two small streets - Patpong 1 and Patpong 2. Located between Silom Road and Surawongse Road, Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 run alongside each other.

This area is probably best known for it's go go bars and sex scene .The tragic young victims of this sex trade, lend a sadness to the area which you can’t ignore. However thankfully more and more visititors are coming to this area for shopping .The street stalls in the middle of the road offer just about everything you want – a really perfect place to pick up gifts for people back home. We found this was the only area where you can buy large T Shirts.
There lots of little restaurants in the area as well




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Thailand is often referred to as the Land of Smiles; that’s a true statement, however it obscures another quality of this awesome land: its nature.A long time ago I was showing my Everest pictures to a Thai friend. Those from the way up were sunny…Read More

Thailand is often referred to as the Land of Smiles; that’s a true statement, however it obscures another quality of this awesome land: its nature.

A long time ago I was showing my Everest pictures to a Thai friend. Those from the way up were sunny and dry, those taken during the way down were snowy and pure. She was looking with a delightful tropical wonder at the last ones. "Would you like to visit there?" I asked. She shivered with genuine revulsion: "Nooooo, coooold!" was the succinct vocal reaction. After all, most Thais despise air conditioners, so they seldom can experience anything below 15 degrees Celsius. Below 20, they begin using warmer clothes; though probably that’s just for the fun of the experience.

That event was a revelation for me. Suddenly, the easy going attitude of Thais got a new twist. In desert, temperate and cold parts of the planet, people are worried about the weather. Are the clothes picked for the day warm enough? Do I need an umbrella? Should I take water? What types of shoes fit today’s activities? Endless issues that hide a simple reality: nature is hostile to humans in most of the planet.

Back in Thailand, all that seems imaginary. The monsoon season rains are highly predictable; one has plenty of time to seek for protection before the wet event. Shade is always available at the hottest moments of the day. Awesome greenery makes the wait for relief agreeable. Then, cloudy skies are not rare and they create a feast of light for photographers. Few places on earth provide similar conditions.

In my hometown, several areas experience a rush hour at 3 AM, but that’s due to an artificial concentration of restaurants and pubs in them. All through the cold and wet months heat must be provided; otherwise people won’t venture out. In Thailand, it doesn’t take long to realize many denizens live at night, experiencing a world where weak neon lights replace the sun and blurred pastel colors unsuccessfully mimic nature. At first, it looks odd, but then you realize there is no need to avoid the dark hours there. There is no cold; it seldom rains so much that it is unpleasant to be out. A sweet night breeze reminds you then how hot it was during the day. It was only natural such a night culture would develop.

This non-industrial timetable caused also another freeing effect. In western, industrialized countries, people eat according to office and factory timetables; the food industry accommodated itself to that. In contrast, in a country where people wander around at all times a different reality appeared. Food is available at all times in a rich and tasty variety. Long stretches of the country’s highways resemble open food markets at all hours. Thai cities seem to be a large and busy kitchen. Somehow they need to dispose of all the food produced by one of the most fertile lands on the planet; eating it is an appropriate way of achieving this worthy goal.

Then, writing these words in a cold, altitude coffee shop – cold despite being noon – it becomes clear why Thailand became the Land of Smiles. They had no choice, so blessed they are.
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Although one may consider Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, highly polluted, it will still impress anyone with its magnificent temples, glittering palaces, plethora of street fares and markets, which, of course, carry flavors that would definitely present a kaleidoscope of tastes. First things first though,…Read More

Although one may consider Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, highly polluted, it will still impress anyone with its magnificent temples, glittering palaces, plethora of street fares and markets, which, of course, carry flavors that would definitely present a kaleidoscope of tastes.

First things first though, as the capital city, the streets of Bangkok is very much congested. That said, to avoid traffic, it is rather advisable to utilize public vehicles like public ferries as well as water taxis (they are everywhere, so do not fret). You can even ride a tuk-tuk if you want. These are the best way to navigate the busy streets of the capital.

Bangkok’s most famous landmark, well, at least for me, is the Grand Palace. I just want to put emphasis on the word ‘grand’. And to some extent, ‘grand’ may still be an understatement. This particular structure boasts a stunning complex of structures (buildings) that includes the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or as what the locals call it, the Wat Phra Kaew; the royal residences may also be found here and the government offices as well. One will definitely be awed by the stunning architecture and the elaborate details of these buildings.

After spending a day’s worth of sight-seeing and a lot of walking in Bangkok, I was treated by a friend to a traditional Thai massage. And this will certainly melt away the stress, fatigue, and the worn traveler in anyone.

In the hotel where I stayed, they did offer a massage of their own but it was rather pricey. My friend and I got a better deal elsewhere. The Wat Pho Temple is one of the places that provide such service. This is the oldest of the temples in Bangkok and is very much famous for its reclining Buddha and its medical and massage school.

Though one friendly caution, this massage involves a lot, and I mean a lot of pulling, kneading, and yanking, be prepared to assume the role of a dough being prep up for rising. But after that, you will experience bodily zen. With the rate of 400 Baht (or roughly 12 US dollars) for an hour of full body massage, this is a great deal, and you will positively want to come back for more sessions.

For me, no trip to Bangkok would be complete without visiting the weekend market in Chatuchak. The display of goods presented to the buying public is quite amazing. The size of the market alone is enough to overwhelm anyone. The bazaar offers a wide variety of goods and items like clothes, silk textiles, tools, jewelries, crafts, antiques, food (of course) and pets.

Put that haggling skill to good use. It does not really mater if you do not speak the local tongue. Most sellers carry a calculator. And remember, the universal language is, hard to admit it, is math (hate that subject). Calculators can and will do the talking.

Last but not the least, it is highly recommended that one engages in an excursion. And a boat trip to the relaxing Phi-Phi Island is a good one. There are tours, and they all usually stop at several islands, including the Tapu Island aka James Bond Island. Along the way, one can is given the opportunity to snorkel in the emerald waters. If one chooses, one can even arrange to spend overnight by the beach in Tapu. And this is a great way to unwind before heading back home.
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Ubiquitous in Thailand, 7-Eleven branches are one of the most distinctive memories I have from the kingdom. Maybe that’s because this was the first country where I met the chain; but it is not only that, Thai branches are highly distinctive and worth of a…Read More

Ubiquitous in Thailand, 7-Eleven branches are one of the most distinctive memories I have from the kingdom. Maybe that’s because this was the first country where I met the chain; but it is not only that, Thai branches are highly distinctive and worth of a visit.

Unusual Name

The unusual name of the chain refers to its working hours in the far past (7 AM to 11 PM), but more interesting is the fact that "7-Eleven" is a name that asks for troubles in Thai.

The Thai alphabet was derived from Khmer, the last from Sanskrit and the Sanskrit adapted its letters from Aramaic. The letter "v" poses certain problems in these languages, to the extent it simply does not exist in Thai.

South American Spanish confuses between "v" and "b," but this way of solving the problem is not useful in Thai: "seben" would be a close enough pronunciation but it lacks a solid base on the Thai alphabet. Instead, it is pronounced as an Aramaic "waw," leading to "sewen." The last is the way the chain’s name is pronounced, the "eleven" is usually dropped.

Locations

"Location is everything" is taught in Business Administration courses. That was implemented to the extreme in the Thai branches of 7-Eleven, where – at least in Bangkok – it is possible to find branches across the street from each other or even a few meters of the nearest branch on the same street, as it happens on Khaosan Road.

"Let’s cover the entire place and skip the location study," seems to be the adopted approach: 1500 branches exist in Bangkok and about another 3500 in the rest of Thailand. 7-Eleven is not only everywhere in space, but also in time: its branches are open 24/7 making them ideal for the traveller arriving and departing at odd hours.

Often, branches of Family Mart can be found nearby. The last is an almost identical – albeit local – chain. Both are very similar, though Family Mart stores are often more spacious than those of 7-Eleven.

Water

Cold water is probably the single most important – and popular – product sold by 7-Eleven Thailand. Many brands are on display, most of them belong to international corporations and are a by-product of their main activity – as is the case with Coca-Cola and Singha.

However the conscious traveler – the eco-traveler to use a more en vogue term – should pay attention to the 1 liter bottles hiding at one of the refrigerator corners. Sold at five or six baht per bottle (roughly two dimes) they are much cheaper than the water sold by corporations. With a distinctive round top and blue Thai writing applied directly on the opaque white bottle they are anything but flashy. Yet, they are the recommended brand. They are produced as part of a nationwide project aimed at developing small villages; those filter the water, pack it and sell it in the nearest city (the label is different in every city). A much needed income source is created in such a way and the traveler can contribute to the local economy directly and effectively.

The Wide Path

Those acquainted with branches in the US may be surprised when seeing a Thai one for the first time. Most of them are tiny and crammed up to the extent that entering them with a bulky backpack is not possible.

If carrying such an item, it is useful to remember most shops share a common design. Some of the cold drinks are placed just after the counter along the widest path in the shop and thus accessible also to overloaded travelers. It may be in the form of a refrigerator packed with water and soft drinks or a Big Gulp fountain drink, which offers a better value, though the cups (up to 1 liter – 32 ounces) are difficult to carry around.

The Narrow Path

It is worth finding a guesthouse or hotel where to leave the bulky backpack in order to explore the narrow corridors of the nearest 7-Eleven branch. The choice of Thai snacks is overwhelmingly attractive and the Western ones are handy while feeling nostalgia for home.

On the Thai front things that are worth looking for include sugared tamarind, kalapao (or salapao - steamed dumplings filled with pork and/or eggs) and pickled mangoes packed in plastic bags. (I really love Thailand, but find it impossible to understand why a perfectly delicious fruit is treated in such a way.) Many items exist in this group, though many of them are advertised only in Thai and - to tell the truth – are rather difficult to describe but quite enjoyable and worth exploration.

On the Western side, the branches offer coffee and croissants; pastries and bread. The coffee is of the "3 in 1" type (a small bag with coffee, sugar and milk powder); plastic cups and hot water are placed nearby. The croissants are rather soft and heavy (packed as singles or threes) and the bread is too sweet; but at 3 AM after having arrived from a long trip by bus, they are perfect. 7-Eleven is also the handiest place for purchasing Western toiletries in small packages fit for travelling around.

The existence of these two cuisines invites the creation of tasty hybrids. Shredded pork sandwiches are distinctive in this category. The shredded pork is a popular ingredient in the Thai cuisine, while sandwiches are not. Probably this is an adaptation of the popular shredded pork buns sold at Bread Talk. Shredded pork is one of the most surprising foods I’ve ever tried; it looks like dried up bits of dirty-blond hair, but it tastes of juicy fresh meat.

7-Eleven and the Walks

I have written in the past about several delightful walks in Bangkok. However, the city is hot and humid at all times and I must admit that without the air-conditioned branches of 7-Eleven providing some relief from time to time, they would have been much harder.

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What is Dusit?When King Rama V returned from his visit to Europe in 1897, he moved the royal palace, the throne hall and the royal family palaces from the Rattanakosin Grand Palace to Dusit.If arriving from Ratchadamnoen Road, beyond the 9 Gems Gate the visitor…Read More

What is Dusit?

When King Rama V returned from his visit to Europe in 1897, he moved the royal palace, the throne hall and the royal family palaces from the Rattanakosin Grand Palace to Dusit.

If arriving from Ratchadamnoen Road, beyond the 9 Gems Gate the visitor sees a huge plaza featuring a large statue of King Rama V on a horse. Behind it is the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. Out of sight and northwest of there are the Vimanmek Mansion and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.

This order is a good one for a visit. If beginning early, the day can be end at the Dusit Zoo – just east of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

However, this is a shortlist. The complex includes 16 halls presently available to visit and another four that are closed to the public. Those with a deep interest in Thailand at the beginning of the 20th Century would probably spend a few days exploring this huge museum.

East of the sites described here is the Chitlada Palace, the king's formal residence. The palace is beyond a moat and a wall, and is not open to the public.

Reaching Dusit

Seldom is the arrival direction relevant to our experience of an attraction. That’s not so in Royal Bangkok. The Dusit Palaces are best seen if arriving from the Grand Palace along Ratchadamnoen Road. This can be accomplished by foot, taxi or tuk-tuk; I recommend beginning early in the morning and walking through this easy, but glorious path.

Despite the Western style of parts of it, Ratchadamnoen Road is intrinsically Thai. Few Westerners would recognize it as a single conceptual unit since it is technically divided into three parts, namely Ratchadamnoen Nok (outer), Ratchadamnoen Klang (middle), and Ratchadamnoen Nai (inner). The last starts from the Grand Palace and lies along Sanam Luang. Ratchadamnoen Klang starts from Sanam Luang and reaches the Golden Mount. Ratchadamnoen Nok connects the Golden Mount with the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and the Dusit area.

The road symbolizes the transition from the old Siamese absolute monarchy area of the Grand Palace to the new Thai modern constitutional monarchy at the Dusit Palace. The symbol has also architectural representation; the Grand Palace is traditional Thai in style, while the parts near the Dusit Palace were built mainly in European style.

Vimanmek Mansion

In 1900 the King had the Munthaturattanaroj Residence – his Summer Palace in Chuthathujrachathan at Koh Sri Chang, Chonburi – dismantled and rebuilt in the Dusit Garden, after that the structure became known as the Vimanmek Mansion; it was inaugurated in Bangkok on 1901. Certain Thai consonant is usually transliterated as "v" despite its sound being "w;" thus the correct pronunciation of the mansion’s name is "Wimanmek;" it means "celestial mansion."

The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms built in 19th Century European style. The building has two right-angled wings, sixty meters long each. At their meeting point is the four-storied, octagonal structure where the king lived. The widest point is 35 meters long, while the building’s height is 28 meters; all the teakwood parts were connected without nails. Nowadays it includes 31 exhibition rooms. Items related to the Thai culture of the time are in display in them.

Other buildings in the same compound include an exhibition of H.M. King Bhumibol’s photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, the Paraphernalia of Rank and Portraits Museum, the Old Clocks Museum, Royal Carriages, the Royal Ceremonial Photographic Museum, the Suan Si Ruedo Residential Hall Museum, the Suan Bua Residential Hall Museum, the Ancient Cloth and Silk and others.

Most of the structures hosting these institutions have a long history, dating back to King Rama V decision to allocate plots of land for the construction of residences for his consort, princesses, and other wives.

The mansion has been transformed into a museum dedicated to King Rama V. It is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, including weekends and public holidays; the ticketing and guided tours stop roughly an hour before closure. Proper attire is observed (sarongs, pants and shirts can be rented), shoes must be left by the entrance at a special place, and cameras must be submitted to the guards by the entrance (they are kept in lockers for a small fee). The entrance to the mansion is exclusively as part of a guided tour (given also in English and included in the admission fee). Moreover, the site serves official functions, so despite it being open every day, it may close unexpectedly due to an official ceremony. A point to keep in mind are the two traditional Thai dancing shows taking place daily at 10:30 AM and 2 PM.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

This palace was built between 1907 and 1915 in Italian Renaissance style; cherubim adorn its gates. It is hard to find any Thai touches in the whole structure. After the 1932 coup which ended the absolute monarchy, it housed the Thai parliament. After a new parliament was constructed nearby, this building has been kept for royal and important state ceremonies.

The palace can be visited after buying tickets at an office awkwardly placed behind it (so that the view of the palace from the plaza would not be obstructed). The throne hall is constructed of Italian Carrara marble and is almost fifty meters wide, over 110 meters long and almost fifty meters high. The large central dome is surrounded by six smaller ones; in their interior, murals depict the Chakri Dynasty history. The building is open to visitors daily from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM.

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is east of Vimanmek Mansion and facing the Elephant Museum and Local Textile Exhibition Hall. This single story building is an awesome example of Thai architecture, featuring carved floral motifs on panels adorning the gables and eaves and a mix of Victorian lines with Moorish porticoes.

The throne hall became in 1993 a center for the SUPPORT Foundation, which attempts to preserve traditional Thai art and handicraft and to assist rural people in marketing their traditional products. Its main hall contains Thai handicrafts, though the throne still stands at the far end under an elaborate high ceiling. The collection includes silverware with complex Thai designs as well as Krueng Thom. The last is a form of art where thin sheets of silver coated with gold are cut, bent, twisted and then molded into various shapes, following that, designs are engraved on the surface and filled with a black amalgam. Additional items include Khram floral designs, where fine pieces of gold and silver are beaten and stamped onto boxes or vases. Precious stones necklaces and brooches presented by northern hill tribes to the king during his visits to their villages are also in display.

Another room displays Thai silk in its different styles and textures, traditional northern hill tribe embroidery and vine-woven baskets. Carvings from soap and wood and Talung buffalo hides puppets used in a shadow drama from Southern Thailand are also shown.

Chang Ton - Royal Elephant Museum

Near the U-Thong Nai entrance of the Dusit compound, at the exit of the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, is the Royal Elephant Museum. Elephants are an important part of the Thai culture, having been used as war machines and working force. White elephants are considered as auspicious and presented to the king.

In the past, the museum grounds were the royal stable; nowadays, the living items are kept at the nearby Chitlada Palace. The museum includes two structures which display exhibits – tusks, skins and items produced with them – as well as displays explaining the history of elephants and white elephants, the methods of capturing them, various rituals and Thai beliefs relating to them.

Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo was created in 1938 on a premium location donated by the king; before that it was the Royal Private Garden within the Dusit Royal Garden of King Rama V. King Rama VIII donated the garden to as a public zoo. Nowadays it is one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia, and one of the most pleasant green spaces in the metropolis.

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Bangkok is a big metropolis located roughly at the center of a very populated country. Thus it features an extensive network of buses connecting it with every corner of the kingdom. To avoid congesting its avenues even more, the buses use three terminals: Mo Chit…Read More

Bangkok is a big metropolis located roughly at the center of a very populated country. Thus it features an extensive network of buses connecting it with every corner of the kingdom. To avoid congesting its avenues even more, the buses use three terminals: Mo Chit serves northern and northeastern destinations, Ekamai serves the east and some northeastern destinations and Sai Tai serves the south and west. This last category includes popular destinations for travelers in the kingdom, including Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Damnoen Saduak, Hua Hin, Phuket, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Ranong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, and others.

A New Terminal

In December 2007, a new Southern Bus Terminal was inaugurated in Bangkok. Located in the Taling Chan area of Bangkok, it is quite far from downtown Bangkok and the other bus and railway terminals.

The step could be understood: the older terminal was rather small and very close to the Grand Palace area (across the river from it, on the western side of the Pinklao Bridge).

One Little Detail

The new terminal follow the typical Thai design of such structures; it reminds very much of Mo Chit, though it is smaller. The air-conditioned top level features the ticket selling windows, fast-food restaurants, and various shops. The selling windows are organized per destinations and include an English description; electronic screens announce the departure times. At the ground level are the bus bays.

A really wonderful terminal, it provides everything a traveler expects, except for one little detail: a good location. Reaching it is difficult, especially during rush hours.

Reaching the Terminal

The new terminal can be reached with bus 4 from the Victory Monument, this bus resembles very much the classy shuttles operating from the airport and is very spacious and comfortable. However, the trip to the terminal costs a staggering thirty baht as compared to the regular seven baht fare; to that, the transport to the Victory Monument should be added. The Skytrain has a station at the Victory Monument. A cheaper option from there is the rather infrequent air-con bus 515.

Taxis will reach the terminal from anywhere in town, but they aren’t faster than the buses. During the rush hours it is worth remembering the taxis fares is based on the distance and time traveled, thus such a trip can get quite expensive. Moreover, being taken to the old terminal by a distracted taxi driver is a possibility. If the terminal looks old, crowded and is just next to an elevated highway, then it is the wrong one. The new one is very spacious and somewhat similar to the Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal.

Travelers roaming Thailand may find themselves attempting to move from Mo Chit to Sai Tai – for example while traveling from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui. The best option in such a case is to take a taxi or the Skytrain from Mo Chit (note that the Mo Chit Skytrain Station is far from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal) to the Victory Monument and bus number 4 for the rest of the way.

No, Thank You

All this is extremely cumbersome. Another popular option with travelers are the private buses leaving from Khaosan Road. However, those are of significantly lower quality than the Thai public buses and several scams are known to take place in them.

Luckily, other options exist.

The old terminal – Sai Tai Mai ("mai" means "new" – the terminal moved several times) – still serves as a parking place for buses. In one occasion I spent the day in Bangkok Noi before traveling to Hua Hin. Instead of reaching the new terminal, I approached the old one. There I found a bus passing through Hua Hin and in its way to the new terminal. The driver didn’t look surprised at my boarding and I was able to pay for the ticket at the bus. It worked, but there are no guarantees for this approach.

Another option combines trains and buses. A train can be used for reaching nearby Hua Hin, and from there buses to the desired southern destination. If using this option, be ready to divide the trip in various segments: instead of expecting to find a direct bus connecting Hua Hin with Hat Yai, take one to Surat Thani and continue from there with a direct bus to the final destination.

However, trains have strict timetables and the traveler may be in a rush. In such a case, from the Victory Monument – the same departure location for the bus terminal – are minibuses to Nakhon Pathom. From this town it is possible to advance south- and westwards using local buses. Other similar options exist.
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My friend Pukky in Bangkok always manages to find the most unique and different experiences to show me Thailand and Thai culture each time I stop for a visit. When she told me that we were going to Saim Niramit, I honestly did not have…Read More

My friend Pukky in Bangkok always manages to find the most unique and different experiences to show me Thailand and Thai culture each time I stop for a visit. When she told me that we were going to Saim Niramit, I honestly did not have any idea of what that was. Had she said that tonight we are going to an absolutely wonderful Thai Opera performed on the largest stage in the world by a cast of hundreds, I would have had a better idea what was coming. It took the brochure at the ticket office for me to figure out what was in store for the evening.
We got there early, and decided that we would try the buffet and the show. At 350 Baht for the huge buffet, a lot in Thailand, you would have expected it to be very good with even a few items that would be above that. Unfortunately, it came out as being very large and pretty bland with nothing standing out. We were both pretty disappointed with it, and even the desserts were nothing to talk about. I would recommend that you skip the buffet and eat elsewhere before coming to the show. In a city such as Bangkok – one never has to settle for bland food when there are so many excellent choices to be had all around you.
Behind the Theater courtyard is a set up of traditional Thai houses from the different regions of Thailand. The village of homes on stilts lines a kind of circular pond where you can go and enjoy seeing the Thai traditional life of bygone times and other cultural activities and demonstrations. Interlaced with it all is various Thai finger foods and their preparation and cookiing and other places doing traditional crafts. (I think we visited the place with the fried rice pudding three times!) I actually thought the Malay style house with its prayer room was my favorite place amongst all the houses that I explored. The couple that were your guides in the traditional household were from the Southern provinces by Malaysia and responded to my traditional greeting in Arabic. But I also enjoyed the set up of the Hmong style household – very colorful and really interesting after seeing the Hmong displays in the Asian Civilizations Museum in Singapore.
There are several traditional Thai dances that occur with about a dozen dancers in the courtyard of the theater. This was in itself a great show and we both enjoyed it. The art of Thai dancing is always just amazing to watch and see the beauty of each movement. There were several dance sets, and each had a different group of dancers in really interesting Thai costumes that were absolutely beautiful. The live band was also very good.
After the dancing was finished, the two elephants were lead around the crowd and you could touch them – ride in the basket atop of them – or have them grab you by their trunk and lifted up. You would think that there would be a line of paying kids wanting to get lifted by the elephant – but I think there were more Thai women in the line, to include my friend Pukky. She had a lot of fun and a great story to tell from that! Afterwards as we were waiting for the doors to open, I noticed that the band was playing different beats, and I asked my friend if this was all traditional music. Somehow I still don’t think that Dixie was traditional Thai music – but you never know!

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