Bangkok guidebook online

Guidebook of Bangkok for Visitors

Situated in the delta of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has been a port

since the 15th century, when it started to become a major trading post for both the

East and the West. But it only became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the

second half of the 18th century after the fall of the former capital of Ayutthaya. First,

King Taksin settled in Thonburi on the right bank of the Chao Phraya near Wat Arun

(the Temple of Dawn). Later, after King Taksin was assassinated, the new

sovereign, King Rama I, moved the royal capital across the river to Rattanakosin,

the old city of Bangkok. Known by the Thais as Krung Thep, Bangkok has become

a huge, modern metropolis. The city itself is the home of 8M people and has about

14M living in its suburbs. It is not easy to see all the sights of Bangkok in such a

vast urban area in just a day or two. The agglomeration does not have a real city

center. It is a conglomerate of centers of interest: Rattanakosin (the historic area),

Silom, Siam Square and Asok / Sukhumvit. To these main hubs, we could also

add Chinatown, Ratchada, Thonburi (on the other side of the Chao Phraya), and

probably Bang Na today between Suvarnabhumi Airport and the Gulf of Thailand.

Some of the world's major cities like New York City, Buenos Aires, London,

Paris and Tokyo offer an extraordinary array of sightseeing & entertainment.

Bangkok is undoubtedly one of these. It is blessed with a safe and pleasant

environment while being extremely diverse. A place where pandemonium and

quietness coexist, and where modernity dwarfs the typical charm of its Asian soul.

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps and yet has been able to keep its Thai

nonchalance despite its westernized skyline. It is one of Asia's most vibrant and

fascinating cities.

For passing tourists, it may look like a big overcrowded city with no particular

interest. This first impression is totally unfounded. At the time of its settlement, the

Thais were more prone to use waterways rather than roads. This is why they dug

canals all over the area. The first Westerners then called it “the Venice of the East”.

Its nickname has remained, although today the number of boulevards and elevated

expressways outnumber its network of canals, locally known as 'Khlong'.

There are definitively two sides to 'the City of Angels' as its modern nickname

goes. On the one hand, there are the usual big busy streets and avenues you could

find anywhere else in the world. But on the other hand, Bangkok has its own 'sois' -

perpendicular alleys - which are in fact its real Thai heartbeat. Traveling in a 'soi'

means retreating back to traditional Thai life. Villas, or even wooden traditional

houses with tropical gardens, are still there. It makes Bangkok unique and

inherently charming. This is why there is no place like Bangkok anywhere else.

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This guide is divided into sections corresponding to a minimum of a two-day

stay and a longer one according to needs and interests. You may choose from this

list and simply build up your own program.

**********

1. What must be seen on a short visit.

You will need a minimum of two full days to get a true feel of Bangkok. Here, one

day is dedicated to some of the most interesting historical landmarks of

Rattanakosin - the old city. The second day takes you to the most modern side of

the Thai capital.

Day 1. The following suggestion includes the 'Khlong' and the Chao Phraya River

to get a real feel of the place. It starts at Siam Square at the crossroads of

Ratchadamri Road and Rama I Road (prolonging Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok main

thoroughfare from east to west). Erawan Shrine is probably one of the most

venerated shrines in the whole of the far-eastern sphere. Day or night, there are

always hordes of Asian worshippers burning incense and making offerings to the

golden statue of Brahma. There is a group of Thai dancers and musicians ready to

perform a musical performance on request. It is a living testimony of how Thai

Buddhism blends with its antique Brahman roots.

From there, cross Rama I Road, under the 'Skytrain' (BTS line) and the past

Gaysorn Plaza (a luxurious shopping mall). You will have the enormous mass of

Central World shopping-center on your left until you reach a bridge over a canal.

This is San Sap Khlong. At this vantage point, you can see Bayoke Tower (328m)

on the left - Bangkok's highest skyscraper as of today (because a much higher one

is now under construction). On the other side of the small bridge, there are stairs

down to the canal that lead you to the water-taxi station. [This is not recommended to

people with motion difficulties as it takes a bit of an effort to get in and out the boat. If this is the

case, instead choose to ride a taxi to the next destination.] For just a few Bahts, you will

cross a good part of Bangkok on the main khlong that runs east to west.

Choose to go westwards to Wat Saket (the Golden Mount), which is a

terminus. The taxi-boat will pass by many slum areas until it reaches its final

destination. There is no better way in the city to beat the traffic! At this stage, you

are at Rattanakosin. The original royal town was surrounded by no less than three

canals that acted as protecting moats against invasions and turned the royal

premises into an island on the Chao Phraya River.

As you step out of the water taxi station, you will see an example of colonial

building on your right-hand side and a little white fort (City Parapet) on a canal

edge in front of you. This was one of the few original forts that protected the city.

This canal is only the second of the three canals that surround Rattanakosin. Turn

left across the bridge to reach the Golden Mount (Wat Saket). It is visible above the

street, lined with traditional shophouses. The temple is at the top of a man-made

hill set in a beautiful garden filled with waterfalls, plants, and statues. The many

stairs are not too hard to climb and you can make many stops on the way up to the

'chedi' (Thai name for a 'stupa'). The view from the chedi platform is one of the

finest in town.

After this visit, you must go down to the street entrance by a different way as

indicated. Avoid the taxis and tuk-tuks stationed there as they will ask for a higher

price from 'farang' (foreigner) tourists. Rather walk away to your left till you get to

the next traffic intersection and then hail a vehicle. Ask to go to the Grand Palace.

This ride will unveil some interesting parts of the historical section. Chances are

that the vehicle will drive past the Democracy Monument and Chakkraphong

Road, a lovely royal avenue that goes to the first canal and Sanam Luang Park,

used for any official royal venue.

Ask the vehicle to drop you in front of the City Pillar Shrine that

commemorates the founding of Rattanakosin by King Rama I. It only takes a few

minutes to see. Then you may walk across to the Grand Palace entrance. If there is

time to get some refreshments or something to eat, there are a few small Thai cafés

that are perfect to rest for a while at a reasonable price.

[Before buying your tickets to visit the Grand Palace, be sure to cover your shoulders and

wear a long dress or long pants. This is a must as the guards are very strict about tourists wearing

a proper attire. However, you can pay for a garment if you forget.] You cannot visit the interior

of the Royal Palace, you will only walk past the main building. Instead, you go to

Wat Phra Kaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), one of the most fantastic

sights on earth. This is where you will see the Emerald Buddha that used to be in

Vientiane, Laos before the Royal Army of King Rama I took it to Bangkok.

Strangely, the Grand Palace is not on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage

sites. However, there is a plan to include the whole of Rattanakosin on the list. You

may spend hours at the Grand Palace and yet still want to go back on another

occasion. A visit to this part of the world cannot be complete without including the

Grand Palace. This monument is on the same scale as the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat,

Borobudur or the Great Wall of China.

After the visit, head for another city highlight - by foot if you still have the

energy or by tuk-tuk - to Wat Pho, one of the most beautiful temples in the 'Land of

Smiles'. Do not simply look at the Reclining Buddha (42m long), have a look at

the extraordinary murals in the temple ... [And please do not touch the paintings as they

are not protected! ] Wander throughout this magnificent temple with gardens, mosaics

and an uncountable number of statues.

If you have followed this recommended tour in the order it is presented,

chances are this will be in the late afternoon, where the sun rays are best on Wat

Pho. This Buddhist monastery is also famous for its massage school located in a

soi near the temple on the way to the riverbank. If you feel like being refreshed from

head to toe, then it is time to get a massage there!

Another option is to sit at one of the nice coffee-shops across the road from

Wat Pho. Some of the river boutique hotels also have a terrace from which you can

watch the sunset over Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). If you can, do not miss

this: it is an unforgettable moment! Dinner by the Chao Phraya River can also be a

superb alternative.

In order to go back to the modern part of town (if you do not stay in

Rattanakosin) is to take the water-taxi back on the river. The nearest stop is Tha

Tien (stop No.8). To get there you will walk past a little market and a few floating

souvenir shops at the pier. (Avoid the tourist boat. It is more expensive but on the other hand

it is also more direct). Rather, choose to take the ordinary water-taxi used by Thai

commuters. This is another way to get a better feel of Bangkok city life. Go all the

way to the Central Pier at Saphan (bridge) Taksin, which bears the name of the

Thai King, who settled the new capital at Thonburi, on the right bank of the river. If

you ride the water-taxi in daylight, you will see many landmarks of old and modern

Bangkok.

Just before reaching the Central Pier, on the left bank, you will see a

Portuguese church called Kalawar Church or the Holy Rosary, then the River

City shopping-centre, from which the night river cruises depart. After that comes a

row of Portuguese and French residences, (the oldest embassies in town) and

then you motor past the famed Oriental Hotel and the grandiose Shangri-La

Hotel. Once at Central Pier, it is only a short walk to the BTS station that will take

you back to Silom or Siam Square.

Day 2. This will be a more relaxing day showing some modern sides of Bangkok.

Again, the starting point will be Siam Square.The best is to use the BTS ('Skytrain')

to Silom /Sala Daeng station. From there, you can walk to Rama IV Road to go to

Lumpini Park, across from the Dusit Thani Hotel. You can use the underpass at

the MRT/Silom station (underground metro).

On the square before the entrance to the park, there is a statue of Rama VI,

known as the precursor of modern Thailand. Lumpini Park is not only a beautiful

place in the morning (or in the evening) but it is a great vantage point to get a feel

of Thai people's lives. There, men or women of all ages, are jogging, roller skating,

doing gymnastics, or practicing Tai Chi. The park is also the home of many monitor

lizards, some as big as little crocodiles basking in the morning sun and oblivious of

people strolling by who are used to their company. After a short incursion in

Lumpini, hop into a tuk-tuk or take a taxi down Silom Road to get to the Indian

section of town at Sri Mariam Man Hindu Temple.

If you cross the street, there is an interesting small local market. Silom

Village is on the same side a little further down the road. It is a bit of a touristy

place but it is nice and quiet during the day and very busy at night. It has many

shops, cafés and restaurants as well as a few antique shops. From there you take

another taxi [cabs are really cheap in this country] to go to Hua Lampong station and

part of Chinatown. The station was built at the end of the 19th century by the

British and is part of the colonial heritage of the city (although Thailand has never

been colonized as such).

Chinatown starts nearby. It is one of the largest outside of China. There are

more visible Khlong in this area after the MRT station, which at the time being is a

terminus (but they are working at expending the line). Its main artery is Yaowarat

Road that starts after the monumental Chinese Jubilee Gate. There is an

interesting Chinese temple on the left hand side of the road but you should also

not miss visiting the temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit). The back lanes

of old Chinatown are worth exploring too but you need more time to do this as it

goes on and on.

At this stage, grab another taxi to the National Stadium. Or you could also

ride the MRT to Silom, then switch to the BTS/Saladaeng all the way to National

Stadium (an end of line). On Rama I Road West, turn into the first soi on to your

right after the BTS exit to proceed to Jim Thompson's House and Museum. This

is an iconic site in Bangkok. Jim Thompson was a former CIA agent, who promoted

Thai silk. He was a great admirer and collector of Asian art and his authentic Thai

house later became a museum. He disappeared mysteriously while visiting friends

at Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. The house and its Balinese garden are truly an

exquisite place to see. There is a JT store and a café & restaurant as well.

This area of Khlong San Sap is the home of a Muslim community that came

here to work in the silk industry created by Jim Thompson. So at this point of time,

you will have discovered the different ethnic communities that have made Bangkok:

the Thais, the Chinese, the Indians, the Europeans, and now the Muslims. The soi

that goes to J T's house has a few local art shops, which sell some interesting

copies of Asian art. Do not hesitate to bargain.

This has been another full day and you may decide to end the visit here by

either walking or taking the Skytrain back to Siam Center. If you have still some

energy or simply need to refresh, visit some of the malls: Siam Discovery, Siam

Centre, Siam Paragon or even the huge Central World.

2. Other significant points of interest.

If you have already been to Bangkok and you would like to see more of the

city, here are a few more sightseeing places arranged by location.

- In Rattanakosin, there are at least two other temples to be seen. Wat

Ratchanadda near the Golden Mount has a tall edifice the Loha Prasat

('metal castle'), which is a unique Buddhist temple of black color. It offers a

great view from its upper terrace. Wat Suthat is not only imposing by its size

and monumental sitting Buddha but it also has some amazing murals. The

Giant Swing outside the main entrance is another iconic monument of

Bangkok and a reminder of the country Brahmin heritage.

- Young people and former hippies have turned Khao San Road into a sort of

popular hangout known everywhere else. It is an Asian version of Carnaby

Street in London. This is a place where Thais will come to get a bit of

exoticism!

- North of the isle of Rattanakosin, after the third surrounding canal, there is

another interesting newer section of town called Dusit. Vimanmek Mansion

is a beautiful old teak residence. The nearby park has Ananta Samakhom

Throne Hall, another 19th century western building that now displays the

Royal Treasure. Close at hand too is Wat Benchamabophit, better known

as the Marble Temple. This is a Buddhist monastery and school of great

beauty with a park crossed by a romantic shaded canal lined with painted

iron pedestrian bridges, benches and stone statues.

- If you happen to be in town on a weekend, you should plan to go to

Chatuchak Weekend market. It is so big that you could easily spend the day

there. This is a real treasure hunt destination. [You can go there with BTS/

Chatuchak station or MRT line Chatuchak or Kamphaeng Phet stations].

- The old European settlement near the Chao Phraya River (BTS/Saphan

Taksin or taxi to Charoen Krung Road). This walking tour starts in the soi just

outside the main entrance to the Shangri-La hotel. At the beginning of this

soi, on the left hand side, there is a gate to Wat Suan Plu, a lovely little Thai

temple. It is possible to walk across the temple to go back to Charoen Krung

Road, the first street built in Bangkok for the European trading settlements

established along the river. There are many gem shops here reminding us

that Bangkok is one of the most important gem-trading center in the world.

Staying on the left side of Charoen Krung, you will reach soi 40 that goes to

the river bank. This is where the Oriental Hotel is located. Many famous

writers such as Joseph Conrad, William Somerset Maugham or Graham

Greene turned it into a legendary place.

- On the way to the river, there is a passage leading to a square, where you

can see the Assumption Cathedral. It is currently under renovation. It was

built by the French by an Italian architect. The East Asiatic Company is one

of the most striking examples of the European heritage on the river bank.

Unfortunately, it is not in a very good state awaiting better days for a facelift.

Walking back onto soi 40, turn left into a narrow street on the left after the

Oriental. The OP Place (Oriental Plaza) has been entirely revamped and

holds a collection of Asian Art galleries with stunning works of art. The French

Embassy is also nearby. You can only see the modern building in the soi as

the old Ambassador's residence by the river is not open to the public. It is the

oldest legation in the country with the nearby Portuguese Embassy. The soi

of the French Embassy has recently been renamed 'rue de Brest' (soi 36) in

commemoration to the port of Brest in Brittany, where the Thai and French

envoys left for Siam at the time of King Louis XIV in the 17th century. Do not

miss having a look at the grand Old Customs House while being there.

Although it is in a very bad shape too, it is one of the most beautiful historical

buildings in this area. Hopefully, they will start restoring it soon. Back on

Charoen Krung, turn left. A few meters away, there is a soi topped with a

gate. If you feel like refreshing or even having something to eat, enter the soi

and look for the sign 'Harmonique' on the right side of the lane. You would

never know this is a true gem until you get inside and walk to the back yard of

this old shophouse. The food and the drinks are unbelievable.

- Back on Charoen Krung Road, keep walking on the left side until you reach

soi Captain Bush on your left. This is another historical landmark. In the

second half of the 19th century, King Rama IV appointed an Englishman,

Captain Bush, to manage the international traffic at the harbor. The

Portuguese Embassy stands next to some art shops. Thai-Portuguese

diplomatic relations have recently celebrated their 500 years' anniversary.

Before getting to the Royal Orchid Sheraton, you may want to have a look

to a superb colonial building on the right hand side. It is currently being

renovated. It was Captain Bush's house. River City is a large, modern

shopping center on the riverbank. Most river cruises leave from the pier

there. However, continue to the end of the street and just before it bends to

the right, use a small pedestrian alley to go and see the Holy Rosary

Church, built by the Portuguese. It is kept wonderfully well. To go inside, you

must enter the Catholic school-yard. Entrance is free and the interior is totally

unexpected in this part of the world. Notice the nice stained-glass windows.

Once back to River City, it is easy to get a taxi to get back to your hotel. [Insist

on having the meter turned on as this is another taxi scam hotspot]

3. Thainess curiosities.

For those who enjoy Thai culture, here are three places that are worth

visiting. It won't take more than half a day. Again, the departing point remains Siam

Square.

- Wat Pathum Wanaram stands peacefully in an open space between Siam

Paragon and Central World. This Buddhist monastery is more interesting than you

would think at first. It is a Royal Temple with two sections: a city temple visible from

the street side and a more traditional forest temple in the back. The white city

temple has a chedi (stupa) in its center. The two side temples are worth seeing. The

most unusual part is further in the back of the monastery entwined in a thick

shrubbery. People come here to pray and get away from the hustle and bustle of

the city. Hard to believe you are still in Bangkok here! By the way, the King's

Mother's ashes are in the larger temple in the forested part attracting many Thai

worshippers.

- After, you may take the Skytrain to Asok station. This is the crossroads of

Sukhumvit and Ratchadaphisek, two of Bangkok major avenues. At the level of

Terminal 21 shopping center, turn left into Ratchadaphisek staying on the left

sidewalk until you reach Siam Society. The Kamthieng House Museum is

another small oasis in the city. This old teak house was transported from its original

location in Chiang Mai. It evokes the northern Lanna culture and has now been

turned into an interesting little museum. The Black Canyon coffeeshop on the

premises occupies an old wooden house too, recently renovated.

- Now, be ready to see another authentic Thai wooden house. Once back on

Ratchadaphisek, make a right turn and a little bit further you will find an entrance to

the MRT line taking you to Sukhumvit station underground. Going southwards in the

direction of Hua Lamphong, get off at Lumpini station and take the exit to Sathorn

Road. Hail a taxi and ride it as far as the next major intersection at Narathiwat

Road. This is a very modern section of Bangkok home of many major international

banks and companies. At the intersection, turn left on Narathiwat. Soi 7 is nearby

(second on the left). This is where you will find M.R. Kukrit House. It used to be the

home of a famous Thai politician of noble ancestry and the house has remained as

it was. The original buildings were brought from central Thailand.

To go back to Siam Square, the easiest way is to walk back to Narathiwat. Turn

right until the intersection, where you will find a sky-bridge to the BTS station of

Chong Nonsi. The line goes straight to Siam Square in the direction of National

Stadium via Saladaeng (Silom Road).

4. Canals and parks for hikers, cyclists and lovers of nature .

As mentioned before, Bangkok is a city of canals. Many of the larger canals

have pedestrian paths, which are another alternative to explore the city. San Sap

canal has a water taxi service going west or east across the urban area with

Pratunum platform as being the hub near Siam Square. Parts of Chinatown or

Rattanakosin has more romantic canal walks to offer as well. But Bangkok has

also many gardens and parks despite its ever-growing skyline.

Just in the heart of the city, there is Chulalongkorn University campus set in

a big and beautiful park, the Royal Bangkok Sports Club is used for horse-races.

The two largest parks in Bangkok are Lumpini and Benjakiti Parks. There is

a way to walk, jog or cycle from Lumpini to Benjakiti Park. At the Wireless Road exit

of Lumpini, look for a pedestrian bridge. Instead of going down on the other side, it

continues as an elevated path above an older section of town until it reaches a

canal. Going to the far end of this path will lead you to Benjakiti Park, which not

only is a beautiful place to walk around the lake (particularly at sunset) but has also

got a great cycling and jogging tracks.

On the Sukhumvit Skytrain line at Phrom Phong station, there is another nice

garden next to the Emporium. Rattanakosin has Sanam Luang Park in front of the

Grand Palace and also Saranrom Palace Park on Sanamchai Road nearby.

Further north on Sri Ayutthaya Road in Dusit, there is a huge green area near

Amporn Park. This is where the Throne Hall, the Dusit Zoo and the actual official

residence of the royal family are.

5. A fabulous diversity of museums and cultural attractions .

Bangkok has an amazing number of museums. It would be difficult to mention

them all here. However, here is a list of some of the most interesting ones.

- Siam Square alone has got a few worth seeing: Siam Ocean World at Siam

Paragon, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum at Siam Discovery and the

huge Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), which is dedicated to

contemporary art in a stunning building reminding of New York's Guggenheim

Museum.

- In Rattanakosin, the National Museum is huge and quite interesting but

would gain at being modernized. The National Gallery is not far away from

here too. Anantasamakhom Throne Hall has already mentioned for the

Royal Treasure. Vimanmak Teak Palace in the same area is classified as

the largest teak construction in the World.

- Three Thai houses turned into museums have already been mentioned: Jim

Thomson's, Tham Thien House and M.R. Kukrit House.

- A new 3-D Museum called "Art in Paradise" has recently been opened in

Ratchada at the Esplanade shopping Mall (MRT/ Thai Cultural Center). This

is becoming a very popular place and is really a wonderful place to see and

enjoy particularly with children.

- A full day visit could be planned to visit Ancient City, in a suburb a little

outside of Bangkok. This is a fantastic place, where most of the important

historical landmarks of the country have been remodeled. The visit can be

done by electric cart or by bicycle.

- The Erawan Museum in the same suburban section of town displays the

intricate side of Thai mythology.

- Other interesting museums are the Seashell Museum, the Philatelic

Museum, the Royal Barges Museum (on the Thonburi riverside), the Suan

Pakkad Palace (which displays eight traditional Thai houses).

- Bangkok has also got some strange museums like the Forensic Museum,

the Corrections Museum, the Museum of Counterfeit Goods or the

Human Body Museum.

Depending on your time and your interest, the choice is certainly wide enough

to fill many days of exploration and discoveries.

6. A shopper's paradise.

Shopping in Bangkok can be both a bargaining experience and a real

pleasure. There are scores of magnificent shopping malls and their number

increases periodically. The following list is not exhaustive and concentrates on the

downtown places easily accessed by public transport.

- The highest concentration is at Siam Square. The most luxurious one is Siam

Paragon due to its many branded names. This is also the place, where you will find

Kinokuniya - the best selection of English books and guidebooks in town. Siam

Center has become a designer's hotspot. Even if you have no intention of buying,

go there for the pleasure of the eye. Next is Siam Discovery, which also has an

excellent bookstore at Asia Books. There is a new lower scale shopping center in

front of Siam Center. However, MBK remains a favorite of all times particularly for

electronics - although now there is a better place for this in Ratchada. Going east,

you will find the huge and beautiful Central World. Then across the intersection,

there is another smaller luxurious mall called Gaysorn.

- At this point, you have reached Sukhumvit, which has a collection of many

other interesting shopping centers along the Skytrain line. First, just opposite

Gaysorn, on the Erawan side, you will find Amarin Plaza. A good place to

find fabrics and also an interesting diversity of Asian souvenirs.

- A little bit further on is Central Chidlom, Once a year, they hold a flower

extravaganza, one of the most amazing venue in Bangkok. They have now

added Central Embassy, one of the most luxurious shopping mall in town.

The next interesting mall is Terminal 21 at Asok. It is set up as an airport

destination featuring, the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, London, Tokyo

and San Francisco. This is a place to buy clothes at a good price. At Phrom

Phong station, there is the Emporium (mostly branded trademarks). A new

mall has also just opened across the street.

- If you prefer to look for Asian stalls in the evening, there are two places to go.

First and foremost Silom at Saladaeng and also Sukhumvit, although the stalls

have been moved to the walls on the military government's request, taking the fun

out of its former chaotic maze.

- Another less touristy place to shop is Ratchada on the MRT line, north of

Sukhumvit. Central Plaza Rama 9 is an alternative place with Fortune Town just

opposite, probably the best place in town for music, cameras, and electronics.

- Now in Bangkok, the weekend market at Chatuchak remains an all time's

favorite. Hard to beat its choice and prices. Beware not to get lost in its maze.

- Real art amateurs will want to visit O.P. House near the Oriental or River

City near the Royal Orchid Sheraton, despite the fact that many art shops

there have closed down due to a lack of business.

7. An all night's reveler's hotspot.

Needless to say that Bangkok offers many possibilities for happy

hour's drinking, eating-out, watching shows or attending entertainments. Simply

because the Thais enjoy going out with family or friends.

- Bars are everywhere whether at hotels or at many other locations. On Silom or

Sukhumvit, there are traditional Irish pubs too.

- Bangkok has always been known for its vibrant nightlife around the red-light

district of Silom & Patpong, but also on Sukhumvit between Chidlom & Asok,

where soi Cowboys is as well-known as Silom.

- Nowadays, Thai younger crowds frequent the bars & discos of Ratchada soi 4 &

soi 8.

- Bangkok has also its own share of rooftop bars, which are flourishing

everywhere: Vertigo at the top of the Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn, Octave at the

Marriott Sukhumvit soi 57. Actually, Sathorn alone has many. But there are a few on

the riverside too: the Sky Bar at the State Tower, the Three Sixty at the Millennium

Hilton in Thonburi, or simply Balco Bar at River City and also Eagle's Nest at Sala

Arun with a spectacular view on Wat Arun at sunset or at night time.

Indeed, Bangkok is another city, like Paris, London or New York City, that

never sleeps.

Christian Sorand,

Bangkok, April 2015