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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.
**********
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

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