If you have time, your list might also include the National Museum, (largest in S.E. Asia), Wang Suan Pakaad (previously a royal residence), Jim Thompson' s House, (superb antiques and legacy of a disappeared American silk specialist), VimarnMek (beautiful golden teak building), the Snake Farm (fascinating venom extraction shows), Erawan Shrine, (roadside Brahman place of worship), Royal Barge Museum (wonderfully decorative boats used in royal processions), Dusit Zoo, Lumpini Park (to see Thai people at leisure) and the extraordinary enclave of Khao San Road, (to see backpackers at leisure, and possibly where your teenage son or daughter might be staying.)
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
วันเสาร์ที่ 26 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2550
Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown area merits a whole, or at least a half day's exploration. During this time you are likely to sample every available odour on the planet, see numerous UNFO's (unidentifiable non-flying objects -"What on earth is that?") admire countless Asian countenances of every age, experience wonder, shock, curiosity, revulsion, admiration, reverence, amazement, and overhear a dozen different local languages. Not least, you'll have your lungs filled with some of the most traffic-polluted air in the city, sweetened by jasmine, and amply spiced by frying garlic. Not for the faint-hearted, this sprawling, crowded area guarantees a mega-buzz for those who enjoy feeling the pulse of a city directly through the jugular. Chinatown encompasses the equally worth visiting Thieves and Pahurat markets which are within easy walking distance. (Nancy Chandler's map is indispensable for exploring Chinatown.)
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
Market
There is perhaps no better reflection of Thailand's abundance than that reflected in the dynamic cacophony of its local markets. Whether an up-country collection of shaky stalls, or a world-beater like Bangkok's Chatuchak, the sheer quantity overwhelms the senses, and defies rational thought. "Who is eating all of this food?" is the first question, followed by "Who on earth is buying all of this stuff?" Asking a local might bring the puzzled glance of somebody being asked a silly question. Consulting a long-toothed expat might result in a predictable "Well, even after 25 years here, I've never figured that one out."
Consumer mysteries notwithstanding, Bangkok's markets provide a touristic treat, and a few hours spent in any of the city's tightly packed mazes will keep your eyes and nostrils at full attention, your feet dancing regular quicksteps, and your camera devouring rolls of film. Like so many sightseeing pleasures in the Kingdom, day markets are inevitably best appreciated at sunrise, and it is worth rising at first light to enjoy them at their coolest, most colourful best. Amongst the many waiting to be explored are the wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market at Pak Klong Talaad, the plant market at Thewes, the clothes market at Pratunam (next to Amari Watergate), the markets of Chinatown (see below), the night market of Pat Pong, and of course the Mother of all Markets at Chatuchak every weekend. (see our member area of an ezine article on this subject.)
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
Consumer mysteries notwithstanding, Bangkok's markets provide a touristic treat, and a few hours spent in any of the city's tightly packed mazes will keep your eyes and nostrils at full attention, your feet dancing regular quicksteps, and your camera devouring rolls of film. Like so many sightseeing pleasures in the Kingdom, day markets are inevitably best appreciated at sunrise, and it is worth rising at first light to enjoy them at their coolest, most colourful best. Amongst the many waiting to be explored are the wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market at Pak Klong Talaad, the plant market at Thewes, the clothes market at Pratunam (next to Amari Watergate), the markets of Chinatown (see below), the night market of Pat Pong, and of course the Mother of all Markets at Chatuchak every weekend. (see our member area of an ezine article on this subject.)
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
Bangkok Temples
The appeal of Thai temples lies not only in their aesthetic allure, but also in their wonderful accessibility, since they are open to visitors of all faiths. As well as serving as a place for worship, religious ceremonies, education, and community ceremonies, their tranquil interiors offer sanctuary from an increasingly stressful exterior, and provide an excellent place for contemplation for Thais and tourists alike.
Organised excursions usually include the most famous, ie. Wat Po, (reclining Buddha) Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha) and Wat Benjamabophitr (Marble temple) which can all suffer from visitor overload, and a return trip at dawn or dusk when the coaches have gone is worth the effort. But it is the smaller least-visited ones, often hidden in quiet corners of the city, where Thai Temple Magic is most often discovered - and since there are more than 400 temples in Bangkok, the potential for magic is considerable.
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
Organised excursions usually include the most famous, ie. Wat Po, (reclining Buddha) Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha) and Wat Benjamabophitr (Marble temple) which can all suffer from visitor overload, and a return trip at dawn or dusk when the coaches have gone is worth the effort. But it is the smaller least-visited ones, often hidden in quiet corners of the city, where Thai Temple Magic is most often discovered - and since there are more than 400 temples in Bangkok, the potential for magic is considerable.
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
The Grand Palace
The old part of the city - Rattanakosin "Island" (presumably because it was once encircled by canals) boasts the fewest hotels, but arguably contains the most interest, and this is perhaps the only part of the city suitable for a walking sightseeing tour. It will take you a half day at least to absorb the two main attractions here; namely, Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple with its huge reclining Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Also within this area lies the National Museum, The National Art Gallery, The National Theatre, Wat Mahatat which is the centre of Buddhist studies, and a broad flat expanse of recreational parkland called Sanam Luang. Also worth noting is the Lakmuang Pillar, which commemorates the founding of Bangkok 220 years ago and is, now a popular shrine featuring regular classical dance performances.
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
Things to see and do
Detailed sightseeing information is beyond the scope and purpose of this web site, but the following outline may be useful. It is recommended that you purchase an updated guide book, and a good city map - Nancy Chandler's well-researched, detailed and regularly updated version is generally considered to be the best for exploring the city.
An organised tour booked through a reputable company can be a rewarding experience. Hiring a car with a driver-guide is a more expensive but preferable alternative to "seat-in-coach tours". This will permits tailor-made itineraries to be enjoyed in comfort. However, since the driver is likely to have his own shopping recommendations, the same aforementioned advice applies.
Bangkok's major sightseeing attractions and enjoyable pursuits can be categorised as follows:
1) The Grand Palace Area
2) Other Temples
3) Markets
4) Museums & Interesting Places
5) Chinatown
6) The River
7) The Canals (klongs)
8) Eating
9) Shopping
10) Nightlife
11) Sports
An organised tour booked through a reputable company can be a rewarding experience. Hiring a car with a driver-guide is a more expensive but preferable alternative to "seat-in-coach tours". This will permits tailor-made itineraries to be enjoyed in comfort. However, since the driver is likely to have his own shopping recommendations, the same aforementioned advice applies.
Bangkok's major sightseeing attractions and enjoyable pursuits can be categorised as follows:
1) The Grand Palace Area
2) Other Temples
3) Markets
4) Museums & Interesting Places
5) Chinatown
6) The River
7) The Canals (klongs)
8) Eating
9) Shopping
10) Nightlife
11) Sports
BTS skytrain and MRT subway
The BTS Skytrain
The elevated Skytrain solved most of its logistical problems by being built directly above the main city centre roads of Silom and Sukhumvit, and the two lines are named after them with an interchange at Siam Centre (Siam) To minimise chaos, the hundreds of huge spans were pre-cast outside the city, with the resulting jigsaw of segments trucked into place over many months in the middle of the night. Local people would wake up to darkened pavements outside, ugly concrete structures began to obstruct familiar skylines, and purists progressively puffed their disapproval.
But when the system opened on the 5th December 1999, the King's 72nd birthday, a wave of pride swept the city as the sleek air-conditioned carriages began to glide gracefully above the traffic jams an average of 14 metres below. Destinations which before could take hours now took minutes on the electric trains running quietly on welded tracks, and serving some of the most congested areas in the Thai capital.
This US$1.3 billion so-called Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain or Rot Fai Fah ("train in the sky") in Thai, is a must-see, must-try visitor attraction in its own right. It provides comprehensive tourist information, maps, excursions, souvenirs and gifts, and even internet facilities at the BTS Tourist Information Centers (open daily from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations).
This comes in addition to the total of over 23 kilometres of excellent, user-friendly transportation, running efficiently from 6am to midnight at an average speed of 35 kph - slow enough to absorb the fascinating ever-changing views. The driver announces the upcoming station name in Thai and English just before the train arrives. Fares depend on distance, currently 10-40 Baht. There are a variety of packaged ticketing options, but the best bet for sightseeing is the 1-day unlimited travel pass, at present costing 100 baht. The 23 Skytrain stations are enhanced by pleasingly creative designs, and equipped with many thoughtful facilities, including a first aid room. Unless you have a helicopter, there is no better way to view the city.
The Skytrain has three interchange stations with the "Metro" or Bangkok Underground, and to top off the convenience, free shuttle buses link several stations with key destinations in the respective areas. Escalators are planned at all stations. At present however, some of the smaller stations are accessible by staircase only. The most popular stops for visitors are as follows:
Asoke
For the Siam Society research library and Khamtieng House, an old Chiang Mai residence. For shoppers: Robinson Department Store, and Times Square.
Interchange here with Underground Sukhumvit station
Chidlom: A convenient shop-stop, with walkway connections to Central Department store, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza Central, Central World Plaza, and the fascinating Erawan Shrine.
National Stadium: A short walk brings you to the huge and fascinating chaos of Mahboonkrong Centre or MBK, with its bewildering buy-anything bargain stalls. The closest station to Jim Thompson's house, located in a small lane opposite the Stadium.
Phrom Pong: Linked to a large elegant department store - the Emporium - which offers hours of shopping and recreational possibilities.
Phya Thai: Alight here to visit Suan Pakkad Palace
Victory Monument: Busy, crowded shopping area mainly used by locals.
Morchit: The stop for the huge weekend market of Chatuchak, with its extraordinary kaleidoscope of products. Go early to beat the heat.
Interchange here with Underground Chatuchak station
Siam: (Change here for the Skytrain Silom Line) A trendy shopping area with a walkway into Siam Centre shopping mall, leading out to the maze of smaller shops in Siam Square's lanes and alleyways. Also close to this station, cinemas, bookstores, and The British Council.
Saladang: Linked to Central Department store's Silom Road branch, this area offers a wide variety of shopping by day, and is packed with roadside stalls at night. It is the closest station to Pat Pong night market and entertainment area. Interchange here with Underground Silom Station
Saphan Taksin
This terminal station links to ferries on the Chao Phraya River, with convenient connections to the "Chaophya Express" boats that go northwards to the jetties serving the Grand Palace area (Tha Maharat, Tha Tien, Tha Chang or Tha Phra Chan) Alighting at Thai Tien jetty gives you access to a smaller ferry boat to visit Wat Arun across the river.
The MRT Bangkok Metro Underground
The 'impossible' became a reality in April 2004. It had taken seven years to build, comprising 21 kilometres of bored tunnels, with 18 simultaneously-built stations, using top-down techniques up to 30 metres deep under the city's major roads. The cost was approximately US$ 2.75 billion.
Officially called the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and in Thai as rot fai fah mahanakhon ("metropolitan electric train") or more often as the rot fai tai din ("underground train") the line operates from 5am to midnight, and extends in a wide loop from the main railway station of Hualumpong, then tracks back via the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to the smaller rail station of Bang Sue (pronounce Seu) to the north.
It has interchanges with the Skytrain at Si Lom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park stations. To protect against periodic flooding, station entrances are elevated above ground, and equipped with built-in floodgates. To prevent accidents and suicides, a glassed-in Automatic Platform Screen Door separates the platform and track, and opens only when the trains pull in and stop. All stations feature lifts and ramps for disabled people.
As with the Skytrain, there are a number of ticket types, which only need to be held close to the ticket barriers to operate them, thanks to a proximity sensor. Tokens are used for single journeys. An unlimited 1 day go-as-you please travel ticket currently costs Baht 120. A joint ticketing system for the Subway and Skytrain is planned.
The Main Bangkok Subway Stations.
(Bracketed figures indicate the depth underground)
Hua Lamphong (14 metres) Bangkok's main railway station serving all provinces. Permanent and interesting exhibition here about the Subway, and Thai transportation.
Silom (30 metres) Major shopping area, close to Robinson and Central Department Stores. Walking distance to the nightlife and street market area of Patpong.
Interchange with Saladaeng Skytrain station
Lumphini (26 metres) Close to the Suan Lum Night Market, the Lumpini Thai Boxing Stadium and to several foreign missions, including the Australian, Austrian, Belgian, Danish, French and German Embassies.
Queen Sirikit Convention Center (17 metres) Bangkok's main venue for exhibitions and trade shows.
Sukhumvit (17 metres) Robinson Department Store and 'Soi Cowboy' nightlife area nearby.
Interchange with the Asoke Skytrain station.
Phetburi (20 metres) Close to the Japanese Embassy at the junction of Phetchburi Road and Asoke.
Rama 9 (18 metres) Fortune Town shopping centre, IT Mall and Tesco Lotus.
Thai Cultural Center (19 metres) Close to Chinese Embassy, Carrefour, and Robinson Department Stores
Chatuchak (17 metres) This is Chatuchak Park, not the famous weekend market, which is the next stop.
Interchange with the Morchit Skytrain station.
Kamphaengphet (17 metres) The stop for Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the "Farmers Market" - excellent and inexpensive fruit and vegetable produce here.
Bang Sue (12 metres) Suburban State Railway station, located between Hua Lamphong main station and Don Muang Airport.
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
The elevated Skytrain solved most of its logistical problems by being built directly above the main city centre roads of Silom and Sukhumvit, and the two lines are named after them with an interchange at Siam Centre (Siam) To minimise chaos, the hundreds of huge spans were pre-cast outside the city, with the resulting jigsaw of segments trucked into place over many months in the middle of the night. Local people would wake up to darkened pavements outside, ugly concrete structures began to obstruct familiar skylines, and purists progressively puffed their disapproval.
But when the system opened on the 5th December 1999, the King's 72nd birthday, a wave of pride swept the city as the sleek air-conditioned carriages began to glide gracefully above the traffic jams an average of 14 metres below. Destinations which before could take hours now took minutes on the electric trains running quietly on welded tracks, and serving some of the most congested areas in the Thai capital.
This US$1.3 billion so-called Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain or Rot Fai Fah ("train in the sky") in Thai, is a must-see, must-try visitor attraction in its own right. It provides comprehensive tourist information, maps, excursions, souvenirs and gifts, and even internet facilities at the BTS Tourist Information Centers (open daily from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin stations).
This comes in addition to the total of over 23 kilometres of excellent, user-friendly transportation, running efficiently from 6am to midnight at an average speed of 35 kph - slow enough to absorb the fascinating ever-changing views. The driver announces the upcoming station name in Thai and English just before the train arrives. Fares depend on distance, currently 10-40 Baht. There are a variety of packaged ticketing options, but the best bet for sightseeing is the 1-day unlimited travel pass, at present costing 100 baht. The 23 Skytrain stations are enhanced by pleasingly creative designs, and equipped with many thoughtful facilities, including a first aid room. Unless you have a helicopter, there is no better way to view the city.
The Skytrain has three interchange stations with the "Metro" or Bangkok Underground, and to top off the convenience, free shuttle buses link several stations with key destinations in the respective areas. Escalators are planned at all stations. At present however, some of the smaller stations are accessible by staircase only. The most popular stops for visitors are as follows:
Asoke
For the Siam Society research library and Khamtieng House, an old Chiang Mai residence. For shoppers: Robinson Department Store, and Times Square.
Interchange here with Underground Sukhumvit station
Chidlom: A convenient shop-stop, with walkway connections to Central Department store, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza Central, Central World Plaza, and the fascinating Erawan Shrine.
National Stadium: A short walk brings you to the huge and fascinating chaos of Mahboonkrong Centre or MBK, with its bewildering buy-anything bargain stalls. The closest station to Jim Thompson's house, located in a small lane opposite the Stadium.
Phrom Pong: Linked to a large elegant department store - the Emporium - which offers hours of shopping and recreational possibilities.
Phya Thai: Alight here to visit Suan Pakkad Palace
Victory Monument: Busy, crowded shopping area mainly used by locals.
Morchit: The stop for the huge weekend market of Chatuchak, with its extraordinary kaleidoscope of products. Go early to beat the heat.
Interchange here with Underground Chatuchak station
Siam: (Change here for the Skytrain Silom Line) A trendy shopping area with a walkway into Siam Centre shopping mall, leading out to the maze of smaller shops in Siam Square's lanes and alleyways. Also close to this station, cinemas, bookstores, and The British Council.
Saladang: Linked to Central Department store's Silom Road branch, this area offers a wide variety of shopping by day, and is packed with roadside stalls at night. It is the closest station to Pat Pong night market and entertainment area. Interchange here with Underground Silom Station
Saphan Taksin
This terminal station links to ferries on the Chao Phraya River, with convenient connections to the "Chaophya Express" boats that go northwards to the jetties serving the Grand Palace area (Tha Maharat, Tha Tien, Tha Chang or Tha Phra Chan) Alighting at Thai Tien jetty gives you access to a smaller ferry boat to visit Wat Arun across the river.
The MRT Bangkok Metro Underground
The 'impossible' became a reality in April 2004. It had taken seven years to build, comprising 21 kilometres of bored tunnels, with 18 simultaneously-built stations, using top-down techniques up to 30 metres deep under the city's major roads. The cost was approximately US$ 2.75 billion.
Officially called the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and in Thai as rot fai fah mahanakhon ("metropolitan electric train") or more often as the rot fai tai din ("underground train") the line operates from 5am to midnight, and extends in a wide loop from the main railway station of Hualumpong, then tracks back via the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre to the smaller rail station of Bang Sue (pronounce Seu) to the north.
It has interchanges with the Skytrain at Si Lom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park stations. To protect against periodic flooding, station entrances are elevated above ground, and equipped with built-in floodgates. To prevent accidents and suicides, a glassed-in Automatic Platform Screen Door separates the platform and track, and opens only when the trains pull in and stop. All stations feature lifts and ramps for disabled people.
As with the Skytrain, there are a number of ticket types, which only need to be held close to the ticket barriers to operate them, thanks to a proximity sensor. Tokens are used for single journeys. An unlimited 1 day go-as-you please travel ticket currently costs Baht 120. A joint ticketing system for the Subway and Skytrain is planned.
The Main Bangkok Subway Stations.
(Bracketed figures indicate the depth underground)
Hua Lamphong (14 metres) Bangkok's main railway station serving all provinces. Permanent and interesting exhibition here about the Subway, and Thai transportation.
Silom (30 metres) Major shopping area, close to Robinson and Central Department Stores. Walking distance to the nightlife and street market area of Patpong.
Interchange with Saladaeng Skytrain station
Lumphini (26 metres) Close to the Suan Lum Night Market, the Lumpini Thai Boxing Stadium and to several foreign missions, including the Australian, Austrian, Belgian, Danish, French and German Embassies.
Queen Sirikit Convention Center (17 metres) Bangkok's main venue for exhibitions and trade shows.
Sukhumvit (17 metres) Robinson Department Store and 'Soi Cowboy' nightlife area nearby.
Interchange with the Asoke Skytrain station.
Phetburi (20 metres) Close to the Japanese Embassy at the junction of Phetchburi Road and Asoke.
Rama 9 (18 metres) Fortune Town shopping centre, IT Mall and Tesco Lotus.
Thai Cultural Center (19 metres) Close to Chinese Embassy, Carrefour, and Robinson Department Stores
Chatuchak (17 metres) This is Chatuchak Park, not the famous weekend market, which is the next stop.
Interchange with the Morchit Skytrain station.
Kamphaengphet (17 metres) The stop for Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the "Farmers Market" - excellent and inexpensive fruit and vegetable produce here.
Bang Sue (12 metres) Suburban State Railway station, located between Hua Lamphong main station and Don Muang Airport.
from www.amari.com/tta/desguide_bangkok.asp
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