Overview of Bangkok

Bangkok, or Krung Thep as it is known to locals, is all things to all people. It offers great shopping in the form of mega malls, trendy boutiques or traditional local markets tucked away down side streets. Bangkok is also known for its superb nightlife, risque and otherwise, and is home to a host of great clubs, bars and live music venues, not forgetting hundreds of fantastic restaurants. Beneath the brash modern exterior and traffic-clogged streets lie pockets of calm and tranquility that reveal the more spiritual side of Thai people. With the advent of the sky train and the underground the inner city area is now a breeze to navigate. Bangkok is a city of many charms and the even those who are not easily seduced end up falling for the Big Mango.

Location

Bangkok is located beside the Chao Phraya River and at the top of the Gulf of Thailand.

Weather

Bangkok’s climate is tropical and humid for the majority ofthe year. The best time to visit is November-February, when it is slightly cooler. The hottest time to visit is April/May, with temperatures reaching 38 C. The wet season runs from late May-October with frequent heavy but brief downpours.

Attractions

Siam Ocean World

The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, exhibiting over

30,000 marine animals from around the world and featuring a wide range of rare and exotic species. The area of the aquarium spans over 10,000 square meters, as wide as two football fields and gives a rewarding underwater experience to visitors. The aquarium also offers a ‘Dive with the Sharks Program’ where you can scuba dive in the Oceanarium side by side with sharks and rays. Situated on B1-B2 floors of Siam Paragon with access from Siam BTS station, Siam Ocean World opens daily from 9 am. - 10 pm. Admission fee is 450 baht for adults and 280 baht for children.

AddressSiam Paragon, 991 Rama I Road, Bangkok.

Patravadi Theatre

Founded by Patrayadi Mejudhon, Patravadi Theatre is one of the few places to enjoy the performing arts in Bangkok. There are regular performances of classical Thai dance and contemporary works as well as workshops. The compound comprises of an outdoor theater, two studio-sized theatres, a gallery, a restaurant, and gift shop. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River, across from the Grand Palace. 69/1 Soi Wat Rakhang, Arun Arnarin Road, Siriraj, Bangkok.

Joe Louis Theatre

Joe Louis Theatre stages a performance of traditional Thai drama using beautifully crafted puppets. The shows are set to classical Thai music. Joe Louis Theater is located in the heart of Bangkok Suan-Lum Night Bazaar, Rama l\/ Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, close to the Lumpini MRT underground station.

Bangkok Playhouse

Modern dramas are staged at the Bangkok Playhouse every weekend. The Playhouse is also occasionally used as the venue for music and ballet. Call for more information about current programs.

Address:2884/2 New Pechburi Rd., Bangkapi,Huaikwang, Bangkok.

Chatuchak Park

Located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi-Rangsit roads and close to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, the park features nine pieces of ASEAN sculpture. The pretty park is popular with joggers. Open daily from 5 am. to 8 pm. Admission free.

Activities

Visit Bang Kra Jao and you’ll find it hard to believe you are just a short distance from the heart of Bangkok. This undeveloped area is reached by boat and can then be explored by bicycle. Local cycle tour company, Spice Roads run excellent one day trips that take you along the 25 kilometers of pathways that wind through the lush, green expanse of land passed temples and sleepy villages. Attractions include a delightful weekend floating market, and an incense workshop. A trip to the manmade island of Koh Kred just 30 minutes up the Chao Phraya River from central Bangkok makes for an interesting day out. The island was originally home to a community of ethnic Mon settlers from Myanmar who made their living as potters. Once on the island you can hire a bicycle and peddle around at leisure exploring the quiet lanes, old temples and potteries. There is a good museum on the island and some excellent little restaurants. Weekends can be busy with many visitors from Bangkok coming to the island to escape the city and buy pots for their gardens. To get there take a boat from Thaksin Bridge pier to Pak Kret in Nonthaburi.

Staffed by professional therapists, the Grande Spa is an inner city sanctuary with an understated beauty and style that reflects the gentleness and genuine charm of Thai hospitality. The spa offers an extensive menu of massage and body services. Signature treatments designed to aid relaxation and increase general well-being include, the Herbal Grande Pound. Using a blend of 19 organic Thai herbs applied as a hot poultice, the treatment improves circulation and eases aching muscles.

Located on Ratchadamnern Nok Avenue, Ratchadamnern

Boxing Stadium is another popular venue for Muay Thai and holds bouts on Mondays at 5 pm. and 9 pm. Wednesdays at 6 pm, Thursdays at 6 pm. and Sunday at 5 pm. Ticket prices are 500, 1,000, and 1,500 Baht for ringside seats. There are also special discounts on Sunday nights.

Dining

Rossini’s

Rossini’s award-winning restaurant at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit has consistently been regarded as one of the finest places to enjoy a memorable meal of authentic Italian food. Designed in the style of a traditional Italian trattoria.

Rossini’s possesses a sophisticated ambience and provides a truly unique dining experience for lovers of fine food and wine.

Chef Federico from Turin is passionate about the ingredients he uses and his dishes are a delight for epicures. He displays a fresh and exciting approach to all the classics. Antipasti, seafood, risottos, pastas and rich desserts, all make an appearance on the menu. Open Sunday-Friday.

Address: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road (near Asok BTS station, Sukhumvit MRT), Bangkok.

Koi

A slick multi-award-winning Japanese restaurant that has established branches in Los Angeles and New York but this is the company’s first in Asia. The company’s choice of Bangkok for its Asia venture speaks volumes abouthow the capital is now perceived in the culinary world.The interior design at Koi is stunning and as a resultthe restaurant is attracting the stars and starlets of theBangkok scene. Koi serves a range of sushi and sashimipresented with a Californian twist. Most major credit cards accepted.

Address: 26 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Klong Toey, Bangkok.

Vientiane Kitchen

Vientiane Kitchen is an atmospheric country-style restaurant in the heart of Bangkok serving northeastern (lssan) Thai and Lao food. There is a comprehensive menu of great regional cuisine and live Thai folk music to entertain diners.Address: 8 Sukhumvit Soi 36 (near Thonglor BTS station), Bangkok.V9V9 is great French restaurant and cool wine bar located on the 37th floor of the Sofitel Silom Hotel. You can select a bottle of wine from the crates in the entranceway, order a tasting tree » six small themed dishes ideal for sharing - while taking in the breathtaking view across the city. A set menu of fine French food is also available. Open for dinner. All major credit cards accepted.

Address: Sofitel Silom Bangkok, 188 Silom Road, Bangkok.