Bangkok: Shopping

Written by admin on January 5th, 2014. Posted in Bangkok

Shopping is one of Bangkok’s major attractions. Favourite purchases include Thai silks and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery , silverware, nielloware, pewterware, bronzeware, ceramics and any of the one thousand and one items produced by skilled Thai artisans.
Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets ensure favourable prices and service.

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets, but offers many areas throughout the city affording ample choise and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping districts.
 

Silom – Surawong – Patpong 

Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market.
Major hotels include the Montien and The Dusit Thani.
 

Silom – Mahesak – New Road 

Silom - Mahesak - New RoadSilom leads into New Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.

Principal hotels include the Shangri-la, Oriental and Sheraton Royal Orchid.
 

 

Phloen Chit – Pathumwan Area

Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, lsetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Center and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Ploenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mahboonkrong, Silom and Pratunam.

Thailand’s principal duty-free shopping outlet is located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center.

Principal hotels include Intercontinental Bangkok, the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Arnoma, Imperial Queen’s Park and Siam Intercontinental.
 

Sukhumvit Area

Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asoke) and along shortcuts between Asoke and Ekamai.

Principal hotels include the Landmark, Ambassador and Sheraton Grande.
 

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend MarketChatuchak Weekend Market,located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, is where people buy and sell thousands of local products.The trade items may range from rare exotic things to essential popular ones like books, fresh fruits, flowers, pets, handicrafts, furniture, dress materials and many more.

The Weekend Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm
 

China Town 

China TownBangkok’s China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby is Phahurat Market, one of the city’s renowned cloth centres.

Principal hotels include the Grand China Princess and White Orchid.
 

Sam Pheng 

Sam PhengSam Pheng, located on Sum pheng Alley, in the area of China Town, is one of the most famous and biggest wholesale and retail markets for not only ready-made clothes and jewelry, but also cloth, souvenirs, gifts and the like. 

 

 

Pratu Nam 

Pratu NamThe area is best known for its inexpensive ready-made clothing, which is sold partly in a street market, where determined bargaining is required for best prices.
Principal hotels include the Amari Watergate and Indra regent.
 

Banglamphu 

Banglamphu  This riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers for its budget accommodation. The area offers various inexpensive items, especially ready-made clothing, handbags, men’s and ladies’ shoes, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended. The area called Kao Sarn Road is most well-known among foreigners as the hub of cheapest-rates guesthouses in town. 

 

Bo Bae

Bo Be Bo Bae is the other one of the most famous and biggest wholesale and retail markets for ready-made clothes, dresses, jewelry and so on in bangkok. It is located on Krung Kasem Road near Padoong Krung Kasem Canal and Bangkok Rialway Station. 

 

 

Lang Krasuang & Woeng Nakhon Kasem

Lang Krasuang & Woeng Nakhon KasemFor moderately priced, second-hand goods, there is no other place in Bangkok better than these two markets.The one is Lang Krasuang on Atsadang Road.The other is Woeng Nakhon Kasem off New Road near China town. Visitors will get a better bargain if they take along a Thai friend to haggle over the price of goods in the markets.The goods available in both of the markets are from pawn shops such as musical instruments, electrical goods, various type of uniform, camping equipment and so on.

Bangkok: Trip Planning

Written by admin on January 5th, 2014. Posted in Bangkok

At least three to five days should be allowed for Bangkok. Clearly it is not possible to see all the city has to offer in that time, but it will give a good introduction. The best way to experience and appreciate what can seem an overpowering city is to be selective, both in what to see and how to see it, sparing time for the modern as well as the ancient. A day of temple sightseeing could be followed by a relaxing cruise on the Chao Phraya river, or a round of golf at any one of several splendid courses on Bangkok’s green outskirts. Museum treasures can be complemented by a wealth of shopping, while traditional entertainments, from kick boxing to classical dance, are balanced by discos and jazz pubs. Shopping, dining out and sampling Bangkok’s legendary nightlife provide ample evening options. 

Bangkok: Local Festivals

Written by admin on January 5th, 2014. Posted in Bangkok

H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations   


December 5 , Nationwide

H.M. The king's Birthday CelebrationsH.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch, is well beloved and deeply repected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated. 

 

 

H.M.The Queen’s Birthday Celebration

 August 12 , Nationwide

H.M.The Queen's Birthday Celebration\To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adorntments. 

 

 

 

 

Loi Krathong   

Loi KrathongIt is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts of the country on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, when the moon is in its splendor and water in all rivers and streams are full. It is intended primarily as an act of atonement to Mother River. Small receptacles made of banana leaves fashioned in the shape of lotus containing incense and candles, flowers and money are floated as a gesture of expiation. In Bangkok the festival is celebrated along the Chao Phraya River and canals. Hotels on the bank of the river also hold special events. 

 

Bangkok Songkran Festival  

 April 12-14 , Sanam Luang and citywide, Bangkok

Bangkok Songkran Festival The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists – of course, all in good fun !! 

 

 

Trooping Of The Colours  

December , The Royal Plaza, Bangkok

Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family. 

Magha Puja   

This important Buddhist holy day marks the auspicious occasion when 1,250 of Lord Buddha’s aherents spontaneously congregated to hear him give a sermon. Merit-making ceremonies are held during the day at temples throughout the country, while at night, triple candlelit cireumambulation are staged around major temples. 

New Year Celebrations

January 1 , Nationwide

To welcome in the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities that begin with early morning Buddhist merit making, and afternoon and evening folk entertainment are conducted in various parts of the country. 

Asalha Puja

The full-moon day of the eighth lunar month marks the preaching of Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. In the evening, candlelit processions take place in Buddhist temples around the country. 

 
Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)  

This day marks the commencement of the Buddhist Lent or Phansa during which monks must reside inside their temples to study and meditate. This is also the most auspicious time for Buddhist ordinations since it marks a period of renewed spiritual vigour. 

Visakha Puja 

Visakha Puja \This is the holiest of all the auspicious Buddhist religious days, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. All over the country, people go to temples to listen to sermons by revered monks and make merit. Shortly after sunset. candlelit circumambulations take place around major temples. 

 

 

Royal Ploughing Ceremony 

 May 11 , Sanam Luang, Bangkok

Royal Ploughing Ceremony\An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season. 

Thai Beer Festival  

November – Junuary , Citywide, Bangkok

Every year, the various Thai breweries get together to conduct a Thai Beer Festival, which highlights sales of barbecued food, exotic Thai cuisine and of course beer. To add to this atmosphere of merriment, there are music and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy. Tourists can see this event, especially at the World Trade Centre and other locations around the city. 

Bangkok Travel Guide

Written by admin on December 29th, 2013. Posted in Bangkok

Bangkok MapBangkok, Thailand’s capital city, is the center of everything, traditional civilization, foreign civilization and material prosperity.

Thai people call their capital “Krung Thep” which means the city of angels. It was founded about 300 years ago to replace the old capital city, Thonburi. Most interesting tourist places in Bangkok are grand and splendid temples and palaces, canals and rivers. Furthermore, Bangkok is also a shopping center of all kinds of goods.

Bangkok at night is decorated with lights which shine on historical places, castles and temples. This turns the confusing city during the daytime to a wonderful, dazzling city at night, as if it was really the city of angels.

 

 

 

 

Attractions in Bangkok

Palaces   Temples  Parks   Museums & Theatres

City Sightseeing


CIty SightseeingRattanakosin riverine island is the historical heart of Bangkok. It is one of the most enchanting cities that many traveller from around the world wish to explore.

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Attractions

- The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaeo
- Wat Pho
- Wat Arun
- Viman Mek Mansion

Cruise along the Chao Phraya River


Cruise along the Chao Phraya River see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

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Bangkok Noi Canal


Bangkok Noi CanalThis canal is still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok.

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Out-of-City Attractions


Crocodile FarmCrocodile Farm, Ancient City, Elephant Ground & Zoo, Floating Market and more…

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Activities


Thai Boxing

Thai Boxing

Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are all weapons. The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement.

More details on Thai Boxing

Thai Massage

Thai Massage

This therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage purportedly evolved from rishis (forest-dwelling Brahmin hermit asetics) who relieved the physical stress of extended periods of meditation by adopting certain postures.

A school of traditionalThai massage is located in Wat Pho, where a two-week course is taught for anyone interested in mastering this arcane art.

More details on Thai-style Natural Healing

Dinner Cruises

Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital’s most arresting sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and light reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River with flickering magic and romance. An ideal way of combining dining with riverine enchantment is to enjoy a river dinner cruise.

Cultural Performances

Cultural Performances

Thai and international cultural performances, including orchestral performances, ballet, mime and jazz and pop concerts, are frequently staged at:

- The National Theatre (Tel: 0-2224-1342 ) at Sanam Luang

- The Thailand Cultural Centre (Tel: 0-2247-0028) on Ratchadaphisek Road

- The Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (Tel: 0-2299-3000-9 ) on New Ratchadaphisek Road.

Details of current events can generally be found in Bangkok’s major English-language newspapers.