|
|
Welcome to Bangkok; one of the most cosmopolitan, Crowded streets, cheap food, and low-cost garments. it’s a good crazier nightlife. If you’re there to try and do the expertise the foremost for the cash, Bangkok has it all. many of us like it or hate reckoning on the sort of traveler that you just are, however Thailand though it’s known for its madness, is also a really stunning town if you explore outside of the busy streets. the town was founded when the autumn of Ayutthaya in 1767. The new king, Taksin, established a capital within the space of then Thonburi. When Taksin’s reign led to 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reconstructed the capital on the east bank of the river and gave the town a really long ceremonial name that became shortened to its current official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the town of Angels. Over the centuries, the town has grown into the metropolis it’s these days.
Costs in Bangkok
Hostel prices: Hostels are the bottom in Thailand. you’ll pay $10US and obtain an honest hostel which will embrace breakfast however it’s not uncommon to seek out a hostel for as low-cost as $5US.
Budget hotel costs: Budget hotel prices will be found for $15-$25US per night.
Average value of a Restaurant Meal: in Thailand you’ll eat from the road vendors for as very little as .50 cents and eat in an exceedingly nice restaurant for beneath $20 simply as well as drinks.
Cost of net: Internet cafes within the tourist areas typically charge one to three baht per minute. If you’re about to do a fast email check, beware–many have a “minimum charge” that’s reminiscent of concerning ten minutes of use. Most restaurants and cafes currently provide free wi-fi, particularly within the tourist ares of Khao San Road and Sathorn.
Transportation Costs: though town buses will be terribly crowded, they’re convenient and cheap. For a fare of B3.50 to B5 on the non-air conditioned buses and B8 – B20 on the air conditioned buses you’ll travel just about anywhere within the town. The Skytrain prices 20-40 baht per trip. Taxis begin at thirty five baht to show on the meter and most rides value around ninety Baht to travel from one finish of the town to the opposite.
Things to try and do in Bangkok
The Grand Palace and Wat Po: this can be one among the foremost photographed spots within the town and with sensible reason. The palace was engineered over the course of three years at the tip of the eighteenth century by King Rama I and is that the official residence of this monarchy. this can be conjointly where you may see the temple of Wat Pra Kaeo housing the fifteenth century Emerald Buddha whose robes are rotated 3 times a year by no but the Thailand’s king himself.
Lumpini Park: outside enthusiasts can realize it exhausting to tear themselves far from Bangkok’s Lumpini Park. Jogging methods, bicycle roads, picnic and chess tables, Tai Chi categories, many shade trees, weight-lifting, and rowboats for rent on its try of lakes provide masses to try and do and every one the time within the world to try and do it.
The Royal Elephant Museum: Elephants have long played a major role within the lives of the Thai individuals. The museum is found inside the Parliament compound could be a video and artifact testament to the worth of the most important land animal and to the beliefs surrounding its participation in spiritual ceremonies. it’s open to the general public on a daily basis from 8:30 to 4:30.
Visit the Weekend Market: The weekend market is a perfect place to visualize native artists and craftsman. it’s conjointly a decent place to brush up on your negotiating skills. If you wish to shop for gifts for anyone back home, you may undoubtedly need to form it to the weekend market.
Temple Hop: Bangkok is packed with history, temples, and Thai ruins. every day spent seeing the temples and learning concerning Thai history could be a should for everybody visiting Bangkok.
Hang out on Khao’s San Road: Khao San Road is that the infamous backpacker/tourist street in Bangkok. All travel roads lead in and out of there. However, it’s over simply a transit hub for travelers. Here you’ll realize nightlife, great food, plenty of individuals watching, and activity all day and every one night.
Floating Market: The floating market is simply outside of Bangkok, and it’s entirely for tourist, however well definitely worth the expertise. You drive outside of the town and then take concerning an hour boat ride through the canals that are lined with vendors, native artists selling something and everything you’ll imagine.
Shop til You Drop: Bangkok has numerous malls that within the center alone, I will count twelve in an exceedingly four block radius. there’s each factor you’ll ever want here in Bangkok and an excellent costs. make certain you scrutinize Siam Paragon (for designer clothes)and MBK (for low-cost knockoffs).
Jim Thompson’s House: Jim Thompson was a silk merchant who disappeared beneath terribly mysterious circumstances back within the Nineteen Fifties. His house across from MBK could be a ancient teak vogue house and really informative concerning life in Thailand. Proceeds from the doorway fee visit facilitate orphaned youngsters.
Picture Source : www.livetradingnews.com
There are many things – some wonderful, some wayward – that bring visitors to Bangkok: the sumptuous Thai food; the luxury hotels; the stunning temples, and, not too far from the city, access to gorgeous white sand beaches.
But there is one particular place in Bangkok which surpasses almost all others of its kind across the globe. Huge, chaotic and confusing, suffused with tempting scents, whirligig colours and the strains of music ranging from classical Thai to dub reggae, Bangkok’s weekend Jatujak Market is the market to end all markets.
What to expect at Jatujak Market
Spanning an incredible 35 acres of shopping, most stalls tucked into tiny narrow sois (lanes) overspilling with produce, the weekend market attracts some 200,000 shoppers, browsers and buskers each Saturday and Sunday to its 8000 stalls. And whether you’re looking for a customised motorcycle helmet, a pair of six-inch crushed velvet stilettos, a pampered puppy, a fake Fendi, a set of Beatles cushion covers, a shark’s-tooth amulet, or something else entirely, you are almost certain to find it (in a selection of colours, sizes and prices) here.
The three simple rules to shopping at Jatujak Market:
Rule 1: Know where you·re going
Though wandering is half the fun, dedicated shoppers will want to make sure they hit their targets. Divided into 27 colour-coded sections, those seeking clothes should head for market sections 5 and 6, and then onward to sections 10 to 24. Anyone interested in decking out their home in Eames-inspired furniture or hand printed bedspreads should make for sections 2 to 4, and, to peruse the antiques – of varying authenticities and provenances · on offer, 22 to 26. If you’re seeking a rhinestone collar for your poodle or Pomeranian, check sections 8 or 9 (where you’ll also find baby chipmunks, tropical fish and songbirds galore); green-fingered visitors, meanwhile, might be keen to stroll through sections 3 and 4, where tropical plants run riot.
Rule 2: If you love it, buy it
Should you find something you absolutely can’t live without, don’t make the mistake of deciding you will pop back for it later. Many a sorrowing weekend market shopper has found, to their peril, that upon attempting to retrace their steps through the labyrinthine lanes, that perfect little floral dress or hand-made candelabra has apparently vanished into the heady market air, never to be seen again. And, though landmarks such as the central market clock tower may help you orientate yourself somewhat, chances are a map of your exact wanderings after a day out at Jatujak would resemble most closely a plate of pad thai noodles.
Rule 3: Learn to love bargaining
The seasoned Jatujak shopper knows it is crucial to embrace the art of bargaining. Keep your bargaining cheerful, smiling and light-hearted, and the gentle back-and-forth of price negotiation (however much you might initially cringe at the idea) can become one of the most enjoyable elements of the entire experience. Keep plenty of cash in reserve (ATMs are few and far between) since that perfect pair of vintage Nikes may suddenly be available at a 50% discount; those cute bubblegum-pink sandals might become as affordable as they are covetable; and you may well be able to negotiate two pairs of exquisitely-aged Levis for the initial asking-price of one.
Where to eat at the market
Meanwhile, once all that commerce has worked up a decent appetite, visitors to Jatujak are faced with an equally bewildering selection of dining and drinking options. Slurp down a noodle soup with locals in one of the open-air stalls on the market’s perimeter, where dishes are served up still bubbling from vast cauldrons. Alternatively cool off with a pint of local Singha beer and a som tham (spicy papaya salad) in one of the market’s equally cool bars, or ask around to seek out a well hidden Thai tapas-style joint run by an ex-Thai Airways stewardess, whose yellow curries, sweet and sour soups, and fried catfish are simply out of this world.
Vegetarians, on the other hand, should make for organic-heavy Healthy Spice, whose rice noodle bowls are a perennial hit, or Wishing Well, where macrobiotic meals can frequently be accompanied by a tarot reading. Carnivores will have their fill perusing the manifold satay sticks, fried fish, barbeque rib and meatball stands stationed market-wide: perfect fuel for another few hours on the go, before heading homeward, arms heavily laden, to refresh, relax, and perhaps regroup for a second Jatujak shopping spree on Sunday.
Source :www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/bangkok/travel-tips-and-articles/75981
SHOPPING MALLS & CINEMAS IN BANGKOK
Shopping in Bangkok is a dream for any keen shopper. Their stylish shopping malls around the city have a collection of the biggest brand names in the world. Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren all have establishments at Bangkok’s top end malls. You can find an inviting sale or goods for discount prices at most of them. The larger shopping malls in Bangkok also contain cinemas so you don’t have to miss the latest movies on the silver screen. International restaurants and cafes can be found at the malls such as Starbucks, Sizzlers, KFC, Black Canyon Coffee, Zen, Fuji etc.
The malls are popular hangouts with University students and business people who take their lunch breaks and relax. Most are easily accessible by BTS or Taxi.
List of shopping malls in Bangkok
Central Shopping Mall & EGV Cinema
Pinklao Branch : 7/1 Baromarachachonnani Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700
With EGV Cinema also Major Cineplex is opposite.
Website: www.central.co.th & www.majorcineplex.com
This is the closest mall with cinema to Khao San Road. Central Pin Klao Mall is short 5 minute taxi ride (50baht on the meter) over the Pin Klao Bridge and you are there.
Central World Plaza & Zen shopping mall : BTS Siam Station or Chidlom Station : Rama 1
Road, Ratchaprasong Junction, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330
Website: www.centralworld.co.th
Central world Plaza in Bangkok is situated in the central part of the city. This is a taxi ride and a BTS sky train away from Khao San Road (80-100 Baht on the meter). A taxi to Ratchthewi BTS station. Get off at Chit Lom. If there is little in the way of traffic then you may as well continue on to Central world.
Siam Center , Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon shopping mall : BTS Siam Station :
Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan , Bangkok 10330
With EGV Cinema
Website: www.siamparagon.co.th
Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon are all situated in the same place. Siam Paragon also has a large EGV cinema. A taxi ride to Ratchthewi BTS station from Khao San Road (80-100 Baht and then you get of at Siam station. Sometimes it’s easier to get a taxi all the way.
MBK Shopping Center (Mabunkrong) : BTS National Stadium Station :
Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Website: www.mbk-center.com
A taxi ride from Khao San Road is usually the easiest way to arrive at MBK shopping center in Bangkok. Tell the taxi driver to drop you at National Stadium BTS station and then it’s aminutes walk. Just follow the crowd.
Gaysorn Plaza shopping mall : BTS Chidlom Station : 999 Ratchaprasong Junction, Ploenchit
Road, Bangkok 10330
Website: www.gaysorn.com
A taxi ride from Khao San Road to Ratchthewi BTS station and then you get off at Chit Lom station. Gaysorn Plaza in Bangkok is situated across the road from Central World Plaza.
The Platinum shopping mall : Pratunam Junction , Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400
Website: www.pratunamcenter.com
The Platinum Mall in Bangkok isn’t as easily as accessible as other malls so a 140 baht taxi ride from Khao San Road (depending on traffic) is your best choice in getting there.
Pratunam Center : Rajaprarop Road, Makkasan, Bangkok 10400
Website: www.pratunamcenter.com
Directly across the road from The Platinum Mall is Pratunam Center. A 140 Baht taxi (depending on traffic) from Khao san Road is also the best way in getting there.
The Emporium shopping mall : BTS Prompong Station : Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Website: www.emporiumthailand.com
To get to the Emporium in Bangkok from Khao San Road isn’t as easy as the other malls but worth it. A taxi to the nearest BTS Station(Ratchthewi) and then you get the BTS all the way to Phrom Phong. You can access The Emporium Mall directly from the station.
Esplanade shopping mall : MRT Thailand Cultural Center Station, 99 Ratchadapisek
Road, Din Dang, Bangkok 10400
To save time and effort, the best way to get to Esplanade is by taxi. It’ll cost between 150-200 Baht in a taxi depending on the world famous Bangkok traffic.
Chatuchak Weekend Market : BTS Mor Chit Station or MRT Suan Chatuchak
JJ Mall : 588 Kampangpetch 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
A taxi to your nearest BTS station from Khao San Road and then a short Sky Train ride to Mo Chit station. A 2 minute walk will get you there easily. Please take time to admire the beautiful park next to the station.
Source :khaosanroader.com
Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, Grand Palace (Credit: Jani Patokallio)
Bangkok (Thai: กรุงเทพฯ Krung Thep) is the capital of Thailand and with a population of over 11 million, by far its largest city. Its high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense heat and naughty nightlife do not immediately give you a warm welcome — but don’t let your first impression mislead you. It is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, where you’ll be impressed by its magnificent Buddhist temples, authentic canals, busy markets and vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone.
For years, it was only be a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River, until King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, turned it into the capital of Siam in 1782 after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok turned into a national treasure house and functions as Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Bangkok is a tropical metropolis that is also one of the most traveller-friendly cities in Asia. A furious assault on the senses, visitors are immediately confronted by the heat, the pollution and the irrepressible smile that accompanies many Thais. Despite the sensationalized international news reports and first impressions, the city is surprisinglysafe (except from some petty crimes) and more organized than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favour the growth of tropical plants — you’ll find exotic orchids and delicious fruit everywhere. Bougainvillea and frangipani bloom practically everywhere. Thai cuisine is justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok for many, represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence. It is difficult to leave with lukewarm impressions of the city.
Source : bangkokhotel.com
|
|
