CITY GUIDE
"Bangkok, though, is a rejuvenating tonic; the people seem to have found the magic elixir. Life, a visitor feels, has not been wasted on the Thais."
- Bernard Kalb From The New York Times in 1961
BIRTHDAY -
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21/4/1782
POPULATION -
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10,540,000
AKA -
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Called Krung Thep in Thailand which is short for Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
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The Big Mango
MEANING -
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Bangkok means Village of the Wild Plums, or Plum Grove
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the Thai name means The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.
RIVER -
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Menam Chao Phraya - River of Kings
HISTORY -
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After the Burmese sacked the old capital at Ayutthaya it was decided to build a new one in Bangkok that would be harder to invade.
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Originally they started on the other side of the river in Thonburi but the first King of the Chakri dynasty moved it across the river to where the Grand Palace is.
BEST TIME TO GO -
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November, December is the best time weather wise but it is also the peak season. Anytime of the year is fine.
STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
TOP 10 - In No Order
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Grand Palace,
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Emerald Buddha,
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Wat Pho,
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Wat Arun,
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Golden Mount,
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Jim Thompson's House,
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Chinatown,
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Koh Rattakosin,
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Bang Krachao,
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Ko Kret
FUN FACT -
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It is illegal to go commando
FLIGHTS -
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Bangkok has 2 airports - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - the newish main one
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and Don Muang International Airport (DMK) the old one which now hosts the cheap airlines
AIRPORT TRANSFER - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) 34km / Don Muang (DMK) 25km
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Official Taxis and Minivans,
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Sky Train Airport shuttle into the city centre, there is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the 2 airports and takes an hour or two depending on the traffic
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Public buses,
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Airport Limo
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Khao San Road 2004
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Once you buy your air tickets get some travel insurance to cover your investment
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
SAFETY -
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Beware of buses in the curbside lane running in the opposite direction to every other lane on the road,
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Beware of vehicles going the wrong way on a one way street,
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Look each way twice before crossing the road,
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Generally it's a very safe city, there are always people around and I have never felt threatened here or had a problem with anyone.
FOOD -
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Probably the best street food in the world,
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Excellent restaurants of all categories,
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One of the world's biggest Chinatowns dripping with food options,
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Many special places that have been in the same families for generations,
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Countless riverside and rooftop options,
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Night markets,
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Great food courts in shopping malls, and
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Flying chickens being delivered by unicycle riding waiters with spikes on their heads.
NIGHTLIFE -
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Some of the world's best with pockets of different styles of entertainment all around the city.
SIDETRIP -
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Amphawa floating market
VISA - click here for information
TIPS -
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Always carry a photocopy of your passport
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Always have an International Drivers License if there's a chance you'll need it
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As Thai has a different alphabet to English there is no exact translations. What you get is transliteration which helps you pronounce the words. This means you often see several different spellings for the same word.
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Learn a couple of pleasantries and you will be well rewarded
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Hotel bookings are on Booking.com (Unless stated otherwise) so you can normally have free cancellation up until a week or two - check the fine print.
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Bookings - if you're not sure book it anyway to save disappointment.
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Be very careful of bus lanes when crossing the road. They are closest to the footpath and go in the opposite direction to the rest of the traffic. Also you get people going the wrong way down one way streets. Always look both directions and then check again before you leave the footpath.
DO'S & DON'TS - Top 10
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#11 be respectful of the money - don't screw it up or put your feet on it - the King's head is on it.
COSTS -
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Can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be.
GETTING AROUND -
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In the day time use the river ferries, Skytrain and the underground to beat the traffic.
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Later on when the traffic thins out go for an exhilarating ride in a Tuk Tuk (you haven't really been to Bangkok until you do).
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Generally taxis are cheaper, safer, cooler and less argumentative than Tuk Tuks.
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If you're really on a tight budget the buses are cheapest but I've never been able to work out their routes and they look a little crowded. With google maps it is now a lot easier to work out the system. Although they do have their own special lanes to cut through the traffic. So beware when crossing the road. It may look like 7 lanes of traffic going in the one direction but the closest one to the footpath could be a bus lane going in the opposite direction.
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There are also motorcycle taxis which are a fast way to get through the traffic. I use them in other places but have never had the courage to take one in Bangkok. They can be handy if you are staying down a long Soi (lane) off of Sukhumvit Rd and can't be bothered walking.
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Take care of the traffic when you are walking around.
MUST DO -
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Late night fast tuk tuk ride home
SHOPPING -
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Chatchuak Weekend Market,
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Siam Square,
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Chinatown
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Asiatique
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ICONSIAM
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River City
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BANGKOK STOPOVER 3N
HIGHLIGHTS - Street food & Sanuk
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World famous "backpacker ghetto" Khao San Road
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Shopping, eating and drinking in Banglamphu
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Walking tour of Rattanakosin Island including Thailand #1 attractions Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha
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Watching the sun go down over Bangkok at Sky bar
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Choose your style of Sukhumvit nightlife and a freewheeling tuk tuk ride home
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Bicycle tour of the Green Lungs of Bangkok with a Floating Market on weekends
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The World's largest solid gold Buddha
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The World's largest Chinatown
1 Bangkok - 3N
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Fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport then take an official taxi to your hotel in the Banglamphu area near Khao San Road. I recommend you download the maps.me app to your phone and download the Bangkok map so you can use it to navigate while you are moving around. Also it pays to carry a photocopy of your passport around with you.
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Stay at or near the New Siam Riverside - anywhere in the Banglamphu area will be fine.
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Spend the rest of the afternoon / evening looking around the neighbourhood. You will find everything your heart could desire and quite a few things you didn't even know existed.
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Find a table in the street, order a beer or a bottle of Sang Som (Thai rum), coke, soda and ice bucket then just sit there and watch the world go by. Just about every demographic of the world is represented. If you're a Thai Boxing fan you could go to the nearby Rajadamnern Stadium which has bouts starting around 6.30 PM. It's only 2 km away so you could walk or take a tuk tuk.
2
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Off for a walking tour today to cross the major bucket list items off of your list.
Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay
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No rush to get up, you need to be at Sky Bar for 6pm opening and Sunset
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Head off at 10am and you should have plenty of time. The restaurant Krua Apsorn doesn't open until 10.30. Have a very light breakfast at the hotel.
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You will need long pants and shoes (men) to get in to Sky Bar ladies get away with being more casual but no flip flops. Zip off pants are a great idea.
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They will be handy for the Grand Palace too, although normally you can rent a sarong or happy pants.
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Watch out for pickpockets around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
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Make your way to the the 14 October 1973 Memorial - 500,000 people gathered here to protest the Three Tyrants
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Then down to the Democracy Monument - where it all began in 1932 and it has become a place for protesters to assemble
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Brunch at Krua Apsorn (Apsorn's Kitchen) a famous place to eat that uses recipes that were used in the palace to feed Royalty - (Stir fried crab in curry powder is highly recommended)
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The Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) - hard to miss this one at 21 meters tall, at one time Louis Leonowens the son of Anna (as in the King and I) donated the teak for the swing)
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Next door is Wat (temple) Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan - is one of the oldest and most important temples - King Rama 8 is buried here.
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Nuttaporn Ice cream - time for a cool break, they have local flavours and have been making ice cream pretty much since Bangkok has had it and use the finest mangoes money can buy
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Phraeng Phuton Square - next to Nuttaporn and has some classic old shops that are worth a look
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Bangkok City Pillar Shrine - this was the first building put up on this side of the river
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The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) and the the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot) - which has had an interesting life with lots of travel. Read more about it here.
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Wat Pho - the home of the Reclining Buddha and Thai massage
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Museum Siam - an interactive and fun lesson in Thai history and Thai culture
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It must be time for a drink - make your way to the river and the Yodpiman ferry wharf and take an orange flagged ferry to the Oriental Pier (Don't worry the ticket lady will tell you which ferry to get on - just watch how the locals do it and follow suit - it's an adventure in itself plus you will have a pleasant cruise down the river as well.
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Get off at the Oriental Hotel (Bangkok's first hotel and the best in the world for many years in a row) and have a look / drink. Or if you make time you could come here for traditional afternoon tea in the Authors Lounge. (12pm - 6pm) From here make your way to the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower - if you're a bit early there's plenty to see in this neighbourhood. The bar opens at 6 pm and it's good to be on time to see it in the light and the dark and the sun sets quickly in the tropics.
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Check the menu prices before you order. Some drinks aren't overly expensive but others certainly are. You only need to stay for one and you'll still have plenty of time to take in the incredible views from up here.
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If you want to continue drinking at much cheaper prices and still with a gtreat view head down to Jack & X's Bar on the riverside. They do food here too.
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Now it's time for dinner and there are many choices. Charoen Krung Rd outside the front of the building has some famous places to eat - or you could take the complimentary ferry (get on just south of the main Sathon Pier) down to ASIATIQUE the Riverfront where you have eating, drinking and shopping in a recreated 1900's style - or you could catch the Sky Train (from Saphan Taksin station) down to Sukhumvit Rd for a night out (there is something for everyone).
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Or you could do the lot. Drinks at Jack's, dinner on Charoen Krung, a few hours at Asiatique then finish up at Sukhumvit.
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Catching a tuk tuk home and racing through the empty streets is one of the great joys of Bangkok. Don't forget to barter
3
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Have another sleep in if you need it. You have another big day ahead. Time for some exercise to blow the cobwebs out. Or you could opt for a motorcycle taxi. You're off to Bang Krachao - the"Green Lungs of Bangkok" (a riverine island that will make you forget you are in the big city). It is the perfect place to cycle around and it has a number of attractions along the way. One of the highlights is riding along the elevated pathways through the mangrove forest and Green Road and Flower Street.
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If you go during the week you'll have it to yourself and most places will be open except the two following. If you go on the weekend you'll have lots of company and everything will be open including the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery and the Floating Market. Don't forget to take a hat and a copy of your passport.
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First of all you'll need to eat. You've probably noticed by now that eating is a national past time around here and you are never more than 10 meters away from food at any time. Just down the road is a place that's been there for over 80 years and it's called Karim Roti Mataba. The food is very good and very cheap. Stop in for a bite on your way to the Phra Athit ferry pier. Catch the ferry down to the main Sathon pier by the Thaksin bridge.
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From here take a taxi to the Klong Toey pier. Taxis are generally cheaper, safer, cooler and less hassle than tuk tuks. But nowhere near as much fun! Catch the boat across to Bang Krachao pier where you will see the bicycle rental shop. You'll need you passport copy and they will give you a map and a bottle of water. The bikes are reasonable and very cheap. The map isn't that good, either is google maps, so it's a good thing you downloaded maps.me.
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I would go in an anticlockwise direction. The two dots after the floating market towards the river are the Green Road and Flower Street. The Bangkok Tree House is a good place to stop for a beer on the roof.
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Once you're back across the river find yourself a taxi and go to the Klong Toei Metro Station. You want to head west and get off at the Hua Lamphong MRT station.
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From here walk to Wat Traimit to see the world's largest solid gold Buddha that was discovered by accident
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Enter Chinatown through the China Gate. Chinatown originally was where you were walking around yesterday but was moved here to make way for the Grand Palace. The main road here Yaowarat Rd was the first road in Thailand. The snaking road is said to represent a dragon and the China Gate is its head. It has had a colourful history. Chinatown is actually called Yaowarat. All of your senses will be challenged in this vibrant and colourful area.
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Stroll around - sit down - eat and drink. Seafood here is legendary and one of the most famous spots is the corner where the Lek & Rut (Red team) and T & K (Green team) Seafood Restaurants compete for customers.
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Catch a taxi or tuk tuk home when you've had enough.
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Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
4
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Wake up, have one last dip in the pool, eat, do your last minute shopping, head to the airport (Taxi is best - just agree on the price before you go) and start planning your next, longer trip to Thailand.
MEET BANGKOK 9N
HIGHLIGHTS - 3 islands & 5 floating markets
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Rattakosin Island Walking Tour
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Ko Kret Bicycle Tour
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Bang Krachao (the Green Lungs of Bangkok) - Bicycle Tour
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World's biggest Chinatown - World's biggest solid gold sculpture
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Ancient City - the World's largest Outdoor Museum
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The Erewan Museum - the World's largest metal 3 headed Elephant
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The World Famous Maeklong Railway Market
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Thailand's best and most authentic Floating Market - Amphawa
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Thailand's main Seafood area
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Birthplace of Chang and Eng - the original Siamese Twins
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Best Sundowner Locations
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Trader Vic's Free Flow Tiki Sunday Brunch
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Beat the traffic on the Ferry, Sky Train and Metro
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It's best to start this trip on a Monday to be at the Amphawa Floating Market on Thursday evening. You can juggle the days around to suit if it works out better for you. Fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport then take an official taxi to your hotel in the Banglamphu area near Khao San Road. I recommend you download the maps.me app to your phone and download the Bangkok map so you can use it to navigate while you are moving around. Also it pays to carry a photocopy of your passport around with you. There are a lot of boat trips on this trip so you may want to take a waterproof case for your phone.
1 Bangkok - 3N
-
Stay at or near the New Siam Riverside - anywhere in the Banglamphu area will be fine.
-
Spend the rest of the afternoon / evening looking around the neighbourhood. You will find everything your heart could desire and quite a few things you didn't even know existed.
-
Find a table in the street, order a beer or a bottle of Sang Som (Thai rum), coke, soda and ice bucket then just sit there and watch the world go by. Just about every demographic of the world is represented. If you're a Thai Boxing fan you could go to the nearby Rajadamnern Stadium which has bouts starting around 6.30 PM. It's only 2 km away so you could walk or take a tuk tuk.
2
-
Off for a walking tour today to cross the major bucket list items off of your list.
Photo by Braden Jarvis on Unsplash
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
No rush to get up, you need to be at Sky Bar for 6pm opening and Sunset
-
Head off at 10am and you should have plenty of time. The restaurant Krua Apsorn doesn't open until 10.30. Have a very light breakfast at the hotel.
-
You will need long pants and shoes (men) to get in to Sky Bar ladies get away with being more casual but no flip flops. Zip off pants are a great idea.
-
They will be handy for the Grand Palace too, although normally you can rent a sarong or happy pants.
-
Watch out for pickpockets around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
-
Make your way to the the 14 October 1973 Memorial - 500,000 people gathered here to protest the Three Tyrants
-
Then down to the Democracy Monument - where it all began in 1932 and it has become a place for protesters to assemble
-
Brunch at Krua Apsorn (Apsorn's Kitchen) a famous place to eat that uses recipes that were used in the palace to feed Royalty - (Stir fried crab in curry powder is highly recommended)
-
The Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) - hard to miss this one at 21 meters tall, at one time Louis Leonowens the son of Anna (as in the King and I) donated the teak for the swing)
-
Next door is Wat (temple) Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworahawihan - is one of the oldest and most important temples - King Rama 8 is buried here.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
Nuttaporn Ice cream - time for a cool break, they have local flavours and have been making ice cream pretty much since Bangkok has had it and use the finest mangoes money can buy
-
Phraeng Phuton Square - next to Nuttaporn and has some classic old shops that are worth a look
-
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine - this was the first building put up on this side of the river
-
The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) and the the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot) - which has had an interesting life with lots of travel. Read here for more about it.
-
Wat Pho - the home of the Reclining Buddha and Thai massage
-
Museum Siam - an interactive and fun lesson in Thai history and Thai culture
-
It must be time for a drink - make your way to the river and the Yodpiman ferry wharf and take an orange flagged ferry to the Oriental Pier (Don't worry the ticket lady will tell you which ferry to get on - just watch how the locals do it and follow suit - it's an adventure in itself plus you will have a pleasant cruise down the river as well.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
Get off at the Oriental Hotel (Bangkok's first hotel and the best in the world for many years in a row) and have a look / drink. Or if you make time you could come here for traditional afternoon tea in the Authors Lounge. (12pm - 6pm) From here make your way to the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower - if you're a bit early there's plenty to see in this neighbourhood. The bar opens at 6 pm and it's good to be on time to see it in the light and the dark and the sun sets quickly in the tropics.
-
Check the menu prices before you order. Some drinks aren't overly expensive but others certainly are. You only need to stay for one and you'll still have plenty of time to take in the incredible views from up here.
-
If you want to continue drinking at much cheaper prices and still with a great view head down to Jack & X's Bar on the riverside. They do food here too.
-
Now it's time for dinner and there are many choices. Charoen Krung Rd outside the front of the building has some famous places to eat - or you could take the complimentary ferry (get on just south of the main Sathon Pier) down to ASIATIQUE the Riverfront where you have eating, drinking and shopping in a recreated 1900's style - or you could catch the Sky Train (from Saphan Taksin station) down to Sukhumvit Rd for a night out (there is something for everyone). Or you could do the lot. Drinks at Jack's, dinner on Charoen Krung, a few hours at Asiatique then finish up at Sukhumvit.
-
Catching a tuk tuk home and racing through the empty streets is one of the great joys of Bangkok. Don't forget to barter
3
-
Have another sleep in if you need it. You have another big day ahead. Time for some exercise to blow the cobwebs out. Or you could opt for a motorcycle taxi. You're off to Bang Krachao - the"Green Lungs of Bangkok" (a riverine island that will make you forget you are in the big city). It is the perfect place to cycle around and it has a number of attractions along the way. One of the highlights is riding along the elevated pathways through the mangrove forest and Green Road and Flower Street.
-
You will be going during the week so you'll have it to yourself and most places will be open except the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery and the Floating Market. Don't forget to take a hat and a copy of your passport.
-
First of all you'll need to eat. You've probably noticed by now that eating is a national past time around here and you are never more than 10 meters away from food at any time. Just down the road is a place that's been there for over 80 years and it's called Karim Roti Mataba. The food is very good and very cheap. Stop in for a bite on your way to the Phra Athit ferry pier. Catch the ferry down to the main Sathon pier by the Thaksin bridge.
-
From here take a taxi to the Klong Toey pier. Taxis are generally cheaper, safer, cooler and less hassle than tuk tuks. But nowhere near as much fun! Catch the boat across to Bang Krachao pier where you will see the bicycle rental shop. You'll need you passport copy and they will give you a map and a bottle of water. The bikes are reasonable and very cheap. The map isn't that good, either is google maps, so it's a good thing you downloaded maps.me.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
-
I would go in an anticlockwise direction. The two dots after the floating market towards the river are the Green Road and Flower Street. The Bangkok Tree House is a good place to stop for a beer on the roof.
-
Once you're back across the river find yourself a taxi and go to the Klong Toei Metro Station. You want to head west and get off at the Hua Lamphong MRT station.
-
From here walk to Wat Traimit to see the world's largest solid gold Buddha that was discovered by accident
-
Enter Chinatown through the China Gate. Chinatown originally was where you were walking around yesterday but was moved here to make way for the Grand Palace. The main road here Yaowarat Rd was the first road in Thailand. The snaking road is said to represent a dragon and the China Gate is its head. It has had a colourful history. Chinatown is actually called Yaowarat. All of your senses will be challenged in this vibrant and colourful area.
-
Stroll around - sit down - eat and drink. Seafood here is legendary and one of the most famous spots is the corner where the Lek & Rut (Red team) and T & K (Green team) Seafood Restaurants compete for customers.
-
Catch a taxi or tuk tuk home when you've had enough.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
4 Amphawa - 2N
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Time to get out of the city for a few days. You can leave your luggage at the hotel and just travel with your day pack. You will be riding on what was a private railway (Known as the Mae Klong - Maha Chai Railway) and having a nice long seafood lunch looking out over the river. Later you will visit the famous train market and end up at the best floating market in Thailand where you will be staying for the weekend. There has been a market around this canal for over 400 years. It is very popular with Bangkokians who love to come here and eat.
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First of all you'll need to retrace your steps and make your way to the Phra Athit pier and get off at Central / Sathorn. From her go to the BTS Skytrain Station Saphan Taksin and head west for two stops to BTS Wongwian Yai.
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From here walk 700m north to the Wongwian Yai train station. Trains run every 30 mins to an hour starting from 5.30 am. It takes an hour to get to the first destination. It would pay to check this information.
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Get off the train at the the end of the line at the Maha Chai Train Station. It's a short walk from here to the restaurant and you an have a look at the seafood market on the way.
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Settle in at the Tha Ruea Fish Restaurant and have a nice long and relaxed lunch. The second floor is said to be best. This place was famous and had a good reputation but lately has been getting some bad reports. So if it is empty you may want to try some of the other nearby places. If it's jumping dive on in. Keep a few of your wits as you've still got some navigating to do :-)
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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That was the Mahachai part of the railroad now it's time to do the Mae Klong section. You will need to catch the ferry across the river to the Tha Chalom pier walk out, turn right and find the Ban Laem Railway Station which is about 400m away. You'll need to be here for the 1.30 pm or 4.40 pm train which takes an hour. Otherwise you can catch a bus from the market, but it would be nice to arrive at the Mae Klong Train Market on the train wouldn't it? You may need to come back over the weekend and see it from the outside if you're on the last train.
Mae Klong Train Market
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Have a look around the market if you like then it is a short taxi ride to your hotel in the Amphawa Floating Market.
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Stay at RoomQuest Rimrabeang And Suite (book this as far ahead as you can) - excellent location, terrace, breakfast included
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Or Thanicha Resort Amphawa *** - free bikes, terrace, restaurant
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Or the Amphawa Nanon Hotel *** - excellent location, live entertainment in rooftop restaurant & bar, bicycle rental, terrace restaurant, coffee house, spa & wellness centre, good breakfast included
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Or anywhere on the water and near the floating market.
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Have a relaxing evening settling in. Find a nice riverside restaurant and have a meal and a few drinks. Even on weekends there is not a lot of nightlife action when the market closes down. You will find a few bars where you can get a drink and your best bet would be a riverside restaurant with a nice view.
5
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The market is open Friday to Sunday 10 AM - 9.30 PM. It's good to start off on a non-market day so you get to have it to yourself and see it when it is tranquil. There are a lot of other activities in the area as well.
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In no particular order try to find time for the following - longtail boat cruises, public or hire your own (there are 300 canals around here) - the Khai Bang Kung Fort and Banyan Tree Temple - Firefly Cruise (more than 100 species) - explore the market on foot - eat...... a lot - get up early to see Buddhist Monks paddling along collecting alms from the villagers - see how Palm Sugar is made (a local specialty) - if you want to experience the Floating Market you've seen on TV it's only 20 mins up the road, it's called the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and it's touristy and expensive but it's also lively and fun (you could go there in the morning it opens at 7 AM) - if you want to go for a small excursion you could visit the Chang and Eng Memorial (the original Siamese Twins) where they were born (plus a local boat museum) then have lunch at the seafood restaurants down near Don Hoi Lot.
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6 Bangkok - 4N
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Back to Bangkok today - the easy way. Long distance taxis are quite cheap in Thailand and this is only a 75 km trip. You're off to Trader Vic's Sunday Brunch at the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (which you have previously booked). It starts at 11.30 AM until 3 PM. The taxi will roughly take about 90 minutes. You will be able to leave your day packs at reception. If you have plenty of time you may want to drop your gear of at the hotel first but it will add another hour to the trip and extra dollars for the taxi driver.
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If a boozy brunch isn't really your thing have the day off.
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There is a mountain of food and drink options including no alcohol and free flowing Tiki cocktails, bubbly, wine and beer with live Jazz or Salsa.
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You might be ready to go home to bed depending on how many Mai Tais you've knocked back. If not ICONSIAM (a recent addition and one of the largest shopping malls in Asia - it has over 7,000 shops and 100 restaurants - and .......... a floating market) is a short taxi ride up the road. Perhaps a massage and some spa treatment would be nice.
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After an hour or so here it will be getting close to sunset. Catch the free shuttle boat to Ratchawong Pier then keep going in that direction to Tha Tien Pier (less than 2 km). From Tha Tien Pier walk to Arun Residence and go up to the Amorosa Bar for a magical view of the sunset over Wat Arun (the centre of the universe). It opens at 5 PM and it's good to get there early for a ringside seat.
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If you skipped the bar snacks at Amorosa and are starting to feel hungry you could catch a tuk tuk to THIPSAMAI or Jay Fai - Bangkok's two most famous street food places. Thip Samai for their Pat Thai and Jai Fai earning a Michelin star.
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From here it's only 2 km home. You could probably walk and if you have any energy left party your way down Khao San Road on the way through.
7
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Have a sleep in you've earned it. Today will be nice and relaxed and you can travel at your own pace. With a nice long boat cruise to start things off. You are going to another riverine island called Ko Kret. This one was Mon made when a short cut was forcibly dug in by hand. The Mons ended up settling on the island. Mons actually inhabited this area before the Thais came along. It gets very busy on weekends and many people prefer coming here during the week.
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When you're ready make your way to the now familiar Phra Athit pier. Did you know the CIA used to have an office on this road you are walking down? If you're hungry there's a very good beef noodle shop here.
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You're heading off in the other direction, North today. All the way to the last stop - the Nonthaburi Pier. From here you can hire a long tailed boat to take you up to the island which is another 20 minutes North.
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The island is nice and flat and there is one 6 km ring road so hiring a bicycle is the best way to get around. You can do it on less than an hour. You can also hire a motorbike taxi lady if you'd rather. The island is famous for it's pottery and there are several villages which specialise in this. It is also famous for it's Thai Desserts. Also there is the leaning Pagoda
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So get yourself a pushbike and start exploring. The Rongsi Studio is a cafe set in an old rice mill and a great coffee stop. Find somewhere interesting for lunch. And even pick up a souvenir or two on the way around. At the end of the tour settle into Chit Beer for a few frothies looking out at the river. It has an interesting back story. And a little further on De Pala is another good beer stop.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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Catch the ferry back straight across the river to the mainland. you're going back a different way to what you came. Get a taxi to the Nonthaburi Civic Centre Metro Station. Ask him if he'll use the meter before you get in. Catch the MRT to Tao Poon Station where you will transfer from the purple to the blue line. Next stop Sukhumvit - this station connects with the Asok BTS Sky Train Station which travels up and down Sukhumvit Road. (Which goes to the Cambodian border by the way - and it has numbered Sois (lanes) to help you work out where things are. Odd numbers head North and even numbers South. Numbers increase from West to East. They also have their own names as well.) Now Bangkok is your oyster and you have some decisions to make. (Some of these will need pre-booking of course)
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Have a look around the Terminal 21 Shopping Mall which is basically where you are
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Dine in the Dark - a short walk away at the Sheraton Grande
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Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, Soi Sukhumvit 57 - for sunset
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Dinner at Gaggan Anand Restaurant - one of the world's most famous
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Siam Square - shopping Mecca and upscale everything
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Sukhumvit Soi 11 - Soi 38 Street Food Night Market and the other hundred + Sois.
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Tuk Tuk home
8
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Free day today!! Whatever you feel like doing. Do it. Laze around the pool all day. Something a bit more active or even full on adrenaline junkie. Here's a few suggestions that may help. Maybe a combination of a few would be good.
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Shopping - pick up some last minute souvenirs and presents. Siam Square is the place to go and MBK Center has the cheap prices. The easiest way to get here is on the Saen Saep Boat Service. Get on at Phan Fa Lilat Pier past Democracy Monument and the Phanfa Bridge. Get off at Hua Chang (Siam Square) and a 5 minute walk South down the main road will have you at the centre of Siam Square. When you come back you could climb the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) for sunset.
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For a unique and memorable experience how about a ride on a racing longtail boat. It is not for the faint of heart. Have a look at this video and see what you think. To organise it e-mail them at thailongtailexperience@gmail.com.
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Fancy a round of golf? There's a replica course here called Dream Arena the Royal Gems City. The front 9 are signature holes from around the world. The back 9 is an exact replica of the back 9 at Augusta, Amen Corner and everything. Ask them to organise transport at reception. It's 30 km West of town. (Book)
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How about a Spa Day. Take advantage of the reasonable prices here and feel a million dollars.
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Want some more history and culture. Why not visit the Bangkok National Museum and the National Museum of Royal Barges. Both are surprisingly close and within walking distance.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go-to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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Maybe head back to the Oriental Hotel for High Tea in the Authors Lounge. (Book)
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In the evening you might want to go for a Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River which is beautiful at night time. (Book).
9
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Now you know all about Bangkok it's time to learn about Thailand. You're off to Muang Boran - the Ancient City. There's a lot to see and a lot to learn so get an early start if you can. Plus it is 40 km away. Its opening hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM. It's 300 acres and it's in the shape of Thailand. Construction began in 1963 and is ongoing. Most buildings have been replicated on a scale of1 to 3. Important structures are placed geographically correctly. It's like travelling around Thailand in a day.
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Take a tuk tuk to Sanam Chai MRT subway station just next to the Museum Siam. Head East and get off at Sukhumvit which is about 6 stops away. Transfer to the BTS Skytrain Station Asok and head South to the end of the line - which at the time of writing is Keha Station. take a taxi from here which is only 10 minutes away.
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You may have noticed the huge three headed elephant on the way past. That was the Erewan Museum and some versions of Erewan have 33 heads. Hard to visualise isn't it. Try google. He is brought to you by the same people responsible for the Ancient City. So if you think you'll have time to see him on the way back you can buy a combo ticket and save some money. An hour would be enough. Also you'll need to work out ho you're going to get around and sort that out at the gate too.
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Your choices are drive your own car (N/A) - ride a bicycle (healthy and free) - walk (too slow) - hire a golf cart - use the tram and go by boat. You'll find all of the info on their website above. You'll be pleased to learn they also have a floating market here.
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The "country" is divided up into 5 regions, similar to the real Thailand with one exception. Southern, Central, Northern, North Eastern (Isaan) and Suvarnabhumi. You might recognise that last one from when you flew in last week. Suvarnabhumi is a fabled "Golden Land". It really is an amazing museum and something special.
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There are various places you can stop for lunch or refreshments. The afore mentioned Floating Market, the Old Market Town and cafes etc. There is plenty of shade and water around.
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Eventually retrace your steps and make your way home. Spend your last night locally and enjoy what Banglamphu has to offer and have a short walk home to bed. If you're looking for a nice riverside seafood restaurant with live music and views of the Rama VIII bridge for a last night dinner try the Khin Lom Chom Sa Phan.
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10
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All good things must come to an end. Don't worry you'll be back. Finish of those last minute jobs and head out to the Airport. Taxi is the easiest way. Bon Voyage.