Bangkok

Top things to do & see in Bangkok

Dusit Zoo

The Dusit Zoo at Ratchawithi Road (02-281-2000) is home to a variety of extraordinary animals. Wildlife indigenous to Thailand, and not seen anywhere else on Earth, can be found here. The royal white elephants are magnificent, and a favorite activity is to rent a paddleboat and cruise along the pond. The area is wonderfully scenic, and children love the zoo because of the elephant rides and exotic life that abounds.

Wat Saket

Wat Saket is a picturesque mountain located at Ratchadamnoen Klang and Boriphat Roads. The climb is relatively short but the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This is a wonderful hike, and for nine days in October and November an enchanting temple fair is held around Wat Saket. A carnival of epic proportions is held, complete with animal circuses, theater, "freak shows" and other weirdness. It is an incredible experience, and if you happen to be in Thailand during this time of the year, a trip to Wat Saket is a must.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, near Sanam Luang (02-222-8181), is the premier sightseeing destination in all of Thailand. It is one of the oldest buildings in the land, a splendid edifice that was constructed in the 1780s. The king resided here until 1946, when the Chitralada Palace became the official residence of the royal family. Today the Grand Palace is used for dignitaries and for royal ceremonies. The most important ceremonies are held at Amarinda Vinichai Hall, right next door to the Grand Palace. It's an ornate and enthralling site that is of interest as a memorable historical site and a flamboyant piece of architecture.

Bangkok is a city of important temples, and they’re all connected symbolically to the Palace, a complex of about 100 buildings. There’s a dream-like quality to any stroll through the Palace grounds with its gilding, its polished tile, its guardian statue figures and ubiquitous light-catching shards of stone and mirror connecting the temples and palaces.

Shopping

The city is home to several shopping malls. Bangkok has some of Asia’s best values in textiles, crafts, art and custom tailoring. The most famous name in Thai silk is the late American Jim Thompson, whose house is home to a legendary silk museum and shop.

Nightlife

The Shangri-La Hotel Lobby Lounge, at 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu (02-236-7777), is a great place to have a cocktail and enjoy live shows. The performances are typically soft music and light pop, which is relaxing after an exciting day of sightseeing.

Thai boxing is excellent entertainment if you enjoy this violent and competitive sport. One of the best places to see boxing matches is the Ratchadamnoen Stadium (02-281-4205). Gambling on the matches runs rampant, so know what you are getting into before you take any action with the locals. At Lumpini Stadium, on Rama IV Road (02-251-4303), the programs are as outlandish as they are exciting. The bouts often get quite intense, but the area is well-patrolled and quite safe.

Calypso, at 296 Phayathai Road (02-261-6355), is a fun place to catch a cabaret show. The sets and costumes are dazzling. As popular as the sex shows, go-go clubs and bars in the red light district may be, please exercise extreme caution if you happen to venture into one of these seedy joints.

Best bets for dining

You're in Bangkok, so go Thai! The Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Lumphini is a great place to indulge in street food and for a five-star meal up above the clouds head to the Lebua Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar.

The Normandie Grill, at 48 Oriental Avenue (02-236-0400), is perhaps the most elegant dining room in Thailand. The dinner menu changes often, but each night the courses are set by the chefs, and you are in for a real treat if you try the beef filet. Reservations, a jacket, and a tie are all required. 

Spice Market, at 155 Ratchadamri Road (02-251-6127), is the hot spot for superb Thai food. The menu rates everything according to the degree of spiciness, which is a great feature for those who are inexperienced with Thai cuisine. The roasted duck and fried beef will make you want to get up from your seat and do a dance. All the food is bursting with flavor, and it is presented in an artful fashion that adds even more pleasure to this outstanding dining adventure.

Best time to go

According to the World Meteorological Organization, Bangkok is the world's hottest city. Just 14 degrees north of the equator, Bangkok is sunny at all times of the year with temperatures over 86°F.

The most pleasant time to visit is the cool season that lasts from November to February. It is both the coolest and driest period. Daytime temperatures still hover around 86°F, but it does cool down into the lower 70s as it gets dark. March and April represent the hot season — 95°F on average — but don't be surprised to see heat indexes rising into the 120°F+ range. Avoid this time of year if you can. The wet season runs from May to October. Expect massive downpours resulting in floods all over the city, and spells of thunder at times.

Fun facts

• The Chao Phraya River runs through Bangkok, and it's the place where many common people built their homes off of the honeycomb of canals fed by the river. All along the river, people catch long taxi boats called hong yao to get around.
• The 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" was filmed in Thailand's city of Phuket at Maya Bay. Phuket, and the stunning, famous beach, are located on the other side of the Gulf of Thailand — a short flight (about 25 minutes) or a long drive (roughly 11 hours) from Bangkok. 

When you arrive

Docking information

Large cruise ships must dock at Laem Chabang Port, about 90 minutes southeast of Bangkok. A taxi service desk is available on the wharf but charges extortionate prices for a trip to Bangkok, a whopping 2,600 baht (about $80) to charter a taxi (four passengers), or about 5,000 baht to charter a minibus (usually 11 passenger seats). Slightly lower prices can be found by walking out to the main road, about 4,000 baht for a minibus, but even these rates are still almost double the typical rate in the opposite direction. 

Frequent first- and second-class bus services directly connect Laem Chabang with Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai); less frequent direct services run to the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). A first-class air-conditioned bus (blue and white) to either will take 90 minutes or less; the fare is around 100 baht ($3). 

Smaller ships may dock further upriver at Khlong Toei Port, close to Bangkok's city center. A modest terminal provides processing for passengers (who may receive Thai customs and immigration processing on board). 

Getting around

The primary method of transportation while in Bangkok is the buses. Although navigating the streets of Bangkok is a challenge, once you familiarize yourself with the labyrinth of bus routes, you'll be on your way. Taxis are also available but expect to pay a hefty fare, as taxis are not only expensive but your trip through the notorious Bangkok traffic will be a long one, as well. Overall, your best bet in Bangkok is simply walking.

Need to know

Documents: Visitors will need a valid passport. 

Language: Thai is the official language, but English is usually understood in the major tourist areas.

Currency: The baht is the official currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but local money will come in handy in market stalls.  

Safety: Given its size, Bangkok is surprisingly safe, with violent crimes like mugging and robbery rare. One of the biggest dangers are motorbikes that ride on pavements, cart through traffic and speed through red lights.

Bangkok does have more than its fair share of scams, and many individuals in the tourist business do not hesitate to overcharge unwary visitors. As a rule of thumb, it is wise to decline all offers made by someone who appears to be a friendly local giving a hapless tourist some local advice. 

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