PROMOTION
Bangkok is not only the party centre of the East, it is also the capital of a land with a rich and diverse culture; the capital of the only country in Southeast Asia that the European colonialists were never able to subdue.
5-7am: Rise With The Monks – Waking up early to watch the Buddhist monks receive alms is one of the most popular things to do when travelling in Southeast Asia. To avoid the tourist-brigade, instead of visiting spots suggested by guides like this one, see where your hotel is, find a small temple or monastery nearby (it will not be hard) and watch the saffron procession in peace.
8am: Off To The Market – Visit the Chinese Talat Mai Market to have a look at the seasoning, spices, and sauces on offer. lonelyplanet.com
9.30am: See Bangkok’s Grand Palace – Despite the daily throng of visitors, Bangkok’s Grand Palace near to the Saphan Taksin BTS station, is undoubtedly a must-see. Built in 1762, for 150 years it was the residence of the Thai King. Today, this intricately crafted building is the spiritual kernel of the Thai Kingdom. bangkok.com [Photo: Dennis Jarvis/Flickr]
1pm: Have Lunch On The Streets – The street food in Bangkok is arguably the best in the world. Pad Thai comes in the form of stir-fried noodles with egg, tofu, tamarind pulp and varying meats and seafood. Sukhumvit Soi 38 is particularly renowned for a wide selection of Pad Thai street vendors. [Photo: Johan Fantenberg/Flickr]
2pm: Browse Boots And Boutiques – Time for shopping in Siam Square. This is one of the smartest districts of Bangkok – essentially the Thai version of Bond Street or Fifth Avenue. It is clean, largely free of backpackers, and serviced by an army of air-conditioning units. [Photo: Allie Caulfield/Wikimedia Commons]
4pm: Recline In The Park – Lumphini Park offers visitors an oasis to rejuvenate in preparation for the evening ahead. Or perhaps, for the more energetic, the chance to hire a paddleboat. [Photo: Terence Ong/Wikimedia Commons]
7pm: Dinner Time – Bangkok is a city for foodies, and the array of must-try restaurants – from mom-and-pop diners offering authentic specialties, to white-tablecloth affairs putting an upscale spin on local dishes – the choice can get overwhelming. So just focus on what you’re in the mood for at the moment: For the best Pad Thai in the city, try Thip Samai; for a hip yet intimate atmosphere, with Thai dishes served up by local chefs/owners, go for The Sixth; for the iconic culinary stylings of Chef Ian Kittichai in a beautiful historic villa, head for Issaya Siamese Club; and for a modern twist on traditional Thai (and a multiple-course Michelin-star meal under USD 100) take a seat at Nahm.
11pm: Put On Your Dancing Shoes – If you’re keen for more action at this point of the night, you are not far from Silom Soi 4. This is not only the centre of Bangkok’s gay scene, but also regarded as one of the jolliest haunts in the city, whatever your persuasion. Alternatively one can head to Levels Club & Lounge, where an array of spectacular shows play. levelsclub.com
Read Before You Go: Margaret Landon’s novel Anna and the King of Siam, which was adapted for the stage as The King and I, is a poignant introduction to a rich and complex country.
Watch Before You Go: Beautiful Boxer (2003) is an illuminating and hard-hitting bio-pic about a transgender boxer in Thailand. This film shines some light on both Thai society and that brutal art of muay thai.
Listen Before You Go: Tune into Alternative Thailand for an idea of what the cool kids are listening to on the mean streets of Bangkok. alternativethailand.com
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