Weather in Thailand in January AIRPORT TRANSFERS SIM

Cultural phenomenon, shopping haven and tourist treasure.
Welcome to Bangkok; one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting
and, above all, compelling of Asian cities. A steamy, pulsating,
yet smiling metropolis of more than ten million souls – intense at
first, but addictive as anything.
Weather in Thailand in January
January is peak season in Thailand and there is a reason for that
— the weather is great. Both the Gulf and Andaman coasts will
be seeing a lot of sunshine with little to very infrequent rain.
Temperatures will oscillate around the low 20s to low 30s mark.
Bangkok and Central Thailand will be relatively cool and as with
the south, expect very little, if any, rain. The evenings may even
be slightly cool.
Come find your niche among dazzling temples, hotels of every
type and size, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, ritzy shopping
malls, a famous nightlife and the many things in between. Enjoy a
memorable dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Bask in
the city’s warm, affluent glow at a skyscraping rooftop bar.
Experience all the things – a tuk¬tuk ride, a ladyboy show, Muay
Thai (kickboxing) match, Thai massage – everyone always comes
home talking about.
SIM CARDS AND DIALING PREFIXES
Prepaid SIM cards are available for purchase at most
convenience stores (you will find 7Elevens everywhere) as well as
the service operators’ shops – DTAC, AIS and TRUE – located
inside shopping malls. To make a call to a landline within
Bangkok, dial 02 then the sevendigit number. Making a call
outside Bangkok requires a threedigit area code, starting with 0,
the area code, then the sixdigit number. Calls between mobile
phones require the threedigit prefix (08x), followed by the
sevendigit subscriber number.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
GETTING AROUND
All road transport to downtown Bangkok is located on the 1st
Bangkok’s traffic is notorious, particularly during the rush hours
Floor. The Airport Link (06:00 midnight) is the fastest mode
(Express Line takes only 15mins), while taxis require an
additional 50 baht on top of the meter fee and expressway tolls.
when road transport should be avoided at all costs. Better
alternatives are the Skytrain (BTS) and Underground (MRT) rail
systems (06:30 midnight), together connecting the main
shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city. Consider
buying a one day BTS pass, which may help save you a few
baht, or a store value Smart Card, for the sake of convenience.
Taxis are ubiquitous, while tuktuks – once an icon of Bangkok –
are fast disappearing from the streets; simply hail one from
anywhere along the pavement, but be careful not to block the
oncoming traffic. For sightseeing along the riverside, the river
ferries and express boats (06:00-20:00) come in handy. Start
your journey at the Sathorn Pier (BTS Saphan Taksin), then hop
on and off at whichever point you like.
If cost is not your main concern, then why not save the trouble
and use the airport limousine service (24 hours)? You can book
one in advance through www.bangkok.com or, upon arrival,
locate the nearest service counter in the arrival hall (2nd Floor).
BANGKOK AREA GUIDES
Covering an area of 1,500 sqkm, the greater Bangkok Metropolis
fits into the ‘big city’ league with ease. Add to that an estimated
ten million inhabitants, more than 30,000 taxis and an everincreasing number of tourists, and you’ll soon realise that getting
to grips with such a vast concrete jungle is no easy feat,
especially if you’re a first-time visitor. This is where our Area
Guides come in pretty handy…
1. Sukhumvit
The longest road in Thailand, both
it and its many adjoining 'sois'
(sub-streets) has fewer places for
traditional tourist attract-tions but
rich in of-the-minute shopping, eating and nightlife. While there
are touches of 'Thai-ness' on every corner, the many fashionable
restaurants, bars, air-conditioned malls, luxury hotels and hip
clubs give the area a distinctly modern, cosmopolitan,
aspirational flavour. The elevated Skytrain (BTS) helps make
exploring its daunting options incredibly easy.
2. Siam
Siam is unquestionably the centre
of shopping in Bangkok, home to
some of the city's most popular
and important shopping centres
like MBK Center, Siam Discovery Center, Siam Center, and Siam
Paragon. Within Siam Square itself, there is a wide range of
shops and services, including restaurants, cafés, designer
clothing boutiques, record stores, cinemas, bookshops, a Hard
Rock Cafe, hotels and banks. Shoppers vary, from young-aged
school and college students to office workers, trend-setting city
dwellers and, of course, throngs of tourists.
3. Silom
Who would have thought that an
empty, swamp - like field with a tall
'silom' ( windmill ) stuck in the
middle would somehow become
Bangkok's equivalent to New York's Wall Street?
Today, Silom (by day anyway) is undoubtedly one of the city's
most important financial districts with many bank headquarters,
financial institutions and office buildings. Fine hotels, smaller type
malls and great restaurants abound in the area too – and then of
course there's the infamous nightlife scene of Patpong.
4. Riverside
Bangkok's riverside is where its
historic roots lie; the traditional
heartland of this magical city with
origins that read like an epic novel
– complete with fallen and rising Kingdoms, heroes and traitors.
One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the
riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night;
water-taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges
chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples
and palaces, historical landmarks and luxury, five-star hotels.
Despite some condominiums and corporate towers that have
risen from the river banks over the past decade or so, the area
has retained its unique identity, exclusiveness and seductive
charm.
5. Khao San and Old City
The Old City (Rattanakosin) is
where you'll find Bangkok's most
spectacular and revered historical
attractions, among them The
Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho. Not only part of the
Kingdom's rich past, but intrinsic to it, a day or two spent
exploring here will give you a deep insight into the heart, soul and
psyche of the Thai people. Part of the Old City, Khao San’s 500metre long strip – dubbed backpacker’s street – is jam-packed
with budget guesthouses, internet cafés, swanky bars and clubs,
restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, bookshops, market
stalls, tattoo shops and much, much more.
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WHAT TO SEE IN BANGKOK
Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on
the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago.
Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the
grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it
dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world famous floating
market or colorful Chinatown, each of these famous places has
an intriguing story to tell.
1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Old City
A dazzling site from afar, the
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
command respect from all who
have walked in their sacred
grounds. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace continues to have
visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.
Wat Phra Kaew enshrines the highly revered Buddha image Phra
Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), carved from a single block
of jade, dating from the 15th century AD. Open: 08:30-15:30
Location: Between Wat Pho and the Royal Field How to get there:
taxi
2. Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown is a colourful, exotic
and pleasingly chaotic area,
packed with market stalls and
probably
the
highest
concentration of gold shops in the city. During major festivities
like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism
and spirit of celebration spreads across town like wildfire, and if
you happen to be around, don’t miss an opportunity to witness
Bangkok Chinatown at its best. Location: Yaowarat Road MRT:
Hua Lamphong. How to get there: taxi or MRT then walk five
mins.
3. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), Riverside
Constructed during the first half of
the 19th century by King Rama II,
in the ancient Khmer style, the
stupa (or ‘Prang’ in Thai),
showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain,
is even more stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun
symbolises the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding
of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell. Contrary to what its name
suggests, the temple appears most beautiful at sunset. Open:
8:30-17:00 Location: Thonburi How to get there: river taxi to Tien
Pier, then cross the river via ferry
4. Wat Pho, Old City
There’s more to Wat Pho than the
gigantic reclining Buddha and
traditional Thai massage. Once a
centre for public education during
the reign of King Rama III, Wat Pho harbours a fascinating
collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into
various subjects, from warfare to literature, astronomy to
archaeology. The vast temple complex contains a landscaped
garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed
porcelain, a souvenir shop and the College of Traditional
Medicine. Open: 8:00-18:00 Location: Sanam Chai Rd. How to
get there: Taxi or river taxi to Tien Pier
5. Chao Phraya River & Waterways, Riverside
The areas from Wat Arun to Phra
Sumeru Fortress are home to some
of the oldest settlements in
Bangkok, particularly Bangkok Noi,
where you can still revel in the charming ambience of stilt houses
and markets flanking the complex waterways. One of the most
scenic areas, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene
day and night: watertaxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden
rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of
glittering temples, historical landmarks and luxury, fivestar hotels.
Open (river taxis): 06:00-20:00 Location: start from Sathorn Pier
(Central Pier)
6. Jim Thompson’s House, Siam
Jim Thompson’s three decades of
dedication to the revival of Thai
silk, then a dying art, changed the
the industry forever. After he
mysteriously disappeared into the jungles of Malaysia, he left a
legacy behind, which is reflected through his vast collections of
Thai art and antiques now on display at the Jim Thompson’s
House and Museum, itself a lovely complex of six Thaistyle
teakwood houses preserved to their original glory. Open: 09:0018:00 - Location: Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Rd. - BTS: National
Stadium
7. Vimanmek Mansion, Old City
Once the royal residence of King
Rama V, Vimanmek Mansion is an
architectural marvel – the entire
structure is fashioned entirely
from gold teakwood without using a single nail. The interiors
resemble a living museum, where you can walk through (under
strict guidance) some of the rooms and marvel at a treasure trove
of rare arts and furniture pieces from the early Rattanakosin
Period – all belonging to the late king. Open: 08:30 until 16:30
(TuesSat), last tickets 15:30 Location: Rajavithee Road. How to
get there: taxi
WHAT TO DO IN BANGKOK
4. River Kwai Tour including Long-tail Boat
Sights, sounds and smells? Does it enlighten, enrich and
entertain? The following Top 10 Tours in Bangkok have been
selected based on these factors. When it came to the crunch, the
best not only offer insight into what makes Bangkok one of
the most exciting Asian cities – be it culture, history or back-tonature – but are also … well, fun. And who are we to judge?
Simply put, we’ve tried them all, that’s how.
Kanchanaburi – Tour Duration:
10hrs There’s more to the River
Kwai than solemn WWII sights.
And
this
tour
around
Kanchanaburi, a lush, unspoilt province bordering Burma, proves
it. Visits to the Death Railway, the Bridge over the River Kwai and
the memorial museum, are tastefully juxtaposed with thrilling
doses of back-to-nature: undulating mountains, rugged
landscapes, as well as activities like elephant rides and tiger
temples. Very few tours manage such a gratifying combo, both
thought-provoking and adventurous.
1. Bangkok City, Temples & Grand Palace
Old City – Tour Duration: 3hrs
30mins Bangkok has hundreds of
temples, each with thousands of
reflective surfaces that dazzle.
But this particular tour is a must-do because it introduces you to
three of Bangkok’s most dazzling – Wat Trimitr, Wat Pho and Wat
Benjabophit. What’s more? It also takes you to Thailand’s
foremost religious site: The Grand Palace and Temple of the
Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).
2. Ayutthaya Tour
Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya – Tour
Duration: 8hrs Some tours are jampacked with facts, sights and
history so much that you barely
have a moment to yourself. This day trip to Ayutthaya, Siam’s
war-ravaged former capital, has plenty of substance but doesn’t
test your staying power. A morning spent exploring temple ruins
is followed by an afternoon on board a luxury cruiser – all that’s
left to do is laze happily on deck, with only the memories, river
breezes and Bangkok’s bristling skyline for company.
3. Siam Niramit
Ratchadapisek – Tour Duration:
5hrs Packing all the splendour of
the Land of Smiles into an 80minute stage show is no easy task.
But Siam Niramit succeeds – and spectacularly. How so? Try the
world’s biggest stage, a cast of hundreds, and bags of Thai
finesse. The first act describes how Siam became a crossroads
where civilisations met, the second how karma binds the Thai
people, the last how religious ceremony earns Thais merit in this
life.
5. Candle light Dinner by Cruise
Riverside – Tour Duration: 2hrs
30mins Experience the Chao
Phraya River by candlelight. After
being welcomed aboard with a
cocktail, you'll be in awe of the architectural beauty of passing
sights like Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew. After
dining on a lavish Thai and international buffet, relax under the
stars and moonlight. A live band will perfect the mood, before
you reach Rama VIII Bridge and turn back for one last glimpse at
Bangkok's time-honoured temples.
6. Thonburi Klongs combined Grand Palace
Riverside, Old City – Tour
Duration: 5hrs Bangkok’s ‘klongs’
(canals) aren’t mere remnants of
the past. Many are still functioning
transport arteries that play a significant role in city life. This
morning tour focuses on the more scenic waterways of Thonburi.
A long-tail boat glides you past floating kitchens, mobile shops
and all kinds of colourful river scenery, before stopping at the
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The trip ends with the Royal Barges
Museum.
7. Ayutthaya Day Trip
Ayutthaya – Tour Duration: 9hrs
An easy day trip out of Bangkok,
this tour kicks off with a visit to
Bang Pa-In, the spectacular
Summer Palace, followed by a lazy boat trip across the Chao
Phraya River, and finally to the island of Ayutthaya, the Kingdom
of Siam's former capital. Visually rich and architecturally
astounding, it is an excursion that inspires. It is also a veritable
treasure-house for photographers.
8. Floating Market and Cycling Tour
Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi –
Tour Duration: 9hrs A cycle tour is
the best way to explore corners of
Bangkok that most tourists never
know exist, let alone discover. With little more than the clank of
your bicycle gears, a cool breeze and the waves of locals for
company, there’s nothing jaded or cynical about a two-wheeled
adventure. After the floating market, you peddle past fruit
orchards, old temples and ancient army garrisons, heading
further back in history and culture with each forward turn of the
wheel. Where some tours can be somewhat limiting, this one is a
true revelation.
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WHERE TO SHOP
Shopping in Bangkok is a day-and-night activity that runs parallel
with the best in the West, while also giving a flavour of the cultural
uniqueness of the East. Work your way through these
experiences, and you’ll soon come to realise why Bangkok is
such a famous shopping hub.
1. Siam Paragon
From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a
pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight
from the set of Sex and the City,
Siam Paragon is a shopping mall
without rival in Southeast Asia when it comes to luxury goods.
This gleaming, modern up-market mall and entertainment
complex offers 500,000 sqm of retail space and is home to more
than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Open:
10:00-22:00 Location: Siam BTS: Siam How to get there: BTS
Skytrain
2. CentralWorld
Siam Paragon’s close rival in
terms of retail space and
shopping experience, Central
World encompasses more than
500 brand-name stores, 100 eateries, a 15-screen Cineplex, an
ice skating rink, two anchor department stores, as well as a
trendy food court and an outdoor square used for Bangkok's
official New Year’s Eve countdown party. Compared to Siam
Paragon, CentralWorld’s collection of shops has a more youthful
and funky personality. Open: 10:00 - 22:00 Location:
Ratchaprasong Intersection BTS: Siam, Chidlom How to get
there: walk about five mins from either Siam or Chidlom Skytrain.
3. More Shopping Malls
In a city blessed with some of the
world’s most sumptuous malls,
how do you choose where to go?
Do you want bargains galore? Go
to MBK. After luxury designer labels? Gaysorn is your ticket. How
about classy? Make your way to The Emporium or Siam
Discovery Centre. And if you are a fan of local fashion design
brands, there’s no better place to go than Siam Centre. Open:
10:00-22:00 Location: downtown Sukhumvit, from BTS National
Stadium to BTS Phrom Phong. How to get there: BTS Skytrain
4. Chatuchak Weekend Market
The market of all markets,
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the
ultimate. You will be amazed by its
sprawling size, but perhaps even
more so by the unbelievable variety of wares. Stumble across
anything from vinyl records, beads, suits of armour to a live
seahorse! Haggling is encouraged – just do so politely. Possibly
the most exhilarating, chaotic and lively shopping experience that
can be had anywhere in the world. Open: 06:00-18:00 (Sat-Sun)
Location: adjacent to Chatuchak Park How to get there: BTS Mo
Chit, MRT Chatuchak
5. Night Markets
In most cities nighttime means
closing time. Not so, here in
Bangkok. Come dusk, Khao San
Road teems with unkempt travel
wear. And Patpong Market’s tarpaulin covered stalls – each
brimming with counterfeits or exotica - don’t even kick into life
until the area’s office workers are tucked up in bed. Just two
examples, among several, of Bangkok’s love affair with after-dark
shopping. Best time to go: after 20:00 How to get there: taxi
(Khao San), BTS Saladaeng (Patpong)
6. Chinatown
There is something oddly kitsch,
charming and nostalgic about
Bangkok’s Chinatown. Walking
through the many little streets you
might find yourself in a market, a shop-house-lined backstreet or
a crowded space jam-packed with hawkers of every ilk. Along
with many gold shops, you’ll also find sacks of roasted chestnuts,
sequins, feather boas, eccentric virility boosters and martial art
weapons. Best time to go: after 17:00 MRT: Hua Lamphong How
to get there: taxi, or walk about 10mins northwest of the MRT
7. Pratunam
Pratunam is well-known among
locals as the wholesale fashion
district, where street ware meets
odd fashion meets tomorrow’s
trends. Shopping here is fun because there’s a whole gamut of
accessories to dress you up from head to toe – at a bargain. The
original wholesale market is outdoors, around Indra Hotel and
Baiyoke Sky Hotel, while the airconditioned malls are located
across the main street, from Pantip Plaza to Pratunam Centre.
Best time to go: morning (for outdoor shopping) BTS:
Ratchathewi, Chidlom How to get there: taxi, or walk about
15mins from the two BTS stations
8. Rod Fai Market (Talad Rod Fai)
Vintage is in at this open-air
bazaar set beside an abandoned
railroad track. Spread on the
ground are all kinds of
accessories and knick knacks from yesteryear, from wooden
furniture to vintage bicycles, hippy fashion accessories, offbeat
collectibles, Mao kitsch and more. Street food is not lacking
either. The overall feel is down-to-earth cool, and Rod Fai Market
definitely stands out from the hordes of outdoor markets across
Bangkok. Best time to go: after 18:00- midnight (Sat-Sun) MRT:
Kamphaengphet How to get there: take exit 1 (MRT) and walk
westwards about 10mins
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WHERE TO GO FOR NIGHTLIFE
“One Night in Bangkok can make a hard man humble”. It’s the
old cliché, from the old musical ‘Chess’. What this lyric ignores is
the diversity, the fact that Bangkok now registers a strong steady
blip on the global nightlife radar. Raucous, refined or raunchy?
Culture, carousing or some clubbing? Forget what you’ve heard,
one night in Bangkok can make man or women not just humble –
but happy. Proof can be found in this eclectic blend of old
classics and new school, our Top Ten nightlife experiences.
1. Dinner Cruises on Chao Praya River
Thai history, culture and cuisine
converge with a journey along
Bangkok’s River of Kings. Aboard
a luxury cruiser or teakwood rice
barge, admire sparkling temples and the bustle of river life while
enjoying a sumptuous meal. Spellbinding. Book a tour, call +66
(0)2 651 9515
2. Bangkok Ladyboy Shows
Nothing out-glams a Bangkok
ladyboy show! The flamboyant
costumes, spectacular sets and
crazy musical tributes to the
female form, will leave you dazzled by the performances, and
most definitely smitten by the ‘girls’. call +66 (0)2 651 9515
3. Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
Fancy touching the clouds while
sipping a cocktail? The city’s
handful of rooftop venues has
elevated the Bangkok nightout to
stratospheric new heights. Breathtaking vistas merge with
stunning crowds at this higher breed of open-air bar.
Recommended: Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok,
Sathorn Road (MRT Lumpini, open 17:00 - 01:00)
4. Club Night
Asia’s finest clubs unite with the
world’s best DJ’ing talent at
Bangkok’s many hip, happening
club nights. Find dance floors
covered in cute creatures, whisky-sipping adolescents and
boozy expats. The soundtrack: a storm of dark, twisted beats.
Recommended: Bed Supperclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana,
open 19:00-01:00)
5. After-Dark Shopping Experience
If you’re not ready to hit the bars
and clubs, scratch your shopping
itch with some after-dark
shopping. Malls do a storming
trade until late. But its Khao San Road, with its carefree traveller
attire, and the bootleg heaven that is Patpong Market, that really
wow. Best time to go: after 20:00
6. Siam Niramit Cultural Show & Dinner
Packing all the majesty and
splendour of the Land of Smiles
into a spectacular 80-minute stage
show, is no mean feat. Using the
world’s biggest stage and a cast of hundreds, Siam Niramit more
than manages it. Show Time: 17:00 - 22:00 Location:
Tiamruammit Road, opposite Thailand Cultural Centre MRT:
Thailand Cultural Centre (exit 1)
7. Bars and Pubs
Tatty Euro taverns and hip design
bars are just a couple of players
on Bangkok’s ever-evolving
boozing scene. Everything from
fine brown ales to head-spinning cocktails and binge-drink
inducing deals are yours for the downing. Recommended: The
Long Table, 25th Fl., Column Building, Sukhumvit Soi 16 (BTS
Asoke, MRT Sukhumvit, open 17:00 - 02:00)
8. Thai Puppets at the Joe Louis Theatre
Thai puppets are a different kind
of theatre that can be watched at
the Joe Louis Theatre, Located at
Suan Lum Night Bazaar where
shows are held every evening at 7.30pm and sometimes at
9.30pm. The show tells the story of Hindu epic Ramayana.
Telephone +66 (0)2 252 9683
9. Bangkok Puppet Show at Aksra Theatre
This puppet show is one of
Bangkok’s must - see attractions.
Taking place on an elaborate
stage, folk tales are told through
the classic art of puppetry. Rather than being hidden away, the
puppeteers are very much part of the show. Three puppeteers
control the legs, arms and head of each puppet. “Aksra Hoon
Lakorn Lek” (small rod puppet show) is truly representative of
Thailand’s rich artistic tradition. It provides audiences with a
cabaret-style show of rod puppets weaving together music,
spectacular set design, costumes, and light and sound with
superbly choreographed Thai classical dance. The troupe of Thai
classical puppeteers is highly skilled at orchestrating puppets
with flawless precision, rendering performances of sublime
harmony. The puppets bring to life scenes from several stories
including those from the famous ancient “Ramayana”. Aksra
Theatre is one of few remaining venues where the Thai traditional
puppet performances can still be seen. During the 75-minute
performance you will be charmed by both the hilarious interludes
and the Jongkraben Orchestra, which performs by both Thai and
Western instruments. Show Time: Thursday–Friday 7.30pm,
Saturday – Sunday 1.30pm and 7.30pm Located in the King
Power Complex, a luxury duty-free shopping mall on Soi
Rangnam, a complimentary shuttle bus service is available to
nearby Victory Monument Skytrain station. For information and
reservations, contact Aksra Theatre Team Tel: +66 (0)2 677 8888
Ext. 5609, 5619, Online Ticket: www.thaiticketmajor.com,
Website: www.aksratheatre.com BTS: Victory Monument
10. Ramayana Restaurant
International buffet is available at
Ramayana Restaurant with
seating for up to 500 guests.
Spanning the entire length of the
inner wall is a mural depicting the great epic, Ramayana. It is
open daily from 11:00 until 14:30, and for dinner from 17:00 until
21:30. Scene Bar is a relaxing venue with a long balcony. Enjoy a
snack and a drink before or after the show. Scene Shop offers a
variety of souvenirs including puppets, T-shirts, CDs, handicrafts,
silverware, and more. Scene Bar and Scene Shop are open daily
from 11:00 till 21:00. Located in the King Power Complex, a
luxury duty-free shopping mall on Soi Rangnam, a complimentary
shuttle bus service is available to nearby Victory Monument
Skytrain station. BTS: Victory Monument
11. King Power Duty Free Mall
King Power Duty Free Mall
features 2 floors of Exclusive Duty
Free shopping. The first floor
offers high-quality Thai products,
including jewellery, fashion, Thai
arts and crafts, home wares, kids’ products and aromatherapy.
The second floor offers an extensive selection of world-renowned
brand names; Cartier, Chopard, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry,
Mont Blanc, including fashion bags, perfume and cosmetics,
watch, pens and lighters, sunglasses, sportswear and costume
jewellery. At Pullman Bangkok King Power receive a Special
Discount Privilege Card valid at King Power Downtown Duty Free
Mall. Located in the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel on Soi
Rangnam, a complimentary shuttle bus service is available to
nearby Victory Monument Skytrain station. BTS: Victory
Monument
sprouts, spring onions and egg, before disembarking for the
nearest plate.
12. Patravadi Theatre
3. Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)
Established in 1992 by Patravadi
Mejudhon, an award-winning
actress, stage director and
playwright, the Patravadi Theatre
complex is both an incubation
centre for aspiring performing artists and a stage for enjoying
Thai classical and modern dances. A visionary and an advocate
for the preservation of Thailand’s artistic heritage. Patravadi
theatre is situated on a scenic bank of the Chao Phraya River,
overlooking the dazzling rooflines of the Grand Palace and Wat
Phra Kaew from the Thonburi side. Performances are scheduled
on weekends at the theatre itself and adjacent riverside Club
Arts, the cafe gallery concept where you can enjoy a cup of latte
amidst a backdrop of the Chao Phraya River. Opening Hours:
Everyday Tel: +66 (0)2 412 7287 How to get there: At BTS Sapan
Taksin Station, take “Exit 1” and board the Chao Phraya Express
Boat (North bound) to Wang Lang (Siriraj) Pier. On exiting the
pier, turn left and walk 600 metres to the theatre. If taking a taxi,
tell the driver “Rong Lakhon Patravadi” or “Wat Rakhang”.
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Made with morsels of meat, red
curry paste, smooth coconut milk
and topped off with a sprinkling of
finely sliced kaffir lime leaves, this
rich, aromatic curry always gets those taste buds tingling.
WHAT TO EAT
While Thai food needs little introduction, these popular dishes are
must-try while you visit Thailand. The below list spans everything
from staple backpacker favourites to Thai classics. Although
some of them may sound familiar, don’t be surprised if they taste
nothing like what you usually find back home.
1. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
A bold, refreshing blend of
fragrant lemongrass, chilli,
galangal, lime leaves, shallots,
lime juice and fish sauce. Tom
Yam is a versatile dish that can fit
within virtually any meal – its invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just
screams 'Thailand'!
2. Pad Thai (Thai style Fried Noodles)
From Cape Town to Khao San
Road, the default international
Thai dish. Dropped in a searing
hot wok, fistfuls of small, thin
noodles do a steamy minute-long dance alongside crunchy bean
4. Som Tam – (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Hailing from the Northeast (Isan),
this outlandish dish is both great
divider - some can't get enough
of its bite, some can't handle it –
and greatly distinctive. Garlic, chilies, green beans, cherry
tomatoes and shredded raw papaya get dramatically pulverized
in a pestle and mortar, so releasing a rounded sweet-sour-spicy
flavour that's not easily forgotten.
5. Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)
A mild, tamer twist on Tom Yam,
this iconic soup infuses fiery
chilies, thinly sliced young
galangal, crushed shallots, stalks
of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. Topped off with fresh
lime leaves, it's a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and
compelling.
6. Pak Boong Fai Daeng (Stir-fried Morning Glory)
The leafy plant with hollow green
stems and thin fragile leaves
forms the main component of this
super easy favourite. Cloves of
garlic and birds eye chilies join it
in a wok alongside oyster sauce, fish sauce and fermented bean.
A few lazy stirs, and it's done!
7. Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)
Another all-time favourite dish,
served alongside a bowl of
fragrant rice. Green curry paste
and coconut milk form the creamy
base. Morsels of fresh chicken,
cherry-sized eggplants, bamboo shoots, sprigs of coriander and
generous handfuls of sweet basil add body to this seminal curry.
8. Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad)
If there was such a thing as a
'Salad Hall of Fame', Yam Nua
would surely take pride of place.
The fresh, fiery thrill of Yam Nua –
with its sprightly mix of onion, coriander, spearmint, lime, dried
chili and tender strips of beef – perfectly embodies the
invigorating in-the-mouth-thrill of all Thai salads, the yummy-ness
of yam.
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TIPS AND GOOD TO KNOW
Carry small change
Thailand is relatively inexpensive, unless you plan to enjoy all
your shopping, dining and nightlife inside a hotel or upscale
shopping malls. Taxi drivers, food vendors and shop keepers
usually don’t carry change for big bills. So, make sure that you
break the 1,000 baht notes into a few 100s and small coins upon
arrival at the airport. The 5 and 10 baht coins usually come in
handy when taking a taxi or public transportation.
Barter, but nicely
The first rule of shopping in Thailand: if there’s no barcode or set
price, get haggling. It’s expected. However, instead of adopting
a confrontational “give me it for this price, now!” attitude, try the
gracious, smiley “what’s your best price, my friend?” approach.
Why? Because a smile here goes further than a sneer. Aim to
chip anything from 10-40% off the quoted price. And by all
means, walk away if the price is disagreeable – more often than
not you’ll be called back for last ditch negotiations!
Beware scammers
It begins with a polite stranger offering to take you sightseeing
around the city. You thank them and tell them where you’re from.
Then, before you’ve even had a chance to shake their hand,
you’re gripping the sides of a tuk-tuk as it whizzes towards
temples your guidebook has never heard of, and (drum roll)
pushy gem stores. The moral of this all-too-common scam?
Savour contact with the locals but, please please, beware the
shysters. The general, but by no means universal, rule of thumb:
a Thai who approaches you in the street is after more than a chat.
Drink lots of water
This tip, of course, applies even to the Antarctic. But packing a
supply of the wet stuff in Thailand’s sticky, stifling heat is even
more crucial to your wellbeing. Our unscientific rule of thumb:
drink more than you sweat. Fortunately you are never more than a
few paving stones from a drinks vendor. Always make sure
bottled water is sealed. For a change, take your chosen tipple
modern Thai-style, in a small plastic bag with handle and straw.
Its quirky but, as you’ll find when rummaging around overheated
markets, also convenient.
Carry a photocopy of your passport
Whether it be an impromptu demand from a local policeman or a
request from security at one of the city’s swanky nightspots,
carrying ID is a must in Thailand. The fact that you are 25 but look
like you’re pushing 40 doesn’t matter – proving who you are is a
day-to-day formality, something the Thais are finicky about.
Instead of dragging your passport around with you, and with it
the constant fear of losing it, take a photocopy.
Carry a hotel card with Thai directions
It’s simple. It isn’t rocket science. But this ingenious device, little
more than a piece of card with your hotel’s address written on it
in Thai, will save endless how-do-we-get-home headaches. Flash
it beneath the eyes of your chosen driver and watch how his
shrugs of utter incomprehension instantly change to reassuring
nods.
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EASY THAI PHRASES
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Krab / Ka = Words added at the end of a sentence/phrase to
Police
Tourist Police
Ambulance
Fire
Medical Emergency
Operation-assisted overseas calls
Directory Assistance
Airport Flight Schedules
Traffic Hotline
Immigration
add politeness. Krab if you are a male. Ka if you are a female
Phom / Chan = I (male / female)
Khun = You (polite)
Sawad Dee (krab / ka) = Hello (male / female)
Khob Khun (krab / ka) = Thank you (male / female)
Phom / Chan Pood Thai mai pen = I (male / female) don’t
speak Thai
Hong nam yuu nai? = Where are the restrooms?
Tao rai (krab / ka)? = How much does it cost (male / female)?
Lod dai maak sood tao rai? = What’s your best price?
Pood len rue plao = Are you kidding?
Nii khong jing rue khong plom = Is this real or fake?
Ao ped ped = I want my food very spicy
Mai ped = Not spicy
Check bin / Kheb tang = Can I have the bill please?
Khun lor / suay maak = You are very handsome / beautiful
191
1155
1554
199
1669
100
1133, 13
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