Joanna James
The ultimate tourist city Bangkok has it all; smiling locals, unforgettable dining experiences, elegant accommodation and shopping that will blow your mind. Here are some of the best venues.
Chatuchak cannot and should not be missed if you are a serious shopper. Located in Chatuchak the market is open from 6 am to 6 pm Friday to Sunday. The ultimate shopping experience is yours to savour at stalls selling books, paintings, handmade products, clothes, knock-offs of branded products, shoes, handbags and even pets. If you don't mind the heat check out the 8,000 odd stalls that open in the morning hours from 10 am to 6 pm Wednesday to Sunday. Otherwise, the regular market boasts over 15,000 stalls that are also a marvellous mix of street food stalls; one of the best lures Bangkok is famous for.
This monument honours Thai soldiers who sacrificed their lives over the years. It is also a travel hub where buses, vans and even the BTS Skytrain extend services to provinces outside of the city. The area is serviced by small retail shops that are interesting to explore offering clothes and accessories. Take a load off and enjoy dining at the inexpensive food court located within the Centre One Shopping Plaza.
Shopping is a serious affair in Siam Square. The place has been honoured as Bangkok's centre for shopping and entertainment. The Bonanza Mall and MBK are best for budget shopping and acquiring all manner of consumer goods while Siam Square offers a nice collection of boutiques for local fashion labels and retro styles from across the world. The huge glitzy malls are the stars with the likes of Siam Discovery & Siam Paragon together with Siam Centre offering the ultimate in luxurious designer products that even include posh cars. The entertainment is out of this world with Asia's largest aquarium together with ice skating rinks, bowling alleys and kids play villages being located within these malls.
Chao Phraya or River of Kings is the heart of Bangkok. The place is the central axis on which all activities take place. A marvellous adventure awaits you on and around this ancient waterway which was at one time Bangkok's main street connecting the city to outer districts. You will find river cruises relaxing and excellent for understanding ancient Thai lifestyles while the Wat Arun is just one of the magnificent temples that occupy its banks. A well-placed hotel, Riverside Bangkok has to offer will place you within easy access of Chao Phraya's main attractions. These include the flower market, river restaurants, the Royal Barge Museum and super shopping venues like Asiatique The Riverside. This mall and outdoor market are easily reached from properties in the area like AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel.
Yaowarat Road located behind Trimit Temple is home to a mouth-watering range of food stalls. Varied versions of steaming noodle soup, fried pork, sticky rice and mango and a whole lot more are on offer at this very popular food market.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
