Joanna James
A river tour is not your everyday humdrum tour when on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, the lifeblood of the city. Expect much more than a tour with a river in the backdrop; experience life, culture, traditions and a history as old as time closely linked to this marvellous waterway.
This is a fascinating night bazaar and mall rolled into one, a shopaholic's paradise! Open from 5 pm to midnight the place boasts over 1,500 boutiques, shops and stalls, yes, a shopaholic's haven! Mind you this number excludes the little vendors located along the walkways, as well as the holistic massage parlours dotting the area. Asiatique The Riverfront is not just for the shopper, foodies too are treated right, with a choice of over 40 restaurants and cafes to indulge your taste-buds at. A bargain hunter's paradise, it is perfectly normal to haggle over prices there. Entertainment too is available in the form of a giant Ferris wheel and a chance to catch a Muay Thai boxing match or a show at the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre nearby. Located just 2.6kms from AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel, it is exciting to reach the market by ferry or chartered boat.
Visiting the floating markets is one of the most popular things to do around Bangkok. The city offers a range of floating markets to explore, but one in particular worth a visit is the Thewet Market, located a short distance from the Tha Thewet Pier. There you will see vendors in traditional wooden crafts selling a range of items from plants and flowers to vegetables and fish. Most of the markets are open from dawn to mid-afternoon and are best toured with the aid of a tour guide.
Thailand is a nation of devout Buddhist's and Bangkok is home to a number of historical temples. No visit to the city is complete without a tour of at least 2 of the most famous temples. Along the Chao Phraya River is the Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, a beautiful Khmer style complex boasting ancient architectural marvels, the Wat Arun is quite a sight from the river and backdrop for many a photo. Make sure you visit the temple at sunset; camera in tow, for this is when the temple, contrary to its nickname 'Temple of Dawn', glows in all its glory.
Chinatown or Yaowarat as it is better known is a large dose of local culture and traditions. The vibrant precinct is constantly in the throes of one festival after another and is ideal to explore for a taste of Chinese customs. From red lanterns strung across the streets to old shop-houses and souvenir stalls, Chinatown treats the foodie in you to a marvellous array of dishes, you simply cannot resist.
Bangkok is well known across the world for its ladyboy shows and ping pong shows. You can satisfy your curiosity by catching one of these famous shows at places like Asiatique. Mind you pay close attention to the performers for the 'ladyboys' have a reputation for being exceedingly beautiful, and hard to pick-out from females.
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.
