Joanna James
From International brand hotels to shopping malls to trendy nightlife spots to lush green parks across the city, Sukhumvit is more an experience unique to every visitor. Quite the buzz among expatriate folk, here are some interesting activities that are too often overlooked for a chic night out!
The Baan Kamthieng House Museum is a renovated teak house just beside Asoke- one of the busiest junctions of Sukhumvit. Regardless of the fact that it is surrounded by many a towering hotel in Sukhumvit, the likes of Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, luxury condos and malls, one look at the museum setting and you'll reimagine yourself in a northern Thai village as opposed to the very centre of a bustling city! It houses plenty of interesting displays which all gives strong insights into the traditional rural life in Thailand. It is one of the most worthwhile attractions to visit when nearby- specifically more so if you take particular interest in Thai history and civilisation.
The Museum of Science and Planetarium of Bangkok, also known as the Science Centre for Education Bangkok, is an excellent spot to be learning about science and technology, natural history, the environment and even deep space in informal surroundings. It often hosts numerous special events, lectures and even discussions on science, astrology and other related subjects as well. Do make sure to also checkout the onsite planetarium – most definitely for its giant solar system projection, if not for anything else. Not to mention their dedicated display section for the life of stars. Some of the must-sees within the museum include the aquatic world, nature and the environment area, health science area, and also the Children's discovery house- so basically the whole of the Museum!
This is perhaps, one of the largest green spaces in all of Bangkok featuring a botanical garden, a huge lake, and gardens inspired by countries around the world. A visit to this park feels like a break from everything tedious in the busy day of Bangkok and could not come with a better recommendation. It makes for an excellent spot to cool off after a busy half-a-day of wandering around the city and exploring to your hearts content.
Spread over an approximate area of 208,000 square metres and located right opposite the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, the Benjakitti Park is a waterfront garden paradise overlooking the metropolitan city. It forms a narrow band of lush greenery around the vast Lake Ratchada and features dedicated bicycle and jogging tracks encircling the whole park. The banks are exquisitely framed by well-manicured beds of colourful blooms right throughout and is the picture of beauty in a world of chaos!
If you are a lover of sculptures, the Benjasiri Park is the place to be! It houses some of the most impressive Thai sculptures since the early days of Thailand scattered all around the park. You would be beyond mesmerized by the water shows put on thrice a day at its centrepiece water fountain- an impeccable piece of work by the master sculptor Misiem Yipintsoi.
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.
