Joanna James
While there are many areas to explore in Bangkok, ensure you don’t miss Sathorn. Stay here, and you will discover a side of the Thai capital that some visitors tend to miss, be it sophisticated yet soulful or energetic yet authentic.
Dating back to 1905, Christ Church Bangkok is a distinctive architectural landmark you will come across as you go sightseeing in Sathorn. This charming Anglican church, with its characteristic white façade and elegant Gothic-style design, offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the locale. After taking some quintessential pictures of its exterior, step inside and you will find yourself whispering automatically… something about those soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows commands reverence. Suffice it to say that even if you are not religious, the craftwork and tranquillity are worth experiencing. Besides that, if you miss your home church while on holiday, you can always come here on Sundays since services are held in Thai and English, reflecting Bangkok's wonderful cultural diversity.
You may have ticked off your list of the city’s must-visit temples, but don’t forget the hidden gems located off the beaten path, including Wat Pho Man Khunaram. This lesser-known Buddhist temple, just a short walk from Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok, offers all the spiritual gravitas of its more famous cousins but with not as many visitors. Interestingly, its architecture combines Thai, Tibetan and Chinese design styles, while you will also come across a diverse array of statues, murals and images of the Buddha that lend to the site’s charm. Listen carefully and you might catch the chanting of monks going about their daily rituals, a ‘soundtrack’ that hasn't changed for centuries.enter link description here
Sometimes dubbed the 'French Quarter' of Sathorn, charming Suan Phlu captures that distinctive Parisian ‘je ne sais quoi’ with its bohemian cafés, artisan bakeries and unhurried atmosphere. By day, join locals lingering over perfectly crafted coffees in stylish independent cafés, or hunt for treasure in quirky boutiques selling everything from handcrafted accessories to designer t-shirts. For a more ‘Thai experience’, you can head off from your hotel in Bangkok Sathorn to visit the Suan Phlu Market, known for offering fresh produce. As evening approaches, the soi transforms as tiny alleyways light up with some of the city's most authentic street food vendors. Follow your nose to find sizzling pad Thai, bubbling hot pots, and desserts that will make your sweet tooth sing with joy!
Ever tasted an amazing Thai dish on your foodie adventures and thought to yourself, "I really wish I could make this at home"? Well, the good news is that at the Blue Elephant Cooking School in Sathorn, this culinary dream becomes deliciously possible. Pro tip: Look to pick a morning class because that usually includes a market visit where you will learn to select the freshest ingredients (and finally figure out what galangal actually looks like!). Back at the school, don your apron for hands-on instruction in preparing classic Thai dishes, which you can savour once done. What’s more, impressing dinner guests back home with authentic tom yum soup makes for excellent bragging rights!
After all your exploration, you may need a breather and a change of setting. A great place for this is Lumpini Park, where you can enjoy relaxation, recreation or a bit of both, depending on your energy levels. Of course, early mornings here are pure magic because you have a chance to see elderly Thais practising tai chi, joggers circling the lake, and if you are lucky, sightings of the park's resident water monitors, lazily sunbathing. Rent a paddleboat for a leisurely cruise or simply find a shady spot under a tropical tree for a picnic. As evening approaches, the park transforms again as outdoor aerobics classes pump energetic beats across the lawns. Feel free to join in and don’t worry, no one will judge your dance moves!
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.
