Review Unseen Thailand

Chill-Out on KHAO SAN ROAD

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

SPOKEN in the
same breath as any of the world’s best-known backpacker enclaves, Khao San Road is a
never-ending hive of activity. Street vendor’s ant shops line either side of the strip where you can find everything from used books, fisherman’s pants and handicrafts to tattoo parlors and travel agencies. Khao San also has loads of guardhouses, some of which could be called three-star boutique hotels. And in front of each are tables to grab a meal or a cold drink and watch the world go by. There’s always plenty of good travelers conversation to be had, and at night, the place really rocks.
HOW T0 GET THERE: Boat: Pra Athit Pier #13. Taxi: Just ask for Khao San Road

TEE-OFF ALONG AIRPORT RUNWAYS

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

KANTARAT Golf Course is a must-play, if for no other reason than to say you did it. The asshole course, owned by the Royal Thai Air Force runs between two of Don Muang Airport’s runways and it’s not uncommon to have a 747 touch down next to you On your back swing. NO signature hole comes to mind, and the fairways and greens are nothing special, In fact, there’s nothing remarkable about the course, other than you’re teeing off next to a roaring commercial jet. The amazing thing is that a well-hit drive which slices a bit too much actually stands a chance of whacking a big bird. ‘

Details; Green fees; Weekdays Bt32O, weekends: 13t620. Tel; 02 534-3840/1

HOW T0 GET THERE: Taxi; Royal Thai Air Force, Don Munag

COOL OFF AT SIAM WATER PARK

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

“Susan SIAM” is located a bit outside of the city but the trip is well worth it especially on really hot days. The main attraction is the 400-metre Super Spiral water slide, though the giant sea-pool with its artificial surf set in tropical gardens draws a huge crowd. Filling out Siam Water Park is everything water: swimming pools, fountains, waterfalls, water slides and whirlpools. Other attractions include playgrounds, beer gardens botanical gardens An Open ZOO and an aviary.

Details: admission including rides: Bt4O0 for adults, Bt30O for children. Open daily 10 am. - 6 p.m.: and 9 a.m.-7 pm. on weekends. TeI: 02 51 7-0075-9.

HOW T0 GFT THERE: Car or Taxi: Located al the end of Ramintra and
Sukhapibarn 2 Roads in the eastern suburb of Minburi.

Thai Silk & Jim Thompson’s House

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

Folks who love Thai silk or Thai architecture should not miss Jim Thompson’s House. Jim Thompson came to SE Asia during WW2 and soon found opportunities that would bring fame and wealth. Realising the potential of Thai silk, he almost single-handedly brought global fame to the art of Thai silk weaving. He was a lover of Thai architecture and travelled throughout Thailand to bring back items that he wanted for his dream house. Sometimes, houses were brought back plank by plank and rebuilt. Folks would not miss the european styled black & white marble tiles at the basement of the main galley - these were from a palace that was about to be torn down and he salvaged it. Jim Thompson disappeared in the highlands of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967 and the house was eventually returned back to the Thai government under a trusteeship. You are not allowed to wander around on your own. Compulsory guided tours (in groups of different languages) were given for visitors and you will be guided from room to room, hall to hall. The house is tasteful designed and rich with architecture gems. Take your time to marvel at the beauty of Jim’s House and imagine yourself in his shoes. There is a cafe/restaurant for folks wanting a drink/or a meal and of course, you can’t really be in Jim’s House without taking a look (and buying) the product that he made famous, wouldn’t it? There is an in-house boutique selling products made from Thai silks as well as momentos for your visit.

Opening Hours : 09:00 to 17:00 everyday with the last Guided Tour at 16:30* Admission : Adult 100 baht; Students 50 baht

How to get there : From Siam Square, take Th Phra Ram I towards the west, and turn right at the 2nd alley. Go till the end and there you are, just before the canal

Shop at River City

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

Many people come to Thailand to buy antiques, and many come to sell them. Then there are many who simply like to browse. well, River City is ahaven for them all.The complex’s four floors surround and atrium , and there are no crowds, giving it an air of exclusivity. The firt two levels house an array of high-quality taillors, jewellers, funiture shops, hadicrafts and art galleries, but no antiques. It isn’t untill the 3rd floor that the antique shops appear, scores of them in library silence, giving the place amuseum-like aura, Many i tems are 18th-19th century Thai and chinese: ceremonial oars, carved ivory, maps, vase, anythings that may have been used 200 years ago.

Open daily from 10am-10pm

How to get there: Next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton.. BTS to the Taksin Bridge Station, then ferry to Sri Phraya Pier.

Recommend Hotel : Hotels near River City

Explore Bangkok by boat

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

To see the wonders of old Krung Thep (Bangkok) a sanp,the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat runs a special ferry all day, stopping at key attractions along the way. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Chinatown, The royal Barge Museum, Khao San Road, and other attraction on historic Rattanakosin Island with a one-day tourist boat pass and jump from pier to pier, An English speaking guide explains the sites on the riverand tells you at which pier to jump off to fill out your ititnerary. You’ll also get a free river guidebook.

Details:Fare Bt100 for the entire day. Cost covers all Chao Phraya Express Boats. Sevive is available daily 9:30am-3p.m Tel:02 623-600

How To Get There: Tickets available at Central Pier at BTS Saphan Taksin Station, Phra Athit Pier near Khao San Road, and Maharaj Pier at the Grand Palace.

See the sharks at Siam ocean world

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

Thailand’s newest tourist attraction just opened in December, and it’s already pulling in big crowds. Siam Ocean World, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, occupies 10,000sqm over two levels inside the new Siam Paragon.

Visiter journey through seven aquatic zones like the Weird and the Wonderful, The Rainforest and the Open Ocean Swiming around are 30,000-plus aqutic       creatures representing some 400 species, including a ragged-tooth shark, blue ring octopus, leafy sea dragons, giant spider crabs.

Details:Open daily:9 a.m-10 pm, Entrance fee: Adults, 450Bt. Children 280Bt. Tel:02 6872000

How To Get Ther: BTS Siam station. Siam Paragon Level B1&B2

Journey to the past at Siam Niramit

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

Make This three-act performance your initiation to Thailand’s heritage. Siam Niramit is staged at the spanking new Ratchada Grand Theatre, “the only world-class satge in Thailand”

The Show

Journey Back to History For over seven centuries, Siam has been home of diverse cultures; A cross-road where civilizations met. Siam Niramit takes you back to the past.

Journey Beyond Imagination : The Three Worlds : Hell, the Forest of Himapaan and Heaven Despite the diverse cultures and livelihood, Thai people are all bound by common belief in religious principle of the Law of Karma. The good deeds or bad deeds in this world will result in merit or suffering in the next life.

Journey Through Joyous Festivals

Believing that to go to Heaven, one must gather merit in their present life. In this final act Siam Niramit will take you to enjoy all year round of merit making festivals, which combine religious ceremony with colourful and joyful celebration.

How to get There: Siam Niramit Complex. MRT:Thailand Culture Station. 19 Tiamruanmit Road.

Cruising along the Chao Phraya River

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed “Venice of the East” The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city’s premier attractions. Tourists can book such a tour through travel agents or rent a boat at Tha Chang (Tel: 225-6179, 623-6169), a pier near the Grand Palace, or Tha Si Phraya (Tel: 235-3108) near the River City Shopping Complex.

Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the “VENICE OF THE EAST” by European visitors.

In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. As you will see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well.

Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, the Chao Phraya River as well as the canals are still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok.

Chao Phya Express Boat’s run daily from Wat Ratsingkhon (a riverside temple in the Yannawa area) to Nonthaburi during 5.30 a.m.-6-OO p.m., the fares range from 4 to 9 Baht. During rush hours (6.00-9.00 a.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at main piers. 
The fare is 10 Baht throughout the route. For more information please call 222-5330.

Visitors wishing-to travel to Pak Krot are able to connect Laem Thong’s boat at Nonthaburi Pier. 
The service is operated daily during 5.45 a.m.-5.45 p.m.

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

When arriving at Pak Kret, tourists can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A river ferry leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within a short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier during 6.00 a-m.-9.00 p.m. The fare is 2 Baht. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island for 5 Baht. The atmosphere surrounding the pier is very calm. 

Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Posted by bird in Bangkok Walker

Suan Lum Night Bazaar

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a market in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district, at the intersection of Rama IV and Wireless/Sathorn Roads, opposite Lumphini Park at the Bangkok Metro’s Lumpini station. When locals refer to this market in English their pronunciation sounds like “Suan Lum Night Paza”. Located on land owned by the Crown Property Bureau, it opened in 2001. The lease on the property ran out in 2006 and the market will reportedly be closed in 2007.

The Night Bazaar is open from 3pm to midnight, with some shops open until later. It has vendors selling gifts, clothing, jewellery, fruit, compact discs, hand-made products and fine arts, such as paintings and sculptures. There is a large beer garden, with an array of food available, and live entertainment. On the other side of the market there is a quieter area with many restaurants offering both inside and outside garden seating.

Over 3,000 stalls, stores, and business units are divided into seven zones:

Bargaining can bring down the prices, probably because it was recently opened and vendors here need to attract customers to return to their stalls.

Joe Louis Puppet Theatre

BEC-TERO Hall, a 6,000-capacity entertainment and special events hall, is located in the Night Bazaar. Also in the Night Bazaar is the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, a traditional Thai puppet troupe that give performances of the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic.

The property was leased from the Crown Property Bureau by P Con Development until March 31, 2006. Tenants have been given until April 2007 to vacate the premises. Plans are to develop the property into office buildings, retail areas, residential and entertainment complexes.

 >> Booking Hotel Near Suan Lum Night Barzaar