| People often ask me what they should do when in | | | | roof top dining in Bangkok is the Moon Bar and Grill |
| Bangkok. I usually retort "What's not to do?" because | | | | located at the top of The Banyon Tree Hotel. At 59 |
| Bangkok is an immense city, the hub of SE Asia, and | | | | stories, the view is well...nice, but the Baiyoke is higher |
| has countless things to do. | | | | and gives one a solitary sense. |
| The real problem is narrowing those things down. | | | | 3. Visit a floating market There's just nothing like it in |
| There's a vast difference between travelling Bangkok | | | | the world, and you don't have to go all the way out to |
| and experiencing Bangkok. So, at what point can you | | | | the touristy Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near |
| say you've experienced Bangkok? Perhaps when you | | | | Pattaya. Bangkok has a real one located on the |
| bleed somtam. Joking aside, it is a difficult question to | | | | Thonburi side of the Chao Praya River. Whether you |
| answer. Bangkok renews itself every few months. | | | | arrive by water taxi or take a bus, a lazy afternoon at |
| There's always something new going on. Take the | | | | the Taling chan Floating market would include picking |
| shopping districts for example. This season, there's a | | | | up orchids, eating fresh BBQ fish on low stools next to |
| block party style festival on Silom road. The | | | | the river, and a side tour up Bangkok Noi Canal. |
| Ratchaprasong Winter Sale nearly matches | | | | 4. Hang out at Central World Plaza There's always |
| Singapore's Great Sale with everything at 30-70% off. | | | | something going on at Central World Plaza. Presently, |
| | | | there is a motorcycle show with beer gardens and |
| 1. One Night in Bangkok Bangkok is a different place at | | | | hawker-style snacking, before that the major bottling |
| night. When night crackles electric in the City of Angels, | | | | companies went all out with beer gardens and |
| the street vendors and food stalls have all changed | | | | bandstands set up for upcoming Thai pop stars. The |
| over, night markets open, and red light districts are a | | | | greatest thing about Central is that each time you visit |
| go-go. A jazz or blue's club anyone? Or perhaps | | | | there will be something new. |
| dancing at RCA club district's 808 club (where there is | | | | 5. Get a massage at Wat Pho Many travel to |
| a live acoustic band in its massive bathroom) is more | | | | Bangkok just to receive therapy. And Wat Pho is the |
| your game? Khao San Rd. is like carousing down | | | | source to get it. Thai Yoga Massage originates out of |
| Bourbon Street with it's night clubs and restaurants and | | | | Wat Pho and is the place to study massage. If you |
| people from all over the world looking for a good time. | | | | ask any therapist they will promptly say they studied |
| The possibilities of night entertainment are endless. A | | | | at Wat Pho. So why not have your massage at the |
| night in Bangkok can make "a hard man humble." | | | | source? But be warned a Wat Pho massage is much |
| Forgive the cliché. | | | | more intense than at more touristy places. |
| 2. Dine with a panoramic view The twinkling lights of | | | | Epilogue: Many other things to do could of easily made |
| the city below are best seen from it's top! At 88 | | | | this list. I would not hesitate to say that a trip to |
| stories, Baiyoke Tower is the tallest building of | | | | Bangkok wouldn't be complete without having cocktails |
| Bangkok. Baiyoke's three international buffet | | | | at sunset by the river at the famed Oriental Hotel, or |
| restaurants on the 78, 79 and 82nd floors, offer | | | | loading up with goodies at Chatuchak Market (JJ Mall) |
| panoramic views from a circular room panelled from | | | | --proving again that Bangkok is a city worthy of |
| ceiling to floor in glass. And if you dine the observation | | | | multiple visits. |
| deck is free. Another but more pricey place to go for | | | | |