Bangkok in 2-3 days
Start with some serious shopping. Chatuchak is the liveliest and best weekend market — with the biggest variety of bargains. Orientation can be tricky so pick yourself up a map and take the Skytrain to the end terminal, Morchit, and it’s right on the doorstep.
Bangkok’s newest and grandest department store is Siam Paragon. Selling the most luxurious lines from Jimmy Choo to Gucci and Channel. Paragon is also famous for it display of hundreds of cars over US$300,000US each. Sister stores Siam Centre & Siam Discovery Centre cater for all markets from trendy clothes and jewellery to home-wares.
If shopping is not your thing be sure to submerse yourself in Chinatown for the culture and cuisine, winding your way through the back streets and ally ways. The busy Yaowarat Rd in Chinatown’s main street not only has the largest selection of gold but some of the most traditional Chinese delicacies from birds-nest soup to dim sum.
In one week
Bangkok was once known for its long boats, tree-lined canals and floating wooden houses. This ‘Venice of the East’ still exists so by pass the tuk-tuks and traffic jams and take a romantic oriental boat trip down the canal.
Lay down for a blind massage, and no, we don’t mean you’re off your face. Literally having a massage by a blind Thai masseuse is a 100% non-sleazy hands on encounter to enjoy and lend you body to submission. Oil and foot massages are also a wonderful treat after an all day shopping spree. Keep your eyes open around the city for a massage shop to suit you.
For the night owls Bangkok can offer plenty. Party-going backpackers are always at Th Khaoo San that is now known by locals as the hub of the indie band. Post 2am head over to Th Sukhumvit to Sin Bar and a variety of other after hours nightspots.
If you’re hungry grab a gourmet bite to eat at Soi 38 Night Market, Th Sukhumvit. If bed is still not an option before day break get to Banglamphu to watch the silent morning alm rounds of the local monks.
After a couple of days acclimatising yourself to the noise, pollution and traffic of Bangkok enjoy a little less mayhem and take the weekly river ferry to Ko Kret, a car-free island to the north of Bangkok. This island is known for its pottery and distinct following of Buddhism. Public bus 166 from Victory Monument also gets you to the end of the line at Pak Kret Market.
