We crossed the border of Thailand after our Siem Riep escapade. On our 8 hour bus trip to its capital city, Bangkok, you will normally pass houses with banners -declaring their love for the King Adulyadej Bhumibol, the longest reigning monarch who passed away last October 2016.

       Most tourists visit the city during Songkran if not for the thriving Beauty, Sex, Shopping and Food tourism. In our 16 hour stay, we decided to go on a more conservative itinerary in terms of our already exhausted budgets (after travelling from three different cities).

Here are the 5 Activities you can do in Bangkok if you are only staying for 16 hours.

1.) Eat at Farang

         We arrived in the city very hungry! We did not care if the classy restaurant that we entered will charge as much. Anyways, the princess of Thailand once did the ribbon cutting for this restaurant.  We are still very lucky and enjoyed the food.

 

2.) Staycation near the Airport

     The place was very cozy and away from the beeps of the city. Booking a hotel near the suburb and the airport is very wise especially if you want to have some good rest without spending on 5-star hotels. We just booked an uber for our short trip to the night markets, museums, and institutions we visited.

 

3.) Eat Streetfood

      Most street stalls in Bangkok are regulated by the government. It is safe and delicious to eat the foods. We had some grilled sauges, pork barbecue, spicy pork with basil, spicy fish, and iced milk coffee and milk tea!

 

4.) Visit some government establishments (a museum, institute of foreign affairs, and a university)

        Since this is an academic field trip, we visited some government establishments which gave us a wider perspective on the Thai society. They value their people basing it on the offices that we have visited- Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, Thailand’s Foreign Service Institute and Chulalongkorn University.

 

Additional Helpful Information:

1.) For Van rentals- call thru wechat Mr. Nueng 878004111

 

 

Sawasdee! Thailand’s capital for over 200 years, Bangkok offers the international traveller a fascinating, sometimes chaotic rush of sensory stimulation- exotic sights, world-class shopping, super spas, and splendid cuisine, plus a complex of state-of-the-art public transport.

Local time. GMT +7 hours. Thailand follows the Western 12-month calendar. Year designation, however may be based on either the Gregorian or Buddhist calendar. Religious and seasonal ceremonies are based on the lunar calendar.

Languages. Thai is the national language. Various regional dialects are also spoken. English is understood in Bangkok and major cities.

Thai names and spelling. As there is no standard for the Romanized spelling of Thai names and words, a variety of spellings may be encountered. In most cases, either a phonetic spelling or direct transliteration is used, resulting in silent “h”s and “r”s and thus Thai street and place names may appear with a number of spellings.

Business hours. The private sector generally observes a Monday to Friday 9:00am-7:00pm workday. There are, however, exceptions to this and it is recommended that you call in advance to check.

Currency Exchange. Available at most tourist destinations, shopping plazas, and hotels. Hours of operation vary.

Banks. Generally, full service branches are open Monday to Friday 8:30am-3:30pm (Saturday and Sunday for Chatuchak Weekend Market branches); micro-branches, found in department stores and shopping centers and which offer fewer services, are open 10:00am-8:00pm.

International Phone Calls. For operator-assisted calls dial: 100

For direct calls dial: 100 + country code+ city code+phone number

Low-cost rates dial: 009+country code+city code+phone number

Domestic calls dial: city code (Bangkok: 02) + phone number

Electricity: Thailand uses 220 Volts AC (50 cycles)

 

Places of Worship 

1.) Erawan Shrine- Conspicously loacated in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, this highly revered shrine was erected in 1956. Legend has it that the Lord Brahma employs his omnidirectional gaze to watch over and protect the mortal and immortal worlds. Offerings to the Lord Brahma Shrine: An offering set includes 16 Incense sticks along with 4 each candles, flower garlands and sheets of gold leaf.

2,) Trimurati Shrine- Located at the Sprawling Central World Shopping Complex, The Trimurati shrine consists of 3 pillars representing the Hindu gods- Brahma, Vishnu, Shivu. Offerings to the Trimurati Shrine: Red flowers, candles, and incense.

3.) Ganesh Shrine- Also residing at Central World shopping complex, a shrine to the elephant god Ganesh sits within sight of the Trimurati Shrine. Ganesh is said to bring success and protection from harm to his worshippers. Offerings to Ganesh: Fresh flower garlands, bananas and fresh stalks or juice of sugarcane.

4.) Goddess Lakahmi Statue- The Goddess Lakahmi Statue is located on the 4th floor of Gaysorn Plaza. Lakahmi is believed to be the wife of the god Vishnu, and is regarded as the patron deity of Wealth. Offerings to Goddess Lakahmi: Coins or other symbols of wealth, as well as Lotus blossoms and fresh stalks or juice of sugarcane.

5.) Narayana Statue- Known as the God of Mercy, the Lord Narayana shrine can be found in front of the InterContinental Hotel. Lord Narayana helps to protect businesses of devotees from evil spirits. Offerings to Lord Narayana: Yellow items, such as fresh Marigold garlands or certain Thai desserts and local textiles.

6.) Indra Statue– Located at Amarin Plaza, Lord Indra, known as the guardian of the Buddhist religion and the caretaker of universal goodness, has a fondness for sacred elephants. Offerings to Lord Indra: Small elephant figurines or fresh Marigold garlands.

 

Bangkok Shortlist for Sightseeing

Temples

1.) Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)- The Temple of Dawn is one of Bangkok’s most spectacular sights of Bangkok, especially during sunset. Open daily: 8:30am-5:00pm

2.) Wat Benchama Bophit (Marble Temple)- One of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok built of Italian marble and known as the “Marble Temple”. Open daily: 8:30am-5:00pm

3.) Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)- Regarding as the most sacred temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is located within the area of the Grand Palace. It is here where the statue of the emerald Buddha is housed. When visiting the temple, appropriate dress is necessary. Open daily: 8:30am-5:00pm

4.) Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)- Also known as Wat Phra Chettuphon is a home to the famous Reclining Buddha. It is also a place where traditional Thai massage has been taught and practiced until today. Open daily: 9:00am-5:00pm

5.) Erawan Shrine- Located in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, the shrine houses the four-faced brahma God or Tao Mahaprom, who is full of full kindness, mercy, sympathy and impartiality, the place is crowded days and nights with worshippers who pray for good fortune. Open daily: 8:00am-7:00pm

Royal Palaces

6.) The Grand Palace- Located at the heart of Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District, the Grand Palace has been the royal residence of the Kings of Siam since 1700s. The architectural details of the palace are graciously site to visit. Appropriate dress code is compulsory. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm

7.) Wiman Mek Palace- With such a beautiful name, Wimanmek Palace means “The Palace in the Clouds” is located in the Dusit Palace complex. This palace is pieced together from golden teak without a single nail and houses fine and rare pieces of antique collection. Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm

Museums

8.) National Museum- Located on Na Phrathat Road next to the Sanam Luang, the National Museum is where Thai cultural heritages, art pieces and archaeological objects are preserved in the Palace of Wang Na compound near the Grand Palace. Open daily: 9:00am-4:00pm (except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays)

Market

9.) Chatuchak Weekend Market- One of the world’s largest and famous flea markets. There are the widest selection of merchandise await the genuine shoppers here from decor items, exotic Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts to fashion clothing, leather goods, flowers, foods and even live animals. Strongly recommended for browsing around and practicing your bargaining abilities. Open only on weekends!

10.) Floating Market- Thaling Chan- Not very far from Bangkok is a famous Thaling Chan Floating Market where you can enjoy Thai Way of life where people selling foods, produces and stuffs on boats along Chak Phra Canal. What a sight to see! Open only on weekends!

11.) Pratunam Market- A 24/7 busy street right in the heart of Bangkok, Pratunam District next to the Rajprasong Area is always jam-packed with shopping complexes for wholesale fashions, street stall and peddlers who sell from foods, fruits, clothing, souvenirs to all goodies at bargaining prices. If you love to shop, this is definitely not a place to be missed!

Night Market

12.) Patpong Night Bazaar- Shopping never ends in Bangkok. As night drawn, the fun starts at patpong where hundreds of street stalls for clothing, souvenirs, leather goods, jewelries and more conquered the area as well as pubs and bars await you to experience.

13.) Khao San Road- Famous among foreign backpackers for its cheap but safe accommodations, Khao San Road is also popular among locals and visitors for its fun and exciting night time activities. Countless bars, clubs, coffee shops, street vendors for foods and merchandise are right here at this mall street. Shouldn’t miss it for the world!

Malls

     Upon visitng Thailand, tourists dream of going out and about experiencing beautiful temples and historical sites, lie down on stunning beaches, or taste local delicacies, but metropolitan city Bangkok is also a place not to be missed if you happen to love shopping.

14.) Central World- is located in the heart of Bangkok’s cosmopolitan Rajprasong area. It’s Thailand’s largest yet one-stop shopping complex, Central World offers more than 500 leading brand boutiques, over 100 restaurants and coffee shop that cater international sumptuous cuisines and a 15-screen world class cinema. Right in CentralWorld is ZEN, Thailand’s cutting edge lifestyle trend megastore and a hub of alternative fashions from world-class edgy brands like Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood, RedValentino, Lee, Levi’s and more, plus famous local designer brands. On top of these 7 levels of shopping paradise, ZEN is well known for its spectacular rooftop dining & entertainment paradise with the most breathtaking 360 panorama views under HEAVEN Bangkok’s 3 unique concepts: HORIZONS Mixologist, Wine & Craft Beer Bars, HORIZONS Lounge Panorama and ZENSE Gourmet Deck with 6 acclaimed restaurants; Thai, Japanese, Indian, Italian, European, & Patisserie.

15.) Central Chidlom- Only 5 minutes walk from Central World along the way to Chidlom is Central Chidlom. It is Thailand’s premier one-stop shopping destination featuring world-class brand from haute couture fashion designers, famous Thai local designers, leading cosmetic and beauty products, children’s wear to luxury home decor and exotic Thai handicrafts. Central Chidlom also caters shoppers with a variety of sumptous international cuisines at FoodLoft, an open-kitchen dining venue located on the top floor as well as large supermarket with the finest selection of foods and fresh food products for everyone.

16.) Central Embassy- Connected to Central Chidlom via sky-bridge is Asia’s new iconic retail landmark and a new definition of the world of luxury, Central Embassy. Situated in the most prestigious location of Bangkok, Central Embassy is located right in the intersection of Sukhumvit and  Wireless road serving by two BTS sky train stations- Chitlom and Ploenchit, allowing for ease of travel for shoppers. Central Embassy offers the diverse merchandise mix incorporating world-renowned brands and top-notch local brands in the iconic architectural and interior design both in the retail center and the 30-storey six-star Park Hyatt Bangkok. While browsing around, customers will be able to enjoy a variety of sumptous cuisines froms tylish and internationally acclaimed restaurants. Central Embassy is a place to be for style-savvy shoppers, creative consumers, and opinion leaders who search for delightful and pleasurable moments in life.

 

Bangkok’s Listing Guide- Hotels

A One Bangkok Hotel

Altea Regency Park Bangkok Hotel

Amari Boulevard Hotel

Amari Watergate Hotel

Ambassador Hotel

Anantara Bangkok

Anantara Bangkok Sathorn

Aphrodite Hotel

Arnoma Hotel

Asia Hotel

Astera Sathorn

Atrium Bangkok Hotel

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Bandara Suites Hotel

Bangkok City Inn

Bangkok Palace Hotel

Bangkok Rama Hotel

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Budacco Hotel

Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel

Century Park Hotel

Chatrium Residence Sathorn Bangkok

Chaydon Sathorn Hotel

China Town Hotel

Citrus Hotel

City Lodge Hotel

CityPoint Hotel

CMYK Ratchada Hotel

Conrad Hotel

Courtyard Marriot Bangkok Hotel

Crowne Plaza Bangkok

Dream Hotel

Dusit Thani Hotel

Eastin Bangkok Hotel

Eastin Grand Sathorn

Eastin Lakeside Hotel

Ecotel Hotel

Egenia Hotel

Forum Park Hotel

Four Seasons Bangkok Hote

Fourpoints by Sheraton Bangkok

Fraser Suits Sukhumvit

Furama Silom Hotel

Galleria 10 Hotel

Golden Tulip Mandison- Suite

Golden Tulip Sovereign Bangkok

Grand Busines Inn

Grand China Princess Hotel

Grand Diamond Plaza Suites Hotel

Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel

Grand Mercure Hotel

Grand Millenium Sukhumvit

Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok

Grand Tower Inn Rama VI

Hansar Hotel

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok

Holiday Inn Bangkok Ploenchit

Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Silom BKK Hotel

Holiday Inn Sukhumvit 22

Hotel Muse

Hotel Royal Bangkok @Chinatown

Ibis Riverside

Ibis Sathorn

Imm Fusion Sukhumvit

Imperial Queen Park Bangkok

Indra Regent Hotel

Intercontinental Bangkok

JW Marriot Bangkok Hotel

Karnmanee Palace Hotel

La Residence Hotel

Landmark Bangkok Hotel

Le Fenix Sukhumvit

Le Meridien

Lebua Hotel

Lilac Relax-residence

LIT Hotel

Lub d Hotel

LUXX Hotel

Ma Du Zi Hotel

Majestic Grande Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Manhattan Bangkok Hotel

Maxx Hotel

Mida City Resort

Millenium Hilton

Miracle Grand Convention Hotel

Montien Riverside Hotel

Montien Surawong Hotel

Mystic Palace rooms in Bangkok

Narai Hotel

Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom

Novotel Bangkok Impact

Novotel Bangna Hotel

Novotel Lotus Hotel

Novotel Siam Square

Oriental Residence Bangkok

Park Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok

Pathumwan Princess Hotel

Peninsula Hotel

Phachara Suites Bangkok

Pinnacle Hotel

Plaza Athenee Hotel

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Pullman Hotel & Resorts

Rama Garden Hotel

Ramada D’ma Bangkok

Ramada Encore Bangkok

Ramada Plaza Maenam Riverside Hotel

Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel

Riva Surya Bangkok

Room@Bangkok

Royal Benja Hotel

Royal City Hotel

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

S31 Hotel

Sala Rattanakosin

Salil Hotel I

Shanhai Mansion

Shangri-La Hotel

Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit

Siam City Hotel

Siam Kempenski Hotel

Siam Design Hotel and Spa

Silom Serene Hotel

Silq Bangkok Hotel

Sivatel Bangkok Hotel

Sky Hotel

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Sofitel So Bangkok

Sol Twin Towers Hotel

Somerset Lake Point

St. James Hotel

St. Regis Bangkok

Sukhothai Hotel

Summit Windmill Golf Residence

Swiss Lodge Hotel

Swissotel Le Concorde Hotel Bangkok

Swissotel Nai Lert Pak Bangkok

Tai-Pan Hotel

Take a Nap

Tenface Bangkok

Thai Cozy House

The AETAS Bangkok

The Aetas Lumpini

The Davis Bangkok Hotel

The Emerald Hotel

The Four Wing Hotel Bangkok

The Heritage Baan Silom

The Mini Hotel

The Okura Prestige

The Park Hotel

The Regent Royal Place 2

The Royal Place 1

The Royal River Hotel

The Siam Heritage

The Tawana Bangkok

The Tivoli Hotel

Trang Hotel Bangkok

Triple Two Silom Hotel

Urban Age Hostel

Vie Hotel

W Hotel

Winsor Suites Hotel

Ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada

 

 

Bangkok’s Listing Guide- Shopping Centers

Central Chidlom

Central Embassy

Central Silom Complex

Central Bangna

Central Ladprao

Central Pinklao

Central Rama3

Central Chaengwattana

Central Ramindra

Central Rama2

Central World

ZEN

 

Bangkok’s Listing Guide- Hospitals

Bangkok International Hospital

Bumrungrad International Hospital

BNH Hospital

Samitivej Hospital