Travel Guide Bangkok Dragons, temples and a smile
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Travel Guide
Bangkok
Dragons, temples and a smile
02 Quick view 05 Top 10 sights 11 Hotels
02 Thailand 07 Shopping in Bangkok 12 GEO Tip
03 Travel etiquette 08 Restaurants 12 Best of ...
04 Health 09 Nightlife 16 24 hours in ...
05 Phone calls & Internet 10 Calendar of events
© Getty Images/iStockphoto
LH.com/travelguide Bangkok 01/18
Travel Guide
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02
Quick view
Bangkok: Dragons, temples and a smile
Bangkok, home to some nine million people and one of the most populous cities in
Southeast Asia, is an exotic and amazingly vibrant metropolis. It is the capital of
the Kingdom of Thailand, and at once a modern financial and trading hub and a
historical center. Admittedly, excellent nerves are a must here both for
Bangkokians and visitors, with traffic nothing short of chaotic not only on the new
expressways, but even on the smallest streets, and with the sidewalks and
squares, the gigantic shopping centers and wherever else there is something to
see or buy positively teeming with people.
This city apparently needs no rest and is famous – and infamous – for its nightlife.
There’s a magic to Bangkok, and that magic lies in its contrasts. Sometimes no
more than a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle, you will encounter the
serene peace of temples and monasteries and small boats plowing the canals
(khlongs) and Chao Phraya river. While the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaeo
Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Thailand, Bangkok’s colorful
markets, for example Chatuchak Weekend Market, and its huge malls are definitely
well worth a visit.
Thailand
General Information
Country overview
The jewel of the Southeast Asian travel circuit, Thailand offers astonishing
diversity and a truly fascinating and accessible culture that, along with the revered
Thai hospitality, makes it an incredibly popular destination. With an enticing
mixture of established destinations such as Phuket, and out-of-the-way palm-
fringed islands, Thailand has a very exotic appeal.
It caters for grungy backpacking types wanting to party into the wee hours through
to those who prefer white tablecloth dining and clinking wine glasses. From
staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding
down in a hill tribe village, the country offers a wealth of choice for all tastes and
budgets.
Geography
Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south
and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the
north and east by Laos.
Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 67,2 million (estimate 2019)
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep).
Language
Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in
establishments catering for tourists.
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Currency
Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500,
100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10,
5 and 1 satang.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs are used.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December
2021.
Note
Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it
is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.
2020
Wan Khuen Pi Mai (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Wan Chakri (Chakri Day): 6 April 2020
Songkran (Thai New Year): 13 to 15 April 2020
Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation (National holiday): 4 May 2020
Wisakha Bucha: 18 May 2020
Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday: 3 June 2020
Asanha Bucha: 26 July 2020
Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun Birthday (HM The King’s
Birthday): 28 July 2020
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Somdet Phranang Chao Phra Boromma
Rachininat (H.M. Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday): 12 August 2020
Wan Piyamaharat (Chulalongkorn Day): 23 October 2020
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yuhua
(Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday): 5 December 2020
Wan Rattha Thammanun (Constitution Day): 10 December 2020
Wan Sin Pi (New Year’s Eve): 31 December 2020
2021
Wan Khuen Pi Mai (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Wan Chakri (Chakri Day): 6 April 2021
Songkran (Thai New Year): 13 to 15 April 2021
Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation (National holiday): 4 May 2021
Wisakha Bucha: 18 May 2021
Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday: 3 June 2021
Asanha Bucha: 26 July 2021
Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun Birthday (HM The King’s
Birthday): 28 July 2021
Wan Piyamaharat (Chulalongkorn Day): 23 October 2021
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yuhua
(Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday): 5 December 2021
Wan Rattha Thammanun (Constitution Day): 10 December 2021
Wan Sin Pi (New Year’s Eve): 31 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
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Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting. A Thai will be
greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head - the wai.
Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors
should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as
Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of 'face'. Public displays of
affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered
rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one's feet at someone.
Shoes should be removed before entering someone's home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear
suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is
frowned upon.
Thailand has banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and on several
popular beaches across the country including the popular tourist destination of
Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 1155
Food & Drink
Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice.
Unpasteurised milk should also be boiled, although pasteurised or homogenised
milk is available. Tinned or powdered milk is safe as long as it is reconstituted with
sterile water. Beware of dairy products that may have been made with unboiled
milk. Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked, preferably served hot, but
not reheated. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.
Other Risks
HIV is rife in Thailand, especially among prostitutes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Amoebic and bacillary dysentery and hepatitis E may occur. Hepatitis B is highly
endemic. Japanese encephalitis may occur, particularly in rural areas, and
precautions should be taken to guard against mosquito bites. Dengue fever is also
becoming increasingly widespread, particularly in central Thailand, and is also
transmitted by mosquitoes. Travellers to Thailand are unlikely to be affected by
avian influenza, but should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and
other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; also
ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Dr. Sanglertsilpachai, Wiwat
Bangkok Nursing Home Hospital
Convent
Silom
Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel. +66-2-686-2700
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.
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Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +66
Telephone
Roaming charges make phone calls with foreign providers’ SIM cards pretty
expensive in Thailand. The far cheaper option is to buy a SIM card from a Thai
mobile telephony and mobile Internet provider, such as Advanced Info Service
(ais.co.th) and True Move (truemoveh.truecorp.co.th), for example. SIM cards can
be ordered online from these and other providers in advance or purchased at the
airport.
Internet
There are plenty of internet cafés, some even found in remote areas visited by
tourists. Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots.
When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of
all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or
security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaeo
Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple is also one of Bangkok’s most arresting
sites. Its golden chedis dominate the skyline as you arrive at its outer walls, but it’s
the beautiful emerald Buddha, which steals the show.
Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon Opening times:
10200 Bangkok Daily 08:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/224 32 90
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace forms part of a wider complex which includes Wat Phra Kaeo.
The colourful, opulent array of buildings will keep even the most avid culture buff
occupied for hours.
Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon Opening times:
10200 Bangkok Daily 08:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thailand
Wat Pho
Next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is one of Thailand’s largest temples. Its pretty
exterior is merely a precursor to the stunning, 46m-long (150ft) golden reclining
Buddha. The sheer scale will leave first-time visitors wowed.
2 Sanamchai Road, Pranakorn Opening times:
10200 Bangkok Daily 08:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thailand
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Tel. +66-2/226 03 35 www.watpho.com
Bangkok National Museum
Southeast Asia’s largest museum is packed with beautiful art from across this
stunning corner the continent. Neolithic and prehistoric finds rub shoulders with
more modern pieces of Thai arts and crafts.
4 Na Phra That, Phra Nakhon Opening times:
10200 Bangkok Wed – Sun 09:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/224 13 33 www.bangkoksite.com/NationalMuseu
m/index.htm
Lumpini Park
Bangkok’s first public park is a green lung among towering skyscrapers. Stroll
through here once the working day is done and witness locals participate in
aerobics or use the free gym equipment.
Click here for "24 hours in Bangkok" and more information about Lumpini Park
Rama IV Road Opening times:
Bangkok Daily 04:30 a. m. – 9:00 p. m.
Thailand
Democracy Monument
Commemorating the change to a constitutional monarchy in 1932, this huge, four-
pronged monument is decorated with sculptures depicting the battle for
democracy.
Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, Phra www.bangkok.go.th
Nakhon
10200 Bangkok
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/225 76 12
Royal Barges National Museum
The huge sheds of this fascinating museum house a series of ornate barges, built
for military use and now only brought onto the water for ceremonial royal functions.
The exhibition includes Suphanahong, the King’s personal barge.
80/1 Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi Opening times:
10700 Bangkok Daily 09:00 a. m. – 05:00 p. m.
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/424 00 04
Wat Arun
On the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River to the Golden Palace, the towering
Wat Arun is one of the most striking buildings in Bangkok. Its spires date back to
the start of the 19th century, although the complex itself is 200 years older.
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Bangkok Yai
10600 Bangkok
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/891 21 85
Wat Suthat
A 19th-century royal temple that plays home to a huge golden Buddha and a vast
red swing designed to give thanks to Shiva during annual ceremonies. The sitting
statues and murals also make this a worthwhile visit.
Bamrung Muang Road, PhraNakhon Opening times:
Bangkok Daily 08:30 a.m. – 09:00 p.m.
Thailand
Tel.: +66-2/221 43 31
King Power Mahanakhon
This 78-story skyscraper is the second-tallest building in Bangkok. Its
unmistakable facade with its boxy, counterpoised elements bears architect Ole
Scheeren’s distinct signature. The glass Skywalk linking the indoor and outdoor
observation decks at a height of 310 meters was opened in 2018: From up there,
visitors have a bird’s-eye view of Bangkok – a truly impressive panorama,
especially at dusk! Tip: To avoid waiting time, book a ticket via the website before
you go.
114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Opening times:
10500 Bangkok Daily 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Thailand
kingpowermahanakhon.co.th/
Shopping in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok
Key Areas
Countless shopping malls and department stores line Sukhumvit Road, not to
mention the market vendors who also crowd the street. Another good area for
shopping extends between the BTS (Skytrain) stations National Stadium, where
the Mah Boon Kring Shopping Center (MBK) is located, and Chid Lom, within easy
reach of Ratchaprasong Shopping District. The Asiatique The Riverfront
(asiatiquethailand.com), one of Bangkok’s new shopping and entertainment
attractions, is a roughly ten-minute walk from the BTS station Saphan Taksin.
Housed in an ensemble of former dockland warehouses, it boasts more than 1500
boutiques and small shops as well as 40 restaurants, a Thai puppet theater, a
“ladyboy cabaret” (transvestite show) and an array of other attractions, including an
original World War II bunker.
Markets
Chatutchak Weekend Market (MRT (subway) station Kamphaeng Phet or BTS
station Suan Shatuchak, open Wed-Sun 0700-1800, only limited services Wed
and Thu) is Bangkok’s best-known market. The market is vast and the variety of
goods for sale there equally so, ranging from fruit, vegetables and deli foods to
books and antiques. On Bobae Market (BTS station Hualamphong) you will find all
manner of clothing, and there are also plenty of small vendors in neighboring
Bobae Tower.
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Shopping Centres
Practically every district of Bangkok has its own big shopping center, with newer
malls taking on gigantic proportions. The really big malls include the Central World
Siam (centralworld.co.th; BTS station Chid Lom), the Mah Boon Krong Shopping
Center (mbk-center.co.th; BTS-Station National Stadium) and the particularly
luxurious Siam Paragon (siamparagon.co.th; BTS-Station Siam).
Restaurants
Restaurants in Bangkok
Bangkok’s street food scene is superb, not to mention spotless. Eating on the
roadside is a fascinating experience, but that’s not to say you won’t find good food
in blissfully air-conditioned restaurants either. Try both on for size.
Bo.Lan
High-end Thai food with wine pairing. A unique and fancy way to experience local
dishes.
42 Soi Pichai Ronnarong, Songkram Price: Luxurious
Sukhumvit 26, Klongteoy
10110 Bangkok www.bolan.co.th/
Thailand
Taling Pling
Stop off here and treat yourself to the best Thai green curry you’ll ever eat.
25 Sukhumvit Soi 34 Price: Moderate
10500 Bangkok
Thailand talingpling.com/
Gianni Ristorante
Had enough of Pad Thai? This well-known Italian has a great rep and serves
excellent food.
34/1 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Price: Moderate
Lumpini
10330 Bangkok www.giannibkk.com/
Thailand
Cabbages & Condoms
Funny name, serious subject: Cabbages & Condoms, now a chain of restaurants
and resorts in Thailand and Great Britain, belongs to an organization that runs
information projects on family planning and AIDS prevention. The food is good,
and the garden is a pleasant, airy place to enjoy it.
10 Sukhumvit Soi 12 Price: Budget
10500 Bangkok
Thailand www.cabbagesandcondoms.net/
Baan Klang Nam
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Located on the river, this joint specialises in seafood. Highly rated by locals and
visitors.
288 Soi 14, Th Phra Ram III Price: Cheap
Bangkok
Thailand www.baanklangnam.net/
Nightlife
Nightlife in Bangkok
Legendary is one way to describe Bangkok’s nightlife. Chaotic is another. There
are, of course, areas you’ll want to skipwhen it comes to hitting the town, but the
Thai capital has stacks of great places for drinking and dancing the night away.
More highlights of Nightlife in Bangkok
Vertigo and Moon Bar
On the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel, this bar serves great cocktails with an
amazing view.
21/100 Banyan Tree Hotel, South
Sathon Road,
Sathon 10120
Thailand
Route 66
One of the famous clubs on the RCA strip. The three floors (Live Zone, Hip Hop
Zone and EDM Zone) are well frequented in the week and very crowded on the
weekend.
29/33 - 48 Soi Soonvijai Rama 9 Road www.route66club.com/
Royal City Avenue,
10110 Bangkok
Thailand
Calypso Cabaret
This variety theater stages two daily shows featuring all the bombast of a Las
Vegas extravaganza but at the same time with an inimitably Asian feel.
2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road www.calypsocabaret.com/
Prayakrai, Bangkorlaem
10120Bangkok
Thailand
The Club
There are countless discos and club along Khao San Road and this is one of the
biggest and most popular, especially with a young crowd. The place is packed
every night, admission is free and drink prices are low.
123 Khao San Road, Phra Nakhon www.theclubkhaosan.com/
10200 Bangkok
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Thailand
Brown Sugar Jazz Boutique
Shabby chic rules the day in this cool little jazz bar.
469 Wanchad Junction www.brownsugarbangkok.com/contact
Phrasumen Rd. 2.html
Bawornniwet
Bangkok
Thailand
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Chinese New Year
The Thai Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year with colorful parades and loud
fireworks, and all Thais and tourists celebrate with them.
February 25, 2020
Venue: Various venues
Makha Puja
This is a Buddhist holy day for purification and good deeds, that features various
day and night candlelit ceremonies.
March 21, 2020
Venue: Temples around the city
Vesak
Vesak is the most important Buddhist holiday. It commemorates Buddha’s birth,
enlightenment, and death.
May 6, 2020
Venue: Temples around the city
Songkran
Thai New Year is marked with an enormous public celebration in Bangkok.
Originally, the turn of the year was celebrated with a range of purification
ceremonies; today, the celebration during the hot month of April involves water
fights throughout the entire city, particularly around Khao San Road. Avoid the
main roads on these days if you don’t want to get completely soaked.
April 13 - 15, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Asalha Puja
This holiday celebrates Buddha’s first sermon. The date also marks the beginning
of the Buddhist fasting period (Khao Phansa). Celebrations are primarily held in
temples and monasteries.
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July 5, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
World Film Festival of Bangkok
The World Film Festival in Bangkok screens films by independent producers. The
festival also includes an extensive program of exhibits, podium discussions, and
workshops.
November 1, 2020
Venue: Various venues
New Year's Eve Countdown
Bangkok holds events all over the city to count down to the turn of the year; the
most impressive one is the celebration at Central World Square. The traditional
Buddhist celebrations on New Year’s morning are much quieter.
December 31, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Venue: Central World Square and throughout the city
Hotels
Hotels in Bangkok
Great value is easy to find in Bangkok. This is a town inundated with first-rate hotel
rooms at knockdown prices. Five-star pads come in well below what you’d pay in
Europe or the USA. Budget digs are also plentiful, with heaps of hip new places to
try.
Banyan Tree Bangkok
A deluxe hotel with a sensational rooftop bar, this place is the ultimate for luxury
seekers.
21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon Category: Luxurious
10120 Bangkok
Thailand
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
This riverside hotel has superb views across Bangkok, plus a first-rate spa and
pool.
48 Oriental Avenue Category: Luxurious
10500 Bangkok
Thailand
Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
Five-star style but without the price tag, the Pullman G has sleek rooms and great
facilities.
188 Silom Road, Suriyawongse, Category: Moderate
Bangrak
10500 Bangkok
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Thailand
The Davis Bangkok
Slick Sukhumvit spot with fancy rooms and a rooftop pool.
88 Sukhumvit 24 Klongteoy Category: Moderate
10110 Bangkok
Thailand
The Heritage Hotels Sathorn
Amazing value with well-designed, spotless rooms. A real find.
13 Soi Sathorn, Yannawa, Sathorn Category: Budget
10120 Bangkok
Thailand
GEO Tip
The creatives’ playground
A playground for creatives: The Jam Factory
On a former factory site with old industrial buildings, architect Duangrit Bunnag has
created a playground for the city’s creatives – the Jam Factory. The ensemble is
home to a designer shop selling trendy Thai furniture, a bookstore, a photo gallery,
an outdoor bar – and The Never Ending Summer, the in restaurant for modern
Asian cuisine. On the weekend, concerts, arts and crafts, and farmers’ markets take
place on the green in front of the building.
Mehr auf GEO.de
http://www.geo.de/616-thma-thailand
Best of ...
... Thailand
© Iakov Kalinin/iStock
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Teeming with people, Thailand is a country that buzzes and booms. Over 30
million tourists visit Thailand each year, and the trend is rising.Our reporter went in
search of Siam’s treasures – and found them off the beaten tourist track.
Ko Yao Noi
Hippies head east to Ko Phangan, the party island in the Gulf of Thailand, and
complain about the parties. In the west, there’s the tourist hell hole Phuket, and
next to it Ko Yao Noi (“small, long island”), a getaway for stars like Angelina Jolie,
Beyoncé and Cristiano Ronaldo, and famous for its unspoilt beaches. The
islanders earn their living with coconuts and rubber plants. The food here is really
good, for example at the „Je T’aime“, a French/Thai fusion restaurant. Neighboring
Ko Yao Yai (big, long island) is even more peaceful and enchanting.
Ko Yao Yai
Phang-nga, Thailand
Tab Tim Grob
Thai cuisine has a reputation for variety, and yet most visitors stick to either phat
thai (stirfry noodles) or khao phat (fried rice). That’s a great shame because the
country has a dish many tourists have never heard of: tab tim grob, a sweet dish of
water chestnuts served in young coconut milk with red tapioca pearls and crushed
ice. It’s one of those dishes that, once tasted, becomes a firm favourite. It’s such a
delicious and refreshing treat, especially in humid Thailand, that it’s also easy to
convince yourself that it is somehow healthy. Restaurants don’t always include it
on the menu, but it’s definitely worth asking if they serve it.
The recipe
Ko Phayam
If the authentic hippie Thailand is what you’re after, go to Ko Phayam (preferably
via Ranong). It’s a small island roughly 35 kilometers off the northwest coast of
Thailand and still one of the few remaining idylls on earth, with sandy beaches that
stretch for miles, bamboo cabins and devoted sunworshippers. It’s one of those
islands, where people spend the evening eating, drinking and talking between
palmtrees and weird timber structures like the Hippie Bar. Minor downside:
overcrowded ferries make for an uneasy crossing.
Ko Phayam kohphayam.org
Ranong
Thailand
Chanthaburi
Located close to the Cambodian border, the provincial capital is largely ignored by
tourists, or at best used as a stopover. Their loss! Chanthaburi has all that is
quintessentially Thai. Religious differences are amiably set aside, and Christians
(there is an imposing replica of Paris’ Notre-Dame here), Buddhists and Muslims
live together in harmony – so there’s always some feast to celebrate. Just 20
kilometers from the ocean and with so few tourists, it’s hardly surprising that
Chanthaburi – and not an island – is where some of Thailand’s loveliest
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undiscovered beaches are found. The city lives off its exports of fruit and precious
stones, has mines to visit, malodorously tasty durians to sample, dense jungle to
explore and Buddhist holy sites to see. Its tourism infrastructure is geared almost
exclusively to Thai visitors; prices have barely changed in 20 years. Chanthaburi is
Thailand’s last insider tip.
Chanthaburi
tourismthailand.org/Chanthaburi
Chang Wat Chanthaburi
22000 Thailand
Bangkok Vanguards
It is easy to lose your way in the capital, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide. As most
city guides show tourists only what they want to see, a specialist is the answer,
someone like Michael Biedassek, who is half-Thai, half-German. “I came here to
find my Thai roots,” he says. He ended up staying. Finding the city hard to
navigate, he began making maps as a teenager. Later, he started offering visitors
bicycle tours of the “real” Bangkok. His most popular tour is the Bangkok Three-
sixty, which takes visitors by bicycle, boat and local buses to see the sights people
generally overlook: a tiny icecream parlor or the fabulous home of a once wealthy
Chinese family with a huge swimming pool. Small groups and one enthusiastic
guide – that’s all it takes to feel at home in possibly the most confusing city in the
world.
494/4 Prajadhipok Rd bangkokvanguards.com/experiences/ba
Hiranruchi, Thon Buri ngkok-thre...
Bangkok 10600
Thailand
See the country by car or taxi?
Judging by the chaos on Bangkok’s streets, driving in Thailand is stressful. But
outside the city of eight million, the traffic (people drive on the left) is moderate. The
most popular tourist destinations are: Chiang Mai in the north, Pattaya in the center,
Phuket in the south, and the islands in the Gulf, but there’s an entire country crying
out to be explored in between. Rent a car and drive south on the good asphalt road
network. Great places along the way are Khao Sok National Park with its
impressive reservoir and floating cabins (with beds for visitors) and the beaches
south of Ranong. Not keen to take to the wheel? Then hire a taxi. The official price
list (back of driver’s seat) puts the 700-kilometer trip at roughly 120 euros.
gothailand.about.com/od/transportationf
lights...
Homestay
People rave about friendly hosts in Thailand, but often they are just talking about
friendly hoteliers and attentive restaurant owners. Thailand has a long tradition of
homestays and there are plenty of offers around, so you don’t have to wait for
invitations to find out what life is really like there. Perceptive visitors will soon
notice even local differences. The amazing thing is that most homestay hosts –
fishing families in the south, farmers in the north, middle-class people at the heart
of the country – aren’t so much interested in financial gain as in getting to know
their guests. It’s this genuine Asian hospitality that makes their home yours for a
while.
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homestay.com/de/thailand
Doi Inthanon
The country’s tallest peak at 2565 meters, Doi Inthanon is high in the north of
Thailand. Making your way up it is far more satisfying than being at the top, though.
Motorcycles can be rented in the town of Chiang Mai, which is a good starting point
for an exhilarating ride through deserted streets, dense jungle and villages
untouched by time in a country that seems all but unchanged. Your trip through the
mountains brings you to the virtually tourism-free heart of Thailand. If you have
time, take a tour of the Golden Triangle via Laos and Myanmar down to the
mountain 100 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai. Doing the tour on foot takes six
days and is as good as a detox – promise!
4/1 Siritorn Rd Soi 1 chantrekking.com
Changphuak
Muang Chiang mai
Thailand
Take to the tracks
Bangkok train station, 6pm; experience a truly Asian moment when everyone
pauses as a mark of respect for their country and their beloved king. Except for the
package-deal tourist groups, the journey itself is the attraction. Thailand’s three-
class trains are special – shabby on the outside, clean and comfortable on the
inside. Third class is loud and lively, and second class offers real beds, but if you
want some peace on the 12-hour trip north or south, it’s best to book a private first-
class compartment. Don’t bring food, make the most of the legendary dining cars
with their singing ladyboys serving chicken with cashews. For the ultimate train
ride, take the Eastern Oriental and enjoy breathtaking colonial luxury – all the way
from Bangkok to Singapore.
railway.co.th
Ko Nok
This is it – paradise. No, truly it is! There is absolutely nothing here but a broad
sandy beach, a small area for campfires and a bamboo-covered hill. The island is
just about the size of a noi (see tip 1) and perfect for a night spent far from the
madding crowd, like Robinson Crusoe. Ask for Mr. Bean on Ko Yao Noi. He will
help you to cross to the island, to build yourself a Thai minihouse, to fish and to
lead the life we all secretly long for: a simple, decelerated life without distractions
and with achievable goals – amid the most beautiful natural scenery in Phang Nga
Bay.
Ko Nok
Phang-nga
Thailand
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24 hours in ...
... Bangkok
imago/Action Pictures
07:00 a.m.: Early-morning sport in Lumpini Park
The morning begins with a run in Bangkok’s largest green area. At this time of day,
the air in the city is still agreeably mild; tropical heat only tends to develop in the
course of the morning. As you jog through Lumpini Park amid the surrounding
skyscrapers, you may find the odd meter-long monitor lizard blocking your path. No
need to worry, though, these gecko-like lizards are absolutely harmless. At the
outdoor gym (admission free), you also have the chance to lift a few weights. For
those who prefer a gentler start to the day, tai chi – along with mostly older folks –
is also a possibility. Other fitness options for park visitors interested in returning
later on in the day include an afternoon aerobics class with Thai pop beats.
Lumpini Park,
between Ratchadamri Road, Sarasin
Alley, Witthayu Road and Rama IV
Road
10330, Bangkok
Thailand
Tel. +66-2/252 70 06
09:00 a.m.: Breakfast on Pan Road
After a stint of morning exercise, the place to recharge those inner batteries is Luka,
a pretty café on Pan Road that’s famous for its hearty breakfast burritos with
avocado, quinoa, scrambled egg, cheese and sausage. For a powerful vitamin
boost, try the Açai Bowl topped with fresh fruit. Replete and restored, step outside
after breakfast for a stroll past the boutiques and restaurants of bustling Pan Road.
One attraction not to be missed here is the richly colored Sri Maha Mariamman at
the north end of the street, Bangkok’s most famous Hindu temple. The Tibet Shop
right next door sells Hindu and Buddha figures for domestic altars and souvenirs.
Luka www.lukabangkok.com
64/3 Pan Road
10500, Bangkok
Thailand
Tel.: +66-2/637 85 58
11:00 a.m.: Tour of Ari
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Ari is Bangkok’s most popular hip neighborhood – and thanks to its narrow streets,
gardens, galleries and boutiques, it is also the perfect spot to get away from it all
during the hot noonday hours. The Japanese hipster brand Tokyobike has a
flagship store here with an adjoining café; and the Numthong Gallery shows works
by contemporary Thai artists. And if you are one of those people who like to record
their travels between the covers of a notebook with an exceptionally pretty design,
an extensive selection of stationery and artists’ supplies awaits you at Mahuna. Ari
boasts an array of Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Korean restaurants offering tasty
lunches, but is also famous for its first-class Thai street food, although most stalls
don’t open until late afternoon.
Tokyobike www.facebook.com/TokyobikeTH/
1/5 Soi. Ari 2, Phahonyothin Road
10400, Bangkok
Thailand
02:00 p.m.: Fun and shopping on Sukhumvit Road
Time to dive into the crowds that pour down Suhkumvit Road, allegedly Bangkok’s
longest street and the address for the city’s best-known shopping malls. These
include glittering giants, such as Emporium and EmQuartier, but also the small,
exquisite and highly popular Rain Hill Plaza, with its vintage boutiques. If shopping
doesn’t offer thrills enough, drop by Laztag to battle your way through futuristic
spaceship backdrops on a laser tag course, or head to Flight Entertainment and try
your hand at piloting a virtual Boeing 737 in a flight simulator. The 200 life-sized
prehistoric reptiles at the Dinosaur Planet Theme Park are the main attraction for
families.
Dinosaur Planet Theme Park
544/1 Sukhumvit Road
10110, Bangkok
Thailand
Tel.: +66-6/31 67 69 75
06:00 p.m.: Drinks and dinner above the rooftops
The sun creates a breathtaking spectacle as it sinks below the Bangkok skyline in
the evening. To make sure you catch the show, head to the State Tower on Silom
Road good and early. The open-air Sky Bar of the Lebua Hotel – one of the world’s
most elevated rooftop bars – is right at the top of the 64-story skyscraper. Just one
floor down, the hotel’s Sirocco restaurant serves Mediterranean gourmet cuisine.
There, too, there are no roofs to block your view of the endless night sky. Number
Two in the contest for the most spectacular panorama in Bangkok goes to the
Vertigo and Moon Bar on the roof of the 61-story Banyan Tree Hotel.
Lebua Hotel (Sky Bar und Sirocco lebua.com/sky-bar
Restaurant)
1055 Silom Road
Bangkok
Thailand
Tel.: +66-2/624 95 55
09:00 p.m.: Live jazz
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Bangkok’s nightlife is famous – and at times infamous – but there’s much more to it
than noisy bars, strip clubs and shady shows. Numerous live clubs await jazz fans
here, including the legendary Saxophone Pub near the Victoria Monument, which
serves up not only first-rate gigs (almost daily; this place gets very full on the
weekend) but also affordable Thai meals. Backpackers and students tend to
gravitate toward the small Jazz Happens bar, while the smart Bamboo Bar in the
luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel appeals to a more upmarket crowd – and is
arguably the best jazz location in town.
Saxophone Pub saxophonepub.com
3/8 Phayathai Road
10400, Bangkok
Thailand
Tel.: +66-2/246 54 72
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