2.3 Bangkok: Things to Do

Shopping

Bangkok is truly a shopper’s paradise with everything from multi-storey malls with the latest electronics to street markets with arts and crafts and night markets with amazing street food. Buying tailor-made suits, Thai silk, cotton, gems, bronze and ceramics is a unique experience in Bangkok, and there are also very reasonably priced designer shopping outlets to explore. Here are some of the places you can send your clients to shop:

• The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world’s largest weekend markets, covering an area of 27 acres! There are over 15,000 stalls with antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs.
• There are countless shopping malls in Bangkok. The most famous malls in Bangkok include:
  • The Siam Paragon which is 10 storeys of internationally recognised brands such as Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana and much more.
  • The MBK Centre is a versatile seven storey high mall which is famous for its lively mobile and accessories shops with well over 100 outlets per floor.
  • Central World is the sixth largest shopping complex in the world with seven floors covering 180,000 sq metres containing more than 490 stores.
• The Damnoen Saduak floating market is held until noon every day of the week and is a great photo opportunity as well as a place to pick up souvenirs. Other, much smaller Bangkok floating markets are Khlong Lat Mayom, Amphawa and Bang Khu Wiang, a non-touristy authentic floating market open daily from 04.00 to 07.00.
• Asiatique is a unique development on the river with1,500 small boutique shops selling all sorts of items including clothes, arts and crafts and curios.

Sightseeing

• Grand Palace: The golden-domed Grand Palace, built in the 18th century, is a must. The complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, while next door Wat Pho houses a huge golden Buddha in reclining pose. As well as being the oldest temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is the place to go for a traditional Thai massage.
• Jim Thompson's Thai House: The former home of Jim Thompson, entrepreneur, explorer and one of the most popular westerners to live in Thailand, helps visitors learn about his life and trade. An impressive art collection is also a great reason to visit.
• Visit lesser-known temples such as Wat Saket (otherwise known as The Golden Mount), which offers great views of Bangkok, and Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, which sits on the banks of the river.
• Bangkok's China Town is a great destination for foodies, with its many street stalls and food markets.
• A day trip to Kanchanaburi: Beyond the city is the town of Kanchanaburi which is the site of the famous Bridge over the River Kwai built by Allied prisoners of war under Japanese command. There is a memorial, two museums and the War Cemetery. It's also a good base for adventure trips to national parks and is an area of waterfalls, caves, ruins, temples, lakes and jungle.
• The Maeklong Railway Market: A popular market amongst locals where vendors and shoppers must periodically make way for trains at this unusual Thai market.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is more than 500 years old and was the capital of Thailand for 417 years.

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