Bangkok Sightseeing

Bangkok is the capital of low-cost, high-quality street food.

One spot that is particularly popular with expats living in Bangkok is Soi Ari (also written Soi Aree) in north-central Bangkok. It’s right next to the BTS station Ari.

It’s mainly about Pahon Yothin 7, and going here for dinner is awesome. On the weekends, there’s even more choice and activity. Great to walk around with friends, try something here and something there.

But be warned: on such a Bangkok sightseeing (or foot-eating) trip, you should never overeat. At least never overeat before you start eating desserts. Because there are plenty of delicious traditional and modern Thai sweets to sample, enjoy and indulge in.

In general a good food-spotting strategy is to go where the locals go. So if there is a food stall where you see a bunch of people waiting around, then it’s probably worth the wait.

If you are interested in traditional Thai architecture, then the Ban Kamthieng House is worth checking out. It’s an original Northern Thai style teak wood house, around 200 years old. Not only is it interesting for culture buffs, but it’s also a small green oasis in a concrete jungle. And it’s not one of the main Bangkok sightseeing attractions, so you get a nice break from the buzzing Bangkok activity.

This residence was once located in Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, but it was moved to its current location in the 1960s. This is something quite common in Thailand – moving traditional houses to other areas. It sounds surprising to many Westeners, because, well, how do you move a whole house? But traditional Thai houses have often been designed in a way that it is easy to put them apart, transport them somewhere, and put them back together again.

Originally, this building was located by a river in Northern Thailand, in the nineteenth century.

It is now an ethnological museum from the Siam Society.

This house is in a unique way very different from the popular Jim Thompson house, or M. R. Kukrit’s Heritage house. Both of these were residences of urban people with a considerable amount of wealth and power. But the Ban Kamthieng house belonged to a rural family – a well off rural family, but nonetheless, you can see the differences. Many of the items on display here are farming tools and fish traps, and so on. There are also objects of spiritual worship. The owners of this house belonged to the Lanna culture, and they had a strong spiritual tradition.

When you walk to the upper floor of the Ban Kamthieng house, you will also learn more about magic shirts and supernatural tattoos, talismans and so on.

Check out these photos of Ban Kamthieng.

Location: 131 Thanon Asok Montri, Sukhumvit Soi 21 (nearly MRT station Asoke and BTS station Sukhumvit)

Phone: 0 2661 6470

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Tuesday to Saturday)

Admission: 100 Baht

Pahurat is the Indian quarter of Bangkok. This is a good place to go shopping for fabrics and… well, Bollywood VCDs, statues and pictures of Indian dieties, bracelets, Indian music, Punjabi sweets, sarees and other Indiaphiles. It’s really good to go for cashmere, wool, cotton, and to a certain extent silk (although if you’re looking for Thai silk, there are better places), and large wholesale deals happen every day here.

The Little India of Bangkok is an interesting place to see. There is a large Sikh temple, Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha, between Pahurat Road and Chakraphet Road. It’s six stories high and has a large golden dome on top. It was built in 1932 and is the second largest Sikh temple in the world outside of India.

There’s also an unusual shopping center, the Old Siam Plaza. It’s located at the intersection of Charoen Krung Road and Triphet Road. A colonial style building, painted in mint-green and cream. You can find lots of traditional handmade Thai desserts and sweets here.

Pahurat is another piece in the cultural mosaic of Bangkok – where people from different nations come to live in harmony together, and yet preserve their own ways of life and customs.

Hire A Personal Guide For Your Pahurat Sightseeing

If you want to get an insiders view of the Pahurat area, it’s best to go with a local guide who is familiar with the area, places of interest, the food, and also knows the people who live and work there.

You can contact us, we can help you to find a licensed tour guide that fits your budget, schedule and interests.

Bangkok does not really have a very clearly defined Downtown, but most people agree that the area around Sathorn, Siam Square and Ploenchit can be called Downtown.

Here, you find many highrise office buildings, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. As far as sightseeing is concerned, the popular choices here are Jim Thompson House, the Erawan Shrine, Kukrit’s Heritage Home, the Suan Pakkad Palace museum, Ban Kamthieng, Siam Ocean World (Southeast Asias largest aquarium) and the infamous nightlife districts Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana. And of course shopping in places like the Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center and the MBK shopping center.

Now, if you’ve been reading us for any amount of time, you know that we’re not just Bangkok sightseeing lovers, but also Bangkok food lovers.

That’s why we checked out Ise restaurant, a Japanese place near Phrom Phong. They actually do belong to the Ise restaurants in Japan, in case you know of them.

It’s (very) budget friendly for a Japanese place.

A menu (including a main meal, a soup, a small bowl of noodle salad and deliciously prepared soy beans, tea or coffee and a dessert) costs below 300 baht.

My main meal of choice was Oyako-Don. pPremium Japanese steamed rice that has been cooked in a special sweet sauce. On top of that, fresh (soft) egg and chicken.

The menu is rather cryptic if you aren’t already well-versed in Japanese food-lingo:

Yet, the food is good (but not great, more like just a little above average good) and VERY filling.

I know a lot of people who think that Japanese food almost leaves you feeling hungry. Don’t worry about that at all.

A positive surprise where the soy beans, which were very yummy, even though we’re not very fond of these usually very plain* tasting fellows.

The soup was also very nice.

And…

well, a highlight definitely was the dessert.

Not masterfully prepared – but if you’ve just got the munchies, it’s great.

Now, overall this place is good. The quality of the ingredients, the cleanliness of the place – all nice, all good, and all a bit better than what you can usually expect in that price range, and considering that it’s not a big franchise chain.

The staff is also friendly and nice.

Yet… the food is somehow lacking the edge. It’s good, but somehow not “gut genug” (good enough, as my German friends know). It’s just a bit too plain. It tastes… “correct”. As if someone has copied and pasted a good cookbook recipe. But in a way, that makes it too mechanical – I didn’t feel that there’s someone in the kitchen who poured his heart into it, somebody with a passion for food. (That might be totally wrong of course – that’s just the impression I got from eating the food, not from watching the kitchen staff)!

If you want to give this a try, head to Sukhumvit Soi 39 (BTS station Phrom Phong, near the Emporium).

Then walk down Soi 39 for a couple hundred meters, until you get to the Romana restaurant. That’s the most visible sign that you’re in close vicinity. Then, watch out for the most difficult to spot Japanese restaurant that you can find there. That’s it. Unfortunately, we didn’t take a picture of it from the outside that would help you to find it.
ดู ISE ในแผนที่ขนาดใหญ่กว่า

28,28/1 39 Complex Sukhumvit soi 39, Klongton-Nua ,Wattana , Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66(0)2-662-6422

* polite codeword for “boooring!”

WSDE Sport Tourism Expo is the only global exhibition and business forum dedicated to showcasing the booming $600 billion a year Sports Tourism market – the most rapidly growing sector in travel and tourism.

It has been announced that this ground breaking event will this year take place in Bangkok, Thailand – Asia’s Sports Tourism Gateway – from 27 – 29 September 2011.

WSDE will be proudly co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Sports Authority of Thailand and will take place at the internationally renowned Bangkok Convention Centre. It’s a good opportunity to combine this with a Bangkok sightseeing trip.

As well as a significant international representation, WSDE will demonstrate to the world that Thailand is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of what is regarded as the most important growth sector in global travel and tourism.

With Participation Vacations the biggest trend in current travel (holidays with an activity attached – i.e. golf, tennis, adventure), Sports Tourism continues to flourish and is set to contribute an astonishing 14% of overall travel and tourism receipts by the end of the year.

WSDE will provide the optimum, cost effective platform for exhibitors to meet and carry out face-to-face business with international buyers with direct purchasing power.

National, Regional or City Tourist Boards with a Sports Tourism portfolio, hotels and resorts offering sporting facilities, tour operators, agents, and major travel and transportation providers are urged to participate in this must attend industry gathering.

The Buyers are top-level decision makers who have the purchasing power and authority to meet and place business directly with exhibitors. A one-to-one appointment schedule means no time is wasted, business is generated, and time is maximised.

WSDE is a vital, unmissable and cost effective event for those companies wishing to be part of the travel and tourism industry’s future.

To find out more, please contact: info@sporttourismexpo.com

To view the WSDE Brochure, please visit: www.sporttourismexpo.com

There are many reasons why you might want to deposit luggage at the Bangkok airport and not carry it around with you. For example, when you are coming from a foreign country where it’s currently cold, you are probably not dressed for Thailand’s tropical weather. Maybe you have boots and scarves and all kinds of things that are good at protecting you from icy temperatures.

But in Thailand, those things are of no help, because: it’s hot!

So why carry all that stuff around with you?

Suvarnabhumi Airport has a left luggage service where you have to pay 100 Baht per day (that is around 2 Euros or 3 US Dollars). That’s of course not cheap, but still in many cases a better option than schlepping it around.

If you arrive at Bangkok’s old airport, Don Muang, there also is a left luggage service for 75 Baht per day.

That way, you don’t have to bring your stuff around a Bangkok sightseeing trip 🙂

Bangkok, March 4, 2011 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the Songkran Splendours Festival campaign that offers visitors from all over the globe memorable experiences with a variety of delightful, traditional celebrations of the Thai New Year. As this year marks the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday, the Songkran Splendours Festival is focusing on marvellous and engaging cultural events that will take place in Bangkok and 12 history-rich cities across Thailand during 7 to 19 April 2011.

“Songkran is the biggest and most important festival of the year when families and friends gather to celebrate the Thai New Year, honour their elders, and, of course, join in the fun of splashing each other. It’s like the Western holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas rolled into one, and is very popular with visitors who want to experience true Thai sanook, or the fun, of this amazing festival,” said Mr Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

While renowned worldwide for its water-splashing street parties, Songkran stems from ancient traditions that are still observed. Songkran is a time for reunions, when families get together and renew their ties and honour family elders. The meaningful elements of Songkran are expressed through culture-rich ceremonies and rituals that reflect both the essence of “Thainess” as well as local beliefs and practices.

The word “Songkran,” which means “move into,” has its roots in the Sanskrit language. The water that symbolizes Songkran has an underlying significance, as it represents the cleansing and purification process. Songkran is actually the original Thai New Year, marking the end of a twelve -month cycle and the beginning of a new solar year.

During Songkran, community spirit is reflected in activities such as the spring-cleaning of temples, presenting merit-making offerings to monks, rituals in which Buddha statues and images are bathed with scented lustral water to show respect, building sand stupas and decorating temple grounds. Another charming Songkran tradition is showing gratitude to elders and respected individuals by pouring scented lustral water over their hands.

“The 2011 Songkran Festival is a very special one, as we will also honour the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday. Visitors to Thailand will enjoy a richer cultural experience this year with a series of events planned for 13 locations nationwide to commemorate H.M. the King’s birthday. With the Songkran Splendours Festival, visitors can experience the unique ways in which people living in different areas of Thailand celebrate Songkran and experience many different aspects of Thailand’s heritage,” added Mr Suraphon.

The Songkran Splendours Festival features great activities and inspiring events in Bangkok as well as in 12 provinces across five regions of Thailand: the North, Northeast, Central, East, and South. While Chiang Mai and Sukhothai are key venues for visitors who want a northern Thailand Songkran experience, provinces in the Northeast; such as, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Khai offer a somewhat different perspective on the festival. The Songkran Splendours Festival will also highlight Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Samut Prakan, three provinces in Central Thailand. Beach lovers are welcome to celebrate Songkran in the eastern province of Chon Buri, which includes Pattaya, or in Phuket on the Andaman Sea. Visitors can enjoy Songkran with a southern flavour in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Hat Yai in Songkhla province.

Highlights of the Songkran Splendours Festival and the 13 provinces include:

Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival (9-15 April 2011)
Visitors can explore how the Songkran Festival is celebrated among the four regions of Thailand at Nagaraphirom Park (Suan Nagaraphirom) and Wat Pho in Bangkok. They can sample a variety of Thai dishes and local desserts, see fabulous cultural performances, and visit the Nine Sacred Places. There are many more activities to choose from in areas of Bangkok including the Banglumphu community, Khao San Road, Phra Athit Road, Santichai Prakan Park, and Wisut Kasat, under the theme “Love Songkran in Your Home Town”.

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai (12-15 April 2011)
Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North, is renowned for one of the grandest Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Visitors can take part in the opening ceremony for the Songkran Festival 2011 with a wonderful parade around Chiang Mai city. They can also go local and pour some jasmine-scented water on a Buddha image and elders, enjoy Lanna-style cultural performances and traditions, and try out various northern foods along the streets.

Sukhothai Songkran Festival (11-15 April 2011)
In this north-central province, visitors will have a chance to watch the ordination of novices at Phaya Lithai Memorial Plaza, Si Satchanalai district, as well as at the Sukhothai Historical Park. The local Songkran celebration includes a variety of entertainment and performances, a parade, and food fairs. Visitors who want to immerse themselves deep into the roots of classic Thai culture must not miss exploring this city.

Songkran Festival and Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival on Khao Nieo Road,
Khon Kaen (8-15 April 2011)
Khon Kaen lies in the heart of the Northeast. Here, visitors can experience the longest human wave in the world. Don’t miss the water splashing on “Sticky Rice Street” and the procession of decorated ox carts. There is also a variety of entertainment, folk plays, and a food fair at Kaen Nakhon Lake in Khon Kaen.

Nakhon Phanom Songkran Festival (12-15 April 2011)
At Sai Thong Sri Kottabun Beach in Mueang District and Renu Nakhon Municipality, Nakhon Phanom, visitors can join in a Buddha image bathing ceremony at the birthday pagoda. For a special cultural experience, visitors can take part in making a sand sculpture that is believed to bless people with good health, as well as watch a procession presented in the Renu Nakhon tradition.

Nong Khai Songkran Festival (6-18 April 2011)
Visitors can be enchanted by the beautiful procession at Wat Pho Chai and see water being sprinkled on the sacred Luang Pho Phra Sai Buddha image in Nong Khai province. Of course, there is plenty of water splashing, while the cultural heritage of the Mekong River area is celebrated through ethnic performances and entertainment.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival (13 April 2011)
In Thailand’s ancient capital, Songkran celebrations will take place at various sites around the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya City Island. Experience Buddhist merit-making and join the elephants and their mahouts for some Songkran water-splashing fun. Mon Songkran Celebrations will also be held at Wat Tong Bo in Sao Kradong in the Bang Pa-In district of Ayutthaya. There will be perfect photo opportunities in a procession of swan and centipede flags, as well as the Mon-style Buddha image bathing ritual.

The Great Songkran Day 2011 in Suphan Buri (13-14 April 2011)
Along Nean Kaew Road in Suphan Buri, in Thailand’s central region, visitors can enjoy a procession featuring the golden Luang Pho To Buddha image, along with other processions put together by public and private entities in the province. There will also be folk music performances, a Miss Songkran beauty contest, and water splashing with Suphan Buri artists.

Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakan (April 22-24 2011)
This is one of the few places in Thailand that celebrates the Songkran Festival in the Thai-Mon style, featuring a magnificent parade. Visitors can learn how to play saba, enjoy a Mon folk play, plus many other forms of entertainment, and see a procession of swan and centipede flags.

Chon Buri Songkran Festival (13-21 April 2011)
There are four key venues for the Songkran festival in Chon Buri province, which are Ko Si Chang, Wan Lai Bang Saen, Wan Lai Pattaya and Si Maha Racha. The “Kong Khao” Religious Ritual, which is also related to the Thai New Year, includes a procession of ‘kong khao’ floats and Buddha images, plus the ritual bathing of Buddha images. A must-see for visitors at Ko Si Chang is the tradition of local men carrying a lady to the sea and back, followed by a folk dance.

Songkran on the Beach, Phuket (10- 13 April 2011)
Visitors can join in a communal Thai New Year merit-making ceremony, witness a procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha images along Patong Beach, and pay homage to elders with scented lustral water. A range of events will be held at Loma (Dolphin) Public Park and the port, and the Jungceylon activity plaza overlooking Patong Beach.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Songkran Festival (11-15 April 2011)
Visitors to this southern province can participate in the Thai New Year by bathing the Phra Phuttha Sihing image. Other highlights include the Nang Kradan procession and a Swing Ceremony to welcome Phra Siva. Exciting activities will take place at Wat Phra Boromthat and Si Thamma Sokarat Park, Sanam Na Mueang, Phra I-suan Hall, and Phra Narai Hall.

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla (9-15 April 2011)
The largest city in the south of Thailand celebrates Songkran with water-splashing, beauty pageants and other activities. The Midnight Songkran Festival also features late-night fun on Niphat Uthit Road in Hat Yai.

For more information on specific events, please visit TATnews.org at
http://www.tatnews.org or http://www.songkran.net