Bangkok!
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Places to party :
RCA
Very popular among Thai university students, but hardly known among visitors, Royal City Avenue (RCA) is a massive entertainment area featuring some of Bangkok's biggest clubs. If you want experience young Thais partying and letting off steam, this is the place to go. A multitude of different bars and clubs are scattered along this road playing anything from R&B, house, techno and alternative rock, to Thai pop. What's great about RCA is its variety of its venues' themes and styles, and most places stay open later than 1am.
Club Astra
Opening hours: 18:00-02:00
Location: Block C, RCA, Rama 9 Rd.
Contact: +66 (0)9 497 8422
Subway: Ratchadaphisek
Club Astra is one of Bangkok's most up-and-coming night venues featuring both local and internationally re-known DJs. Equipped with a super sound system, this massive dance arena can fit up to 1,500 people!
Flix
Opening hours: 17:00-02:00
Location: RCA, Rama 9,
Contact: +66 (0)2 203 0377-8
Subway: Ratchadaphisek
Set in a colossal building with two wings, Flix is on the left and Slim on the right. While Slim specializes in R&B and commercial Hip Hop, Flix spins house tunes. Both clubs are stylish and heaving with people on weekends.
Inch
Opening hours: 19:30-01:00
Location: 55/49-60 Ratchadapisek Rd., Dindaeng,
Contact: +66 (0)2 641 2963-4
Subway: Ratchadapisek
Inch is Bangkok's latest hot spots for clubbing. It offers clubbers to enjoy the top class unique nightlife experience all under the roof of one exclusive address. The whole club is separated into two areas by a middle glass partition, carefully shaped in a slightly curve format to give a stylish welcoming to the clubbers when they first entered the place.
Route 66 Opening hours: 20:30-02:00
Location: RCA, Rama 9
Contact: +66 (0)1 440-9666
Subway: Ratchadapisek
Similar to Flix and Slim, the re-vamped Route 66 is divided into two sections East and West. Since R&B and Hip Hop seem to be what Bangkok's night crawlers want, it's what you'll hear in both sides. Reservations recommended.
note:
your order drinks, by 11-12 they will start keeping the chairs. therefore you have no choice but to stand and dance
liquor isn't cheap there either. a bottle of johnny walker red label can set u back by 1200-1300bt unlike the more "local" clubs (or what they still call, disco)
recommended
away from the more "touristy" clubs, located at Ratchada Soi 8 is Hollywood Awards.
http://www.hollywoodbkk.com/
you can catch life performances and djs spinning. liquor there is cheaper and almost half the price compared to RCA.
Bed Supperclub
Open: 20:00 - 01:00 daily. Restaurant: 19:00 - 24:00 (Monday - Thursday), 19:30 - 01:00 (Friday and Saturday)
Location: 26 Sukhumvit Soi 11
Contact: +66 (0)2 651 3557
Skytrain: Nana
Bed Supperclub's tubular elliptical structure, interior design, exquisite restaurant and house and electro DJs make it one of Bangkok's trendiest, sophisticated and innovative clubs. The dining area on the left side of the club, or rather dining lounge, subtitutes conventional tables with matresses and oversized pillows, inviting guests to open their minds and sharpen their senses. On Fridays and Saturdays the Supperclub hosts a superlative dining and entertainment experience; guests are encouraged to arrive at 20:30 sharp, as there is only one sitting for the four-course meal.
Seperate from the restaurant, the bar and dance club features a mezzanine overlooking the dance floor. A VJ operates from within the crowd on the upper floor and projects visuals on the huge oval window above the DJ downstairs. Bed has already hosted dozens of critically acclaimed international DJs, including Miguel Migs, Kenny Dope, Blaze, DJ Disciple, Alexkid, Gilles Peterson, Charles Schillings, etc. Besides bringing in top house DJ talent, Tuesdays see Bed play host to its legendary weekly hip- hop night. Wednesdays are models night, and Sunday's are Think Pink, Bed's gay night. Entrance is 600 baht most nights, a bit higher when guest (international) DJs are playing. -
BTS Skytrain & Bangkok Metro Route Map
Some things you can do:-
MRT Station : Kamphaeng Pet
Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market) - Opens only on weekends, one of the biggest flea markets you'll find. Since it has been raided by tourists, bargaining is a little bit harder. A whole day isn't enough time to walk through the entire market.
MRT Station : Thailand Cultural Centre
You can drop off here and head to Carrefour, buy some original thai audio CDs for 135bt, shop for the usual stuff like clothes etc etc.
MRT Station : Sukhumvit
Interchange, you can get off here and get on to the BTS Skytrain or explore the sukhumvit area.
MRT Station : Lumphini
Come here at night to experience the Suan Lum Night Bazzare, there's a ferris wheel for couples, beer garden with live performances and 3 litre beer containers. Walk around and shop for things too at the pasar malam. -
Shopping
Siam Paragon
t's easy to get lost in Siam Paragon's spacious hallways. Five vast floors make it a consumer 'heaven' with boutiques and flagship stores of the world's top-notch designer names like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Burberry and Hermes. Floors are divided into Luxury Living, Fashion Venue, Lifestyle & Leisure, Living & Technology, IT & Paragon Passage, and Explorium & Global Entertainment. And that's not even counting the world-class aquarium, Siam Ocean World on the basement floor, or the stylish restaurants, Gourmet Market and Food Hall on the ground level. At the base of each escalator are information directories, but it is advisable to get your hands on a map from the information desk on the ground level before you start your shopping excursion or exploration.
Even if shopping isn't your thing, and even if you have left your credit card at home, Siam Paragon is an experience. Just walking around and admiring the finest things in life will make you feel glamorous and in vogue...
Shopping Tip: For 5% discount on most purchases, you can apply for a Tourist Discount Card at the information desk on the ground level.
Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Siam Square
BTS: Siam Square
- more info at bangkok.com -
MBK Shopping Center Bangkok (Mah Boon Krong)
Short-named MBK, the multi-storey Mah Boon Krong is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVD's (and then some). MBK (launched in 1986) is a beehive of activity, especially on weekends, when half of Bangkok converges to shop for bargains. And plenty of bargains are to be found here!
Not as upmarket and stylish as neighbours Siam Discovery, Siam Centre and the glitzy Siam Paragon, but less expensive with a mind-boggling range of goods over 89,000 square metres. MBK is a popular shopping complex, and the immense choice of consumer goods at give-away prices makes it a worthwhile trip to be included on any visitor's shopping agenda. You'll find entire floors dedicated to shoes and handbags, fashion and clothing, mobile phones and furniture. Like every shopping complex in Bangkok, there is an enormous food court (which was renovated in early 2006) with lots of affordable and yummie Thai and International food to choose from. The top floor comprises of an entertainment complex boasting plush cinemas, modern karaoke facilities, a computer games arcade and plenty of other restaurants and fast food choices.
Shopping Tip: Tourists can apply for a special MBK Tourist Discount Card at the information kiosks on the first and second levels (remember to take your passport along). Armed with this card you will be entitled of discounts between 5 and 30% on selected merchandise and at some restaurants - a list of participating stores will be provided when you apply for the card.
Open: 11:00 - 22:00
Location: Siam
BTS: National Stadium
- more info at bangkok.com -
Siam Discovery
This trendy shopping complex is still a favourite among Bangkok's younger and fashionable crowds. Opposite Siam Square, this modern centre adjoins Siam Centre and showcases a good selection of shops, restaurants and designer fashion outlets. Expect popular local fashion designers and global brand names as well as European established names, as well as a number of home décor and hip interior design stores. Guess? DKNY, Shiseido, Mac, Swarovski and many more. Asia Books and Habitat have branches here too. A huge cinema complex is located on the top floor, while the ground floor houses popular coffee hangouts including Starbucks and Au Bon Pain.
Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Siam Square
BTS: Siam -
Bangkok Wholesale Markets
Bo-bae Market
Located just a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride (about 50 baht) from Chinatown, the Bo-Bae Towers and Market is most easily reached en-route to Sampeng Lane via the National Monument BTS station (five minutes and about 40 baht by tuk-tuk), or on your way to the National Stadium BTS station coming from Chinatown. The Towers is a large, five-storey wholesale clothing and garment complex, consisting of Bo-Bae Towers 1 and 2. On the fifth floor of tower two is the Food Center, a cafeteria where many types of affordable Thai food can be enjoyed. Most garments at the complex are cheap and the type you'd find at small local markets scattered throughout Thailand. Still, there are great deals to be had.
Walking across Krung Kasem Road, which runs along the front side of the city block where the complex is located, and then crossing over one of the many bridges is the actual Boe-bae Market - selling much the same thing, although in a nicer atmosphere. The market consists of four to five city blocks which are surrounded by canals and linked by bridges. Old and weathered yet charming shophouses provide an interesting walk through the markets narrow alleyways. Some shops here close around 16:00 although many are known to stay open until 01:00 or 02:00, depending on business transactions.
How to get there: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi from BTS National Stadium station to the market. All drivers (unless he's just too stubborn) will know how to get there.
Items at market: Mainly cheap garments
Hours: 09:00 - 16:00 -
Baiyoke & Pratunam Market
The bargaining block where Pratunam's indoor transactions take place is consisted of three major shopping centers: the Bai Yoke Garment complex 1 & 2, which has wholesale deals on garments; Indra Square, has fashion clothing and accessories for men and women, along with silk items, jewellery, and touristy Thai crafts; and the City Complex, which also offers fashionable clothing marketed towards young ladies, plus a few shops selling jewellery and crafts. Also in the Pratunam area are several top-notch hotels to make your shopping experience more convenient.
Outside and between the complexes vendors and small shops sell shoes, t-shirts, 'brand-name' items, CD's, and various knick-knacks. Food vendors push their way through the large crowd to hawk the usual fruit and scewered foods; if you're hungry and need a rest, there's a food center on the second floor of Indra Square. This area can become quite hectic with pushy pedestrains, so come with a patient attitude and, if possible, well-rested. This is also a wise investment, as a smile will usually knock off at least 10 to 20 baht from the asking price.
How to get there: From BTS Siam station, take the Skytrain one stop towards Mo Chit to Ratchathewi station. From there, exit down the right-hand stairs, take a right at the next main intersection and walk down Phetchaburi until you see Platinum department store; the market is directly across from Platinum Fashion Mall (total ten to twelve minute walk). Or just take a tuk-tuk or taxi from the station to the market.
Items at market: Clothing and garments (wholesale), retail items including Thai crafts, clothing, jewellery, bags, CD's, etc.
Hours: Baiyoke Garment Complex: 09:00 - 16:00; Indra Square: 09:00 - 19:30, City Complex: 11:00 - 16:00, Pratunam Market: 24 hours. -
Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
Covering 70 rai (35 acres) of land with over 15,000 stalls and more than 200,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday, Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is the mother of all markets - and possibly one of the biggest and most famous markets in the world. If bargain-hunting gives you an adrenalin rush, get ready for a head-spinning, earth-moving experience. Conquering this massive market is no easy feat though. The reward for taking a lot of patience along - together with a bottle of water - is that you can find pretty much anything here.
There are two ways to approach your shopping excursion. Firstly, to get a free map from one of the information kiosks and (try to) plan your adventure through the never-ending maze of crowded, narrow alleys that are, surprisingly, numbered. But, it's so big that even with a map you might find yourself going around in circles. Areas are also demarcated in colour zones with clothing and fashion items grouped together, a section for household goods, crafts, pets, art and collectables, plants, wholesale items, food, and everything in between. Through the years vendors haven't always abided to the colour-coding, resulting in what could be called 'organised chaos'. The second way is to just follow your instincts and leave it all up to karma. Either way, it's virtually impossible to see it all in one day - and even more unlikely that you won't find something to get excited about.
If you are able to keep track of where you're going and can cover a big part of the market, you'll be amazed with the sheer variety of merchandise. From roosters and chopsticks to vinyl records and a pair of Levi hipsters that you haven't seen in shops for years. You can buy a python, beautiful orchids, garden furniture, and camo wear. Or beads, fake antiques, the latest Café del Mar CD... The earlier you get there, the better too. Not only to make sure you have enough time to cover it all, but also to get a head-start before it gets too crowdy and hot.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place for bargain shopping and to put your bartering skills to the test. A friendly attitude and big smile are your biggest allies to secure the best possible deal. There are a few ATM's scattered about, but they are not always easy to find. So take along enough cash, as not many vendors or stall owners accept credit cards. A fascinating aspect of the market is that many emerging Thai artists, craftsmen and business people have started their successful careers with a stall at Chatuchak. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of raw talent, innovation and craftsmanship. And then there are some very interesting vendors who have been selling their merchandise at the market for decades, and it's clear that they love what they do.
As is customary anywhere in Thailand, you can find plenty to eat and drink all over the market. Check out some of the unusual delicacies too, like grubs, frogs and scorpions, mostly deep-fried and spiced heavily. It's very easy to get your hands on an ice-cold beer too, which is often the best way to quench a thirst in extreme heat and humidity. As long as you make sure to drink lots of liquids to avoid dehydration - and wear light clothing! Chatuchak is also like any other big market in the world; crowdy and busy. So watch out for pickpockets and keep your personal belongings safe.
How to get there: Take the skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station and exit down the right-hand stairs, follow the crowd for a five-minute walk, and you're there. Another option is to take the subway (MRT) to Chatuchak Park station, and follow the
signage directives. For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit 3).
Items at market: Clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics, pets, vintage magazines / stamps / coins, collector's items, knick-knacks and just about anything and everything else one could want from a Thai market, or any market. And then some!
Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day). Plant shops are open Wednesdays and Thursdays too from 07:00 - 18:00. -
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
A mixture of poshly dressed, fresh-from-the-office Thai's and expats along with fisherman pant-clad tourists, Suan Lum could best be described as the VIP outdoor market of Bangkok (where you're always welcome, of course). Covered walkways with centrally-located snack bars provide perhaps the most luxurious (outdoor) market shopping experience in the city. Several bars along with Thai, Italian, German, and even Mexican restaurants are conveniently within the market area, close enough to analyze the crowd while enjoying a drink, yet away from the market's hustle-and-bustle. In the same area, dinner shows featuring classical Thai puppetry can be enjoyed at the famous Joe Louis Puppet Theatre.
On the other side of the market's curious Khmer-looking temple walkway, lies a large outdoor beer garden, food court, and concert venue all rolled into one. Here one can indulge in an assortment of inernational and Thai beers and foods, with international fare either Japanese (yakitori and Asahi) or German (sausage, Paulaner, etc). Beer and food are accompanied by live Thai cover bands performing the latest local and international hits on stage. Also, don't forget to check out the Big Wheel, 'La Roue de Paris' while you're there! And, after a few drinks with friends, head out to one of Silom's many nightclubs.
How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Lumpini station; the market is near Lumpini Park, a short walk from the station.
Items at market: Creative gifts, trendy home items, clothing/jewellery boutique shops by local designers, packaged dried fruits, a few stalls selling the usual market CD's/clothing.
Hours: 18:00 - 00:00 (every day)
****Suan Lum Night Bazaar will officially close down by the end of April 2007...****
Suan Lum Night Bazaar: The final countdown
Yes, it's true. Suan Lum Night Bazaar, one of the favorite night-time shopping areas in Bangkok, is closing down to make way for a yet-to-be-announced new commercial development. Vendors at Suan Lum have been given notice to vacate the premises by the end of April 2007 if they want to avoid legal action. Owned by the Crown Property Bureau, the land is set to be used for a new development that will consist of office buildings, a retail and entertainment complex, as well as a residential development. The bidding process is currently underway, and the winning bid is to be announced in April next year. No announcement has yet been made whether the popular night market will be relocated to a different venue. The future of BEC Tero Hall, which is used for shows and exhibitions, as well as Thailand's only permanent puppet show, the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, is also in jeopardy. Meanwhile, it was announced that the popular Lumpini Boxing Stadium, which is on the same land, will be relocated to a new modern venue. -
Bangkok Spa Experiences
Thailand is a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and regeneration. Ancient healing knowledge passed down over generations, exotic and tropical surroundings, lots of sunshine and legendary hospitality provide the ideal setting for the continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.
Make sure you complete your perfect holiday, or business trip, with an exotic and indulgent experience at one of Bangkok's heavenly spas, a blissful and pleasurable experience that promises to give you a new lease on life. Retreat from the city's hustle and bustle and seek the tranquillity in any of the following hotel or private spa retreats:
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (Chi Spa)
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa (Mandara Spa)
President Solitaire (Ananda Spa)
Plaza Athenee Bangkok (Spa Athene)
Banyan Tree Hotel (Banyan Tree Spa)
Dusit Thani Hotel (Devarana Spa)
Swissotel Nai Lert Park (Amrita Fitness & Spa)
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit (The Vareena Spa)|
Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Tantara Health Spa)
- more info (clickable links to the hotels) at bangkok.com -
Traditional Thai Massage in Bangkok
Type of Massage
1) Aromatherapy & Oil Massage
Though the standard technique varies little, there are a few sub-styles within the traditional Thai massage context. Some practices include the external application of water, lubricants, salt scrubs and other topical preparations and devices that mimic or improve the actions of hands. Essential oils are a common supplement to Thai massage, and incorporating aspects of aromatherapy in conjunction may provide further benefits.
Many establishments in Bangkok offer aromatherapy separately or as an addition intended to enhance another style of massage. An aromatherapy massage is a treatment involving oils that are naturally extracted from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body and mind. Distinct fragrances are thought to trigger memory and enhance an individual's responses to the aroma; perhaps calming, inducing relaxation, or restoring energy. The oils used in each session are usually determined with input from both the masseur and client, seeking to remedy specific needs. Several oils are decided upon after a consultation and blended into a massage oil to be used during the treatment.
2) Facial Massage
Another variation to the Thai massage is a facial massage treatment. Just like any other form of massage, facial massage relieves tension, promotes relaxation and restores energy to the face and body by increasing circulation. During sleep, circulation is decreased in the body, meaning less blood flow to the face which results in puffiness and a drained complexion. Facial massage stimulates blood flow in facial tissue, restoring a healthy glow and maintaining a firm and smooth appearance.
Thai facial therapy uses gentle, circular strokes along differing regions of the head, face, and neck. Finger movement is always in an upward motion and, when performed regularly, keeps skin appearing tight and youthful. The forehead and nose are targeted to reduce the appearance of horizontal lines and the nostril area receives focused rubbing to unclog pores and reduce blemishes. Mouth and cheeks receive wider, sweeping strokes to prevent wrinkles and the sagging of facial muscles, while the chin and neck are targeted to promote muscle tone. The gestures aimed at the neck area are often performed in order to thwart the vile and loathsome double chin. With gentle fingers gliding over closed eyes, Thai facial massage makes relaxation virtually inevitable and couples the experience with improvements in skin texture and appearance.
3) Foot Massage
Nearly as common as the body massage, Thai foot massage options appear almost everywhere the former is available. Though the title implies only feet are tended to, in actuality legs, lower thighs, hands and forearms also receive attention during a traditional Thai foot massage. After cleansing, the feet are anointed with a skin lotion or oil and reflex points are stimulated with fingers and occasionally a small wooden stick. Force is applied tenderly and precisely to specific nerve endings at the bottom of the feet. Each part of the foot is reputably linked to another, often distant part of the body, with influence extending to vital organs as well as muscles. Pressing at the base of the second toe is thought to rouse the nerve controlling the lungs and bronchial system, while drawing a knuckle along the instep eases pain in the spine and promotes better posture. Thai foot massage ensures that feet and legs are lavished with the consideration and attentiveness they deserve. They are the pillars of the human body, after all. -
Where to go for a Thai Massage
Spas and salons offering traditional Thai massage are as common in Bangkok as fruit vendors and dance remixes of 'My Humps'. Finding a location is not difficult, though discovering a high quality place that suits your particular fancy sometimes requires a bit of guidance. Many of the city's fine hotels these days sport their own lavish in-house spas too, where you'd be able to enjoy a wide range of spa and massage treatments. Also have a look at the advertisers on this page who are offering some great specials.
Frequently perceived as indulgent and intended only for those accustomed to luxury, traditional Thai massage manages to disprove this preconception, performing bodywork in order to promote health. A vast majority of individuals experience stress and tension on a regular basis, and what better way to escape pressure from everyday life than to take pleasure in one of Thailand's most illustrious forms of healing and rejuvenation?
Wat Po Traditional Massage
If you want to try the real thing, Wat Po (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) offers Thai massage in its most traditional form, taken from the original inscriptions in stone commissioned by King Rama III, great-grandfather of the present king. If you are interested in learning the techniques, The Wat Pho Massage School offers a ten-day course too, for around 6,000 baht. Contact the school located in the temple compound. The easiest way to get to Wat Po is by boat. Take the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier, then walk through the market and up the short street. Wat Po is directly across the intersection, on your right. On the left is the rear wall of the Grand Palace.
Open: 08:00 - 17:00 (massage available until 18:00).
Location: Maharat Road, about a half mile south of the Grand Palace