JetGuide

24hrs in... Bangkok

Text Brinda Suri
Illustration VINOD Mhatre

The world in a city,

that’s Bangkok. A heady
cocktail of culture and
commerce, ritzy resorts
and glitzy nightlife, you
5
can never have enough Chatuchak Weekend Market

of its vivacity. The Thai
capital almost always
manages to spring a
surprise for its visitor,
rolling out the new with
inimitable alacrity.
1 comes in handy.
Siam Niramit
You can’t have returned from
Bangkok without viewing this
splendid opera. A feast for the
eyes, it takes the viewer on
a spectacular journey to the
Enchanted Kingdom of Siam.
A celebration of Thai culture
tailor-made for tourists, it’s filled
with grace and grandeur and has
pulsating performances by over
500 artistes on a gigantic scale
(a world record). The 90-minute
show begins at 8 pm and is worth
the weight of its 1,500 Baht
entry ticket.
2
Siam Square
Think Bangkok, think malls, think
Siam Square, the central shopping
borough where the best stand
shoulder to shoulder, attracting
eyeballs and impressing with their
large sizes and even larger choices in
apparel, electronics and accessories.
A skywalk connects all the malls
here—stylish Gaysorn Plaza, plush
Peninsula Plaza, CentralWorld and
the ever-popular MBK, among
others. At the massive Siam Paragon
is the Siam Ocean World, among the
largest walk-through aquariums in
Asia (entry 850 Baht). Check out its
‘dive with the sharks’ programme.
Not visiting Chatuchak (Jatujak or JJ Market) means
missing out on one of the most vivacious public
spots in town. Among the world’s largest weekend
markets, it houses close to 15,000 stalls, selling
everything from the tiniest trinket, to fabulous craft,
trendy apparel, scrumptious food and even cats and
dogs you’d want to take home as pets. Brush up
your bargaining skills before venturing here. It’s
an engrossing place and a map of the market
6
Pak Khlong Flower Market
If the incredible floral arrangements at Thai hotels
and restaurants astound, a visit to Pak Khlong will be
an assault on the senses. A heady mix of colour and
fresh, assorted fragrances, it’s bursting at the seams
with some very pretty and some truly exotic blooms:
hydrangeas, anthuriums, heliconias, arum-lilies, tulips,
orchids etc in colours and varieties you’d never have
known. The best time to visit is the morning hours.
7 just about anything trendy. There are dozens of massage
Taling Chan Floating Market
3 A few hops away from the Old City, Taling Chan is the
Old City place to be should you want to experience a floating
A world away from the uptown retail bustle is the heritage district of Rattanakosin market scene. It’s open on the weekends but don’t
(officially Phra Nakhon). All popular sites lie conveniently close. The capacious expect picture postcard shots here. Those are possible
Grand Palace, housed in a sprawling complex, takes a few hours to explore. Within only at the touristy Damnoen Saduak (90 km/2 hrs),
its perimeter is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. the oldest and most colourful floating market, or at
A few skips away at Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the vibes are very the quieter Amphawa (75 km/1.5 hrs) where Thais
tranquil. To get to Wat Arun or the remarkable Temple of the Dawn (Thailand’s prefer going.
iconic single prang or tapering tower structure), a ferry ride across the Chao Phraya
River is most convenient. Though dedicated to dawn, the temple looks the prettiest
8
at dusk and a river cruise is quite the best way to view its glory. Khao San Road
This is typical backpacker zone. Alex Garland’s The
Beach made famous this little stretch of road and it’s
4
Blue Elephant Cooking School been drawing its share of crowds ever since. By early
Want to learn some tricks of Thai cooking? Enrol for a half-day course at one of evening the streets spill over with non-local crowds
the many customised schools. The popular Blue Elephant School functions from a chilling out over inexpensive treats. Souvenir stalls line
charming colonial building and its course includes a trip to the vegetable market the road, music blares from every corner and the sizzle
by skytrain, theory and demonstration of recipes by the head chefs, and then the of street food fills the air. It’s a place full of lure and
most exciting part where you individually prepare what you learnt. The class wraps it’s advisable to keep a check on your belongings and
up with a brilliant lunch spread, a certificate and a gift hamper. well, on yourself too.
Brinda Suri
9
Silom Road street food
Silom is known for its seafood served from carts and
kiosks in a jiffy. If you have the stomach and heart for it,
a popular snack is a platter of seasoned and fried insects.
Alternately, for a high-end experience, choose from
Vertigo (Hotel Banyan Tree) or Sirocco (State Tower), the
latter being the world’s highest open-air restaurant giving
a terrific view of Bangkok’s neon skyline.
10
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Fun meets funky at this lively night bazaar. Open all
days, usually beyond midnight, it’s a place to dine, shop
and be thoroughly entertained. Its innumerable stalls sell
chairs with capable therapists who work hard at refreshing
you; non-stop music by assorted bands; impromptu gigs;
shows by the famous Joe Louis Puppet Theatre.
QUICK FACTS
Getting there
Jet Airways has daily flights to Bangkok from Delhi, Mumbai,
and Kolkata.
JetEscapes
Book a JetEscapes package to have a worry free vacation in
Bangkok. The Thailand Classic - Bangkok and Pattaya – 5 Days
/ 4 Nights starts from Rs 18,008
For details, contact our JetEscapes Service Centre at
(022) 42495999 or write to us at jetescapes@jetairways.com
For more information
Log on to www.tourismthailand.org

40•JetWings•August 2010 42•JetWings•August 2010