BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 2

BangkokT H A I L A N D P O C K E T G U I D E

Hotline: +66 449 7283 hello@trailsofindochina.comwww.trailsofindochina.com

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 2

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok boasts a population of over 8 million, making it the most populous city in the country. Located in the centre of the country’s northern and southern regions, Bangkok offers easy access to the rest of Thailand’s highlights.

A city full of contrasts, visitors can find everything from the open-air markets with thousands of stalls to luxury shopping centres with high-end brands; from the local street food carts to the Michelin-star restaurants; and from the ancient Buddhist temples amidst the modern skyscrapers.

Bangkok’s thriving energy offers a warm welcome to visitors of the Land of Smiles

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 4

Bangkok’s food scene is one of the highlights of Thailand’s capital. The city’s streets are filled with a variety of dining options from street food carts to local eateries and high-end restaurants.

Places To Eat

GAENGThai curries with many variations

SOM TUM Spicy green papaya salad

KHAO NIEW MA MUANG Sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut milk

PAD THAIStir-fried thin rice noodles with bean sprouts, onion, egg, peanuts, tamarind sauce and a choice of meat

TOM YUM GOONGSpicy shrimp soup with a blend of Thai herbs

Must-Try Local Foods

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 6

Issaya Siamese Club $$$Issaya Siamese Club is a charming Thai restaurant located in a 100-year-old wooden house. It’s the perfect place for locals, expats and tourists to enjoy a traditional Thai meal. Exceptional service and the renowned culinary flair of Chef Ian Kittichai make it an outstanding restaurant. Open daily 11:30am to 3pm; 6pm to 1am4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chua Phloeng Rd. - Tel. +66 2-672-9040

Mango Tree $$ This is a traditional Thai restaurant set in a classic house with a shady courtyard providing a quiet retreat from the bustle outside. Enjoy all of your favourite Thai dishes, as live classical and Thai music plays in the background. Open daily 11:30am to 1am37 Soi Tantawan, Surawongse Rd. - Tel. +66 2-236-1681

Nahm $$$Nahm serves Thai cuisine prepared according to ancient recipes with a focus on how the flavours and textures of premium quality ingredients interact together. The décor combines a tasteful mix of Thai with a subtle gold and blue colour scheme that maintains an intimate dining experience. Open Mon-Fri 12pm to 2pm; daily 6:30pm to 10:15pm27 South Sathorn Rd. - Tel. +66 2-625-3388

Blue Elephant $$$Housed in a century-old villa, Blue Elephant is the Bangkok branch of the world-famous Thai brand. This restaurant has classic Thai dishes and original creations served in a truly opulent ambiance. It also holds highly regarded Thai cookery classes. Open daily 11:30am to 2:30pm; 6pm 10:30pm233 South Sathorn Rd. - Tel. +66 2-673-9353

Pricing Reference: $ - Inexpensive $$ - Moderate $$$ - Expensive

THAI DINING

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 8

Broccoli Revolution $$Broccoli Revolution is a funky vegetarian restaurant on Sukhumvit Road. The menu takes inspiration from all over the world with Thai, Pan-Asian, Middle Eastern and European dishes to choose from. Open daily 7am to 10pm899 Sukhumvit Rd. - Tel. +66 95-251-9799

May Veggie Home $$This 100% vegetarian restaurant has home-style dishes and vegan baked goods. The Thai and the Pan-Asian menu has the full gamut of Thai cuisine on offer along with samplings of Japanese, Vietnamese and Burmese. Open daily 11am to 10pm8/3 Soi 16 Ratchadapisek Rd. - Tel. +66 89-042-7215

Na Aroon at Ariyasomvilla Boutique Hotel $$In a beautiful boutique hotel surrounded by a leafy garden, this fantastic restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a healthy, leisurely meal. The hotel has been around since the 1940s and the owners have kept the vintage feel. Open daily 6:30am to 10:30pm65 Sukhumvit Soi 1 Klongtoey Nua. - Tel. +66 2-253-8800

Eat Me $$$Now a regular in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Eat Me has managed to remain relevant for over a decade as a buzzing spot for cocktails and dinner. The menu is inspired by Asia, however, other dishes draw inspiration from North Africa and Southern Europe. Opening daily 3pm to 1am1/6 Soi Phiphat 2, Convent Rd. - Tel. +66 2-238-0931

Scarlett $$$A floor to ceiling window reveals a superb view of Bangkok, but the real catch is on the opposite side of the room - a 160 square metre open-air balcony. Scarlett is the perfect place to catch up with your friends over a cocktail or wine before dinner. Open daily 6pm to 1am188 Silom Rd. - Tel. +66 96-860-7990

INTERNATIONAL DININGVEGETARIAN

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 10

BAR & LOUNGE

Old Town Cafe Bangkok $$ Despite how busy the street outside can be, this quaint café surprisingly gives you a relaxing and calm vibe once you walk through the door. It’s an intimate space with no more than 15 seats. Loads of knick-knacks from the 80s and 90s add to the décor. Open Sat-Wed 8:30am to 4:30pm130/11-12 Fueang Nakhon Rd. - Tel. +66 81-810-8456

CAFÉ& TEAHOUSE

The Bamboo Bar $$$The Bamboo Bar is a live jazz music venue. Located at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, the whole bar is adorned in dark wood, marble, leather and rattan, with low lights and a mirrored ceiling - setting a swanky ambiance to sample award-winning cocktails. Open Sun-Thurs 5pm to 1am; Fri-Sat 5pm to 2am48 Oriental Ave. - Tel. +66 2-659-9000

CRU Champagne Bar $$$CRU Champagne Bar is the highest, and certainly one of the fanciest rooftop bars in Bangkok. It has an intimate feel with its chic, white-on-white design. There’s a large circular bar in the centre and an illuminated arch that changes colours throughout the night. Open daily 5pm to 1am999/99 Rama 1 Rd. - Tel. +66 2-100-6255

Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge $$$Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge is more than just a place for watching the sunset or having a romantic meal. The top floor of this three level venue is one of the highest spots in the city for a party. Open daily 5pm to 2am57 Sukhumvit Rd. - Tel. +66 2-797-0000

Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar $$$Thailand’s highest restaurant and bar is now open on the 76th and 77th floor of Bangkok’s landmark destination, King Power Mahanakhon. Inspired by the Chaopraya River and the concept of an eclectic journey, Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar is Bangkok’s newest iconic dining destination with tastefully designed indoor and outdoor seating areas, along with exclusive VIP lounges. Definitely worth a visit while in Bangkok.King Power Mahanakhon is located in the heart of Sathorn and directly connected to Chong Nonsi BTS station. Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar is open daily for dinner and drinks from 17.00 – 01.00 HrsKing Power Mahanakhon, 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 (BTS Chongnonsri exit 3) - Tel. 02-677-8722

DOWNTOWN MAPBANGKOK

1. Traimit (Golden Buddha)2. The Old Siam3. Ratchadamnern Boxing

Stadium4. Dusit Zoo (Khao Din)5. Chitralada Palace6. Royal Turf Club7. Anatasamakhom

Throne Hall8. King Rama V Monument9. Vimanmek Teak Palace10. Wat Benchamabophit

(Marble Temple)11. Wat Saket

(Golden Mount)12. Wat Ratchanadda

(Loha Prasat)13. Wat Phra Kaeo Grand

Palace14. Democracy Monument15. City Pillar Shrine16. Wat Arun (Temple of the

Dawn)17. Queen Sirikit National

Convention Center18. Royal Barges Museum19. Victory Monument20. Chinatown

DISTRICT MAPBANGKOK

Don

Mua

ng

Suvarnabhumi

BANGKOK 12TRAILS OF INDOCHINA

Explore the impressive silhouette of Wat Arun

Try street food in Chinatown

Travel the canals of Thonburi on a long-tailed boat

Take a ride on a tuk tuk

Vist the Royal Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple

Top Things To Do

Bangkok is a colourful city with a wide range of activities for everyone. Enjoy exploring the cultural side or the culinary scene of the city.

Things To Do

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 14

Siam NiramitA world-class celebration of Thailand’s artistic and cultural heritage, set in the heart of Bangkok - this must-see spectacle is performed on a gigantic stage featuring over 150 performers with as many as 500 costumes.19 Tiamruammit Road - Tel. +66 2 649 9222

Central World $$Central World mega-shopping complex offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok. It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, and even an ice skating rink. Open daily 10am to 10pm4,4/1-4/2 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd. - Tel. +66 2-2640-7000

ENTERTAINMENTSHOPPINGGifts, Accessories

and Decor

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 16

Gaysorn $$$Gaysorn is a luxurious, white marbled and gleaming chrome shopping centre with exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels. Its contemporary design and innovative retail concept create a very exclusive shopping experience. Open daily 10am to 8pm999 Ploenchit Rd. - Tel. +66 2-656-1149

Jim Thompson Thai Silk Shop $$$Jim Thompson is credited with reviving the ‘dying’ art of weaving Thai silk in the years following World War II. There are many Jim Thompson retail outlets around town, in the major high-end shopping malls, as well as some boutiques in hotels. Open daily 9am to 9pm9 Surawongse Rd. - Tel. +66 2-632-8100

River City Shopping Complex $$$River City is a four-storey mall overlooking the Chao Phraya River. It is a playground for antique lovers and collectors. There is also a collection of fashion shops that sell Thai silk, gems, and leather accessories. Open daily 10am to 10pm23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phraya Pier, Yota Rd.Tel. +66 2-237-0077

Siam Paragon Shopping Centre $$$Siam Paragon Shopping Centre is an immensely popular shopping mall housing a host of international high-end fashion brands, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a 16-screen Cineplex, and a comprehensive selection of world cuisine. Open daily 10am to 10pm991 Rama 1 Rd. - Tel. +66 2-610-8000

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 18

Massage by the Blind $The Foundation for the Employment of the Blind in Bangkok has set up this inviting massage shop. It is said that because of their lack of sight, blind masseurs are more in tune with your body and can provide a better treatment.2218/86 Chan Rd. - Tel. +66 2-678-0763

S Medical Spa $$$S Medical Spa was opened by Dr. Thavisin, an expert in the field of anti-aging. Experienced medical teams in various fields help take care of wellness covering physical health, mental health, relaxation, beauty, and youthfulness.193/12 Lake Ratchada Office Complex, Ratchadaphisek Rd.Tel. +66 2-264-0999

Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School $$This traditional massage school was opened in 1955, situated in the temple for teaching ancient medicine and massages. It also provides massage services to relax after visiting the famed Wat Pho. Open daily 8am to 6pm2 Sanam Chai Rd. - Tel. +66 2-221-2974

Health Land Spa and Massage $$This chain of spas fascinates the heart of Thai and foreign customers with its friendly services, like Thai massage and aroma massage. In addition, they also specialise in oil aroma massages, foot massages and hot compress massages. Open daily 9am to 11pm120 Sathon Nuea Rd. - Tel. +66 2-637-8883

Local Massage Shops $Massage shops are usually spread over several floors. On the ground floor, you will find chairs and footstalls set up for foot massages. Upstairs will be a series of mattresses separated by curtains that are used for Thai massages. Often smaller hotels will be able to make recommendations about which shop to go to.

SPA &WELLNESS

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 20

Head in the Clouds Art Space $A café greets you on the first floor, while above is a gallery and art workshop studio. The gallery focuses on new Bangkok artists, while the workshop also hosts art-related events. Open Tue-Fri 11am to 8pm; Sat-Sun 11am to 9pm365/9 Phra Sumen Rd. - Tel. +66 64-992-9619

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) $A must for any lover of art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Bangkok houses the most comprehensive collection of modern paintings and sculptures in Thailand. The five-storey building contains over 800 pieces of art collected by communications magnate, Boonchai Bencharongkul. Open daily 11am to 5pm499 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd. - Tel. +66 2-016-5666

Thatian Gallery $Though it takes some finding, this gallery along Maharaj Road is worth the visit. Thatian Gallery sits on the second floor of a souvenir shop and was created by a local artist collective, Art8tra. The gallery selects artwork by Thai artists, mostly paintings and drawings, and regularly features the work of university students. Open Tue-Sun 10am to 6pm310 Maharaj Rd. - Tel. +66 96-245-6292

Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre $Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre is the hub of Bangkok’s growing art scene and offers the widest range of contemporary art, design, music, theatre, and film in the city. It also hosts a number of changing exhibitions from Thai and international artists. Open Tues-Sun 10am to 9pm 939 Rama 1 Rd. - Tel. +66 2-214-6630

H Gallery $Established in 1999 by American, H. Ernest Lee, H Gallery specialises in contemporary art and exhibits the works of emerging Thai and Asian artists. Located in the heart of Bangkok, H Gallery is set in a 125-year-old colonial style mansion and exudes a calm and friendly atmosphere. Open Wed-Mon 10am to 6pm201 Sathon Nuea Rd. - Tel. +66 85-021-5508

ART GALLERY

BANGKOKTRAILS OF INDOCHINA 22

Notes