LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is a lifestyle destination the likes of which Bangkok has never seen. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it has so much to offer all in the one place. With over 300,000 sqm of retail space, Siam Paragon houses over 250 stores of the best local and international brands. There is also a movie theatre complex and ten pin bowling arena. One entire floor is dedicated to restaurants serving a delicious selection of international cuisine and a number of fast-food joints. Siam Paragon is also home to Siam Ocean World, which boasts of being the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With its breathtaking collection of over 30,000 marine animals, it makes for an incredible underwater journey.

Grand President’s location on Sukhumvit 11 sees it conveniently located to Siam Paragon.

• Opening Hours:
• Open daily from 10 am – 10 pm
• Getting There:
• Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam station and follow the signs to the footbridge that connects to Siam Paragon.
• http://www.siamparagon.co.th/
• Website:

Grand Palace

Built as a palace in 1783 by King Rama I, this is one of Bangkok’s most exotic complexes and consists of several gilded structures. It is no longer used as a royal residence but houses the government departments in which the King is directly involved, such as civil administration, including the army, and the treasury. Although the entry fee is considerably higher than most at THB 350, the grounds are gorgeous and provide an unforgettable glimpse into Thai history and architecture.

Adjacent to the palace is Wat Phra Kaew, which translates to “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha”, where is housed a 66 cm high statue of Buddha, carved in green jade. It is mainly the architectural magnificence of the temple that attracts tourists. The Buddha’s costume is changed three times a year and is an important ritual that can be performed by the King only.

Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace together are probably the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok, and hence probably in all of Thailand. If there is a one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it is the spectacular Grand Palace.

• Opening Hours:
• Open daily (except during special Royal Ceremonies) from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm.
• Getting There:
• You can take a taxi or alternatively you can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, from where you can then board an express boat from the Saphan Thaksin pier and alight at Tha Chang, then walk to the main road and you will see the temple grounds in front of you.
• DRESS CODE:
• Care must be taken to dress appropriately, as temples play an important part in Buddhist traditions and people are likely to be visiting to pray. Monks also live in the temple complex. Shorts, sleeveless shirts and shoes without the toes being covered and heels are not permitted. When entering the sanctuary, shoes must be removed and left at the door.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok has a number of floating markets at various locations around the city. The Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak, the most popular market, is located just over 100 km – or 2 hours’ drive from the city - in Ratchaburi Province. The canals making up the Floating Market were built in 1866 on demand of His Majesty the King of Thailand to help ease communication in the province. The Floating Market began its service in 1967 and today attracts thousands of tourists from around the world.

The energetic and intriguing images of boat vendors trading their agricultural produce is one of the most fascinating and endearing images of Thailand. Visitors can buy products from the boats, as well as experience a boat ride through the canals where they are able to see traditional Thai houses, and the way of life on the canals.

• Opening Hours:
• Open daily from 6 am – 11 am.
• Getting There:
• Driving time to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market can depend on traffic conditions and so we recommend, if time permits, that you take this tour on the weekend to avoid spending an unnecessary amount of time on the road.

Bangkok Nightlife

Known for its diverse nightlife, Bangkok offers a wide choice of night clubs, classic Western-style pubs and a lot more, suiting all tastes and age groups. The clubbing scene in Thailand is mostly safe and an extremely fun way to finish the day and meet new people. It is recommended to go to clubs to which locals patronize as well. Sukhumvit Road boasts some of the city's most daring and adventurous night spots, including Q Bar Bangkok on Sukhumvit 11, popular with trendy locals and expats and offering a range of music from house to hip hop.

Also off Sukhumvit Road is NARZ Bangkok. This large disco has achieved distinction by winning the Bangkok Metro Magazine's High Five Award. It is truly over the top and the perfect setting for a grand party. It has a terrific light and sound system and occasional guest DJs. NARZ Bangkok is open from 10 pm til late.

There is a lot more you can do at night other than clubbing, especially if you are visiting Bangkok with your family. Many markets offer great after dark shopping opportunities with incredible bargains. One of the most popular such markets is Patpong Night Market on Silom Road, which usually starts to come alive around 6.30 pm. World-class movie theatres screen the latest blockbusters, while other nightlife options include dining out at a chic restaurant or ten pin bowling as a DJ spins the tunes.

Bangkok’s prime dining and entertainment districts can become fast-paced and energetic. Whichever district you head to in Bangkok rest assured you will find a friendly crowd, a packed dance floor and pulsating music.

Grand President’s location on Sukhumvit 11 sees it conveniently located near much of the nightlife action, especially along Sukhumvit Road.

• Getting There:
• Q Bar: 300 metres/3 min walk from Grand President Patpong Night Market: Take the BTS Skytrain to Siam station, and change train to Sala Daeng station. Patpong Night Market is situated alongside the station.