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