Showing posts with label stay bangkok. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stay bangkok. Show all posts

2013-06-12

☂ Bangkok: Come Rain Come Shine ☂

June – October is the rainy season in Thailand, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your holiday in Bangkok during this time. In the sunshine days, as you know, Bangkok offers lot of outdoor activities for you to do ea. visiting Grand Palace, Temples, or Parks. When it comes to rain, there are also plenty of indoor options available in Bangkok. Here are some ideas…

☂ Explore the Young Museum in the Old City at Museum Siam 


While the Museum of Siam is set inside a very large neoclassical house, it is definitely not the usual display of historical artifacts and dusty mannequins you would expect to find in such an antique building.
From the reception area, wooden stairs, ceramic tiles and old-fashioned columns contrast with resolutely modern art and advanced technology. Everywhere you look, the two elements blend with great harmony as designers use every possible way to challenge the traditional expectations you might have of a museum.

Location: Phra Nakorn District, Rattanakosin Island, south of Wat Pho
Opening Hours: 10.00 - 18.00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Website: www.museumsiam.org

☂ Learn More About Bangkok History by the Multi-Media Animation Technologies at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall 


The buildings along the Ratcha Damnoen Avenue are parts of Bangkok's architectural landscape and history.  These blocks were built along with the construction of Ratcha Damnoen Avenue leading from the Dusit Royal Palace to the Grand Palace (began in 1899).

The renovation of the building and its interior decoration work began in 2008. On 9 March 2010, the exhibition was officially launched.  It invites the public to learn, appreciate and take pride in Thailand's artistic and cultural legacies of the Rattanakosin Era. The building has 4,800 square metres of floor space.  Advanced technologies - such as presentation devices, models, four-dimensional multi-media technique, multi-touch and multi-media animation technologies- are used in presenting the exhibitions about Rattanakosin City through interactive self-learning devices. The building also has a library, a souvenir shop and a coffee shop.

Location: 100 Ratcha Damnoen Klang Avenue, Bawonniwet Sub-District, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200 
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (Close on Mondays) 10.00 am - 19.00 pm.
Website: www.nitasrattanakosin.com/home

☂ Get a Dose of Culture at Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre 


“BACC visualizes itself as a centre of cultural diversity for a sustainable social development.”
The Art and Cultural Centre is the hub of Bangkok’s burgeoning art scene and offers the widest range of contemporary art, design, music, theatre and film in the city. Located only a few minutes walk National Stadium BTS it hosts a number of changing exhibitions from both Thai and International artists.

Location: BACC is located at Pathumwan Intersection, facing the MBK and Siam Discovery Centres.
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (closed Mondays) (Office hours: 9.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.)
Website: www.bacc.or.th

☂ Go Underwater Without Getting Wet at Siam Ocean World 


In the basement of Siam Paragon shopping mall you will find the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, with plenty of creatures to check out, from scary sharks to jumping jellyfish. Take a ride on the glass-bottomed boat or discover the plants and wildlife from the rainforest, including spiders and snakes. A trip to Siam Ocean World can be combined with a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in nearby Siam Discovery Mall, and these two tickets can be bought together at the counter to offer great savings.

Location: Basement floor, Siam Paragon, Siam (Take Exit 5 from the BTS Siam Station, which provides direct access to Siam Paragon)
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 daily
Website: www.siamoceanworld.co.th


☂ Step Back in Time, Visit Old School Bangkok Cinema 


“Watch a movie? That’s not creative!” You may well be thinking, but Scala Cinema in Siam Square is a throwback to the golden days: It only has one screen but the ornate domed-ceiling, giant chandelier and art-deco decoration will delight visitors as much as the discount 100 baht ticket price. Thankfully, not everything has been frozen in time with all the latest audio and visual technology installed to show a mixture of the latest Hollywood releases as well as more art-house flicks from Thailand, Europe and beyond.

Ticket Fee: 100 Baht
Location: Scala Theatre, Siam Square Soi 1, Rama Rd.
Website: www.apexsiam-square.com/home.asp


Ref: www.bangkok.com, Pantip.com, Google

2013-03-15

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Bangkok, Why not?


Saint Patrick's Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Irish: Lá Fhéile Pádraig, "the Day of the Festival of Patrick") is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognised of the patron saints of Ireland.

The day generally involves public parades and festivals, céilithe, and wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians also attend church services and the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day.

Where Can I Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in Bangkok?

If you are in Bangkok on Saint Patrick's Day, even if you are not an Irish - the most popular way to celebrate is to head to one of the Irish pubs and just enjoy the feast together with the Irish, Thais, expats and travelers from around the world!

There is a good number of Irish pubs in Bangkok, and we've put together a list of what we consider to be the most famous Irish pubs in Bangkok. 

O’Reillys Irish Pub (Silom Road)

O'Reilly's is one of the first Irish pubs in Bangkok and is located on Silom road right at the foot of the steps leading up to Saladaeng BTS skytrain station so getting there is really simple.

O'Reilly's is one of those pubs that has a constant atmosphere as it is in a good location for tourists and business people alike and you will find a mix of westerners and Thais.


O’Reillys Irish Pub
62/1-4 Silom Road Bangrak, Bangkok
Tel. 02-632-7515 to19

Molly Malone's Irish Pub (Soi Convent)

Molly Malone's Irish pub in Bangkok used to be known as The Irish Exchange but underwent a make over and a change of ownership and re-emerged as Molley Malone's.

There is seating upstairs and downstairs and there is the usual Guinness and Kilkenny on draught as well as a number of other draught and bottled beers.

Getting to Molly Malone's should be easy enough as it is very close to Saladaeng BTS skytrain station and not a far walk from Silom's MRT subway station.


Molly Malone's Irish Pub
1/5-6 Soi Convent Silom,
Bangrak Bangkok 10500
Tel. 02 266 7160-1

The Dubliner Irish Pub (Sukhumvit Road)

The Dubliner Irish Pub in Bangkok is located on Sukhumvit road, around soi 22 close to Washington Square. The nearest Skytrain or Underground station is Asoke / Sukhumvit

The decor of The Dubliner is similar to all the other Irish themed bars in Bangkok - mainly wooden - but we like the layout of The Dubliner because it's more pub like and less clinical than some of the others.

If your other half likes shopping, send them to The Emporium just down the road and you can sit back with a drink and wait for them to come back.


The Dubliner Irish Pub
21 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Tel. 02-204-1841

Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub (Asiatique The Riverfront)

Flann O'Brien's is quite new compare to other Irish pubs in Bangkok, but as it is located in the newest landmark of Bangkok, Asiatique The Riverfront – there are a lot of things to do in the area.

The theme of the Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub and the Asiatique is retro style, you will feel like going back in time and sitting in the old harbor of Bangkok.


Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub
Asiatique The Riverfront
Tel. 02 108 4005

Robin Hood Bar (Sukhumvit Road)

Robin Hood Irish Pub in Bangkok is opposite The Emporium Department store. To get to Robin Hood, just get off at Phrom Phong BTS Syktrain station and exit gate 5 and Robin Hood will be right there.


Robin Hood Bar
597-597/1-3 P.B Building, Sukhumvit 33/1, Sukhumvit Road
Klongtan Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110
Tel: +66 2 662 3390

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

cr: Wikipedia, thebangkokshoppingguide.com

2013-03-08

Plan your trip now to catch Songkran in Bangkok!

‘Songkran Festival’ is the most famous water festival celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year occasion from 13 to 15 April each year.



Activities on Songkran including bathing Buddha images, making merit, offering food to monks, making Sand-Pagodas, releasing birds & fish, bathing the elders and respected ones on New Year’s Day, and joining the water fight by splashing water at one another.

If you'd like to join Songkran in Thailand, you had better plan your trip now as all the hotels will be soon fully booked during the festivity period. 

At our hotels, we are inviting our guests to celebrate the Thai Traditional New Year “Songkran Water Festival” during 13 -15 Apr’13 - experience the Thai way by join bathing Buddha images and making merit at lobby area to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year and all year through. After that, all the guests can head to play water with the Bangkokian and travelers from around the world and they can just get as wet as they like because we've already prepared Sonkran Kit for them!

If you are interest to join us, please check out this promotions:

Bliston Suwan Park View, Chidlom



Blissful Songkran Festive Promotion

One Bedroom Superior Suite (65 sqm) > THB 2,900.- Room only
One Bedroom Executive Suite (70 sqm) > THB 3,099.- Room only

- Available from: Now - 30 Apr 2013
- Complimentary in room High Speed internet
- Welcome Fruit Hamper
- Free access to swimming pool facilities and Heath Club
- American buffet breakfast voucher can be purchased when check-in at special price only 99 THB net / voucher / person
- All bookings during 13-15 Apr’13 will receive Songkran kit including water guns and waterproof bag to bring along with you to the water battle. *subject to availability
- Join bathing Buddha images at the lobby area during 13-15 Apr’13, to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year and all year through 

Terms and Conditions
- Rates above are inclusive of serviced Charge and Government Tax
- Promotion rates require minimum 2 consecutive nights stay
- Promotion rates are subjected to change without notice
- Promotion rates will apply for the extend night(s) within the period of Now - 30 Apr 2013 only *subject to room availability
- Extra bed charge at 900 THB net / night including 1 ABF voucher

For reservation please contact Reservation Department at reservation@blistonresidence.com     

Baan K Residence by Bliston, Silom / Sathorn



Baan K Songkran Splash!!!

Book your stay at least 14 days in advance to enjoy a special 25% discount! One Bedroom Suite, Rate start from 2,300.- ฿ including breakfast, internet, free shuttle service* 
For reservation please contact ‘frontoffice.bk@blistonresidence.com

Get free Songkran kit & hop on Baan K Tuk Tuk to the most famous Songkran festivity area on Silom / Sathorn. Let's get WET this Songkran!

2013-02-20

15 Edutainment Places in Bangkok for Family Travelers


Need some ideas for family activities during your holiday in Bangkok? Yes, holiday is about to relax and have fun – but it also a great opportunity for your kids to learn the world from their own experiences.

There are a lot of things to do here in Bangkok, and we’ve listed 15 Edutainment Places in Bangkok that everyone in the family can enjoy!


1. Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo, or 'Khao Din', is a fully-function animal park with facilities such as an animal hospital, zoo museum and educational centre, sightseeing train, activities ground and canteen. It houses some 1,600 domestic and international animals, including albino barking deer and white Bengal tigers.

Covering a total area of 188,800sqm, Dusit Zoo was Thailand's very first zoo and has been around for more than 60 years. It sits in the midst of Bangkok’s administrative centre, surrounded by important landmarks such as The Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Parliament and Chitralada Palace.

Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Location: Intersection of Rama V, Ratchavitee and U-Thong Nai Roads (entrance on all three sides)
Price Range: Kids 50 baht, adults 100 baht


2. Children Museum


Located near JJ Weekend Market, outside is a fun playground, which challenges anyone to conquer the labyrinth of the Pyramid Net - or how about walking across a wonky bridge or swinging down a spiral ladder? Or you can have a seat and get creative with paints or pen and paper - plot out the next great invention. Visit the fascinating Robot Zoo, a concept that explains an animal's functions by means of a mechanistic comparison. Imagine, no, experience, what it is like to hang like a bat, or discover how echolocation really works. How about having sticky feet like a bee? Try it by wearing some Velcro slippers. If all this tires you out, go and find a cosy and quiet corner in the reading zone surrounded by a make-believe garden. Or head to the canteen for a bite or thirst-quenching cold drink.

Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Tuesday to Friday), 10:00 - 18:00 (Saturday to Sunday)
Location: Chatuchak Park


3. Bike Ride at Rod Fai Park

Rod Fai Park (Railway Park) is located in Chatuchak area in Bangkok, next to Chaktuchak park. Rodfai Park has an area of 148 acre, which used to be golf course of Railway club. The park is open everyday, however, some parts are close on Monday for maintainance. In the car park area there are bicycle rental services which bicycle can be rented from 20 Baht for all day long.

Open hours : 04.30-21.00
Admission Fee : Free
Activities : Playground, Bike Ride, Butterfly watching

4. Safari World


Visit the natural safari park, come face to face with thousands of rare and endangered species roaming freely in their natural habitat. Spreading over an area of about 300 acres, Safari World Park is divided in to four sections, namely, Safari Park, Bird Park, Games Corner and Macaw Island. A journey through the Safari World will no doubt turn out in to one of the most memorable events of your life. Witness the picturesque African settings with intimate encounters with Dolphins, Orang Utans, Seals, Birds and other such animals and birds at the adventurous Safari World, one of the most popular Bangkok Tourist Attractions.

Open hours: Mon – Fri, 9.00-17.30 / Weekend and Public Holidays, 9.00- 18.00

5. Dream World

 The park has been divided into several zones with specific groups of rides such as Dream World Plaza, Dream Gardens, Fantasy Land, and Adventure Land.
The interior of this park is filled with over 40 imported thrill rides and family attractions. However, the park's main attractions is Asia's first hanging coaster located in the middle part of Adventure land, and a model of the Grand Canyon as part of a river rafting attraction.

 Opens at 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, weekdays and public holidays is 10:00 am - 7:00 pm.

6. National Science Museum


Located at Khlong 5, Pathum Thani, The Science Museum is considered as a display venue for exhibitions and scientific activities to communicate with and provide knowledge to visitors to better understand science and technology, as well as, to apply them in daily life for the sustainable development of the country.

Operating day: Tuesday - Sunday
Operating time: 09.30 - 16.00

7. Rangsit Science Center for Education
Located at Khlong 6, Pathum Thani, The Rangsit Science Centre for Education is an Educational Establishment Direct Administration of the Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education, Ministry of Education.  It provides learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology and environment to the public and students in both formal and non-formal education systems.  There are many types of learning activities that the audience freely choose to participate upon their own interests.

Operating time: every Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Closed on Monday and public holidays

8. Science Center for Education 
Since the Science Centre for Education is engaged in non-formal and in-formal education, the centre is also involved with lifelong learning, serving the people of Thailand. Taking a holistic approach to learning, the Centre focuses on Science, Technology, Natural Science, Environmental Science and Astronomy.
Website: www.sciplanet.org/ewt_news.php?nid=132&filename=index_eng

9. Siam Water Park


Siam Park opened 36 years ago in November 1975. The park is set in 120 acres and is considered to be the largest theme and water park in Southeast Asia. The idea for the water park was to create an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city, as although Thailand has lots of beaches there are none in Bangkok. The wave pool is now the largest in the world as certicified by Guinness World Records and stretches an impressive 13,600 sq m and is the only man made beach in the city. The theme park originally started off with only a few rides, but over the years the owner has expanded and it now has over 30 different rides.

Working hours: Water Park time is 10:00 AM - 17:00 PM everyday
Amusement Park operating hour is 11:00 AM - 18:00 PM everyday

10. Crocodiles and Elephant Farm


Located to the west of Bangkok in Nakhon Pathom province. For less than an hour driveSamphran Elephant Ground & Zoo is a popular sightseeing destination for both adults and children alike.
It highlights exciting events such as The Elephant Theme Show and The Crocodile Wrestling Show. In the Elephant show complete with Surround sound system. The elephants are the stars of the show where they dance, race, play football and games, “Yutha Hathi”, a great royal battle scene, is even performed with the actors riding on the elephants. As for the wrestling show, the crocodile and the master crocodile catcher perform breathtaking stunts to their audience’s delight.

Entrance fee including all shows: Adult 600 baht, child below 130 cms. 350 baht.Open daily from 08.30 - 17.30 hrs.

11. Siam Ocean World at Siam Paragon


Two storeys underneath the glitzy Siam Paragon shopping mall, an aquatic wonderland the size of three Olympic swimming pools awaits your discovery at the Siam Ocean World. This underground aquarium, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, will dazzle you with innovative world-class exhibits and over 30,000 curious looking creatures from various depths and aquatic regions across the globe.

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 daily
Location: Basement floor, Siam Paragon, Siam

12.Snake Farm at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

Forget everything you might have seen in any so-called 'Snake Farm' in tourist regions of Thailand. If you are even just a bit curious about the world of reptiles the Bangkok Snake Farm at the Red Cross Institute is a real revelation. It's informative as much as fascinating and can even help fight some of the unjustified fear of these animals you may have.

Opening Hours: 08:30 to 16:30 pm on weekdays - 08:30 to noon on weekends and holidays
Location: Thai Red Cross Institute, at the intersection of Rama IV and Henry Dunant roads
Tel: 0 (2) 252 0161 

13. Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, and Sanam Luang Royal Plaza
This is the most famous place that is a must for all tourists. It is a large compound located near Sanam Luang in the very heart of Bangkok. The Grand Palace consists of several buildings with different styles of architecture. Wat Phra Kaeo is renowned as the most beautiful and important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses Phra Kaeo Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the most highly revered Buddha image carved from a single block of fine jade.

Opening Hours: Daily, 08.30 - 15.30 hrs.



14. TK Park (Thailand Knowledge Park) at Central World
TK Park will contribute to the creation of a learning society by cultivating a positive attitude towards the reading habit, creative thinking, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge among children and youth.

Opening hours: 10.00 – 20.00 hrs. Tuesday – Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

15. Museum Siam
While the Museum of Siam is set inside a very large neoclassical house, it is definitely not the usual display of historical artifacts and dusty mannequins you would expect to find in such an antique building.
A huge bronze ‘ribbon’ coiling and looping in the front garden is the first clue of things to come inside... In the reception area, wooden stairs, ceramic tiles and old-fashioned columns contrast with resolutely modern art and advanced technology. Everywhere you look, the two elements blend with great harmony as designers use every possible way to challenge the traditional expectations you might have of a museum.


Opening Hours: 10.00 - 18.00 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Location: Phra Nakorn District, Rattanakosin Island, south of Wat Pho
Website: www.museumsiam.org

2011-09-20

BPM arranged the 'Soft Opening' ceremony for their newest property 'Viva Gaden by Bliston'

Bliston Property Management, a professional leader brand in executive serviced residence and hotel in CBD area in Bangkok arranged the 'Soft Opening' ceremony for their newest property 'Viva Gaden by Bliston' on Tuesday 20th September 2011.

There were about 40 presses join the event. Mr. Kijja Laowsuwan, General Manager of Bliston Property Management (BPM) and Mrs. Supaporn Buppodom, The owner of Viva Garden gave an exclusive interview to presses and invited their guests to inspect this pride residence 'Viva Garden'.



Viva Garden officially opens on 1st Sep 2011, it is the third property under the management of BPM. Viva Garden - a simple elegance of the decoration ambiance situated in the outbound business and residential area. 


Viva Garden situated in prime locations just a minute away BTS Bangchak station (exit no.2), embraces you to the most convenience & comfortable residences with a full services.
Early Bird rates start at 1,700 THB.






For more information, please visit www.viva-garden.com  
Tel: +66 2741 5888 E-Mail: reservation.vg@blistonresidence.com


2010-07-13

Irrepressible Bangkok


Why 'Bangkok' is such a great city...


Bangkok  is full of surprises. With the recent political confrontations prompting vigorous debate about Thailand’s reputation as the ‘Land of Smiles,’ that sounds like an understatement. But one of its greatest attractions is a non-stop capacity to amaze. The pulsating urban energy comes from Thai culture’s ability to absorb dramatic change and outside influence while keeping its vital essence.
Throughout a roller-coaster history, Bangkok has survived many harrowing turns — not least the Asian economic crash of 1997 — and rebounded not just fast, but with flair. This time, as soon as the Red Shirt rally ended in late May, the city sprang back up on its feet, dusted itself down and applied its irrepressibly positive, practical spirit. Within days, Bangkok began to recoup the zesty character that has made it one of the most visited, awarded and fondly regarded world cities.
To the millions who have visited or lived here, Bangkok appeared unfamiliar as the protests escalated. That’s true of any city during a spasm of political unrest. Yet most of Bangkok stayed untouched throughout. In the aftermath, most of the Ratchaprasong and Siam Square shopping districts remain intact and operating as before. Returning visitors will recognise the city they remember.
Shopping mall operators and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration have provided space for displaced shop-owners to maintain their businesses. Residents have already splurged on the discounted wares. Now tourists can expect a lot more sales, promotions and festive markets, reinforcing Bangkok’s reputation for value.


Street Life
Much of Bangkok’s appeal derives from the vibrant street life. Entrepreneurs turn any occasion into a market infused with sanuk — the easy-going Thai sense of fun. Roving vendors bring food, goods and local colour to daily life. Now this culture of flexible improvisation ensures continuity through the city’s recovery.


Bangkok’s most authentic retail experience remains the market, whether for shopping, looking for souvenirs or simply browsing. Dozens of bazaars span the capital, from herb-scented wet markets and the textiles hub of Pratunam to the specialist lanes of Chinatown and the old wooden markets revived at the city’s edge. None integrates more with metropolitan life than the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market. Every segment of society heads there to seek serendipity, inspiration, regional foods and a laid-back social scene. 


More Malls Than Before
Thais also take their market culture indoors. Bangkok boasts several of Asia’s biggest malls, brimming with international brands and emergent Thai labels. On the mile-long ‘Ratchaprasong Shopping Street’ between Central Chidlom and Siam Square, all the malls bar two now trade as normal. CentralWorld will reopen in stages and the BMA has pledged to upgrade the area’s public spaces.
As Bangkok develops, its affluent suburbs gain destination attractions. During Ratchaprasong’s temporary closure, the spotlight moved to chic new malls beyond downtown. At the end of March, the semi-outdoors K Village lifestyle mall opened where Sukhumvit Soi 26 meets Rama IV Road. Near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the former Seri Centre on Srinakharin Road emerged in April from total transformation into the luxury mall Paradise Park. The recently launched Crystal Design Centre on the Ekamai-Ramindra Road also came into its own as Asia’s biggest integrated design complex. In a measure of Thai retail verve, Bangkok ironically emerged from the protest period with even more shopping options.

Creativity Draws On Tradition
The local products now marketed in Bangkok boutiques and abroad reveal a key progression in Thai society, from rural produce to urban wares, from crafts to creativity, from artefacts to art. Aspects of high culture and folk wisdom persist in authentic settings, notably food, herbalism, textiles and artisanship. Now a new generation parlays those strengths into gourmet cuisine, spas, catwalk fashions, contemporary art and stylish products infused with indigenous materials and a sense of Thainess. Innovative institutes like Thailand Creative and Design Centre (TCDC) and Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC) nurture and showcase this resourceful artistry.

Youth Culture



Much of Bangkok’s momentum derives from its expressive youth and indy subculture. The informal economy enables entrepreneurs to experiment with their ideas in thousands of tiny shoplets and stalls, before founding their own brands. Siam Square, buzzing with students, designers and indie creatives, drives the pulse of Thai pop culture and fuels new industries. A score of galleries hold publicly accessible exhibition openings for the region’s liveliest art scene, which has generated many internationally collected artists. Just as the rally ended, one of Thailand’s new wave film directors, Apichatphong Weerasetthakul, became the first Southeast Asian to win cinema’s highest honour, the Palme d’Or at Cannes. That same week, the country’s foremost dancer, Pichet Klunchun, premiered a touring production at Singapore Art Festival, translating Thai tradition to a global audience. Bangkok designers, too, continue to win plaudits abroad for their fashion and furniture. These young achievers are all the fruit of Bangkok’s fertile creative seedbed.


Party Place
For decades, Bangkok has revelled as a hub of nightlife tourism, which covers the merry spectrum from quirky to saucy to chic. Recent trends have seen contrasting booms in nightlife, such as clubs with dramatic design, raves with international DJs, Bohemian retro bars, and exuberant theme nights by outfits like Dudesweet and Trasher. Plentiful live music draws fans and aficionados, whether indy rock, boisterous pop, rap, jazz or blues. Asia’s biggest and most diverse gay scene plays magnet to affluent regulars flying in from regional capitals to party, dine and shop. New venues opened even during the protests, with the art-bar WTF Bar & Gallery immediately becoming a “refuge pub,” typifying the city’s resilient morale.

Food Capital 
Whatever kind of sanuk, Thais never socialise without a constant stream of food — very good food. Bangkok dining has entered an exciting phase. Some of this buzz comes from spectacular settings, whether chic eateries like Long Table or al fresco restaurants atop skyscrapers. Expatriate chefs contribute to one of the world’s broadest ranges of ethnic dining options, joined by visiting famous names during the many epicurean festivals. Thai food, long a global favourite, is also receiving haute cuisine attention, while retaining its integrity. Bo.lan restaurant and the upcoming Nahm, a branch of the only Thai restaurant with a Michelin star, typify a nascent Thai slow food movement. Both draw inspiration from Bangkok’s non-stop pavement buffet of street food, and from the old family restaurants in the historic parts of town.

Cultural Diversity 
For all its globalized advances, Bangkok remains rare among modern metropolises by maintaining communities in its old centre as an authentic living heritage. Markets abut museums, shophouses flank palaces, temples hold folkish festivals, and ancient neighbourhoods retain their signatures, from apothecaries and amulets to arcane crafts. Increasingly, developers restore not replace old buildings. These express architectural history despite new uses as hotels or bars, restaurants or spas. In Chinatown or riverside quarters, nostalgics can still find traces of old Asia and a precious sense of place.

Hybrid Heritage
An international trading gateway for centuries, Bangkok acquired its patchwork appearance by constantly adding to its architecture rather than bulldozing all the past. The same fusion is as true of traditional dance, costume, music and decorative arts as it is of prevailing pop fads. This hybrid culture reveals traits from across Asia and the West, somehow blended in a way that’s distinctively Thai. The city has always harboured communities of diverse ethnicity. Confident in its cultural core, Bangkok embraces foreign influence and modernity, which accounts for its openness to visitors and whatever is in vogue.


Expanding Transport
Access to Bangkok’s attractions has improved vastly over the past decade. Right now the mass transport network is expanding in several directions. The MRT Subway and BTS SkyTrain — recently extended across the river to Thonburi — were joined just after the protest by the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). It links the BTS with Yannawa and Khlong San using comfy high-speed buses. Set to be fully launched in August, the Airport Link brings Suvarnabhumi and several train stations within a quick, cheap glide from a downtown terminal and links to the BTS and MRT. The canal expressboat service along Klong Saen Saeb will also this year extend to Minburi in Bangkok’s semi-rural northeast, where the old wooden market is being revived.

Calm Sanctuaries 
The 
klong (canals) in this formerly waterborne city also provide a contrasting amenity: tranquillity. Bangkok epitomises the busy, relentless metropolis, but its pockets of quiet replenish the soul. The remaining klongfeed the Chao Phraya River, which churns with activity and every kind of boat imaginable, yet soothes as it slides relentlessly by. Parks and plantations provide recreational green space, while temples, spas and massage offer sanctuaries for mind and body. Bangkok has its share of friction, but also hands that heal.

Embracing Change 
The energy of the city buzzes around a heart of calm. Buddhism brings to Bangkok a detachment that allows dramas to unfold, contradictions to flourish, diverse cultures to coexist, and every day to bring a surprise. After all, they are mere moments amid constant change. Regardless of what happens, Thais have a remarkable capacity to greet the next moment, irrepressible, graceful, cheery. They treat life as a series of cycles. So as the wheel of karma turns, Bangkok comes back up.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Philip Cornwel-Smith is the author of Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture, and writer-editor of the Time Out Bangkok guidebook. Born in England and based in Bangkok since 1994, he was founding editor of Bangkok Metro Magazine, contributes to international publications and is currently writing Very Bangkok, a book about the city’s neighbourhoods, networks and social scenes.


Credit: http://www.tatnews.org