Bangkok : City of Angel

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Here is a list of a few unusual things to do in The City of Angels, after seeing the two "musts": the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Water plays a big role in the capital life. Of course, there is the Chao Praya the river that divides the city in two parts and flows from West to East into the Gulf of Siam. Bangkok is a port. To go to the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, try the water taxi. It is both fun a cheap way to go from one end of the city to the other. For this, take the BTS-line ('Skytrain') to Saphan Taksin ('saphan' means bridge in Thai). Once there, walk down to the river bank and hop into a public water taxi. You pay on board. You can land at Wat Pho or Grand Palace. This is a great ride to see another aspect of the city. Ideally, it would be nice to come back at sunset to get another impression of river life. Besides being an enjoyable experience, it is also a great way to cut through traffic.

Bangkok has an intricate network of 'khlongs' (canals). This is why it is sometimes reminiscent of Venice. The 'khlongs' are not immediately visible, but they are there. The main one has also its public water taxis. And again, this is an excellent way to beat the city traffic.Go on the canal near Jim Thomson's House and take a water taxi westwards to the Old City (the area around the Grand Palace). This is quite a different side of modern Bangkok with all its skyscrapers!

The river area around the Oriental is worth exploring on foot. There are still some beautiful examples of Thai colonial buildings. This is where the two oldest western embassies in Southeast Asia are located, along the Chao Praya riverbank. The old French Embassy (now the residence of the French Ambassador) dates back to the XVI century. It is a reminder of the diplomatic ties between Louis XIV, the Sun King, with the King of Siam. Nearby, lies the old Portuguese Embassy, second oldest building. Both can be seen when riding the Chao Praya taxi boat.

Jim Thomson's House and Museum is another unescapable landmark. It is a collection of old Thai houses reunited into a large mansion containing an extraordinary collection of Asian Art acquired by the mysterious Jim Thomson, who promoted the Thai silk industry. The small garden is also worth a visit. Have lunch at the café there. They serve authentic Thai food in a lovely surrounding. It is slightly pricy for Thai standards, but quite an enjoyable location in the heart of the city.

Another unusual place is Wat Saket or Temple of the Golden Mount. Be prepared to climb a few stairs to reach the top of the rock. But the view over the city is rewarding. It is definitively another unknown side of Bangkok.

In the heart of the modern city, very close to Siam Square, stands one of the holiest oratory in Asia: Erawan Shrine. Pilgrims come from all parts of Asia to pray and make a wish to one of the holiest shines in this part of the world. It is an amazing location to observe the fervor of people amidst incense and candles. Moreover, there is a group of Thai dancers performing there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erawan_S...

If ever you are in Bangkok on a Saturday or a Sunday, do not miss Chatuchak Market commonly known as 'Weekend Market'. It is absolutely stunning and so huge that you can spend a whole day there. Prices are unbeatable and it is a definite paradise for shoppers of all kinds. There are plenty of cafés and eating places there with no vehicle. An absolute pedestrian shopping heaven. Both the BTS and MRT lines will get you there.

Lumpini Park, is located right in the middle of the modern city. It is a huge green area with lots of different attractions. It is a nice place to rest or walk away from the city hustle and bustle. But one of its most astounding attraction is the colony of huge monitor lizards, which haunt the water's side around the Chinese Garden. They are totally free and as big as young crocodiles. And this right in the middle of Bangkok!

Finally, see Terminal 21. It is one of the latest shopping malls in town, but with a different concept. It is designed as a huge airport terminal that will take you to destination themed levels: the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, Tokyo, London and San Francisco. It is worth seeing even if you are not into shopping. By the way, many items are original and prices are very reasonable. Terminal 21 is located on Sukhumvit, at the crossroads of BTS and MRT lines.

Bangkok is a huge metropolis, which has a lot to offer. This suggested list is meant to help those who want to see another aspect of the city. Hopefully, it will succeed in helping you make a choice to see attractions a bit off the beaten track.