Destination Guide

CHERRY’S GUIDE TO
Bangkok
Thailand
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai): This national sport is
exciting and skilful (and a little vicious). Check it out
on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday at
Ratchadamnoen Stadium, or Lumphini Stadium on
Tuesday, Friday or Saturday.
Mambo: What’s a visit to Bangkok without a
drag show? It’s slightly seedy, but plenty of fun. Get
the VIP tickets. Washington Square, Sukhumvit Soi
22 / 02 259 5128.
Chinatown: Go to the road behind the River
City Shopping Centre and walk away from the
Sheraton. You’ll see signposts for the Chinatown
Walking Street Tour. Follow these and you’ll see the
intriguing alleyways of Chintatown and the Colonial
period architecture. This area is stifling hot, so
choose a cool day or late afternoon for your stroll.
Things to see, do, eat and enjoy. And a few handy hints.
Chaotic, frenetic, snarling with traffic, dirty and hot.
Bangkok can be a little intimidating for the first time
visitor. However, the lovely Thai people, their warm
hospitality, the wonderful food packed with flavour,
and the intriguing sights and sounds make this city
one of sharp contrasts.
Bangkok has a tendency to get under your skin, and
has you coming back for more. This is definitely a
city with soul, both dark and light. Seedy red light
areas versus glittering temples of worship. Embrace
this city and you’ll be rewarded tenfold.
Best Time To Go
Bangkok’s wet season is July to October. It usually
only rains late afternoon every day. November
to January is a little cooler so a good time visit as
the rest of the year can be a little unbearable with
the heat, humidity and general grime. Our Cherry
Bangkok experts highly recommend breaking
up a day’s activities with a swim in the hotel pool
mid-way through the day to refresh and revive
before heading out again. Bangkok can be an
exhausting city!
Bangkok Best Bits
Grand Palace & Wat Pho: The Grand Palace
really is worth the schelp. You can take a taxi, or
the more pleasant way to get there is to head to
Go Go Bars: We’re not sure if these are a ‘Best
Bit’, but we would be remiss not to mention them.
Whether you want to just have a wander down
the streets to see what all the fuss is about, or
you’re up to some partying, the Go Go Bar scene is
definitely a tourist attraction in Bangkok.
Jim Thompson House: Jim Thompson was
a military intelligence officer and businessman.
He made Thai silk famous around the world.
He mysteriously disappeared in the Cameron
Highlands in 1967. His teak house is full of beautiful
antiques. Take the guided tour then stay for a spot
of lunch at the lovely Thai cafe, Thompson. Take the
Skytrain to National Stadium station.
Chao Phraya River: Take a longtail boat ride
around the Khlong Bangkok Yai region to glimpse
the waterfront living and the riverside wats.
This is an inexpensive way to see the city from a
different angle.
Chatuchak Market: This enormous market is
open Friday night from 6pm and all day Saturday
and Sunday. It is huge and stinking hot, so plan
accordingly. We’ve found the best strategy is to
catch the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet Station and
take Exit 2. This takes you into the heart of Section
2 of the market. If you get lost, always use the
Clock Tower to get your bearings. We recommend
avoiding the animal section like the plague and
the centre section. You may never be seen again.
Stay in the two outer lanes. The good stuff can be
found in Section 7 and Section 26, if you’re into
homewares and emerging designer fashion.
Bangkok Tips & Tricks
Airport
the Mandarin Oriental and take the public ferry
from Tha Oriental pier. The journey along the
Chao Phraya River is an interesting and colourful
experience. Jump off at Tha Chang Pier and you’ll
see the crowds heading to the Palace. Take note,
the ticket office is closed 12-1pm, and the Palace is
open 8.30am-3.30pm. Take an audio tour or hire
a guide. Wear easy to remove shoes as you’ll be
taking them off and on all day.
Take a taxi or tuk tuk around the block (a very
big block) to the Wat Pho. Facing the river it is
to the left of the Palace. This is the home of the
famous reclining Buddha and definitely worth a
visit. We recommend heading out first thing in
the morning as the heat here is unbearable in the
middle of the day.
Soi Cowboy has far surpassed Patpong as the
place to go for serious partying. The area has a
carnival-like atmosphere and there are plenty
of interesting sights and more of the upmarket
clubs and bars. The gay scene is found in Silom,
particularly Sois 2 and 4.
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport is the new
international airport. There is reasonable shopping
and eating options here. It is a good idea to have
transfers pre-booked to and from the airport as
the taxis can be a little hit and miss in terms of the
language barrier and dealing with arguments over
tolls and turning on the meter!
Don Muang Airport is generally used for domestic
flights and low cost carriers. Always check which
airport you are flying to and from.
Visas
The two main areas are Patpong and Soi Cowboy.
Patpong is the original red light district, and
houses over 100 bars and clubs. If you’re going
for just a look, there are also night markets selling
touristy souvenirs.
Australian passport holders entering Thailand
through one of its international airports for leisure
purposes may enter for up to 30 days without
obtaining a visa in advance. You must have a
minimum of six months validity on your passport.
Arrival and departure tax for Bangkok is pre-paid
with your airline ticket.
Make sure you check with the relevant authorities
for the most up to date visa information, relevant
to your situation.
Getting Around
Bangkok is a traffic nightmare. Traffic gridlock
can occur anytime of the day or night, for
seemingly no reason. The BTS (Skyrail) system is
excellent and it’s a good idea to stay somewhere
close to a station. The underground train system
(MRT) is also efficient and a great way to avoid
the traffic chaos.
eye-opening. Not to mention the great shopping.
Keep an open mind, stay calm and take the Thai
attitude of Mai Pen Rai, and Bangkok will become a
favourite place to visit.
Tipping
Similar to Australia, it’s not required, but always
appreciated if you receive good service. Some
larger restaurants may add a service charge to
the bill.
The Seedy Stuff
If you’re going to hit the bar and nightclub circuit,
be prepared with some local knowledge:
Go-Go Bar: An enclosed space where girls dance
on the stage and perform various types of naughty
shows.
Beer Bar: An open-air bar surrounded by girls
calling you ‘handsome man’ with a big convincing
smile, inviting you to drink there and expecting
you’ll take them home.
Ping Pong Show: A show performed by a lady
involving ping pong balls, but not the way you
remember it played at school.
Tuk tuks are plentiful, but you will be breathing in a
lot of pollution on your journey and are really only
useful for short trips.
Taxis are plentiful and cheap, although outside the
main tourist areas they can be a bit fussy about
who they pick up. Always insist they put on their
meter. If they won’t, get out.
This city is extremely confusing and it’s easy to get
disorientated. Invest in a good map with Thai and
English street names, and don’t leave the hotel
without it! Also, make sure you always venture out
with your hotel’s business card, with the address in
Thai. A Soi is a small backstreet street or lane.
Lady Drink: A small drink, probably more
expensive than yours. The more drinks you offer to
the lady, the more attention she will pay you. Look
at it as a fee.
Katoeys: Transvestites, sometimes prettier,
taller and slimmer than real girls, but mostly too
‘feminine’ to be real. It can be very difficult to
distinguish between a ‘lady’ and a ladyboy. Listen to
the voice, although some ladyboys have had years
of practice and sound just like a female. Generally
if they look too good to be true – they probably are!
A word of warning: The seemingly friendly katoeys
are infamous for lifting wallets and having sudden
bursts of nasty behaviour. Just use your common
sense and make sure your belongings are secure. If
you take photos of katoeys, be prepared to pay or
things could turn unfriendly.
Safety & Scams
Try not to be cynical, but if a local strikes up a
conversation, it’s likely they are trying to sell
you something, steal something or take you
somewhere you don’t want to go (like a dodgy
gem shop!).
Also be wary of information obtained from tuk
tuk drivers and the like. You will often be told
the Grand Palace is closed, but they can show
you some other sites while you wait. Believe us,
you won’t want their version of sightseeing! Taxi
drivers will also sometimes try to take you to a
shop you don’t want to go to. Say no, and if they
insist, get out.
Be wary of tour guides touting for business. This
is often a scam. Book your tours before you leave
home. Pickpockets and bag snatchers do operate
in Bangkok, so never carry too much cash and
keep your passport in a safe.
Local Customs
It may seem strange, with the prevalence of the sex
trade in Bangkok, that the Thai people are actually
quite conservative. When visiting religious temples
ensure you cover up and take off your shoes.
The Royal family is treated with reverence, so
never make jokes or be disparaging about them.
Thai currency bears the image of the King, so
don’t put money in your back pocket as this is
considered disrespectful.
Identification
Always carry a photocopy of your passport with
you. Thai’s are finicky about ID. Even if you’re
pushing 50, you’ll still get asked for ID in most bars
and clubs! Local police sometimes have random
ID checks also. Don’t risk losing your real passport,
take a copy.
Traveling with Kids
If you have blonde haired children, prepare to be
the centre of attention. The locals love to touch
their hair and talk to the foreign kiddies. It certainly
opens a lot of doors!
Bangkok with babies is a little challenging. Forget
using a stroller as the broken footpaths and
many stairs render them useless. Opt for a baby
sling instead.
This city is better suited to older kids that will enjoy
a trip along the river in a long-tail boat and seeing
the cultural shows.
Water
Don’t even think about it unless you want to
spend more time on the porcelain bus than
anywhere else.
Favourite Places to eat
Money
The currency is the Thai Baht. It’s a good idea to
have plenty of small notes (THB 20 and 50) for taxis
and tuk tuks as they generally won’t have change.
ATMs and banks are plentiful and most stores
accept credit cards.
Cheap as chips
Good value
Mid to high price
Fancy (make a booking for the
more fancy restaurants)
Mai Pen Rai (Never Mind)!
Bangkok is chaotic, dirty, crowded, hot and noisy.
This can put many people off having a good time.
On the plus side the food is wonderful, the people
lovely and the sights and sounds are intriguing and
Sirocco (Mediterranean): Dome at Lebua, 1055
Silom Road, Bangrak / 02 624 9555. Views to die for.
Good food, good service, but it’s really all about the
location. The prices match the altitude.
Long Table (Modern Thai): Column Tower,
25th Floor, 48, Sukhumvit / 02 302 2557. Good
atmosphere, fantastic food, great view from the
deck.
Cy’an (Mediterranean): The Metropolitan, 27 South
Sathorn Rd / 02 625 3333. Ask for a poolside table
as the interior is pretty minimalist. Innovative,
interesting food.
Bo.Lan (Thai): Soi Pichai Ronnarong, Sukhumvit
Soi 26 / 02 260 2962 (dinner Tue-Sun). Aus-Thai
couple serving up delicious Thai slow food in a
lovely villa.
Le Vendome (French): 267/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31
/ 02 662 0530 (closed Sun). Sophisticated French
house with good wine list.
beautiful, particularly at night looking onto the
lights of the Palace. Very relaxing watching the
boats go by. Book for an outdoor table.
Kuppa (International): 39 Sukhumvit Soi 16 / 02
663 0495 (closed Monday). Popular with the expat
set. Great for lunches, coffee, desserts and brunch.
Agalico (Cake and coffee): 20 Sukhumvit Soi 51
/ 02 662 5857 (Friday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm only). A
Cherry favourite, this is a divine retreat in white,
away from the madding crowds. Tour the gardens,
pick up some souvenirs, pat the resident pussy.
Erawan Tea Room (International/Asian): Lvl 2,
Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ploenchit Rd / 02 250 7777.
This Tea Room is run by the Grand Hyatt. Great for
a lunch stop and fab afternoon tea.
Isao (Mod Japanese): 5 Sukhumvit Soi 31 / 02 258
0645. The best sushi in town.
Indigo (French): 6 Soi Convent, Silom / 02 235
3268. Cute place with great value lunch sets.
Consistently good food and pretty courtyard.
Guisto (Italian): 16 Sukhumvit Soi 23 / 02 258
4321. Good Italian fare in concrete and glass
surrounds. Good wine list.
Patara (Thai): 375 Thonglor Soi 19 / 02 185 2960.
Bangkok stalwart with consistently good fare.
Zense (A bit of everything): 17th Floor, Zen World,
4, 4/5 Rama 1 Rd, Rajadamri / 02 100 9898. Five
kitchens in one restaurant. Nab a table outside for
views and nibbles. The tapas are particularly good.
Bed Supperclub (Modern Euro): 26 Sukhumvit Soi
11 / 02 651 3537. Futurist spaceship restaurant/
club. Very funky and good food. Fun for a night out
with a group.
Lan Na Thai (Thai): 29 Sukhumvit Soi 38 / 02 713
6048. Set in a picturesque traditional Thai house,
there’s a bar, restaurants and spa all in one.
Indus (Indian): 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26 / 02 258 4900.
Modern influences to suit every palate, from mild
to super spicy. Head to the bar after.
Supatra River House (Thai): 266 Soi Wat Rakhang,
Arunamarin Rd, Bangkok /02 411 0305. This restored
tea house is quite touristy, but the views are
Secret Garden (Cake and coffee): 117/1 Sathorn
Rd / 02 286 2454. Stick with the bakery selection
and you won’t go wrong. Minibar Royale (Western): Citadines Hotel, 37/7
Sukhumvit Soi 23 / 02 261 5533. Perfect place for
brunch or a coffee break. Bitter Brown (Cake and coffee): Asoke Ct,
Sukhumvit Soi 16 / 02 261 6535. Head here for a
sweet treat and a coffee fix.
Favourite Places to drink
Bars
Sky Bar: Lvl 63, State Tower, 1055 Silom Rd / 02
624 9555. Incredible views. Bring the camera.
Bamboo Bar: Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave
/ 02 659 9000. If you like a bit of jazz this is for you.
The decor is, well, busy.
The Nest: Le Fenix Sukhumvit, 33/33 Sukhumvit
Soi 11 / 02 305 4000. Rooftop deck with lounges,
DJ and entertainment.
Long Table: See Places to Eat section. Great for
just a drink on the deck too.
Amorosa: Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratoo
Nok Yoong, Maharat Rd / 02 221 9158. Fantastic
views of the Wat Arun. Pop in for a drink after a
day sightseeing at the Palace and Wat Pho. Open
from 6pm.
Bed Supperclub: See Places to Eat section.
Restaurant one side, nightclub the other. Place to
‘be seen’.
Al Majlis Tearoom: 83/8 Ekamai Soi 12 / 02
392 2345. Moroccan chill out zone popular with
over 30s.
Pandanus: 50 Soi Nunta, Sathorn Soi 1 / 02 287
4021. Too cool for school. Live DJ, popular with
younger crowd.
Nightclubs
808: Blk C, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd / 02
203 1043. One of the hippest clubs in Bangkok.
Modern industrial style fitout with local and
international DJs.
Tapas: 114/17 Silom Soi 4 / 02 234 4737. Oldie
but goodie. Chilled out early, raucous later. Mixed
crowd. Take cash as no cards.
Sukhumvit Sois: Try Soi 23 for silk, furniture
and homewares (BTS Asoke Station).
Along Soi 31 you’ll find interesting furniture
stores. Most offering an overseas shipping
service (BTS Phrom Pong Station).
Favourite Places to relax
Spas
Ruen Nuad: 42 Soi Convent / 02 632 2662. Simple
no fuss spa offering massages and aromotherapy.
Walk to Secret Garden after for refreshments.
Being Spa: 88 Sukhumvit Rd Soi 51 / 02 662
While you’re in this area, check out Emporium
shopping centre on the corner of Soi 24. The
Park Food Hall on level 5 is a swanky version of a
foodcourt and the centre has a good selection of
homewares, fashion and books.
Other shopping favourites
Raja’s Fashions (tailor): Shop 1/6 Sukhumvit Soi
Nana. We’ve been going here for years and the
quality is always good. Best for tailored men’s suits
and shirts.
Jim Thompson: 9 Surawong Rd. There are
several stores around Bangkok, this one has the
best range. Beautiful silks, fabrics, clothing, gifts.
Sauce: Vanilla Garden, Ekamai Soi 12. Design, art,
culinary books, lovely garden and great cafe.
6171. An oasis in the middle of Bangkok. Wide
variety of treatments.
Spa 1930: 42 Soi Tonson, Lumpini / 02 254 8606.
Upmarket spa in heritage listed building. Full
range of services and sell home spa products.
1300 15 91 15
E. [email protected]
T. +61 7 3848 6966 F. +61 7 3102 9375
PO Box 2471, Chermside Centre
Queensland 4032, Australia
Travel agent licence QLD3531599
A member of Helloworld & AFTA
Guide updated 13 October 2014
Some Retail Therapy
In general, department stores are open 10am to
7pm, 7 days a week, and most other shops 8am
to 9pm. Bartering is fine in markets and some
small shops, but not in most shopping centres and
department stores.
Ploenchit Area
Take BTS to Chit Lom or Siam Stations.
Gaysorn Plaza: 999 Ploenchit Rd. Good clothing
stores, home decor and big brands.
Central World: Cnr Rama 1 & Ratchadamri Rds.
Huge mega mall with lots of chain stores, with a
few gems. Zense restaurant/bar on the roof.
Siam Paragon: 991 Rama 1 Rd. Another huge
centre with a few stores of note. Try Greyhound
Cafe for lunch.
Siam Centre: 979 Rama 1 Rd. Thai designer
boutiques. Lots of original and interesting stores.
Siam Square: Cross via walkway from Siam
Centre. Lots of young designer fashion and gear for
the cool set.
Siam Vintage: Siam Square Soi 9-10, Pathumwan
District. A cool collection of around 30 shops selling
retro and designer gear.
Erawan: Cnr Rama 1 & Rajadamri Rds. Upmarket
big brand shopping. If you need new Jimmy Choos,
this is the place for you.
Silom Road: If you’re looking for jewellery, art
and homewares, make sure you visit. Silom Village
is worth a look, but make sure you bargain here.
Charoen Krung Road: If you’re more into
antiques, silver and flatware, this road has it all.
Start at the top of Soi Oriental. Check out River City
for a treasure trove of antiques. Don’t go Sunday
as you’ll be disappointed when nothing’s open.