Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Start at
Tha Chang
. Proceed east to the main gate of
Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace
, two of
Bangkok's most famous attractions. Otherwise, head north along Th Maha Rat, and immediately after passing the
cat-laden newsstand (you'll know it when you smell it), turn left into
Trok Tha Wang
, a narrow alleyway
holding a hidden classic Bangkok neighbourhood.
Turn left into crowded Trok Mahathat to discover the cramped
amulet market
. Exiting the market at Tha
Phra Chan, cross Th Maha Rat and continue east until you reach
Sanam Luang
, the 'Royal Field'.
Cross Th Ratchadamnoen Nai and go north, turning right at the Royal Hotel onto
Th Ratchadamnoen
Klang
, Bangkok's own Champs Élysées. Continuing east, at the intersection with Th Tanao, you'll see the
October 14 Memorial
, commemorating the civilian demonstrators who were killed on 14 October 1973 by the
military during a prodemocracy rally. In the distance you'll see the
Democracy Monument
, erected in 1932.
After a lunch stop at
Poj Spa Kar
or
Chote Chitr
, enter Th Phraeng Nara, crossing Khlong Lod, and
continue west along Th Lak Meuang to the home of Bangkok's city spirit,
Lak Meuang
.
Head south along Th Sanam Chai and turn right onto Th Thai Wang, which will escort you to the entrance of
Wat Pho
, home of the giant Reclining Buddha.
Festivals & Events
In addition to the national holidays, there's always something going on in Bangkok. Many
Thai holidays are based on the lunar calendar, which varies year to year, so check the
website of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (
Click here
)
or the Bangkok Information
Center (
Click here
)
for exact dates.
February & March
Chinese New Year
( Jan or Feb)
Thai-Chinese celebrate the lunar New Year with a week of housecleaning, li-
on dances and fireworks. Most festivities centre on Chinatown. Dates vary.
NEW YEAR
Kite-Flying Season
During the windy season, colourful kites battle it out over the skies of Sanam Luang and
Lumphini Park.
KITE-FLYING
April & May
Songkran
( mid-Apr)
The celebration of the Thai New Year has morphed into a water war with
high-powered water guns and water balloons being launched at suspecting and unsuspect-
ing participants. The most intense water battles take place on Th Khao San.
NEW YEAR
