The Royal Grand Palace and other Bangkok, Thailand Things to Do Tips

The Grand Palace is one of the major tourism attractions in Bangkok. It was built in 1782 and has 3 sections surrounded by walls. Within these walls are situated the Royal residences, the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha and the Government offices. It takes approximately 2 hours to walk around. I would suggest to go early since it closes at 4pm and it can be quite hot walking under the reflection of all the golden temples.

It opens daily. No sleeveless shirts and sandals are allowed so bring a pair of socks with you, otherwise you can buy them at the entrance.

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Phone: 224 3328, 226 0255
Address: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon District
Directions: It is very close to Chinatown and the temple of the reclining buddha.
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

A taxi driver recommended this place and we were a bit apprehensive at first because we have already been to Ayuthaya and didn't think we would be that impressed with this big open air museum. The Ancient City is actually quite impressive. It is big and houses scaled down monuments of Thailand. The architects were realistic and detailed. A very interesting place to walk around and to have a grasp of the different historic sites of Thailand.

We eventually hired the taxi to drive us there. We paid him B1500 and it was a long drive (more than 2 hrs each way). You can hire a bicycle to ride around within the Ancient City cos' it is too big to walk. I would definitely recommend this site for family day out. The sheltered markets and stalls also are a good place to get souvenirs and they are not highly priced.

You do need to pay a minimal fee to enter.

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Address: Samutprakarn Province
Directions: Samutprakarn Province

I always go to Chatuchak whenever I am in Bangkok but I can never able to find the same shop again. It's just too big and there isn't a good map shows the best direction.

Best buys I had include this red hand made crochet bag for B250, a pair of really good cut jeans branded 'Peachy Jeans' for B300, pairs of sandals B150 and also incense and imitation flowers. The best time to Chatuchak is either early in the morning or after mid-day cos' the market is packed with hundreds of shops but lack of ventilation and air-conditioning.

Do bargain but if you see something you really like, just get it cos' you may find the shop is again.

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Address: Mo Chit Station, Bangkok
Directions: Simply take the Skytrain to the end terminal called Morchit which is exactly where the market is located.
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com

Fancy having a nice spa but don't want to spend too much? Rosemarin is the place to be. I spent 2.5hrs and was really satisifed. With B700, I had an hour foot massage, an hour Thai body massage and half an hour herbal compressed massage. It was heaven! The place albeit is small but is very clean and relaxing.

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Phone: 02-6634734
Address: 18 Sukhumvit Soi 22
Directions: Asok BTS

There must be at least a thousand of spas in Bangkok, the most famous ones are of course located inside the 5-star hotels but I like to support local trades. I have found Leyana Spa from a local web site and I had printed out the coupon which cut normal treatment price by half!! The offer however only valid until 10 January and can be downloaded from here: http://www.thailandfans.com/relax20060124.html
Other offers are listed in the spa’s official web site.

The spa is the biggest in Thonglor decorated in Japanese style. We walked for more than half an hour from the BTS station and then realized they had free pick-up to/from the station. Anyway, you live and learn! On the way to the spa, there are lots of small local designer women clothing boutiques but I was too lazy to go back from the treatment.

I had the Rejuvenation treatment which lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. It started with a cup of cool ginger tea in the reception and a quick footbath then followed by 20 minutes herbal steam inside a mini Mongolian tent. It was tolerable but not entirely pleasurable!! The tent was only big enough to fit in a small wooden chair but then no pain no gain!! I was then transferred back to the treatment room where my partner was having his fruit scrub. I had a whitening tamarind scrub for half a hour; to finish was a Balinese style oil massage. The masseur was professional and it was a great value for the money.

If you don’t have enough time, they also offer single massage or body treatment but make sure to make an advance booking. It gets busy there!!

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Phone: 662 3917694, 8744461
Address: 33 Thonglor 13 , Soi Torsak
Directions: Thonglor Soi 13 - very far from Thonglor BTS station. It's best to take a cab from here or the spa offers free transport from/to the BTS station.
Website: www.leyanaspa.com