Take your time getting to know this thriving metropolis with its beautiful temples, bustling street markets and gracious people.
One night in Bangkok is not nearly enough to explore all that the city has to offer. For centuries visitors to Bangkok have come to marvel at its exotic wonders among them ancient temples, royal palaces, and teeming markets. But perhaps the first thing one notices in Bangkok is colour. With its bright blue skies, glittering golden Buddhas, saffron-hued monks’ robes, and brilliantly white temples, Bangkok is truly a feast for the eyes. Then again there are the aromas (heady spices, crisp limes, essential oils, exotic flowers), the flavours (spicy curries, fresh seafood, refreshing coconut), the sounds (haunting lukthung music, beeping taxi horns, gently lapping waves) and the touch (the finest spa treatments in the world).
In short, total sensory stimulation is just part of the package on any trip to Bangkok, so get exploring --by boat, sky train, tuk-tuk, limousine or on foot. However you decide to get around, be sure not to miss any of these spectacular things to do and see.
Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha – 5 km/15-20 minutes by car Built in 1782, this complex is home to one of the country’s most beloved treasures, the Emerald Buddha, said to date back to the 14th century. Look for it at Wat Phra Kaeo, just one of the magnificent temples on the grounds of the Grand Palace.
Tour The River of Kings - starts at the hotel Flowing past palaces, temples, villages and markets, the Chao Phraya River is truly the heart of Bangkok. It is the best way to see the city and reach many of the city’s major attractions. For a real Bangkok treat, tour the river on a private long tail boat.
Shop ’Til You Drop – 15 km/20 minutes by BTS The world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market covers more than 35 acres and boasts 15,000 shops and stalls. A true ‘must’ on any trip to Bangkok, the market is the one place where you can buy almost anything—at really low prices. Be forewarned: go early.
Relax at the Reclining Buddha – 3 km/20 minutes by car Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, is home to the country’s famed Reclining Buddha. At 45 metres long, the statue is the largest of its kind in the country. Visit the Buddha, then spend time exploring the temple grounds.
Float Among Flowers –2 km/15 minutes by car Set your alarm! It’s worth waking early to witness the lively and mesmerizing action at the Floating Flower Market. Suppliers start selling flowers between 2 –3 am, so if you want to see the market in full bloom, be there well before daybreak.
Explore Chinatown - 2 km/15 minutes by car Chinatown is one of the oldest districts in Bangkok, first settled by Chinese merchants in the early 1780’s. Be sure to visiting Wat Traimit and its 3-metre-high solid gold Buddha, then wander through the narrow, shaded streets that are unlike any others in the city.
Things to See
Temple of Dawn – 2 km/10 minutes by long tail boat Perhaps Bangkok’s most photographed site, Wat Arun is easily recognized by its 70-metre high spire, which has been decorated with pieces of broken glass and Chinese porcelain. Be sure to get a photograph, especially at night, when it is at its most spectacular.
Temple of the Great Relic – 5 km/20 minutes by car Although beautiful Wat Mahathat no longer houses the Great Relic for which it is named, it is the headquarters for Thailand’s largest monastic order and home to one of the most important centres for Buddhist learning.
Jim Thompson’s House – 3 km/ 20 minutes by car The American entrepreneur famed for reviving the Thai silk industry left behind a beautiful traditional Thai home when he disappeared in Malaysia in 1967. Made from six tsmaller teak houses, the house is now a museum on one of few canals left in Bangkok.
Ayuthaya - 60 km/ 1 hour by car This ancient city was the capital of Thailand from 1350 to 1767, a period now considered the country’s golden age. A port town, once renowned for its international trade and culture, it is home to two museums and some beautiful temples.
Hua Hin – 200 km/ 3 hours by car Considered The Hamptons of Thailand, Hua Hin has beautiful, clean beaches and golden sand. In fact, it’s so nice that the country’s Royal Family call it home. Sports enthusiasts take note: Hua Hin also boasts the country’s first golf course.
Where to Shop
Siam Paragon – 10 minutes by Skytrain No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at this massive retail complex that sells everything from luxury sports cars to exotic perfumes and from books in six languages to gourmet foods. Five floors of shops –some of them as large as a soccer pitch, plus cinemas, make Siam Paragon an event.
Siam Centre and Square – 10 minutes by Skytrain This is widely considered the trendiest area in town. Located next to the university, Siam Centre includes a mall specializing in locally produced fashions. Teens and come for the cool fashions at Siam Centre. Their parents come to try to keep up with everything and to reminisce.
Gaysorn Shopping Complex –10 minutes by Skytrian Luxury lovers, take note. Graysorn is Bangkok’s answer to The Landmark in Hong Kong and Starhill in Malaysia. Chockablock with the world’s most coveted luxury brands, Gaysorn provides a more intimate shopping experience, which is why you might just spot a celebrity or two here.
Central Chidlom – 12 minuets by Skytrain Central Department Store has many branches, but Central Chidlom is by far the most popular. The store has a wide range of reasonably priced products, including fashions, accessories, and jewelry and also boasts a fine selection of Thai souvenirs and handicrafts.
Emporium Shopping Complex – 15 minutes by Skytrain More than a mall, this complex boasts both a major shopping centre, complete with designer boutiques, as well as one of Thailand’s most revered department stores. The trendy restaurants are very popular, too. Be sure to queue early for a table.
The Oriental Boutique – At the Hotel
Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift? The brand new Oriental Boutique carries a full range of the hotel’s amenities alongside a host of exclusive items, including our much-coveted bathrobes, the entire amentities collection, Oriental polo shirts and even cutlery from The China House restaurant.
Where to Dine
Le Normandie – At the Hotel Bring your dinner jacket and tie, it’s time for a treat. Considered the finest French restaurant in Asia, Le Normandie is the place to come for exquisitely prepared cuisine, excellent service and to hobnob with Thai high society. Three-star Michelin chef Guy Martin oversees the proceedings here, where the seafood and meat dishes are considered incomparable and the wine cellar is exceptional.
Sala Rim Namm –At the hotel Just across the River from the hotel’s main building, Sala Rim Namm is a spectacular Thai restaurant with an unmatched setting. Dine al fresco and a al carte on the Terrace or enjoy the exotic décor and tantalizing buffet inside the traditional pavilion. Don’t forget your camera --Sala Rim Namm’s nightly cultural performances are not to be missed.
Harmonique – 5 minutes walk A charming family run eatery located just 5 minutes walking distance from The Oriental, Harmonique is one of Bangkok's best kept secrets. Enjoy a variety of Thai dishes either outdoors in a quaint garden courtyard or take your pick of indoor seating amongst charming antiques and thai furniture.
Baan Kannitha – 20 minutes by car A gem of a restaurant on one of the city’s busiest streets, Bann Kannitha is home to authentic Thai cuisine cooked to perfection. Be sure to book ahead, this eatery is always packed with locals and visitors alike. Try to get a table in the garden.
Bed Supperclub – 20 minutes by car Perhaps the most famous restaurant/club in Asia, Bed Supperclub is the place to see and be seen. Four-course meals are served “in bed” from 8:30 pm. Reserve your place two weeks in advance and look your absolute, trendiest best when you arrive.
Seafood Market – 30-45 minutes by car At Seafood Market, patrons take a cart, choose from among 40 different sea creatures (most of them live), pay for it, then opt for a preparation method. (The waiters will recommend the best). The food is fantastic and the experience is not to be missed.
Zanottis – 15 minutes by car Revered as the best Italian restaurant in Bangkok, Zanotti is famed for its Tuscan and Piedmont fare. Chef Gianmaria Zanotti’s eatery features 20 kinds of homemade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks, a staff dressed in starched white uniforms, and traditional Italian music.
Le Café Siam – 20 minutes by car If you’re in the mood for love, you couldn’t set a nicer scene than Café Siam, located in a grand 2-storey colonial house. Dine al fresco on the covered terrace or upstairs in one of the cosy private rooms, each of which features overstuffed chairs and sofas. The menu is a mix of Thai and Western fare.
Salon De L'Oriental - 30 minutes by car Salon de L"Oriental all-day dining venue is ideally located on the ground floor of Emporium Shopping Complex, offers a lavish selection of Thai and Western delights for which the Oriental is acclaimed. Perfect for people-watching and relaxing after a long day of shopping, guests can sit and relax whilst snacking on delicious international dishes and relishing our tantalizing dessert and smoothies.
