This was published 4 years ago
Travel tips and advice for Bangkok, Thailand: The nine things you should do
By John Borthwick
Panoramic views from the 78th floor of the King Power Mahanakhon building.Credit: Brostock
THE ONE ATTRACTION
Lhong 1919 is an authentic, century-old throwback to the days of steamships and Thailand-China sea trade. On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River it draws you into a bygone realm of godowns, sea goddesses and tiny, decorative murals. There's a riverfront restaurant and the complex is easily reached by ferry. See lhong1919.com
THE ONE SKYWALK
The 78th floor Skywalk at King Power Mahanakhon Building is the highest public point in Bangkok. Viewed from 314 metres, the city seemingly sprawls forever. For a thrill, defy your survival instincts by stepping tentatively onto the glass deck that looks down to the streets far, far below. See kingpowermahanakhon.co.th
THE ONE POP-UP MARKET
Artbox Bangkok night market is a moveable feast, having started with pop-up fashions sold from shipping containers. Its latest incarnation, in Nana on Sukhumvit Road between sois (sidestreets) 8 and 10, is now about food trucks and hawker stalls with quick, quality, international fare (Mex, Thai, burgers, etc) plus music and drinks and it's family-friendly. See facebook.com/Artboxthailand
THE ONE GALLERY
For a booster shot of creativity, duck into the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC) beside National Stadium SkyTrain station. It hosts cutting-edge exhibitions and multi-media installations by both Thai and international artists. Admission is free and there's a cafe and bookshop. See bacc.or.th
THE ONE HOTEL
The newest kid on a busy block is the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, right beside Nana station and amid night markets, bars and tailors. With a huge club lounge, omniscient 29th floor roof bar, big outdoor pool and excellent feasting in the Market Cafe, the 273-room hotel has thrown down the five-star gauntlet. See hyatt.com
THE ONE EXCURSION
Baan Silapan, the Artist's House, is on the western side of the Chao Phraya River amid a canal-side community. This traditional, teak building on Khlong Bang Luang houses a museum and café, as well as presenting classical Thai marionette performances from the Ramayana. Arrive by longtail boat or via Wongwian Yai station and taxi. See bangkok.com
THE ONE BIKE RIDE
Leafy, car-free Koh Kret island sits just north of the city. Join a half-day cycle tour pedaling around its ethnic Mon villages renowned for their skilled pottery. The weekend market can be crowded, so think mid-week. Being Thailand, there are temples and, of course, delicious snacks. See spiceroads.com
THE ONE MALL
How many malls can one city fit? In Bangkok, always one more it seems. IconSiam is the latest flash for mall trawlers but for the real thing, plus variety and price, hit the eight-storey, 2000-shop MBK (Mah Boon Krong) complex. A legend with locals and tourists alike, it is right at National Stadium station. See bangkok.com
THE ONE MUSEUM
Confronting but fascinating, the Forensic Medical Museum, is one of seven collections within Siriraj Hospital open to the public. The forensic section, aka "Museum of Death" focuses, as the name suggests, on mortality, often achieved under grim circumstances. Think cadavers, disasters, even a mummy. Perhaps not for everyone. See si.mahidol.ac.th
ONE MORE THING
Bangkok, despite its sometimes hellish traffic, has an excellent, ever-expanding system of over 60 BTS SkyTrain and Metro stations that sails you over or under the street-level snarls. On the SkyTrain, for instance, a one-day Unlimited Pass for 120 baht (around $5.50) is ideal for visitors. See bangkok.com/information
John Borthwick travelled with support from Hyatt Regency and the Tourist Authority of Thailand.
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