Bangkok Luxury City Guide

Thai Cooking Lessons

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Discover the rich and diverse flavors of Thailand’s wonderful gastronomy by taking a local cooking lesson, where the renowned Blue Elephant cooking school offers the perfect setting to do this.

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Wat Pho Temple

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Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok and is known for its gigantic statue of a reclining golden Buddha which spans 46 meters long. The temple is also renowned for its traditional Thai massage school.

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Enjoy a Scenic River Cruise

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Climb aboard one of Bangkok’s many local Express Boat Service ferries and discover many of the city’s most iconic landmarks and temples positioned along Chao Phraya River, while sailing to the rhythm of this vibrant metropolis.

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The House of Jim Thompson

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The famous American industrialist and adventurer, Jim Thompson, has rebuilt six beautiful traditional houses in the heart of Bangkok which houses a fascinating collection of Asian art works.

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The Best Golf Courses in Bangkok

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Despite being a major metropolis, Bangkok also offers many green oases for golf enthusiasts. Choose from over sixty courses in the capital, where some of the best golf courses to visit include the Alpine Golf & Sports Club, the Thai Country Club and the more remote Lam Luk Ka Country Club.

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Thai Boxing Lessons

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Discover the legend of Thai boxing by taking part in an introductory course at the Legend Thai Boxing Club - this local form of martial arts is an integral part of Thailand’s culture.

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Join a Bicycle Tour in Bangkok

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A fun way to discover the best corners of Bangkok is to explore the city by bicycle, where ABC Amazing Bangkok Cyclist agency will take you on an unforgettable tour to some of the city’s best local addresses.

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Wat Phra Kaew

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Soak up the Thai Buddhist culture by visiting two of its major temples. Wat Phra Kaew is considered the most revered temple in the country, while Wat Arun will impress you with its magnificent architecture.

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Bangkok Arts & Culture Center

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Situated right in the middle of Siam Square, the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, with the immaculate curves of its architecture, is reminiscent of the Guggenheim in New York. Inside, across 6 light-filled floors, you can discover a wealth of paintings, drawings and videos, as well as an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Also worth a visit are the handful of private galleries based in the building, alongside healthy cafés, handiwork workshops and small boutiques dedicated to craft and local design. Together, they make this address a trendy hub in the heart of creative Bangkok.

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The Grand Palace

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Built in 1782 by Rama I, the Grand Palace was subsequently extended and reorganised by his successors. The site is home to Bangkok's Royal Palace as well as a collection of Buddhist temples, including Wat Pho, the world-renowned massage school. The highlight is the famous Wat Phra Kaew, housing the amazing Emerald Buddha, perched on an elevated altar 11 metres tall. Each building boasts glorious gilt, woodwork inlaid with mother-of-pearl, allegorical murals and sculptures covered with mosaics, bearing witness to the magnificence of the ancient Kingdom of Siam. Don’t leave without saying hello to the unflinching guards posted in front of the former royal residence.

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Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

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Within the walls of Wat Phra Kaew, it was Queen Sirikit who was behind this elegant museum, dedicated to showcasing the most beautiful pieces in her royal wardrobe. Silk, spun according to ancient Thai techniques, features heavily throughout the exhibitions. At the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, robes and traditional evening wear rubs shoulders with divine outfits created by the French designer Pierre Balmain, as well as swatches of ancient fabrics. During the course of the exhibition, the pieces on display offer a fantastic overview of the development of Thai style. Don’t leave without visiting the Museum of Textiles shop, where you can pick up some lovely craftwork.

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MOCA

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Since 2012, this immense concrete cube, built over 5 floors, has housed a local businessman’s impressive private collection of contemporary Thai art. Through the vast spaces of Bangkok's Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), you can explore over 400 works of art, paintings, sculptures and installations by the country’s leading artists. Playing with the codes of Buddhist art, the once controversial work of the painter Thawan Duchanee fills almost a whole floor, but you can also admire pieces by Prateep Kochabua, Hem Vejakorn and Chalermchai Kositpipat, who are just as famous among fans of contemporary Thai art.

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Museum of Siam

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Set within an expansive 19th-century building, the Museum of Siam offers you the chance to discover the history of Thailand and its culture, due to its modern, interactive and educational displays. Within the various themed rooms, you can explore 3,000 years of this country's history, conquests and trade. Find out about Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, or the importance of Buddhism in Thailand. Also take the opportunity to explore the countless traditional objects that will teach you about rural life in Thailand, such as the fascinating animated model which shows how rice is grown in Thailand.

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Sukhumvit & Rajdamri

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Sukhumvit Road, one of the best known avenues in Bangkok, and even the whole of Thailand, is renowned for its fantastic shopping opportunities. Running along the Skytrain line, the meticulously maintained street is home to luxury boutiques, chic cafés and huge malls. Here, you’ll find Dior, Montblanc and Prada at the Emporium, opposite the EmQuartier, or discover young designers at the more unusual Terminal 21. In the Rajdamri neighbourhood, home to the Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon, among others, Sukhumvit is where you’ll find the most concentrated collection of chic, international fashion in the capital.

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Jim Thompson Boutiques

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Hand-woven according to age-old techniques, Thai silk, with its gorgeous colours and subtle patterns, is highly sought-after and renowned for its quality. The American, Jim Thompson, fell in love with this precious material and helped develop production, most notably by winning over Vogue in the 1940s. Today, his eponymous label has more than ten stores in Bangkok. You’ll find a wide range of fabrics and elegant, modern clothing in these boutiques, and you can also visit his traditional home, which is now a museum. Surrounded by fantastic gardens and lakes, Jim Thompson House is an inspirational address, infused with a feeling of Zen.

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Central Embassy

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The Central Embassy mall simply oozes style and panache and delights lovers of designer labels. The exclusivity is immediately apparent as you wander in, with outlets such as Gucci, Givenchy and Chanel lining its serene, futuristic concourses. Alongside cutting-edge fashion from Vivienne Westwood and Michael Kors handbags, the presence of high-street favorites such as Zara and Fred Perry means that there are many options for discerning shoppers. If you fancy a break from shopping, the Eathai food court in the basement promises an alluring taste of local flavors.

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Siam Paragon

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Conveniently situated beside the central Siam Skytrain station, Siam Paragon’s popularity springs from its easily navigable layout and tremendous range of upmarket stores. Set beneath a soaring glass atrium, it’s one of Bangkok’s most luxurious malls, dominated by exclusive products beautifully arranged in tempting window displays. Jimmy Choo, Prada, Hermes, Rolex and Bang & Olufsen stores can all be found here. High-street fashion is represented by the likes of Uniqlo and Zara, with more affordable lines that still offer a classic look. A huge gourmet food hall in the basement tempts you with sophisticated takes on traditional Thai flavors, or venture to the upper floors instead just to admire the gleaming Lamborghinis lurking seductively behind tinted glass.

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Central World Plaza

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The immense Central World Plaza certainly lives up to its name! Not far from the stunning Lumphini Park, it is one of the biggest shopping centres in Thailand. Behind its glass façade, brought to life by huge advertising screens, the complex is home to more than 500 shops, a cinema and a huge array of bars and restaurants. Step into this ultra-modern world and stroll along its light, bright and airy galleries that have been cleverly designed over 7 themed floors. The Central World Plaza focuses on the big international and urban brands, including Calvin Klein, Massimo Dutti, The North Face and Fred Perry.

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Asiatique - The Riverfront

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On the waterfront overlooking the Chao Phraya River, Asiatique combines the traditional Thai night market with a contemporary lifestyle experience. It’s set within restored warehouses at a 100-year-old trading pier, with four districts dedicated to shopping, dining and entertainment. In the Factory District, fine fashion boutiques and electronics experts abound. The Charoenkrung District hosts a Thai puppet show and a cabaret and offers traditional souvenirs and crafts, while the Waterfront District features an atmospheric wooden promenade with waterside international restaurants and wine bars. Finally, enjoy drinks and events outdoors in the Down Square District. For a glorious view of the sunset and the glittering lights reflected in the water below, the 60-meter Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel is ideal for an inspiring end to the day. The best way to travel here is by boat - a free shuttle leaves regularly from Sathorn (Central) Pier beside the Saphan Taksin BTS Station, and runs until late in the evening.

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Jewelry Trade Center

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Bangkok is one of the world’s leading markets for the purchase and trade of precious stones, and Thailand’s craftsmen are revered for their gem-cutting expertise. Set in a soaring skyscraper in the central Silom District, the fascinating Jewelry Trade Center gathers hundreds of leading retailers and wholesalers together under one roof. Visit to explore a bewitching array of showrooms offering everything from simple silver bangles to rough gems, designer pieces and rare precious stones. Expert personal shoppers can guide you through the dazzling maze to discover the perfect diamond necklace, glittering cut gems or a designer wedding ring. Crucially, you can rest assured that the center sets the benchmark for security and authenticity. Sophisticated labs such as the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences will analyze, grade and authenticate your purchases for you.

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EmQuartier

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This stylish, eco-friendly complex incorporates a tropical garden with orchids and ferns, open-air communal spaces and a spectacular 40-meter manmade waterfall. More than a natural oasis, this mall delivers indulgence with chic boutiques including Valentino and Jimmy Choo alongside cult Asian fashion brands like Korea‘s Stylenanda and Beams from Japan. Take a break in the gourmet food hall or the AEON Theatre, a luxury cinema that offers bed-like seating and a pre-movie meal from Dean & Deluca. And don’t miss the panoramic views over Sukhumvit from the Sky Cliff on the 45th floor.

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The Best Markets in Bangkok

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An unmissable experience when you’re in Bangkok, the floating markets, with their stalls resting on sampans or pirogues, create a unique atmosphere. 80km from the capital, Damnoen Saduak is the biggest and most popular. There are also more traditional markets in Amphawa, at Khlong Lat Mayom near Bangkok and a few kilometres away, at Taling Chan, where you can also experience a Thai music concert at the weekends. Don’t miss Jatujak, a huge covered market north of Bangkok which feels like a city within a city, only open at weekends. It sells arts and crafts as well as creations by local designers.

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Welcome to Bangkok

Top things to do in Bangkok

Enjoy our selection of finest attractions

Thai Cooking Lessons

Wat Pho Temple

Enjoy a Scenic River Cruise

The House of Jim Thompson

The Best Golf Courses in Bangkok

Thai Boxing Lessons

Join a Bicycle Tour in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok Arts & Culture Center

The Grand Palace

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

MOCA

Museum of Siam

Sukhumvit & Rajdamri

Jim Thompson Boutiques

Central Embassy

Siam Paragon

Central World Plaza

Asiatique - The Riverfront

Jewelry Trade Center

EmQuartier

The Best Markets in Bangkok

Bo.Ian

Gaggan

Nahm

Eat Me

Maggie Choo’s

Sky Bar at Lebua

Issaya Siamese Club

Ceresia Coffee Roaster

Rocket Coffeebar

Park Society

L’Appart

Practical information

Bangkok • Thailand

SO/ Sofitel Bangkok

Bangkok • Thailand

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Bangkok • Thailand

VIE Hotel Bangkok - MGallery by Sofitel

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