Go Green in Bangkok
Description:
The Skytrain makes it easy to get around the city in no time, and it's cheap and you'll avoid the many traffic jams that clog up Bangkok's highways. There are also lots of huge green spaces within the main city center, and the slow pace of the city makes this a great place to visit for a relaxing vacation.
Author: JennyMM
Day 1 - Bangkok
The Amari Atrium is one of the city's greenest hotels, recognized with an ASEAN Green Hotel Recognition Award and eco-friendly initiatives from energy usage to water to waste, and even seasonal and local sourcing of food. There's also a free bus to downtown and some noted landmarks. Ask for a room on one of the uppermost floors for a great view. Hop on the sightseeing tram to start out your vacation and to get your first glimpses of the wonders that are Bangkok's landmarks. Make note of what you most want to visit later, too! You can try cuisines from around southeast Asia during dinner at Akbar, but the Indian fare is particularly good.
1
Location:
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1880 New Petchburi Road
10320 Bangkok, TH
Phone:
66 02 718 2000 1
2
Location:
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17/1 Phra Arthit Road
17/1 Phra Arthit Road, Phra Nakorn
10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 225 7612
3
Location:
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Sukhumvit Road
1/4 Soi 3 Nana Nua
10110 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 255 6935 / +66 2 253 3479
Day 2 - Bangkok
Spend your whole day exploring the many landmarks around Bangkok's fascinating neighborhoods. The city is a blend of cosmopolitan chic and urban poor, shiny and modern meeting ancient and dusty. A couple of must-sees are the Grand Palace, where you can see the glittering gold of the temple and the emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, which houses the famous massive reclining Buddha. Make sure to read up on appropriate attire and behavior ahead of time when visiting these sites, as they are centuries old but are still utilized and revered as religious shrines. The Bang Pa-In is another beautiful palace, very eclectic with its interesting blend of different styles and influences. A stop that will vastly help you understand some of the historical background behind Thai art, culture, and traditions is the National Museum, which has a huge amount of information about the history of southeast Asian cultures and how Bangkok came to be the way it is. Pop into the Chatuchak market to grab a bite to eat when you get hungry -- that is, if you dare. If you feel like visiting a place that's a bit more quiet and serene, the Phra Sumen Fort is interesting to go inside and learn about, but also great for relaxing outside in the park with the locals that have the same idea. There are a few other parks around town that are good for a stroll or a nap, such as Lumphini Park, perfect for bird- and people-watching, and Chatuchak, adjacent to the market, where you can sit back in the grass or go for a bike ride. A fun place to grab a beer in the evening is Khao San Road, where you can find all sorts of typical and unusual things for sale. For dinner, travel up to the top of the State Tower for dinner at Sirocco, where you can find incredible gourmet food and spectacular views.
2
Location:
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Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang
East of the river, on Na Phra Lan Rd., near Sanam Luang
10500 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 694 1222 (Tourism Authority of Thailand)
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Location:
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2 Sanamchai Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 222 5910 / +66 2 226 2942 / +66 2 226 1743 / +66 2 225 9595
4
Location:
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Highway 32
20 kilometers south of Ayutthaya
13160 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 224 9477
5
Location:
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Na Phrathat Road
Phra Nakhon
10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 224 1404 / +66 2 224 1333
6
Location:
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Phaholyothin Road
Beside Chatuchak Public Park
10900 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 02 652 8836/ +66 02 625 8945
7
Location:
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North-east end of Phra Athit Road
10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 226 0060 (Tourist Information Center)
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Location:
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Entrances on Rama IV Road, Sarasin Road, Wireless Road and Ratchadamri Road
10330 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 694 1222 (Tourism Authority of Thailand)
9
Location:
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Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
10
Location:
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Khao San Road
In Banglampoo, just north of the Grand Palace area and Ratchadamnoen Road
10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 225 7612(Tourist Information)
11
Location:
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63rd floor, 1055/ 111 Silom Road
State Tower Bangkok
10500 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 (0)2 624 9576 / +66 (0)2 624 9555
Day 3 - Bangkok
Take a day trip outside the city today to see some of the landmarks beyond its limits. You have a couple of options - Ayutthaya is the site of a former Siamese kingdom, which was destroyed several centuries ago but the ruins and dozens of spectacular wats still remain. Also north of town is Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center, where there is a beautiful pavilion and bird sanctuary, and many crafts and artworks by local artisans, many of whom are the rural poor or rehabilitated former prostitutes or prisoners. You can find unique and less expensive souvenirs here, and also support a project that is helping the community thrive. Northeast of Bangkok is an expansive nature area that is perfect for a day of exploring, the Khao Yai National Park. With miles and miles of trails to hike and many different species of flora and fauna (including tigers!), this is a great place to spend a day. All of these sites are quite easily accessed by taxi, bus, and especially train from Bangkok. You should treat yourself to one of the best Thai restaurants in the city on your last night here. Basil definitely fits the bill, and you'd be hard-pressed to find better seafood curries.
3
Location:
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Bangkok-Ayutthaya Highway
Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 225 7612(Tourist Information)
4
Location:
Bangkok, Thailand
5
Location:
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250 Sukhumvit Road
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Level 1
10110 Bangkok, Thailand
Phone:
+66 2 649 8888 / +66 2 649 8366