Bangkok Walking Streets

Here in Bangkok, do not worry if you missed any shopping trip on the other days because nearly everything you ever wish to buy are gathered here at Chatuchack Weekend Market. Situated on Phahom Yothin Road in the south side of Chatuchack Park, this market offers an enormous variety of goods, from second-hand books, handicrafts and products from all regions of Thailand, silk and antiques to fresh products, accessories, ceramics, plants, and even pets in this market of around 14 hectares, there are approximately 15,000 stalls. So, if you find something you like BUY IT as you may not find that stall again!

When visiting the market, dress lightly as it can be very hot. Although the weekend market is located to the north of Bangkok, it can be conveniently reached by the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway. It is officially open on Saturdays and Sundays from 08.00-18.00 hrs.

All in all, Bangkok is not only rich in cultural attractions and culinary pleasures, it has also become Southeast Asia's entertainment hub and shopping paradise, earning a reputation for offering anything you want at the price you satisfy. It is like nowhere else in the world. So, enjoy!

Are you fond of gold? If yes, Yaowarat or China town in Samphanthawong District is simply the place for you. It is regarded as Thailand's biggest gold trading area with as many as 132 gold shops along both sides of the road. The venue is vibrant with endless rows of shops and stalls selling not only gold but also spices, car parts, cloth, and plastic toys among its vast spectrum of goods. On the whole they are low-priced and often sold wholesale. And this being Chinatown, food is in abundance. At night local tourists clock the streets to eat at roadside stalls of air-conditioned Chinese restaurants for grilled seafood of delicious Chinese dishes.

Behind Chinatown is Phahurat and Sampeng in Phra Nakorn District, where the idea of "cheaper by the dozens" works best when shopping. This labyrinth of shops, offering endless kinds of goods and food, is close to Ban Mo, which teems with quality jewelry shops. Further down to Chakkraphet Road is Phahurat or "Little India," mainly offering textiles, ready-made clothes, Indian accessories and of course, good Indian food.

Continue walking to Vanit 1 Road, you will reach Sampeng or once known as "Talad Bok" (meaning land market), the most prosperous marketplace in the time of King Rama I. Nowadays, it still remains the biggest wholesale market in Thailand that welcomes all shoppers as well as merchants since 4 in the morning.

Another must-visit attraction in Phra Nakorn District is Bang Lam Phu. Not only the young tourists' or backpackers' favourite Khao San Road, this quarter also houses some ancient Buddhist temples: Bowonniwetwihan Ratchaworawhihan and Chnasongkram Ratchaworamahawihan Temples. Back to Khao San Road, this small street probably has everything you want a reasonable price. Here you can find inexpensive accommodation and street stalls selling everything from jewelry to Thai handicrafts. There are pubs, wine bars, night clubs, and good quality restaurants. You can reach the street by Airport Bus A2, which arrives and departs from the corner of Khao San Road.

Not far from the area is Phra Arthit Road where you can admire the well-preserved architectures once served as residences of important persons which are now turned into workplaces for various organizations. For example, the building no. 19 or Tham Niap Tha Chang (Tha Chang Government House) the royal resicence of Prince Sawatdisophon, King Rama IV's 60th son, was later changed into the house of Mr. Pridi Banomyong the regent of King Rama VIII, after the regime change.

Located nearby are two western-style buildings under preservation, called Ban Chao Phraya, the two-storey architecture once belonged to Prince Satit Thamrongsawat, a son of King Rama III, and Ban Phra Arthit whose previous owner was Prince Kasatsrisakidet.

This history-filled road in Phra Nakorn District runs from Sanam Luang to the Equestrian Statue of Kind Rama V at the Royal Plaza. Also Known as Royal Avenue, it links the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace, the royal residence. During times of celebration, it is a site for royal pomp and ceremony; one of the most memorable events taken place here was the 9 June 2006 when the road was completely filled with Thai people wearing yellow shirt to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60 years on the throne. At the same time, because the much photographed Democracy Monument is located on the avenue, it embodies democratic freedom; consequently it periodically witnesses scenes of student unrest and civil upheaval.

Many government buildings are located on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which was the main road of the Rattanakosin era. It was "Central Bangkok" of yesteryear and many foreign tourists frequently visit the area. During those days, buildings on Ratchadamnoen Avenue were required to be massive and in European style. The street lights on the avenue, even today, have French characteristics. The Democracy Monument, the October 14 Monument, Maha Chesdabodin Pavillion and Plaza, the Ratchanatdaram Temple and Loha Prasat, the Temple of the Golden Mount, Mahakan Fort, and the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V, including UN and ESCAP buildings, are located on this avenue.