Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square’s ideal location in the centre of Bangkok and within close proximity of the Skytrain, both inbound and outbound expressways, as well as major arteries, affords easy access to many of the city’s major places of interest. Particularly enticing and close to the Hotel are bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, Suam Lum Night Bazaar, the fascinating Grand Palace with adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the eccentric Temple of Dawn. For a truly romantic experience, enjoy a beguiling dinner cruise along the Chaophraya, the River of Kings.
Bangkok Map
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak (or Jatujak) Weekend Market, which moved to its present location in 1982, is the largest market in the world and offers a prodigious array of goods such as household items, clothing, Thai handicraft, collectibles, religious artifacts, foods, and live animals. With over 15,000 stalls and between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors every Saturday and Sunday, shopping at Chatuchak Market is a truly unforgettable experience during which your bargaining skills can be put to the test. Do not forget to take along a small towel as the heat can be rather challenging when exploring this giant maze. The market features several banks with ATM and currency exchange, as well as popular cafes and restaurants. Nearby attractions include the very pleasant Chatuchak Park and JJ Mall, a shopping centre with different kinds of stores. Getting there from Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square is extremely easy as the Skytrain’s Sukhumvit Line runs directly from Siam Square to the market’s Mo Chit Station. Chatuchak Market is also adjacent to MRT (subway) Kamphaengphet Station.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
First opened in 2001, Suan Lum Night Bazaar consists of numerous stores, bars, and restaurants featuring Thai, Italian, German, and Mexican food. Shopping at this outdoor market is a fun experience and goods available include creative gifts, trendy home items, clothing, jewelry, handicraft products, fine arts, compact discs, and much more. The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, a traditional Thai puppet troupe, performs scenes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic. Another place worth visiting is the large outdoor beer garden where Thai, Japanese, and German ales and foods can be indulged in while listening to live performances from local bands. Suan Lum Bazaar opens daily from 6 p.m. until midnight and is easily accessible by MRT Subway, Lumphini Station.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
A visit to Bangkok is not complete without seeing Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This fascinating historical landmark dates back to 1782 and consists of more than a hundred brightly decorated buildings with golden spires and dazzling mosaics. The main temple houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most venerated image. This very holy talisman is generally believed to have been made in the fifteenth century and has been the cause of several wars before its permanent residence in Bangkok over two hundred years ago. Visitors should also visit nearby Wat Pho with its giant reclining Buddha and wonderful traditional Thai massages.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace adjoins the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand from 1782 until the middle of the 20th century when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej decided to reside at Chitralada Palace instead. The building’s architecture is an interesting combination of Western and Thai styles and is still used today for several purposes such as royal rituals, coronations, royal funerals, marriages, and state banquets.
The Temple of Dawn
Located on the bank of the Chaophraya River, Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn – is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. Its outstanding feature is a massive prang (Khmer-style tower) that is about a hundred-metre high. It is decorated with thousands of bits of porcelain that were used as ballast on ships trading between Siam and China. It is possible to go up the tower for a nice view of the river and nearby buildings, but the climb is extremely steep and may discourage some visitors. The surrounding grounds are pleasant with attractive murals and fierce mythical guardians. The Temple of Dawn is open daily from 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. and entrance is 20 Baht. A donation is also sometimes requested.
Chaophraya Dinner Cruises
Chaopraya River, nicknamed the River of Kings, is a major transportation artery that runs through Bangkok into the Gulf of Siam. It offers unique and wonderful views of glistening temples, modern skyscrapers, and traditional Thai houses. Going on a dinner cruise along this famous river is a marvellous experience during which guests can delight in delicious Thai food with the opportunity to enjoy classical performances from Thai musicians and dancers. Types of boats vary from converted barges to luxury cruisers and are the perfect setting for a romantic candle-lit atmosphere with a cool tropical breeze.
