DK Travel : Bangkok : Itineraries

A Day and a Night in Pattaya

Morning

Start the day relaxing on Jomtien Beach (see Jomtien Beach (Pattaya) ), a seemingly endless stretch of sand just south of Pattaya town center. Take a swim to cool down or if you are feeling energetic have a go at windsurfing, parasailing, or water-skiing. If you haven’t been snacking all morning on seafood or fruit sold by wandering vendors on the beach, head for Bruno’s near the north end of the beach for a sumptuous steak or lobster lunch.

Afternoon

After lunch, head up to Khao Phra Tamnak from where there are excellent views of Pattaya Beach. Next, head north of town to the Sanctuary of Truth, a fabulous palace that blends influences from Khmer, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture. Finish the afternoon’s sightseeing with a visit to Mini Siam, which features miniature models of some of the country’s most famous buildings.

Night

After a rest and shower in the hotel, head out for a taste of Pattaya’s nightlife. Begin in any of the beachfront bar-beers, where you can get a feel for the party mood of the town. For dinner, go to Kitchen in Soi 5 and indulge in a delicious curry or freshly grilled seafood. Next, check out a Thai transvestite cabaret at Tiffany’s. After the show, decide whether to head for bed or make a deeper exploration of Pattaya’s pulsating nightlife.
A Stroll Through the Old City

Morning

Begin your exploration of the Old City at Wat Saket, where you can climb the Golden Mount to enjoy a wonderful, panoramic view of the area. From here walk south along Boriphat Road until you reach Soi Ban Baat, where alms bowls are beaten out of strips of metal. Go back up Boriphat Road, then left into Bamrung Muang Road where shops sell Buddha images and temple paraphernalia.

When you reach the unmissable Sao Ching Cha, turn into Wat Suthat and appreciate the superb carvings and paintings on display. For lunch, keep heading west on Bamrung Muang Road till you reach Tanao Road, turn right and look for a small lane called Soi Phraeng Phuton, where the tiny eatery Chote Chitr serves up a range of tasty dishes.

Afternoon

After lunch, get back to Bamrung Muang Road, turn right and walk to the walls around Wat Phra Kaeo (see Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo ).Turn right again to reach the Lak Muang shrine and watch supplicants making offerings and praying. Wander west between Sanam Luang and Wat Phra Kaeo, to view paintings at the Silpakorn University Art Exhibition Hall . Buy yourself a lucky charm at the fascinating Amulet Market on Mahathat Road or along the small lanes off it. Carry on to the riverside pier and end the stroll with a cool drink at S&P Restaurant (see S&P Restaurant, Maharat Pier ).
A Walk Through the Old Farang Quarter

Morning

Begin this half-mile (1-km) walking tour at the River City Shopping Complex (see River City ), on the riverfront just north of the pier at Tha Si Phraya. This upscale shopping center offers jewelry, antiques, books, maps, clothes, and restaurants. On the third and fourth floor are shops selling rare antiques, and an antiques auction is held every fourth Saturday of the month. From here head back southwards, passing the Royal Orchid Sheraton to get a glimpse of the Portuguese Embassy. Operational from 1820, this was the first embassy to be established in Siam by any European power. Follow the lane out to Charoen Krung Road and turn right to reach the General Post Office, a massive Art Deco building. Walk south along Charoen Krung from the post office and turn right into Soi 34 to see old wooden houses; the winding lane leads to Haroon Mosque, a small, attractive stucco building used by the local Muslim population. Soi 36 brings you away from the river until you reach the French Embassy, the second embassy to be established in the city. Walk south, crossing Soi 38 and 40 to reach the Assumption Cathedral . From the cathedral, follow an alley to the west towards the river, where the former headquarters of the East Asiatic Company, built in 1901, still stands. End the walk by stepping into the Oriental Hotel next door, and having tea and cakes in the Authors’ Lounge.
Exploring Chatuchak and Thonburi

Morning

Start before 8am and make your way to Mo Chit Skytrain station for a good look round Chatuchak Weekend Market before it gets too hot and crowded. Pick up a map at the main entrance on the Phaholyothin Road and go straight ahead through the maze of stalls to the slender clocktower to orient yourself. Check out section 8 (handicrafts), wander through sections 9–15 (pets and accessories) before stocking up your wardrobe in sections 10–21 (clothing and footwear). As there are thousands of foodstalls, you can refuel whenever you get hungry or thirsty.

Afternoon

At midday, return to Mo Chit station and take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin. From here, take an express ferry upriver to Tha Thien, then hop on one of the regular cross-river ferries to Wat Arun . Take a good look at the bright ceramics on the prang (towers), and clamber up the steep steps of the central spire for a panoramic river view. Rest in a breezy riverside pavilion before taking the ferry back to Tha Thien, then an express ferry to Tha Phra Athit, followed by a tourist shuttle boat to the Royal Barge Museum . Marvel over the intricate decoration of the other-worldly vessels on display here before heading back to your base. If peckish on the ride home, stop off at Ton Bo, an open-sided restaurant right beside Phra Athit Pier.
Exploring Chinatown and Little India

Morning

Traffic can be a nightmare at any time in Chinatown, so take the public ferry to Tha Rachini, at around 9am. Take the first right on leaving the pier, cross the canal and go right again into Pak Khlong Market , which should be at its busiest and best at this time. Next, head north up Atsadang Road and then turn right into Phra Phitak Road. Within a couple of short blocks this becomes Phahurat Road, and you are transported to Little India (see Phahurat Market (Little India) ). Keep walking straight through until you reach Chak Phet Road. Have a delicious north Indian lunch at the Royal India .

Afternoon

With batteries recharged, plunge into Sampeng Lane with its kitsch gadgets and wind-up toys. Make sure that your wallet or purse is well hidden as this is a pickpocket’s paradise. When you reach Soi Isara Nuphap, turn left and wander past Chinese herbalists and pharmacists on your way to Yaowarat Road. Turn right here and notice the profusion of gold shops, all painted bright red with gold lettering, and most with an armed guard on duty. Where Yaowarat Road meets Charoen Krung Road, cross to the north side of the street and enter the temple of Wat Traimit (see Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit ). Sit down to rest and admire the superb craftsmanship of the Golden Buddha (see Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit ) and enjoy a tranquil end to the day.