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<strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> in 1, 2 or 3 days<br />
<strong>SAS</strong> Scandinavian Airlines’ stopover guide to <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
www.flysas.com.au<br />
Turn your<br />
stopover<br />
into a new<br />
experience<br />
FIN033_<strong>SAS</strong>_<strong>Bangkok</strong>_1.indd 1 22/3/07 12:44:18 PM
<strong>Bangkok</strong> is a capital full of culture and traditions, with some of the<br />
world’s most beautiful palaces dotted around the city centre<br />
Why stopover in <strong>Bangkok</strong>?<br />
• Visit the world’s grandest palace<br />
• Experience a tuk-tuk adventure<br />
• Explore the fascinating canals of <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
• Enjoy the famous Thai hospitality<br />
• Have a mini holiday on the way to your final destination<br />
As one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, <strong>Bangkok</strong> is an exciting mix of exotic waterways, bustling markets, quiet temples, high-rise<br />
buildings, trendy clubs and the very best of Asian cuisine. We even like Thai food so much we have thrown in an authentic Thai cooking<br />
experience for you. This is a city for all your senses and we are sure you will agree!<br />
Quick facts<br />
Currency The Thai unit of currency is Baht (THB). 1AUD = THB26 (March 2007)<br />
Visa No entry visa is needed for Australians for visits under 30 days<br />
Australian Embassy www.thailand.embassy.gov.au<br />
Mobile phones Australian mobile phones work in Thailand<br />
ATMs and credit cards Australian credit cards are accepted by ATMs and in most shops throughout <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
Tipping Tipping is not customary in Thailand. Tipping for outstanding service is optional, but not expected.<br />
Climate<br />
Dress Code<br />
To/from <strong>Bangkok</strong> International Suvarnabhumi Airport<br />
The Airport Express provides a bus service between the airport and most top-end hotels in <strong>Bangkok</strong>. It runs between 5am and midnight.<br />
Otherwise <strong>SAS</strong> recommends taking a taxi to your hotel, which takes approximately 40 minutes and will cost around 700 Baht.<br />
Getting around <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
The Thais divide the year into three seasons: cool, hot and rainy. The temperature rarely drops below 25°C. The<br />
rainy season is during Australian winter and is one of the better times to visit.<br />
Please note that when visiting most palaces and religious sights in Thailand, a strict dress code applies.<br />
Men must wear long pants; women must wear long pants or a skirt below the knees. Shoulders must be<br />
covered (can wear short sleeves). No thongs allowed. Sandals are permitted, as long as the heel is covered<br />
with a strap.<br />
The <strong>Bangkok</strong> Skytrain is quite limited and does not cover the old city part where most of the tourist attractions are.<br />
For certain parts the best way to get around <strong>Bangkok</strong> is by tuk-tuk, or alternatively by taxi. With taxis, make sure they use their meter.<br />
Phrases to practice:<br />
Where is…? = You ti nai? I don’t understand = Mai khao jai<br />
Thank you = kop kun ka (for women) / kop kun krup (for men) Hello = Sawasdee ka (for women) / Sawasdee kap (for men)<br />
How are you? = sa ba dee ka (for women) / sa ba dee krub (for men)<br />
Accommodation<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> is home to accommodation for all standards and budgets. For more information, please contact<br />
Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.<br />
More information<br />
For more information on <strong>Bangkok</strong>, visit Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website: www.thailand.net.au<br />
or call 02 9247 7549.<br />
Images provided courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand and Travel Indochina. www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707<br />
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<strong>SAS</strong>’ DIY guide to <strong>Bangkok</strong> in<br />
1 day<br />
Take the opportunity to have a stopover in <strong>Bangkok</strong> and visit some of the city’s 300 temples and take<br />
a ride on the canals. Maybe even have a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho. With <strong>SAS</strong>’ DIY guide, we<br />
make sure you get the best of <strong>Bangkok</strong>.<br />
If you would prefer to go on a guided tour, <strong>SAS</strong> recommends a few guided tours with Travel Indochina,<br />
including a full day guided <strong>Bangkok</strong> tour, as can be seen throughout this guide. To find out more about<br />
these tours, please visit Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.<br />
Wat Pho (map reference B5)<br />
Grand Palace (map reference B4, B5)<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong>’s most impressive sight was the official residence for the king<br />
of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. A complex of<br />
buildings dating back to 1782, the palace is a fantasy of gold and glitter<br />
and home to the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most sacred image.<br />
Getting here: The Palace can easily be reached by tuk-tuk, taxi or the<br />
Chaophraya Express Boat to the Chang Pier (Tha Chang).<br />
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest wat (temple) in <strong>Bangkok</strong> and also the<br />
oldest, as it was built 200 years before <strong>Bangkok</strong> became the Thai capital in 1782. Wat<br />
Pho is most famous for its huge and majestic 46 metre long Buddha covered in gold leaves.<br />
Getting here: Wat Pho is located directly south of the Grand Palace.<br />
Night markets (map references I8 and K8)<br />
Wat Arun (map reference A5)<br />
Despite being the Temple of Dawn, it is at its best at sunset and particularly<br />
stunning when lit up. The imposing spire of the temple is over 80 metres high<br />
and decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. Closes<br />
at 5.30pm, but don’t miss the sunset (6-7pm year-round) from the east side of<br />
the river.<br />
Getting here: Wat Arun is located on the other side of the river from Wat Pho.<br />
Take a cruise river ferry from the Thien pier between Wat Pho and the Grand<br />
Palace (B5).<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong>’s night markets are in a league of their own, selling any imitation brand possible, fried bugs and insects,<br />
pirate CDs and DVDs, fake watches, handicrafts, silk products and much, much more. Patpong is the most famous<br />
and very touristy, whilst the Lumphini Night Bazaar is a good alternative.<br />
Getting here: Both markets are best reached by taxi or tuk-tuk. The Patpong market is on Thanon Suriwong,<br />
whilst the Bazaar is next to the Lumphini Park.<br />
<strong>SAS</strong>’ suggested<br />
guided city tour<br />
Half Day Thonburi Klong tour (4 hours)<br />
Experience an early morning trip along the bustling Chao Phraya River and<br />
the quiet klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoying scenes of life by the water.<br />
See a more traditional way of living, as we gently pass Thonburi residential<br />
areas. A stop will be made at the Wat Arun and then cruise pass the impressive<br />
Royal Barges.<br />
This guided tour can be pre-booked through Travel Indochina. Price from $37.<br />
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707<br />
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<strong>SAS</strong>’ DIY guide to <strong>Bangkok</strong> in<br />
2 days<br />
Captivated by <strong>Bangkok</strong>’s charm and want to stay longer to learn more about the Thai culture and way of<br />
life? Stay one more day and experience more of <strong>Bangkok</strong> by complementing the suggestions from the<br />
last page with these must-see attractions! Accommodation can be booked through Travel Indochina.<br />
Lumphini Park (map reference I7, J7, I8, J8)<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong>’s own Central Park is the city’s oldest and largest park. Providing an inner city<br />
haven of tranquility, the park is ideal for a morning walk through the gardens or just for<br />
people watching. The park opens at 6am.<br />
Getting here: The closest skytrain station is Sala Daeng, with the park located at the<br />
end of Thanon Silom. Alternatively reached by taxi or tuk-tuk.<br />
Jim Thompson’s House (map reference H5)<br />
The former home of the founder of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company is today a legacy for authentic Thai<br />
residential architecture and Southeast Asian art. On display is an Asian art collection and Thompson’s personal<br />
belongings.<br />
Getting there: Return to Sala Daeng station and take the skytrain to the National Stadium. Follow the road Soi<br />
Kasem San 2 up to number 6.<br />
Wat Mahathat (map reference B4)<br />
Vimanmek Palace (map reference F1)<br />
This royal mansion is the world’s largest building made entirely of golden teak.<br />
It was made into a museum paying homage to the late King Rama V and<br />
features antique furniture, glassware, porcelain, old photographs and<br />
memorabilia from the late King’s reign (1868-1910). There is also traditional<br />
Thai dancing daily at 10.30am and 2pm.<br />
Getting here: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Ratchawithi Road.<br />
This is the headquarters of Thailand’s largest monastic order and Southeast Asia’s most<br />
important centre of Buddhist learning. There are some meditation sessions in English<br />
and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana meditation method.<br />
Classes are held daily from 7-10am, 1-4pm and 6-8pm.<br />
Getting here: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Wat Mahathat, which is located on Mahathat Road.<br />
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707<br />
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<strong>SAS</strong>’ DIY guide to <strong>Bangkok</strong> in<br />
3 days<br />
If you want a more complete picture of <strong>Bangkok</strong> you should opt for a longer stopover. Here <strong>SAS</strong><br />
provides some further suggestions on what to see and do. Accommodation can be booked through<br />
Travel Indochina.<br />
<strong>SAS</strong>’ suggested<br />
guided city tour<br />
National Museum (map reference B3)<br />
Baipai Thai Cooking School (not on map)<br />
Why not learn to cook Thai from the experts at this popular cooking school.<br />
The four hour classes are in English and features four food items, generous<br />
samplings and your own cooked lunch at the end of the class. Book on<br />
www.baipai.com. Closed Mondays.<br />
Getting here: The affordable price includes transfers to and from hotels in<br />
central <strong>Bangkok</strong>.<br />
The largest museum in Southeast Asia is housed in the former King Rama I’s palace.<br />
A museum since 1887, originally established by King Rama V around the private<br />
collection of his father’s antiques, it is today the ideal place to learn about Thai art,<br />
with all periods and styles represented. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.<br />
Getting here: Instead of being dropped off at your hotel after your Thai cooking class,<br />
ask to be dropped off at the National Museum.<br />
Queen’s Gallery (not on map)<br />
Only a few years old, this gallery opened in response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s initiative to create a permanent<br />
public space to exhibit and promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. It’s a must see<br />
if you are keen to find out more about Thailand’s blossoming art scene. Closes at 7pm, closed Wednesdays.<br />
Getting here: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the gallery, which is located on 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, just on the<br />
other side of the Chao Phraya River.<br />
If you would prefer to see <strong>Bangkok</strong> on organised tour:<br />
Half Day Temples Tour (4 hours)<br />
This half day brings you the three most distinguished temples in <strong>Bangkok</strong>:<br />
Wat Trimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha - the statue of Buddha is made<br />
from solid gold weighting 5.5 tons; Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining<br />
Buddha - the largest and oldest in <strong>Bangkok</strong>; and Wat Benchamabopit -<br />
the marble temple.<br />
This guided tour can be pre-booked through Travel Indochina. Price from $23.<br />
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707<br />
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Day trips from<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
Staying longer in <strong>Bangkok</strong>? Do not miss these exciting day and overnight tours. Guided tours for the<br />
following destinations can be booked through Travel Indochina. For more information about these<br />
guided tours, please visit Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.<br />
<strong>SAS</strong> Crew<br />
Guide Tips<br />
River Kwai Jungle Rafts and Hellfire Pass<br />
Bed Supperclub<br />
26 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (map reference M6)<br />
With its extraordinary tube-shaped design and blueneon-lit<br />
space-age interior, the Bed Supperclub is<br />
super-cool, futuristic and groovy. But remember to<br />
book your dining bed well in advance as this place is<br />
always mega-popular. And don’t forget your camera,<br />
after all, it’s not every day that you have your dinner<br />
lying down.<br />
– Ratchada Leelakhajoniat, <strong>SAS</strong> <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
Tiger Temple<br />
Kanchanaburi (not on map) www.tigertemple.com<br />
Mekhala River Barge Cruise<br />
Have a close encounter with a real tiger. A Buddhist<br />
monk takes care of some 15 tigers in this peaceful<br />
environment. Be sure to remember to take<br />
your camera along as you will have many great<br />
opportunities for some fantastic pictures.<br />
– Ola Rygård, flight pilot<br />
Explore the famous Chao Phraya River onboard the Mekhala, a luxurious<br />
converted rice barge. Leave <strong>Bangkok</strong> on the river and travel east to UNESCOlisted<br />
World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, the royal capital from the 14th and 18th<br />
centuries, and to the nearby summer palace of Bang Pa-In.<br />
Travel Indochina’s 2 day guided tour from <strong>Bangkok</strong>: Mekhala River Barge Cruise<br />
(Price from $405, including 1 night accommodation, meals and entrance fees)<br />
A relaxing and fascinating adventure that culminates in a stay at the unique Jungle Rafts,<br />
located right on the River Kwai and surrounded by the towering jungle. Escape frenetic<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> and head west towards the Burmese border, visiting the Thai-Burma Railway<br />
Museum and the cemetery for Allied POWs en route. Walk along the famous Bridge on the<br />
River Kwai before taking a long-tail boat ride through unspoiled mountain scenery. Also visit<br />
a nearby ethnic Mon tribal village, historic Hellfire Pass and the notorious Death Railway.<br />
Travel Indochina’s 2 day guided tour from <strong>Bangkok</strong>: River Kwai Jungle Rafts and Hellfire<br />
Pass (Price from $179, including accommodation)<br />
For more <strong>SAS</strong> crew guide tips, for <strong>Bangkok</strong> and other<br />
destinations worldwide, please visit www.sasguides.com<br />
Damnoen Saduak floating markets and Rose Garden<br />
This full day tour takes you to the world-famous floating market of Damnoen<br />
Saduak, situated 100 kilometres west of <strong>Bangkok</strong>. The tour includes a visit to<br />
Nakorn Pathom, site of the highest Chedi in Thailand. Includes lunch at the Rose<br />
Garden Country Resort.<br />
Travel Indochina’s 1 day guided tour from <strong>Bangkok</strong>: Full Day Damnoen Saduak<br />
floating markets and Rose Garden (Price from $73)<br />
Vertigo Bar & Grill<br />
21/100 South Sathan Road (map reference J8)<br />
Enjoy your cocktails on the 62nd floor at Vertigo Bar<br />
& Grill in the Banyan Tree hotel. The tallest open-air<br />
restaurant in Asia-Pacific. Highly recommended.<br />
– Tina Michaelsen, air hostess<br />
Face<br />
29 Sukhumvit Soi 38 (not on map)<br />
Part of the wonderful Face group of restaurant, Face<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> is a bar, Thai restaurant, Indian restaurant,<br />
spa and a pâtisserie all in one building. Keeping the<br />
high standard, Face <strong>Bangkok</strong> has lots of dark wood,<br />
greenery and candles, all of which creates lots of<br />
intimacy. The result: high-quality food and fantastic<br />
cocktails in the coolest imaginable atmosphere.<br />
– Kjell Jikiun, first officer, A340<br />
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707<br />
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Getting around:<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
Bed Supperclub M6<br />
Grand Palace B4, B5<br />
Jim Thompson’s House H5<br />
Lumphini Park I7, J7, I8, J8<br />
National Museum B3<br />
Night markets I8 and K8<br />
Vertigo Bar & Grill J8<br />
Vimanmek Palace F1<br />
Wat Arun A5<br />
Wat Mahathat B4<br />
Wat Pho B5<br />
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