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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 />
FIN033_<strong>SAS</strong>_<strong>Bangkok</strong>_1.indd 3 22/3/07 12:44:22 PM
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