The ride from “ Suvarnabhumi” International Airport to heart of Bangkok can be from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic.

 

 

And apart from sky scraping luxurious hotels, there are so many reliable backpacker safe hostels, boutique hotels which offer great bargains for shorter stays. It is also a great idea to stay closer to a Sky Train station (BTS) which offers elevated train services to 32 stations covering Bangkok.

 

Ease in to your day with a glass of refreshing young coconut juice “Ma Prawn on” (Kurumba for us Sri Lankans). Then hop on to the sky train towards BTS station National Stadium to find your way to Jim Thompson House. The house belonged to James H.W. Thompson who was an American entrepreneur who played a key role in the revival of Thai Silk Industry in the late 50’s. This is a great piece of architectural history remaining in the city, peacefully preserved with a tropical forest like garden. It is worth to take a short guided tour in this beautiful Thai dwelling and museum which will cost you 100 Thai Baht (350 Rs).  

 

The high-end shopping malls Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery centre, are just a short walk away. Also the bargain galore MBK Bangkok’s famous eight storey shopping centre.  At MBK you will find 2000 shops that sell everything from clothing, handbags, leather products, luggage, mobile phones, electronics, DVD’s and souvenirs.  The best part is, just like the local markets, all prices are negotiable.

 

 

MBK is the only mall in Bangkok where you can put your bartering skills to the test. It is surprising how a big smile can bring down the original price. At the extensive food court on the 6th floor there is a great variety of local and International cuisine. Enjoy Thai culinary delicacies; Phad Thai-Rice Noodles, Tom yam Kai- Soup with chicken. Have some ice-cream made of rice and mango for dessert to complete your gastronomical journey. End the day with a relaxing foot massage, before heading off to your hotel.

 

Dawn of the second day is the best for temple-hopping. Simply take the train to Saphan Taksin station, and hop on the express boat to “Tha Tien” Pier. This boat ride across the river to old town is refreshing, with the enthralling view of iconic“Wat Arun”- Temple of Dawn.

 

 

Continuing upriver are the most popular sites; Grand Palace, and “Wat Phra Kaew”- Temple of the Emerald Buddha, adjoined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking distance from here is “Wat Poh” - 46m, reclining Buddha.  If you’re spirited for more, the National museum is open till 4.00p.m in the evening. There is an entry fee for most of the sites contributing towards conservation.  If your hotel is in “Silom” area, to complete the cultural adventure head out to “Silom Village” for a personal banquet dinner at the “Ruen Thep Thai” theatre restaurant Image-4while enjoying a classical dance show.

 

If your last day in Bangkok falls on a weekend, grab some great deals in the local market “Chatachuk”. Be an early bird, as the traditions come to play, a seller may never disappoint the first customer of the day. It's the most popular outdoor market to shop till you drop, being mindful about airlines excess baggage policy.  If you happen to leave on a weekday “Sampeng” Lane market leading towards china town, will give a great sense of local culture, excellent street food. Image-5 Drop off your bulky shopping at the hotel and head off to get a great massage, mani-pedi, aromatherapy. There is no other place than Bangkok to give you an all-in-one bargain spa treatment.

 

 

At the airport, there is a vast selection of Duty-Free available. Try the mouthwatering local sweets, and buy Thailand’s exquisite orchids for your loved ones. Don’t forget to grab some sticky rice with mango and coconut milk snack at the duty-free before flying back home.

 

So next time if you have that long weekend mapped on to Hikka again, perhaps it is a bracing idea to have a short break in Bangkok. 

 

(Text by Nithya Cooray)