10 Things to Do.

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun – with its atypical architecture — is without a doubt one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok. The 70m-high central prang (Khmer-style spire) is decorated with seashells and colorful faience, while four smaller prangs stand at each of its corner. Although known as the “Temple of Dawn”, the best scenery is revealed at dusk when the illuminated prangs lighten up the night on a pink-sky backdrop. Grab a sit at a restaurant on the opposite bank and take in the view.

Said to be one of the world’s largest weekend markets, Chatuchak covers an area of 27 acres (70 rai) altogether divided into 27 sections. It contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. Popular to both locals and foreign visitors, an estimated 200,000 visitors go to Chatuchak on weekends.

Sukhumvit 11 offers just about everything a visitor wants to experience during a holiday. Its location makes it a Bangkok “hotspot” — within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, spas and massage centers, shopping centers, tailor shops, street bazaars, and even internet cafes, banks and currency exchanges. It’s really a microcosm of what a Bangkok holiday is.

Traces of Bangkok’s past history can be seen in the varying architectural landmarks along the river. As well, visitors can still get a glimpse of the Thais’ traditional riverine lifestyle even though Bangkok has become an ultra modern city. Tourists can book such a river cruise through travel agents or rent a boat to explore the river.

Bangkok’s fame as a shopping haven is quite justified, and with the proliferation of new trendy, plush mega malls within easy reach of tourists, shopping in Bangkok has become all the more an appealing proposition. The best thing is that most of them are located along the skytrain route.

Thonglor – more officially Sukhumvit 55 — is the new hip street for entertainment as far as young Thai professionals congregate and the city’s chic crowd. The main access to Thonglor is by the BTS skytrain, but many streets from main Sukhumvit Road actually cut through it.

Revered American Jim Thompson was an Asian-art collector and is still remembered today as the “Father of the Thai silk industry.” His old property was turned into a museum and you can visit the red Thai teakwood villa concealed in a lush garden. The Jim Thompson House is filled with antiques and pieces of art including sculptures, porcelain, and paintings. Whether you are passionate about architecture or have interest in Asian art, the house is definitely a “must-see.”

The best-selling book and movie, “The Beach,” picture Khao San Road as “the center of the backpacking universe”– and it does live up to expectations. This 1km-long street is overflowing with cheap guesthouses, food stalls with fried insects, street vendors, massage parlors, and tattoo shops. At nightfall, the beast is unleashed and many young travelers gather around to party under the glowing neon signs in a carefree atmosphere filled with alcohol scent and wild laughter and roars.

One fancy way to release some after-work pressure in Bangkok is to gain some height. Fans of the “Hangover 2” should be familiar with Lebua Sky Bar and its golden dome because it was featured in some scenes in the movie. Banyan Tree’s Moon Bar is also a renowned spot to sip sundowner cocktails with nothing but clouds above your head. Red Sky at Centara Grand CentralWorld is another rooftop favorite. And these are just three of the best rooftop bars that have become chill-out hubs in the capital.

Despite its reputation as a congested city, Bangkok offers some oasis when one gets an urge to escape the concrete jungle. Lumpini Park is a haven of peace and tranquility. Known as the “lung” of Bangkok, the park is a place where you can practice tai chi among the elderly, jog, or just lie down on the grass for some relaxing nap after a picnic. Just do not panic if you encounter with the numerous water monitor lizards going for a walk out of the water.