Adventurous Activities

One type of ecotourism is adventure tourism. Hard adventure tourism combines excitement and a degree of risk in an outdoor setting, frequently demanding physical exertion and skill. Soft adventure tourism involves only a minor element of risk, little physical exertion, and limited skills.

Whitewater rafting at Nam Wa, Nan Province

The province of Nan, an area steeped in Lanna culture in the north of Thailand, provides many opportunities for whitewater rafting. One of these is on the Lam Nam Wa River in the forests of the Mae Charim National Park. Sections of this river offer challenging grade 3+ rapids with the promise of potential thrills and shivery spills, all in the beautiful scenery of the Mae Charim tropical forest.

Trekking in the hills of Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Dao is located to the north of Chiang Mai, on the way to Fang and Tha Ton. Treks to the highest peaks of Doi Chiang Dao will provide you with spectacular sights of stunning mountain scenery. The cool season (December to February) is the best time to visit here since the forests have their own special beauty as the leaves change colour and wild orchids bloom.

Rock climbing at Rai Le Beach, Krabi Province

Krabi province in the South has towering limestone crags, crystalline sunlight, brilliant white beaches, and emerald seas. At Rai Le Beach, there are more than 700 rock climbing routes, varying in diffi culty from 5a (easy )to 8c (extremely challenging).

Abseiling at Tan Rattana Waterfall, Nakhon Nayok Province

Chuck down at the 4 cliffs, 5 waterfalls of heights between 18 and 70 metres at Tan Rattana Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Nayok province. However, the main entrance is in Prachin Buri province. This extreme adventure consists of abseiling down rocky cliff-faces and waterfalls. At the fi rst cliff, the height is 70 metres and steep cliff is about 70 - 90 degrees. The second is 18 metres and steepness is around 70 degrees. The third has a steepness around 90 degrees and the height is 38 metres. The final one, the height is 26 metres and steep cliff is about 90 degrees.

Scuba diving at the Similan Islands, Phang-Nga Province

The Similan Islands are consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. The Similan Archipelago consists of nine islands arranged like a pearl necklace from north to south of Phang-Nga province, and it has been a national marine park since the mid-80s. The islands have a rich marine life, consisting of sea fans, barrel sponges, feather stars, and an abundance of reef fish, and spectacular underwater granite rock formations.

Kayaking in Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani Province

Kayaking in the Khao Sok National Park allows you to visit magnificent waterfalls and paddle under the stalactites hanging down like icicles from the limestone formations. At the same time, you can watch hornbills, pig-tailed macaques, and white-hand gibbons in stunning rainforests.

Snorkelling in the Surin Archipelago, Phang-Nga Province

The islands of the Surin Archipelago are one of the best places for snorkelling in Asia. About 60 kilometres off-shore from Kuraburi Pier, they have shallow reefs with beautiful corals, turtles, lobsters, humped head parrot fish, and bat fish. After experiencing the underwater scenery, relax under the gentle breeze and clear blue skies and enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Phang-Nga.

Birdwatching at National Parks:

Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Khao Yai National Park is the closest national park to Bangkok and probably the most popular birdwatching site in the country. It is home to many rare species of birds, most notably, all four species of hornbill; great, wreathed, oriental pied and brown. Birdwatchers can stroll along one of the forest walking trails or simply roam the open grasslands, catching constant glimpses of lively and colourful birds.

Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchburi Province

Another prominent location for birdwatching is Kaeng Krachan National Park, at over 3000 square kilometres the largest national park in the country. It is home to 250 species of birds, including the hornbill and the grey peacock, at least 40 species of mammals, and many types of butterflies, insects and plants. The park is situated next to the Tenasserim Mountains near the Burmese border.

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province

Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of the mountain ranges in the North, is a leading birdwatching site due to its high altitude and cold weather. It is a haven for migrating birds in summer (March-June).

Cycling Tours in Thailand

Going on a tour by bicycle is probably one of the best ways to visit some of Thailand’s important sites. You can enjoy easy-going bicycle trips around the capital, Bangkok, or cycling in the Pai district of Mae Hong Son province – visit hilly environs, waterfalls, hot springs and ethnic tribes, like the Karen long-necked women. For a slower pace, you can cycle and explore a real Thai rural life and charm of the countryside at Ko Kret (Kret Island), or take a half-day cycling tour in Kanchanaburi province – cycle along village roads passing agricultural villages and community preservation forest to Hellfire Pass.

Top 10 Historical Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its illustrious past still prevails. Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, a world-famous floating market or colourful Chinatown, each of these famous places has an intriguing story to tell. Take a look at Top Ten Most Popular Historical Attractions in Bangkok.

1. The Grand Palace

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace. Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.

2. Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of Emerald Buddha)

Regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of emerald. The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

3. Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It's the largest temple in Bangkok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are three metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl inlays of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha. The temple is also famous for its traditional Thai massage.

4. Wat Arun (The Temple of Down)

Wat Arun (the Temple of the Dawn) is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was under siege by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign, Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image.

5. Vimanmek Palace

Vimanmek Royal Mansion is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Moved from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt on the grounds of Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. It was recently renovated by H.M. Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to the late King. As well as antique furniture, there's glassware, porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910).

6. Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

Constructed in lavish Italian Renaissance and Neo Classic style, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is often used as a venue for important royal and state ceremonies such as the celebration of the Constitution Day (December 10), and for the opening ceremony of the first annual ordinary session of the National Assembly. On June 9, 2006. H.M. King Bhumibol appeared on the balcony of Anata Samakhom Throne Hall to receive statements of well wishes during his Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

7. Floating Market

Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchenettes located right on the boat. Totally chaotic, small 'klongs' or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy and totally touristy — but great fun!

8. The National Museum

The National Museum is dedicated to preserving the national cultural heritage through extensive collections of art, archaeological and cultural objects in the Palace of Wang Na compound near the Grand Palace. The Gallery of Thai History, the Weapon Room, Gold Treasures, Royal Cremation Chariots, and Ceremonial Objects are some of the highlights displayed at the museum. Also located on the premises is a series of spectacular ‘salas’ (pavilions), which are considered to be the most outstanding examples of traditional Thai architecture.

9. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and busy area, packed with market stalls and probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city. The Chinese community, relocated here from Rattanakosin (Old City) in the 1700's, still continue their own traditions and religious practices, and the area is quite unlike the rest of Bangkok. Relatively untouched by modern development and despite being always crowded, hot and exhausting — it's an experience not to miss.

10. Chao Phraya River & Waterways

The Chao Phraya River and ‘klongs’ (canals) are where Bangkok’s historic roots lie; the traditional heartland of this magical city with origins that read like an epic novel — complete with fallen and rising Kingdoms, heroes and traitors. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night; water-taxis ferrying commuters and heavily laden rice barges chugging upstream, set against a backdrop of glittering temples and palaces, historical landmarks and luxury, five-star hotels.

Top 11 Bangkok Dining Experiences

Thailand is a culture that revolves around the dinner table, where meals are woven into the fabric of culture and society. The standards for good food are high, and there is no lack of fine dining options in Bangkok, both for Thai and international cuisine, offering world-class cuisine to connoisseurs.

A memorable cruise down the Chao Phraya River accompanied by a fine meal is truly an experience of a lifetime, and one place to enjoy such an evening than on the “Manohra”, the Marriott’s beautifully restored authentic rice barge. Enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of a world on the river, full of history, experiencing a journey as you escape the city and cruise the waters of Thailand’s mighty Chao Phraya, River of Kings. First opened in the winter of 2003,

Sirocco at The Dome has generated a lot of buzz from the beginning. The Sirocco roof bar restaurant is pretty breathtaking jutting into the skyline of the city like the deck of a space ship with the entrancing glow of the Sky Bar. When sipping on after-dinner cocktails, Sirocco bar is also one of Bangkok’s best live jazz venues, with international performers six nights a week.

On the 52nd floor of State Tower, glass sky-bridge, complete with a majestic viewing gallery of the city below, brings you into Breeze in dramatic fashion. Breeze Restaurant serves an array of authentic, luxury-class Asian-style seafood and barbecue dishes with the finest seafood imported from all around the world. Balcony edged seats offer guests the opportunity to dine while enjoying vertical views of the city below.

Not quite as elevated (but no less spectacular) is one venue perched at the top of The Oriental Bangkok hotel, where you take a private lift to a long room with the Chao Phraya River on one side, and the glittering city on the other, under the glow from fine chandeliers while black-tied waiters greet you with the perfect blend of friendliness and formality. This is Le Normandie, certainly one of Bangkok’s best French restaurants. Situated adjacent to the BTS station at Surasak, the regal Blue Elephant restaurant sits in a beautifully renovated building that once was a leading department store and served as the Japanese Military headquarters during WWII. The interior’s beautiful decor now exudes an extremely warm charm along with elegant table settings while Thai cultural dancers in traditional dress entertain guests.

Tsunami, of course, means big wave and an impressive sculpture waveform runs around each section of the expansive restaurant at the JW Marriott, creating an interesting, unique space. The sections are Tsu; traditional Japanese cuisine, dedicated to sushi and sashimi. A bar and lounge and another section called Nami, which is teppanyaki style, is where chefs show their cooking skills in front of patrons. Guests can select from Kobe, Matsuzaka, or Australian beef, seafood or seafood / meat combinations.

Hidden in the middle of busy Bangkok, The Face restaurant and bar is a large wooden Thai traditional house rendered in the Lanna (northern Thailand) style. The chic ambiance of is complete with Indian and Thai cuisine, a classy bar, pastry shop, and café. It is ideal for a great atmosphere, surrounded by lush vegetation and encapsulated in the grounds of a beautiful residence, where travelers and traders come to eat, drink and talk face to face.

The celebrated Mahanaga restaurant offers a blend of classic and modern Thai cuisine, in an elegant setting within a converted colonial house, a cozy cocktail lounge opens up into a lush garden courtyard where you can dine under the stars or in air-conditioned in one of the pavilions alongside the garden.

In London, Met Bar is hottest nighttime haunt west of Ibiza. Now, its newest sister, The Met Bar Metropolitan Hotel Bangkok, delivers the same for the Asian capital, answering a sophisticated need for privacy and energy in a space reserved for hotel guests and members only. The who’s who of Bangkok can be seen here boogying down on Friday night or at the occasional late-night fashion show.

For a more sedate vibe, there is Diplomat Bar, an upscale lounge inside the Conrad Hotel, is decorated with silk couches for lounging, features a large bar with premium liquors along with live jazz. The crowd here is made up of the diplomatic corps from nearby embassies as well as well-heeled Thai socialites. And you can’t go wrong at the legendary Bamboo Bar in The Oriental, where you can sip on anything from a tropical Mai Tai or a classic martini in a sophisticated setting Joseph Conrad or Humphrey Bogart would approve of.

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Healthy Longstay in Thailand

The number of visitors deciding on a longer stay in Thailand is steadily rising, thanks to the country’s amazing choice of settings, its blissful beaches and islands, green hills and forests, and splendid rivers and waterfalls.

Thailand’s topographical variety and colourful cultural heritage ensures almost endless sightseeing and touring options. Each of the Kingdom’s four main regions the North, the Northeast, the Eastern and Central Plains and the South has its own distinctive attraction. Whether lazing on a southern tropical isle, trekking in the forested hills of the North or exploring the timeless villages of the rural Northeast, the choice is wide open.

And as different as the destinations are the activities they offer. From soft adventure options such as whitewater rafting, sea-kayaking or four-wheel drive jungle safaris to special interest pursuits like bird watching or archaeological tours, the ways of experiencing Thailand’s natural and cultural diversity are many, and sure to please all tastes and preferences.

Beyond its own attractions, Thailand opens many other options as the gateway to its neighbours. The historic lands that border the mighty Mekong River, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia,

Vietnam and Yunnan Province in southern China offer marvelous insights into the region’s wealth of historical, cultural and scenic sights, and all are easily reached by flights from Bangkok.

At the same time, there is no feeling of being cut off from one’s home country. Air links, a reliable travel infrastructure and communication via computer and telecommunications are all part of the service, while shopping and banking facilities and other amenities are all of international standard.

Why Thailand?

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There are many good reasons for choosing Thailand as a longstay destination.

Location: Its position in the centre of Southeast Asia has made Thailand a hub of international air travel with swift access to anywhere in the world.

Climate: Thailand is a tropical country and its tropical climate is relaxing, generating a holiday feeling. Basking in sunshine for much of the year, temperatures are often high, but they vary at different seasons and in different parts of the country. There is a rainy season, but the rain is interspersed with sunny periods; and there is a cool, dry season of cloudless days and cool evenings.

Natural beauty: Thailand’s geographical position and topographical diversity has made it a crossroads for local plant and animal life. Its mountain ranges and forests are alive with a profusion of different species and its long coastline teems with colourful marine life. Mountains and beaches are the Kingdom’s well-known attractions, but there true extent is still to be revealed.

Cultural heritage: Thailand is a mixed culture and a multi-racial society that has lived harmoniously for many years, free from major conflicts. Many historic areas recalling the splendor and fascination of the country’s past have been made World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. There are also many expressions of earlier cultures and traditions still to be seen in all parts of the country.

Safety: Thailand is a democratic country with a constitutional Monarch renowned throughout the world for his good works and revered by all Thai people. Governed by the Rule of Law, the people live under a Constitution which protects individual rights as in any civic society. The country is peaceful and safe and has good diplomatic relations with its neighbours.

Cost of living: Despite a survey conducted by some travel magazines, Thailand is one of the best value-formoney choices for tourists. It is fair to say that with 50,000 baht a month, visitors can enjoyable a good life in Bangkok. In the provinces, the cost would be less, except in the resorts towns of Hua Hin, Phuket, Pattaya and Samui.

People: This is a ‘last but not least’ category as so many travellers cite the people of Thailand as one of its greatest attributes. The Thais are renowned for their warm and friendly attitude towards foreigners. Their tolerant and relaxed way of life is largely due to influence of their Buddhist religion. In hotels, restaurants and shops, the Kingdom’s culture of hospitality finds expression in a standard of service that is equally famous, and never fails to make an unforgettable impression on visitors of all ages.

Visa for Longstay Visitors

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There is a special Non-Immigrant “O-A” (Longstay) visa now available to facilitate stays in Thailand for a period of at least one year.

This visa will be issued to applicants aged 50 years or above with the nationality of or residence in the country where the application is made, and who have a passport valid for not less than 18 months. It does not permit employment in the Kingdom.

Applicants are required to present a copy of a bank statement showing a deposit equal to not less than 800,000 baht or an original income certificate assuring a monthly income of not less than 65,000 baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totaling not less than 800,000 baht. In the case of the bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank must also be shown. Applicants can submit their applications at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in their country of permanent residence.

Contact address: For further information, please contact the Thai Embassy or Consular Mission in your country of residence, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand, Tel: 66 2643 5000, http://www.mfa.go.th/; or the Office of the Immigration Bureau, Immigration Division 1, Tel: 66 2287 4948, http://www.imm.police.go.th/.

Beating the Bangkok traffic

There’s two things Bangkok is most famous for; its go go bars and its traffic congestion. Both are a chronic problem that the city administrators have been trying to tackle for years without much success, and the locals simply do as locals do in Thailand and learn to put up with and ignore it. But visitors haven’t got quite the same patience and without some handy advanced tips you could end up spending half of your Bangkok holiday sitting in a taxi.

Here’s how to beat the Bangkok traffic blues. Firstly, the mass transport system in Thailand’s capital has come along in leaps and bounds on the back of thirty years of phenomenal economic growth. Of course, city planners in Thailand are always playing catch up as Bangkok’s population has ballooned in recent decades. But after 10 years of construction two transport systems have been completed, including a two line skytrain and a more far reaching metro system.

The MRT and BTS (as the metro and skytrain are officially nicknamed), cover most places that a tourist would need to get to and even when disembarking at a station there are always taxis waiting to take you the last few blocks if the tropical humidity is too unbearable to walk. Despite this, the sad reality of modern Thailand is that middle class and wealthy Thais would sooner sit for hours in the convenience and comfort of their air conditioned cars than join the public transport system. Taxis may be cheap in Bangkok but there’s simply too many cars on the road and not enough law enforcement or traffic planning. When in Bangkok, take the public transport if you can.

Yet there are times when taking a taxi is by far the most convenient option. It’s the only realistic way to get to either of the two airports, and a handy way to get around town, provided your timing is right. It’s easier to catch a taxi than a sun tan in Thailand, and unless they’re in demand or at a tourist trap, the drivers can be pretty honest with using the meter. A typical 20 minute ride should cost no more than 200 baht ($5), but if you’re a first–timer to Thailand they may get away with charging you double that. But they hate the traffic just as much as you might, and don’t be surprised if they refuse to drive to a far away destination on the cusp of the rush hour. This we might add, starts at 3.30 pm when schools finish, but it gets worse between 4.30pm and 7pm. Later in the evening the traffic is breeze, and taxis are the best option for a pub crawl through the city’s naughty nightlife. Then there is the rain, which buckets down unannounced for hours in the monsoon season. This generally runs from May until October and causes absolute havoc with traffic, especially when the city floods later in each season.

What would Thailand be without the iconic tuk tuk. These three–wheeler buggies are the quintessential Thai holiday experience and can be a fun ride but aren’t recommended in Bangkok. They are unmetered and unavoidable as their drivers relentlessly hassle you to take a ride, but with their noisy motors and open backs, you’re at the mercy of the din and dust of the city. Once out of Bangkok, by all means take ride, but in this big city an airconditioned and metered taxi is much better value. Of course, tourists fall for the free tuk tuk scam all the time. The ruse is pretty simple, they offer to take you to your destination for free or very little but makes several unscheduled stops at tailors and gem shops, where you’ll have difficulty leaving without having bought something, stay clear of this popular trick.

If your destination is near the waterfront, as many of the tourist attractions are, you can hop on the many water buses that ply the Chao Phraya river. It also gives you some great views. For example, neither the MRT or BTS pierce the heart of Rattanokosin Isle or Banglamphu, where you will find the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. But you can catch a boat from the Phra Athit Pier near the Pin Klao Bridge and ride as far as Thaksin Bridge to link up with skytrain.

What about buses? Yes Bangkok has plenty of those too, ranging from modern air conditioned vehicles to old, belching unroadworthy old commuter buses that are the cheapest way to get about. However, with all the vehicle pollution and humidity you’re better off sticking to the a/c options. When the traffic is heavy the bus trips take longer but so do the taxis. They are the only however the only way of getting from the central Siam Square to the Khao San Road or Grand Palace area. When the traffic is heavy you’re better off taking the bus, since they at least have the advantage of the newly introduced rapid bus lanes.

When the traffic really reaches the peak of rush hour and you absolutely need to get across town, the last resort is a motorbike taxi. These are an integral part of the Bangkok public transport network and are used mostly to get from the public transport stations down lengthy streets. Mostly they are used by locals to make the last leg of their journey home, but some tourists use them to avoid a long walk to a hotel that might not be conveniently close to the skytrain. Charging no more than 20 baht (50c) they congregate at the head of the sois (lanes) dressed in special number coloured wastecoats. But they are also willing to go across town for a set fee and can be ruthless at dodging traffic and getting you there in no time at all. Of course, you’re putting your life very much at risk with this option and it’s not recommended on busy roads.

Entertainment in Bangkok

It’s no secret: Bangkok is a city with a wealth of entertainment to offer. Whatever your age, taste and persuasion, you can rest assured that this dynamic city can deliver.

Once the sun has made its exit and the lights are on, the Thais’ dedication to having a good time comes into play. There’s a buzz about the city, a feeling of expectation that something exciting and memorable is about to happen — and it often does.

Getting around town has never been easier, thanks to the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Subway traversing the city above the traffic. With many leading venues located near its stations, party-goers, clubbers and night owls will have no problem doing the rounds.

The choice of entertainment is growing and the style is more varied. Bangkok has never had so many pubs, bars and restaurants, each presenting customers with a different experience and a reason to return. Live music, too, has never known such popularity, largely because it’s a lot better than in the past. Interest in jazz, for instance, has increased significantly with many first-class hotels featuring leading local and foreign jazz musicians and entertainers.

While there are only a handful of stand alone jazz bars, mostly veterans like Brown Sugar on Soi Sarasin, there are good blues bands all over town. Hot discos with hip DJs are a prominent and permanent part of the scene, and many of the hotels have popular nightclubs.

Here are some of the best bars and lounges in hotels and stand-alone:

• BAMBOO BAR: The Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue. Tel: 0 2659-9000. Worldclass jazz quartet, international guest singers and terrific atmosphere.

• BARSU: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Road. Tel: 0 2649 8358. Fine wines, cocktails, imaginative food and discreet music are all at Bangkok’s newest and sophisticated bar.

• BED SUPPERCLUB: Sukumvit Soi 11. Tel: 0 2651 3537. The scene is hot, the space is cool with its white interior packing in the well-heeled crowd under a domed ceiling. Live DJs and inspired cocktails.

• CLUB 88: The Davis Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 24. Tel: 0 2260 8000. Red couches separated by beaded screen and comfy chairs sets the relaxing mood for a place to unwind with friends after work. Live band nightly except Sunday.

• DIPLOMAT BAR: Conrad Hotel, Wireless Road. Tel: 0 2690 9999. The hotel lounge is open

all day for intimate meetings, high tea and late night social gatherings. Excellent Filipino jazz quartet and American guest singers.

• DISTIL: The Dome at State Tower, Silom Road. Tel: 0 2624 9555. On the 63rd floor this is a high-end bar in every sense serving gourmet food and super-premium drinks and a sensational view.

• GLAZ BAR: Hotel Plaza Athenee, Wireless Road. Tel: 0 2650 8800. Smart bar, good band, international jazz singers.

• HU’U BAR: The Ascott, South Sathon Road. Tel: 0 2676 6677. Lofty ceiling, dramatically spacious, this is a place for innovative cocktails, food and music.

• LIVING ROOM: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, 250 Sukhumvit Road. Tel: 02649 8888. A spacious, comfortable jazz lounge with great music every night and regular top line guest vocalists.

• Q BAR: Sukhumvit Soi 11. Tel: 0 2252 3274. Sleek, neon-lit lounge divided into sections provides exotic cocktails and late night snacks. Live DJ spins to a different beat nightly.

• SYN BAR: Nai Lert Park Hotel, Wireless Road. Tel: 0 2253 0123. The retro spaceship-style lounge with bar that serves inventive cocktails.

• THE BAR: The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, Charoen Nakhon Road. Tel: 0 28612888. Intimate, classy spot ideal for a drink or two with atmospheric piano music.

• THREESIXTY: Millennium Hilton, Charoen Nakhon Road, Thon Buri. Tel: 02442 2000. Sophisticated jazz lounge on the 32nd floor with good live music and a panoramic view of city across the river.

• 87 PLUS: Conrad Hotel, Wireless Road. Tel: 0 2690 9999. The nightspot with creative lighting, psychedelic atmosphere and private booths.

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS

There is no one single entertainment district in Bangkok, but many areas offer leisure time activities; so wherever you are, nightlife opportunities are never far away. However, there are some nightlife districts whose names have become well known over the years: Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana. Near main hotels and busy streets, they consist of cheerfully raucous bars for socialising. Other night entertainment venues can be found in neighbouring off-Sukhumvit sois, mostly bars serving food and drinks often with full-size pool tables. All along the main Sukhumvit road are restaurants, bars, shops and street stalls selling t-shirts, jeans and trinkets.

Nana (Skytrain station: Nana): The Nana area of Bangkok, from Soi 3 to Soi 19 is known for the cheerfully raucous, fourstorey Nana Entertainment Plaza on Soi 4. The format here is open- air beer bars at street level. Farther down the soi there are a number of restaurants, mainly tourist-oriented.

Asoke (Skytrain station: Asoke): Soi Cowboy, named after one of its original customers, is a small street that looks like a movie set, packed with brightly-lit bars. It connects Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asoke) with Soi 23, a good street for restaurants.

Emporium (Skytrain station: Phrom Pong): The area around the stylish Emporium department store and Benjasiri Park extends on Sukhumvit Road from Soi 18 to Soi 39. The store itself is a major attraction with its many good restaurants and an excellent cinema complex. Soi 22 is an increasingly busy nightspot area with a growing number of bars and restaurants. Across Sukhumvit Road, Soi 33 is a more discreet version of Soi Cowboy. Most of the outlets here are cocktail lounges named after famous artists — Renoir, Dali, Monet, etc.

Thong Lo (Skytrain station: Thong Lo): Sukhumvit Soi 55, known as Thong Lo, is a long and winding street with many kinds of entertainment venues on both sides. They include restaurants, pubs, karaoke lounges, and at different sections of the soi you can fi nd lively, trendy neighbourhood shopping centres. Thong Lo is linked by back roads to Soi 63 (Ekamai), also noted for its numerous restaurants, nightclubs and pubs. Ratchadaphisek Road from the intersection with Rama IX Road to Sutthisan Road has many interesting entertainment facilities, hotels, restaurants, discotheques, karaoke lounges and massage parlours. Royal City Avenue, known locally as RCA, is between Phetchaburi and Rama IX roads. This curving avenue is beloved by the Bangkok youngsters who regularly pack its myriad bars and discos.

Khao San: Khao San Road, once solely a haven for backpackers, is now a magnet for Bangkok’s young and trendy crowd who happily mingle with foreign tourists on one of the city’s most crowded pedestrian streets. The cheap guesthouses have largely been replaced by upmarket nightclubs, busy music pubs, and some of the best sidewalk restaurants in town. The action on Khao San has also spilled over on to several side roads including Phra Athit Road where many of the old-style shophouses have been transformed into fashionable restaurants and bars frequented by Bangkok’s arty set.

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