Suan Lum Night Bazaar

A mixture of poshly dressed, fresh-from-the-office Thai's and expats along with fisherman pant-clad tourists, Suan Lum could best be described as the VIP outdoor market of Bangkok (where you're always welcome, of course). Covered walkways with centrally-located snack bars provide perhaps the most luxurious (outdoor) market shopping experience in the city. Several bars along with Thai, Italian, German, and even Mexican restaurants are conveniently within the market area, close enough to analyze the crowd while enjoying a drink, yet away from the market's hustle-and-bustle. In the same area, dinner shows featuring classical Thai puppetry can be enjoyed at the famous Joe Louis Puppet Theatre.

On the other side of the market's curious Khmer-looking temple walkway, lies a large outdoor beer garden, food court, and concert venue all rolled into one. Here one can indulge in an assortment of inernational and Thai beers and foods, with international fare either Japanese (yakitori and Asahi) or German (sausage, Paulaner, etc). Beer and food are accompanied by live Thai cover bands performing the latest local and international hits on stage. Also, don't forget to check out the Big Wheel, 'La Roue de Paris' while you're there! And, after a few drinks with friends, head out to one of Silom's many nightclubs.

How to get there: Take the MRT subway to Lumpini station; the market is near Lumpini Park, a short walk from the station.
Items at market: Creative gifts, trendy home items, clothing/jewellery boutique shops by local designers, packaged dried fruits, a few stalls selling the usual market CD's/clothing. 
Open: 18:00 - 00:00 (every day)

Suan Lum Night Bazaar will officially close down by the end of April 2007
source http://www.bangkok.com

CentralWorld Shopping Complex

The battle of Bangkok's mega shopping malls to be the biggest and the best has a new outright and undisputed winner: the supermodern, newly launched, revamped and rebranded CentralWorld. With 550,000 square metres of retail space and a total area size of 830,000 square metres that is 30% larger than any other shopping centre in central Bangkok, CentralWorld is now officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia, with an unrivalled mix of products and services at prices that put the fun back into shopping for Thai consumers and tourists
A world of shopping in one
According to the official Fact Sheet, "every trip (to a mall) should be about the fulfillment of one's desire to buy something that one loves - rather than regretting what one cannot buy..." With a range of offerings that encompass more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling hall, Kids' Zone and Learning Centre, two anchor department stores, as well as a trendy food court, the largest supermarket in Asia and an outdoor square for large-scale events like Bangkok's official New Year countdown party, there certainly is something for everyone. The developer's 'Real Shopping' philosophy means that a lot of care has been taken to ensure a healthy balance between the brands 'we dream to buy' and a wide range of brands and products which one can readily afford to buy.

The 26 billion baht development, of which the first phase was launched in September 2006 with 70% of the project completed, is already drawing and 'wowing' the crowds with its slick, modernist architecture and spectacular designer components. The exterior features a state-of-the-art 400-metre long glass facade that, at a cost of 600 million baht, is also the longest of its kind in Thailand. Formerly known as World Trade Center, the newly branded CentralWorld, expected to by fully completed by the end of 2006, is still home to the very popular department stores Zen and Isetan. The mall's make-over, however, has not just involved some cosmetic changes to give it an image boost - instead, it has been fully redesigned and revamped, and is brand spanking new for all practical purposes. All that remains of the former glory days, of course, is its location slap-bang in the heart of the Chidlom 'battleground of the malls' with direct Skytrain (BTS) access, and the popular outdoor square area. The two famous shrines are still there too, mind you, just moved a little bit more to the right.
Open: 10:00 - 21:00
Location: Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan
Skytrain: Chitlom or Siam
More Information about CentralWorld please visit to http://www.bangkok.com

MBK Center ::Trend In Bangkok

Situated in the most colorful shopping area of Bangkok, MBK Center is one of the top-list shopping malls which comes up as the first choice to many people’s mind.

While SiamCenter and Siam Discovery target teenagers and Siam Paragon is high-end shopping complex, MBK interestingly attracts any kinds of customers regardless sex, occupation or age.The building has been newly renovated, giving a feeling of hi-techy spacecraft to the customers.This shopping center consists of 7 floors and its shops are conveniently divided into certain zones.
Starting from the ground floor, the 2nd and 3rd floor, many youngsters are attracted to hundreds of clothing shops and boutiques, where you can easily get hot fashion update.
The next best thing is gold jewellery and accessories shops, offering quality products for gold and gem lovers, on the 2nd and 3rd floor.
Moreover, on the 3rd floor, health and beauty advocates, especially ladies, will be fascinated by spas, beauty salons and face-massage palors, offering pleasingly soothing experience.
The famous feature is mobile phone shops. On the 4th floor, you will experience hundreds of mobile stores, making this floor one of the most crowded space of the mall.
You can go straight to the 5th floor and enjoy various selections of home decor accessories as well.
The 6th floor is well-known for its numerous number of Thai Handicraft shops, selling exquisitely hand-made Thai local products. No wonder this floor is especially crowded by the tourists.
MBK Center is famous for its ethnic restaurants as well. Thai, Japanese, Chinese or even Muslim food selections can be found on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th floor (where the Fifth Food Center is located).
But if you want to have just simple meals, several popular fast food restaurants are provided on the 7th floor.

After done with the shopping, don’t miss the entertainment complex on the 7th floor where you can get a groove on a variety of leisure activities in SF Cinema City, SF Music City Karaoke and SF Strike Bowl.

In addition, you can take time with a variety of activities held at the multi-function court in front of MBK, where you can enjoy good street dance performances, concerts or even tatooing competitions.

Picture And Information Form www.at-bangkok.com

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa is a city resort with a difference. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the resort has every 5-star facility that a business of leisure traveler could wish for, yet with its classical Thai architecture, lush gardens and cool river breezes has all the tranquility of a resort hotel.

During your stay you will enjoy all the warmth of traditional Thai hospitality, along with spacious accommodation, supreme comfort, and a wealth of dining and leisure options. Access to the city's commercial and shopping areas is easy, allowing you the option of the resort's own colorful river transport in addition to fast connections with the expressway system and the skytrain.

To all this, add the internationally renowned Marriott service and the warmth of a real Thai welcome, and you have a new perceptive on the wonderful city of Bangkok.

Accommodations
The large guest rooms and suites of Bangkok Marriott & Spa are a pleasure for every traveler, whether it is after a hard day's business, or a hot day's sightseeing. Thai materials and fabrics lend a softness and elegance to the rooms, which each have their own private balcony, while there is a large desk space for working and broadband internet access for staying in touch with the world from your own haven of tranquility.
Plan Events & Meetings
At Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa we provide you with the organization, service and ambiance to enhance your event leaving you free to perform at maximum productivity, or enjoy at your best. The design of the hotel offers a choice of surroundings and exactly the kind of area you require, indoors or outdoors.
Restaurants & Bars
Our range of dining pleasures will ensure variety and enjoyment for your delegates, as they include the world famous Trader Vic's, Benihana, The Rice Mill, The Market, our all-day dining venue and our extremely popular Riverside Terrace, perfect for hosting a gathering under the stars.
  Mandara Spa
   Blended into lush landscapes with garden pavilions and courtyards, the spa is a tropical hideaway where tranquil sounds of rippling water complement the soothing aromas of natural herbs and spices. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind and escape from the outside world.
More Information about Bangkok Mariott Resort & Spa please visit to http://www.bangkok.com

Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)

History

Wat Saket itself (the temple complex at the bottom of the hill) dates back to the Ayutthaya era, when it was called Wat Sakae. The wat was restored under Rama I (1782-1809).

Wat Saket was used for cremation ceremonies, which were not permitted inside the walled city. During a plague in the reign of King Rama II (1809-24), 30,000 bodies were brought here.

The Golden Mount is an artificial hill constructed under King Rama III (1824-51). When the king tried to build a chedi here before the hill existed, it collapsed because of the soft soil beneath. He therefore made a strong pile of mud and bricks to support it.

It was Rama IV (1804-68) who crowned the new hill with the intended chedi. He also shored up the hill with 1,000 teak logs because it was already sinking into the swampy ground.

Rama V (1853-1910) added the chedi that stands today, enshrining within it a relic of the Buddha, said to be from India or Nepal, given to him by the British. The concrete walls were added during World War II to prevent the hill from eroding and the structure collapsing.

Waat aket To day

Wat Saket is not generally considered a notable temple in its own right, and most visitors come for the Golden Mount. However, it is interesting for its long history and its use as a cremation and burial site for so many people.

To the reach the top of the Golden Mount, you must ascend an exhausting 318 steps. On a clear day, the view from the top includes old Rattanakosin Island and the rooftops of Bangkok.

Just north of Wat Saket is where you can catch canal boats back to the town center, Siam or further up Sukhumvit.

 

Festival & Event

Every late October to mid-November (for 9 days around the full moon) Wat Sakhet hosts Bangkok's most important temple fair during the Loy Kratong festival. During this event, the Golden Mount is wrapped with red cloth and a carnival erupts around it, with food and trinket stalls, theatrical performances, freak shows, animal circuses, and other monkey business. The festival includes a candlelight procession up the Golden Mount.
source :http://www.sacred-destinations.com

Inside BangKok :: warm up before travel

Bangkok The capital city of Thailand is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities, known as "Krungthep" which means the City of Angels. Major tourism attractions include glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, timeless 'Venice of the East' canal and river scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, an almost legendary nightlife, and numerous air-conditioned shopping centers.
Beware of touts

Touts are a notorious lot in Bangkok, especially in places where many tourists go. They can be quite aggressive, especially if you are alone. You are precisely their kind of target. They will try to get you to go with them to bars, massage parlors, or to a gem shop.
In fairness, they are just out to make a living. They are not out to rob you, at least not overtly. What the average tourist usually does not know is that they get a commission from places where the touts will take you. That means that the price you will pay in those establishments will be grossly inflated. Don't fall for it.
If the tout is being overly aggressive, simply ignore him and walk away. If the persists, do not lose your patience. Simply continue to ignore him as if he does not even exist, no matter what he says or does. He will soon tire of trying and move onto his next potential victim.
They also know that if they persist too much, then you can easily find a tourist police officer They do not want that kind of trouble.
Ignoring them is the best way to deal with them.
Special thanks! for information from "What's on after dark" and "What's on this week"