Viva 8

Truly, the River of Kings ­ as King Rama I named it ­ is the lifeblood of Bangkok. And not just because of this rich history. Around 50,000 people still use its ferries to get to each day. Slow barges bearing cargo coast upstream. Kids still frolic in the russet - brown water. Wooden shacks, mottled by the elements, still lurch over the water.  Soaring hotels and condominiums hem in solemn temples, churches and civic buildings that look 19th century European, while yards away the odd wooden sampan sells noodle soup or dried squid to hungry river workers. It is this juxtaposition of calm and chaotic, modern and traditional, religious and secular, ugly and sublime, foreign and indigenous that makes the Chao Phraya so evocative. There are many ferry trips that take you on a tour around the river.

Almost every traveller visiting Bangkok for the first time has this ardent urge to visit these unique shopping areas conducted from the traditional boats. Despite the fact that sellers are more worried about tourists as compared to local people nowadays, the floating markets of Bangkok are still heaped with tropical fruits and vegetables, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens found right on the vessel. It might sound strange but there are different varieties of floating markets in Bangkok. While most of them begin their operations early morning at around 05:00 AM, rest remain open till noon as well. Well, it is best advised to sit and relax without any bargaining over prices, you can even opt for a guided boat tour to Bang KhuWiang, Bang Nam Pheung, DamnoenSaduak, KhlongLatMayom and various other beautiful and impressive floating markets.Location: Floating markets are located throughout Bangkok and surrounding provincesBest Time: These stunning markets are operational throughout the year. Weekends are the ideal time to visit, DamnoenSaduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan and KhlongLatMayom are the four major floating markets in Bangkok and is advisable to visit them early in the morning so as to avoid overcrowding tourists.Things to keep in mind: Depending on the market you chose to visit, ensure that you are aware of the opening and closing timings of different markets. Also, some markets operate on weekends, make sure that you are well aware of the fact. Bargaining is a tough job here and is time-consuming also, thus, is recommended that you do slight research before jumping onto the price argument with the vendors.

Located in Khlong Sam Wa , the Safari World, within an area of 170 acres is a drive-in zoological park divided into two parts. The first is the Safari Park to house a large variety of animals like zebra, deer, giraffe, birds tigers lions, bears, etc. in a natural habitat. The second is the Marine Park which hosts events like the famous dolphin show. The Safari world zoo is the perfect place for families with children to visit in Thailand. Come face to face with thousands of rare and endangered species roaming freely in their natural habitat. The park provides a coach service for visitors who do not drive in. Timings: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Price: The approximate price ranges from 50 Baht to 350 Baht. 

Madame Tussauds in Bangkok offers you the chance to brush shoulders with your favorite Hollywood stars, local celebrities, sports heroes and heroines, even heads of state. Madame Tussauds has opened its 10th attraction in Bangkok, with a revolutionary concept – the wax museum with exhibits you can touch, hug, play with and even kiss. Pose with the U.S. President and the First Lady in the Oval Office, play basketball with the NBA star Yao Ming or give Leonardo DiCaprio an air-kiss (or real kiss). Waltz down the red carpet and join the party of the Hollywood A-List, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie, to name just a few. A day out at Madame Tussauds wax museum is unlike any other you have experienced before. Timings: Opens daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Price: The approximate price for an adult is 600 Baht and for a child is 500 Baht. 

One of Asia’s largest markets will make you shop till you drop, literally! Chatuchak market in Bangkok is not only a shopaholic’s dream destination but also a delightful feast for your senses. With more than 15,000 stalls spread across 27 sections, the market sprawls across 36 acres. It is less wonder that this massive market attracts more than 200,000 visitors during weekends. While you are here, you can choose to browse through or make a pick from the merchandise galore-from apparels, footwear, trinkets to home accessories, plants, ceramics etc – you name it, and you will find it! If shopping is not on your mind you can pick among the numerous food stalls and indulge in authentic Thai dishes, beverages and desserts etc.With its flavours, colours and aromas, Chatuchak Weekend Market is bound to leave you satiated! What is more, the market provides a wide platform for you to get the best bargain for some of the best products in town. So, while you are holidaying in Bangkok, head to Kamphaeng in the north side of the city, where the market is usually put up on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays!Here is a quick guide for you to make the best of Chatuchak market!

Also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is considered as one of the most important tourist places in Chiang Rai. It houses the meticulously carved statue of the Emerald Buddha and beautifully decorated to leave every tourist enthralled to the core. One can look forward to gathering a peaceful day by visiting Wat Phra Kaew and admire the striking craftsmanship and architecture of this beautiful temple when they are on a vacation with their loved ones in Chiang Rai.Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, ThailandTimings: 7 am - 7 pmPrice: Free

Pratunam Market is the largest clothing market of Thailand. One of the major and cheapest markets of Bangkok, you can also buy shoes, bags, watches, and other accessories in this market. Pratunam Market covers the entire space around and behind Amari Watergate. This is where the market gets its name, pratunam, that literally means ‘watergate’.Standing at the intersection of Ratchaprarop Road and Phetburi Road in Ratchathewi, Pratunam Market is jam-packed with tiny shops, stores, and stalls. But if you have the patience, and bargaining skills, you can find global fashion at dirt-cheap prices. But for most things, bargaining would not even be required. Being a wholesale market, products are already marked at their lowest price.If you are not in the mood to shop, Pratunam Market is also a good place for window shopping. Walk alongside the stalls to get a glimpse into the daily lives of the local vendors. From people working away on sewing machines, to shopkeepers trying to outdo their neighbours, this is the real shopping experience.Pratunam Market is the one-stop solution for everything, from everyday clothing needs to high-street fashionable dresses at affordable prices, and brand rip-offs that look exactly like the original.

Dolphin show has always been a mass entertaining show, audiences of all ages are excited to watch these sea queens without any hesitation. Dolphins are amiable water animals with an emotional sensibility and a high intelligence quotient making them smart, curious and empathic.It is absolutely fascinating to simply watch them take a swim in the show pool. The extraordinary flips and tricks they showcase with such ease and grace is an act you should look forward to at your next visit to Bangkok.The Dolphin show in Bangkok is a part of the Marine world segment of the Safari world, Bangkok.Safari world is a safari park with over 400 exotic species and various experiences for people to enjoy. Various acts of dolphins such as singing, somersaults, dancing, a play with the hoola hoops and many more are performed. These performances are tightly curated to entertain the audience by specialised dolphin trainers.The show is followed by a photoshoot session that the audience can participate in and get a picture with a dolphin. A fun fact you would be amused to know is, if a human is found drowning in the water and if there are dolphins around the drowning person dolphins have the ability to sense it and immediately jump to rescue.So, if you ever head to a dolphin show you can be free of fears as the dolphins generally come to the rescue. Many such stunts displaying the glory of dolphins are performed at the Dolphin show, Bangkok. Read on to discover: