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. 

What does a colossal Yoda statue, a nineteenth Century plunging cap and Spiderman have in like manner? They are all part of the furniture at Tuba, a bar and eatery in Bangkok where resistance is a design proclamation. From the naked representations on  the dividers to the vintage confounding furniture, Tuba is similar to no other bar in  Bangkok – or Thailand. Part classical display, part bohemian home base, with a differed  Thai­Italian propelled menu and one of the longest cocktails records in the city, Tuba  feels more like a whimsical companion's home than a bar and restaurant. Come here with a gathering of companions, get yourselves anunfastenedniche, sink Into an old fashioned couch.The choice of European draft brews on offer puts most  different bars to disgrace, with Boddingtons, Paulaner, Guinness and Hoegaarden to  look over for around 230 baht a half quart. Location: Address: 34 SoiEkkmai 21(SoiChamchun) or Thong Lo Soi 20, Sukhumwit Road, BangkokTimings: Every day 11:00 AM – 02:00 AM

Iron Fairies is a mystical bar that is outlined like an ironsmith's workshop: dim and broody, with fashioned iron staircases, uncovered pipes and broken down timber and block. Bottles pixie dust are stacked in lines, and all over you look, you could risk upon minimal iron dolls of the winged animals that give the bar its name. Open subsequent to 2010, Iron Fairies moved in 2013 (however just three entryways down the road) and extended its operation so now it is a labyrinth of staircases, mystery entryways and dim recesses. The previous premises were tiny to the point that it was a steady fight to get in or out, keeping in mind it is still a tight crush, however, no matter you are standing or sitting you will certainly be in awe with its stylistic theme. Location: 394 Thonglor Road, Sukhumvit 55, BangkokTimings: Every day from 06:00 PM – 02:00 AM

Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’. If you have one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed. There is a system to help you navigate your way through Chatuchak. Inside, one main walkway encircles the entire market, and it branches off into a series of numbered alleyways called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, and so on. Highlights: There is an information centre along with ATMs and foreign-exchange booths at the Chatuchak Park Office. Schematic maps and toilets are located throughout the market. The whole market is divided into sections to make it easier to explore. Location: The Phahonyothin, BangkokTimings: Open from Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00

Cloud  47  is  one  of  the  latest  and  best  additions  to  Bangkok’s  booming  rooftop  bar scene.  A  stunning  270­degree  view  of  Bangkok’s  skyline.  Along  with  the  incredible panorama, Cloud 47 is set apart from all the other rooftop bars in Bangkok with is its huge terrace, providing ample space for visitors to move around at their own leisure.The cocktails here are pricey, but beer including draught beer and beer 'towers' are relatively good value for money. Location: Located in the financial city near United Centre. Timings:Opened from 5pm to 1am daily.Price:Cost for two may approximately be 2260 BHT.