A Luxurious Delight To Bangkok and Pattaya

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. 

Everybody grows up with the dream to meet their icons in real life, and Madame Tussauds Museum in Bangkok helps you take this dream one step further. Although not in flesh, the unique Wax Museum offers the chance to witness, marvel at extremely life-like wax models of some of the biggest personalities across the fields of art, culture, history and science.

Dream World Amusement Park in Thailand, is one of the superb entertainment and fun-filled parks to indulge in a plethora of activities with family and friends. The park was inaugurated on 12th Nov 1993. The Kitiparaphon Family is instrumental in creating the park to meet the rising interests of the locals and the foreign nationals. About 1000 million BAHT was invested in building up this magnificent park.

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

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.

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’.