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24 | FireFlyz
get
away
B
angkok
o f f e r s
diverse fun, but
first-time visitors
often don’t know
where to star t .
Explore the sights
on foot; it allows
you to suss out various attractions
hidden at nooks and crannies in the
city. Use the wide elevatedwalkways,
built under the skytrain tracks, to
quickly access malls, office buildings,
hospitals and hotels without stepping
onto the crowded streets.
BTS Skytrains, along the Silom
and Sukhumvit lines, and MRT
(mass rapid transit) take you to
more cosmopolitan areas. Tuk-tuks
(three-wheeledmotorised rickshaws)
and air-condi t ioned taxis are
also available; negotiate the fare
beforehand as the meter is seldom
used. Carry a bottle of water, sun-
block lotion and cash with you at
all times, as many establishments
don’t accept credit cards. A spare
change of clothing is useful when
you’re sweating profusely, and long
trousers for the hotspots with a strict
smart dress code.
Historical city
Dedicate half a day to check out the
exhibits at The Grand Palace. Visitors
must dress modestly in tops with sleeves,
long trousers or skirts and socks, to enter
the sprawling compounds next to the
Chao Phraya River and in the heart of
Ratanakosin Island. The Grand Palace
was the home of the king and his court,
and also the government administrative
centre, for 150 years.
The Royal Chapel (a grand temple)
nearby commands your attention with a
beautiful emerald Buddha statue, carved
from a block of jade. It sits on an altar
made from pure gold, and is designed in
a traditional aerial chariot-style, inspired
by Hindu gods. The emerald statue was
installed with much fanfare after King
Rama I built Bangkok city. As a tribute
to his royal predecessors, King Rama III
later added two more replica figurines of
Buddha in front of the altar.
At the Central Court area, you’ll
marvel at the beauty of the King’s former
residence, and several royal reception
halls where the state’s business were
conducted. Only two of the elegant halls
are open to the public, to marvel at the
exquisite European-style architecture.
Bangkok,knownasKrungThep
inThai, isafeastforthesenses,
offeringaplethoraof thingsto
see, do and taste.
TanHeeHui
is captivated by the buzz and
lifeofthecityandtoyswiththe
idea of never leaving.
Krung Thep
High tea in The Author’s Room at
the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Bangkok’s Chinatown at night