N
All work and no play would make Bangkok a dull place. Fortunately, N is for Nightlife.
Every night, cocktails are imbibed, love affairs ignited, wallets purged and tales born. But beyond Bangkok's near-mythical extreme - the raucous - lays everything in between. Graceful cultural shows, ladyboy extravaganzas, live music and a wealth of salubrious venues are just a few examples. And what makes it all so thrilling? The eclecticism. Here you can exchange the quiet watering hole for the chic splendour of a hip club, or swap the sleazy neon of a go-go bar for the toe-tapping joys of a jazzy hotel lounge – all in a matter of minutes, if not seconds.
Nestling under the naughtier end of the local 'nightlife' umbrella, is Nana Plaza: a multi-level go-go bar labyrinth overrun by sallow European men in counterfeit football shirts. It's not pretty. It's not culturally flattering. But it is Bangkok.
O
O is for Opticians. It's a strange one for our list, admittedly, but, once you discover the quality and variety of treatments available (see LASIK eye surgery), and the competitivenesses of the prices, you'll understand.
Once you're sporting renewed 20:20 head straight to one of Bangkok's many OTOP outlets. A government initiative to promote locally manufactured produce from all over Thailand, OTOP (One Tampon, One Product) provides tampons (districts) with outlets for their produce. Buy snacks and crafts bearing the OTOP label and you won't only gain wonderful delicacies and gifts, but also support those in rural communities.
P
Our first P is not for the prudish... Infamous, sleazy Patpong is the birthplace of the enduringly popular tourist go-go bar scene. Come here to witness lines of scantily-clad temptresses work the pole - then the customers. Not that it's all debauchery. Most visitors these days seem happier haggling over knock-off handbags at the Patpong Night Market than indulging pleasures of the flesh. Find everything from watches and bags to DVD movies and t-shirts. Be wary though - like some of the 'girls' who roam here, they are fakes.
P is also for Bangkok's Palaces. Many are closed to the public, but try Vimanmek Palace (the world's biggest teak house with 81 rooms across three floors), Phaya Thai Palace (Rama V's weekend retreat), and of course, the city's flagship must-see, the Thai and European influenced Grand Palace.
Bangkok's bell-shaped Pagodas (or stupas) are another architectural wonder that beg to be seen. Found in most of the city's temples, these polished gold Buddhist monuments are at their majestic best when gleaming in the strong midday sun. Head to the Phallic Shrine, or the goddess Tuptim shrine, to pray for good growth - not in the downstairs department but your new business!
P is also for Thonglor's mega-trendy concept store Playground - living proof, apparently, that Bangkok is the embodiment of all things currently cool and hip. It's a three-tier shop selling trendy kitsch, including fashion, jewellery, books, art, homewares and furniture and many other whimsical items you don't need but are sure to really, really want! Worth checking out.
For all your digital needs, be it computer hardware or software or something in-between, legit or not, Panthip Plaza head to Bangkok. And for cheap 'designer' clothes, underwear, fashion accessories, shoes, bags, belts and what have you, it has to be nearby Pratunam market.
A P worthy of much praise is Phra Arthit Road, a charming, sleepy little boulevard near the river. Its shady trees and converted shop-house bars, cosy hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cute cake shops attract Thai art students and the rare bohemian backpacker who dared venture beyond nearby Khao San Road. Do try it. It's a great spot to while away sultry afternoons, sip coffee and eat cake.
No kidding, Bangkok's Private Hospitals will be your saviour if you need emergency care. So top-notch are many that many tourists now opt to come here specially for medical procedures. Not only is quality of healthcare as high as back home but the cost, usually, is alot less. Many even resemble high-end hotels. Gender reassignment surgery, breast implants, a nose job or cardiac surgery - whatever you need your in good hands with Doctor Bangkok.
The preserve of the posh, the Polo Club's name says it all, including the 'members only' part. Last but never least, Parks round off P. Few and far between, these compact patches of greenery, shrubbery and shade are essential for keeping you sane, helping you to remember that the world is in fact not all traffic, malls and towering concrete. The biggest and best is Lumpini Park.
Q
Q Bar is a club-scene stalwart and big draw for international DJ's, dance-music lovers and, erm, ladies of the night. It's also known for pouring some of the stiffest drinks in town and having the biggest selection of chilled vodkas in the city.
If Bangkok's staging an important global event to impress, then it'll probably be at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC). A state-of-the-art convention facility that also manages to be distinctly Thai, its home to all manner of fairs, congresses and ceremonies.
Next up in our A-Z of Bangkok cool are R and S. |
