Ratchadapisek Information Guide
Off the radar of most visitors to the capital, Ratchadapisek Road is a wide thoroughfare into the city where those Bangkok constants - traffic and clamor - put in a headline appearance alongside a growing number of shopping and entertainment complexes, hotels, nightlife venues and offices. Located just to the north of the downtown metropolitan area, it runs parallel to Viphavadi Rangsit Road to the east, stretching northwards all the way from the end of Asok Road (Sukumvit Soi 21) to Lad Phrao Road.
Overwhelmingly modern but with a less built-up, more out of town feel than, say, Sukhumvit, its distinctive features include the well-known Thailand Cultural Centre, famous cabaret shows, huge massage parlours, local nightclubs and pubs, as well as department stores and value-for-money hotels. In recent years it's gained something of a reputation for being an affordable nightlife spot - although this is more among locals than the expat or holiday crowd. There's easy access to the rest of the city by road, and while there's no Skytrain (BTS), it is extremely well-served by the MRT underground. There's a ready supply of inexpensive taxis available at any time, and Ratchadapisek offers quick access to the new Suvarnabhumi International Airport. |
Stretching from Rama IX Road to the northern suburbs, a stay on long, wide Ratchadapisek Road offers you immediate access to this well-known area's burgeoning drive-in shopping centres, cultural shows, offices and nightlife. Traditionally friendlier to those on four wheels than two-legs, it now has underground (MRT) stations along much of its length, making coming and going much easier for pedestrians. Chatuchak Weekend Market and Sukhumvit are only a few stops away. (READ MORE)
|
There is little in the way of classic tourist attractions in this area. There is, however, the modern Thailand Cultural Centre where Thai and foreign performing arts take place all year round. (READ MORE)
|
Thousands of cars pour along Ratchadapisek Road - a busy, car-infested northern artery - each day. Consequently options for suburban shoppers have blossomed here in recent years, imposing shopping warehouses and malls popping up all along it. Superb MRT subway access means it's easy to get to. But the appeal for tourists is limited - there's nothing here you can't find more centrally. (READ MORE)
|
ll along Ratchadapisek you can easily grab a bite from the street food stalls that serve office workers by day, posses of revelers by night. (READ MORE)
|
Young partygoers, or those looking to recapture their misspent youth, should head straight for Royal City Avenue. More commonly known as RCA, this long, rather soulless road is one of a few government-designated nightlife zones. This means that the clubs found along it have the modest honour of being allowed to stay open, legally, until 02:00. (READ MORE)
|
Transportation access into and out of Bangkok from here is easy and there are good connections to the Eastern Seaboard. (READ MORE)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
