TRAVEL GUIDE 2017

THAILAND

Silom-Sathorn epitomises Bangkok’s contrasts, with towering office buildings next to small family businesses. At night, this area morphs into a pulsing centre for the city’s nightlife; some of the clubs and restaurants sit atop high-rise buildings, with incredible views. The district also contains the Taksin Bridge (or Sathorn Bridge) that crosses the Chao Phraya. Siam Square , just north of Sathorn Road, is a shopping mecca, with an open-air mall and plenty of individual expression on the streets. The Skytrain has a central interchange station here, which makes Siam quick to access from all areas of the city. Thonburi is the name of sprawling west bank of the Chao Praya, and it offers a very different atmosphere from across the water. Lined by canals, its rustic sights and tucked-away wats and museums are best explored by boat – you can charter

one from any of the main piers along the river, or book ahead with a travel agent.

Khao San is one of Southeast Asia’s famed backpacker haunts. The one-kilometre stretch of road offers a string of hotels, gift shops, tattoo parlours, travel agents, massage joints and restaurants, and by night it becomes one big, boozy party.

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