'''Rattanakosin Island''' is the core of historical Bangkok.
Understand
Rattanakosin is where King Rama I built his new capital in 1782. The seat of power to this day, this is where most of Bangkok's "must see" sights can be found. The district borders the '''Chao Phraya River''' on the west, but land reclamation has long since joined the eastern bank to the mainland. The focal point of the area is the wide open field of the '''Royal Ground''' (''Sanam Luang''), the site of many ceremonies and festivals associated with the royalty.
There is an excellent '''Government tourist information office''' near the river under Pinklao Bridge.
Get in
The BTS and Metro do not connect to Rattanakosin yet, although the Metro's southern terminus at Hualamphong Station is within striking distance of Chinatown. For time being, your options are to either take a taxi, or use the boats:
By boat
The best way to access most of the sights in Rattanakosin is to take the '''Chao Phraya River Express''', which run from the BTS '''Saphan Taksin''' station up and down the river. The most important pier is '''Tha Tien''', from where you can walk to Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, or take a 2-baht shuttle ferry across the river to Wat Arun. Alternatively, you can take the Saen Saep canal boat to its western terminus near the Golden Mount (Wat Saket), from where the big temples are a brisk stroll or short tuk-tuk hop away.
On foot
The '''Grand Palace''' and '''Wat Pho''' are a 20 minute walk from Khao San Road, but a confusing and hot one if you aren't familiar with the area.
See
Rattanakosin has a lot to see and the top three attractions are conveniently clustered right next to each other. For all temples, bear in mind that you must be dressed appropriately (no shorts, no flipflops, no sleeveless shirts) or risk being denied entry, although some places will offer rental parachute pants for a small (refundable) deposit.
Whether you walk or take a tuk-tuk, '''don't listen to anyone telling you the temples are closed''' for a 'Buddhist holiday', that they're only open in the afternoon because the monks are praying, or anything else along those lines. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are open every day, pretty much all day (dawn till dusk). It's worth giving both the Grand Palace and Wat Pho each a full day since the heat and glare are very wearing and there is a lot to take in.
Grand Palace
Bangkok's most popular tourist attraction, the Grand Palace (??????????????? ''Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang'') [http://www.palaces.thai.net] is the former residence of the King and built adjacent to and more or less integrated with the '''Temple of the Emerald Buddha''' (''Wat Phra Kaew''). Combined entry is a steep 350 baht, plus an optional 200 baht for an audio guide (for two hours) in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese or Thai; Thais get in for free. Your ticket also includes entry into the Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (outside the compound) and the Royal Pavilion (on palace grounds). The palace is open '''every day''' from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (some parts stay open until 4:00PM); do ''not'' believe any scammers who attempts to convince you otherwise. It can get ''very'' crowded (and hot) once the tour buses start to roll in, so getting an early start is very good idea!
There are free English tours four times a day. Look for the sign just after you pass the ticket gate.
The palace was originally built together with the establishment of Bangkok (''Krung Rattanakosin'') by King Rama I the Great and has been expanded ever since. It covers a wide range of architectural styles, ranging from the pure Ayutthayan style of the temples to a blend of Thai and Western for the later structures. Today, the complex covers a total area of 132 rai and comprises 3 major quarters; namely, ''Phra Maha Prasat'' ? the throne halls, ''Phra Ratchamonthian Sathan'' ? royal residences and ''Wat Phra Keow'' ? the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. While the king no longer lives here, a large part of the complex is used for ceremonies and is off-limits to tourists.
Visitors to the Palace are corralled along a set route. In order, the main buildings you will see are:
'''Wat Phra Kaew''', or formally '''Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram''' (???????????????????????????????????). Best known as the '''Temple of the Emerald Buddha''', Wat Phra Kaeo is a royal temple situated on the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace compound. The temple houses a diminutive jade statue, the Emerald Buddha, of uncertain but long provenance and revered as the symbol of the Thai state. It originally surfaced in northern Thailand, was taken to Vientiane for a while, and was returned to Bangkok after the Thais sacked the city in 1828. Visitors line up around the building for a chance to walk by the Emerald Buddha with offerings of lilies and incense. You must take off your shoes, and absolutely no photography is permitted inside. The Buddha's clothing is changed three times a year depending on the season; you can see the other outfits in the Treasury Museum. The wat is actually series of courtyards full of chedi towers in gold and broken porcelain and smaller wats containing Buddhas of various poise and size. Also check out the enormous mural of the Ramayana decorating the exterior wall. The construction of the temple was completed in 1784, and it has consistently undergone several times of restoration from the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama IX. The temple_fs ordination hall ? Phra Ubosot ? and enclosing cloister house fine murals. Other interesting structures include a group of 8 Prang towers, Phra Si Rattana Chedi, a model of Angkor Wat, Prasat Phra Thepbidon, etc.
'''Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat''' (????????????????????????), formerly named as Phra Thinang Inthraphisek Maha Prasat, is the first throne hall to have been constructed within the Grand Palace to house royal remains of the kings, queens and members of the royal family. It is also for use in major royal ceremonies such as auspicious rites and merit-making.
'''Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat''' (?????????????????????????????), located near Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat served as the king_fs mounting platform as well as dressing area for a royal procession.
'''Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya''' (????????????????????), established in 1789 and served as the king_fs royal chamber as well as assembly hall for members of the royal family and audience hall for ladies of the court to receive royal decorations and title_fs paraphernalia in the reign of King Rama VI. It was also where the bathing ceremony for royal remains of the members of the royal family before the urn would be placed inside the Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat.
'''Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat''' (????????????????????????), built in the reign of King Rama V in 1876 to receive royal guests who were monarchs or heads of state. Built in a very European style, but with a Thai roof somewhat incongruously plopped on top.
There are also several other principal throne halls such as Phra Thinang Ratchakaranyasapha, Phra Thinang Munlasathan Boromma-at, Phra Thinang Sommutithewarat Upbat, Phra Thinang Borommaratchasathit Mahoran, Phra Thinang Chakraphatdi Phiman, Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin, etc.
After leaving Chakri Maha Prasat and the Palace's entry gate is in sight, turn right, double back past the ticket counters and pay a visit to the '''Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Thai Coins''' (free entry with your ticket). Not only is it air-conditioned, but it houses an impressive array of gold jewelry, weaponry, coins and gives some insight into the evolution of the dynasty and its elaborate royal ceremonies. A highlight are the seasonal "clothes" of the Emerald Buddha, ranging from a warm winter wrap to a minimalistic ensemble for summer.
Temples
'''Wat Pho''' (????????), 02-225-9595, [http://www.watpho.com]. One (long) block to the south of the Grand Palace, the largest reclining Buddha in Asia — gold plated, 46 metres long, 15 metres high, with inlaid mother of pearl soles — is a mind blowing sight. On the back side of the statue, buy a bag of 50 satang coins and plunk them one by one into the row of copper pots for good luck. There's plenty of other stuff to see inside the large temple complex; above all, try a '''massage''' or sign up for a course in the massage school at the back (see Do). Entry is 50 baht and it is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
'''Temple of Dawn''' (??????? ''Wat Arun'') [http://www.watarun.org]. Across the river from Wat Po on the Thonburi side, this is a distinctive single spike of white intricately inlaid with broken porcelain. At 88 meters it was also the tallest structure in Bangkok until the advent of the modern skyscraper. Take the 3.5-baht ferry from Tha Tien, right next to the River Express dock. The entrance fee is 50 Baht.
'''Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing (??????????????????????)''', Bamrung Muang Road, [http://www.watsuthat.org]. The most prominent feature of this wat is the Giant Swing, a huge red frame located in a plaza opposite the main entrance to the wat. It was once used in a dangerous ceremony, which has been cancelled since 1932 due to the injuries and deaths that resulted. The swing can be viewed for free; entrance to the wat itself is 20 baht. The wat is beautiful, adorned in the front with Chinese pagodas. Under the presiding Buddha statue in the main temple are the ashes of King Rama VIII.
'''Wat Saket and the Golden Mount''' (????????????????????). Wat Saket_fs major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800s. The original structure was built in the reign of King Rama III during the early 19th century, but was enhanced at the end of that century in order to accommodate relics of the Buddha presented to the King of Thailand by the British Viceroy in India. A spiral staircase of 318 steps leads from the ground to a terrace and shrine-room - the Buddha's relics are housed in a gold-leaf covered shrine at the center of this area. Note that while the shrine itself is an ancient structure that creates an atmosphere worthy of respect, the area just below is more akin to a tacky fair ground than one that leads to one of the nation's most sacred sites. Also, the harsh way of requesting the entrance fee does little to inspire the worthy pilgrim or traveler. In short, the shrine is definitely worth including in a travel itinerary, but do not expect a quiet and respectful environment. There is a 10 baht admission fee.
The following wats charge no entry fee. They would be major attractions in any other Thai city, but tend to get overshadowed by the "big boys" listed above and are worth visiting for a quieter experience.
'''Wat Intharawihan''' (?????????????). North of Banglamphu and east of the Marble Temple, this one is known for the so-called Standing Buddha (''Luang Pho To''), a 32-meter-tall golden Buddha image. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. Entrance is free. This temple is worth a visit for the sake of photographing the Buddha. However, it's worth mentioning that this temple is a regular site on the "gem scam" circuit, so ignore anyone approaching you and bringing up the topic of purchasing gems or taking a tuk tuk tour. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
'''Wat Ratchabophit''' (???????????), Fuang Nakhon Road (near Wat Pho). This one is off the beaten path, and entrance is free. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign. The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new ideas and a desire to experiment with them. The exterior of the chapel is in the Thai style, but the interior is decorated in the European style. A major feature of this wat is the Royal Cemetery on the west side, which contains numerous monuments, including four impressive white ones in which the ashes of the four Queens of King Chulalongkorn are interred. The one for Queen Savang Vadhana, grandmother of the current King, is the first on the left as you walk in eastward from the road.
'''Wat Ratchanatdaram''' (??????????????), Mahachai Road. Somewhat off the beaten track but well worth a visit, very close to the Saen Saep canal boat terminus and the Golden Mount, and easily spotted since its spires are of black iron, not the usual glittery gold. The temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846 and is in a highly unusual style: the wat itself is a 5-storied gleaming white structure with rows of Buddhas and nice views from up top, very elegant, calm and relaxing after the crowds at the big temples. A good view of Bangkok is afforded from the top tier. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entrance is free; also check out the Buddhist amulet market nearby.
'''Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram''' (????????????????????????????). This modest wat is opposite the canal from Wat Ratchabophit, to the north of Saran Rom Park. It was built in the reign of King Rama IV who intended it to be a temple in the Thammayut Sect as well as to be one of the 3 major temples as required by an old tradition to be situated within the capital. The place was originally a royal coffee plantation in the reign of King Rama III. With his personal donation, King Rama IV (Mongkut) bought the plantation and had a small temple constructed there, and his ashes are now interred under it. A place of interest in this temple is Phra Wihan Luang - the royal image hall - which houses mural paintings depicting _gThe Royal Ceremonies over 12 Months_h and legend of the solar eclipse phenomenon. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. Free.
Other
'''Sanam Luang''' (????????). A vast open ground situated near the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the ground was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus, otherwise called as _eThung Phra Men_f which means the crematorium ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground renamed as _eThong Sanam Luang_f, or the Royal Ground, and the rice farming there ceased. Later, King Rama V had the Wang Na_fs eastern wall demolished and the area of Sanam Luang enlarged to cover a total of 78 rai as it does _etil today. The place has been used as the crematorium ground for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition, to being a royal sporting ground. The king also had 365 tamarind trees planted around it. Sanam Luang is also Bangkok_fs equivalent of _eSpeaker_fs Corner_f where folk often get together and debate the state of current politics. The grounds have, over recent history, been used as a location for political rallies and demostrations. On the King_fs birthday (Dec 5) literally a million people come to celebrate the birthday of HM the King. It is open daily and has no entrance fee.
'''City Pillar Shrine''' (???????????? ''Lak Meuang'') According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar — probably a descendent of the Hindu Shiva ''lingam'' — has to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the city_fs horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si. It is open daily and has no entrance fee.
'''National Gallery''' (????????????????????? ??????). Th Chao Fa (''north of Sanam Luang'') [http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/artgallery/main.htm]. Housed in the former Royal Thai Mint and fairly small and compact, the permanent displays here are quite unimpressive, but the ever-changing modern art exhibitions can be considerably more interesting. Oil paintings by the King are also exhibited here. Admission 200B (recently bumped up from 30B) even when there's no special exhibition, open W-Su 9AM-4PM, closed national holidays.
'''National Museum''' (????????????????????? ??????), Naphra That (''between Thammasart University and the National Theatre, opp. Sanam Luang'') [http://www.finearts.go.th]. Another former royal palace dating to the same period as the Grand Palace, the grounds are attractive in parts, but a bit sprawling and difficult to navigate without a guide. The permanent exhibits are a mixed bag - there are some terrific new displays and dioramas on Thai history, but many other buildings are dusty collections of artifacts without much by way of explanation. Entry 200B (recently bumped up from 40B), open W-Su 9AM-4PM, closed national holidays. Allow a whole day to see this one.
'''Vimanmek Mansion Museum''' (??????????????????), [http://www.vimanmek.com], tel. +66-2-6286300. This is the world_fs largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in English is provided to foreign visitors. Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol_fs photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit_fs collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages. Open daily from 9.30 AM to 4 PM (some buildings may close at 3:30 PM, but the biggest throne hall stays open until 8:00 PM, or 6:00 PM if they feel like changing the time without telling anyone and without even taking down the "8:00 PM" sign). Tickets for the Grand Palace are also valid here (or 100 baht for entry here alone), and the same dress code applies. '''Note:''' you must store your belongings in a locker at each building. It's free at all buildings, except for the Vimanmek building, so go to another building first and leave your belongings there. Allow a whole day if you want to see everything.
'''Yaowarat''' (also ''Yaowaraj''). Bangkok's '''Chinatown''', centered on Th Yaowarat and Th Charoenkrung, is an easy walk from Hualamphong Station. By day it doesn't look much different from any other part of Bangkok, but at night the neon signs blazing with Chinese characters are turned on and crowds from the restaurants spill out onto the streets, turning the area into a miniature Hong Kong (minus the skyscrapers).
Parks
'''Saranrom Park''', Sanam Chai Road (across from the Grand Palace). A lush garden created around a lake and home to glasshouses, ancient trees and wooden pagodas. A great place to relax and escape the heat.
Learn
'''Silpakorn University''', 31 Na Phralan Road (across the street from ''Wat Phra Kaew'' and the ''Grand Palace''), [http://www.su.ac.th/]. As Thailand's foremost institution in the fine arts, there are many buildings and small museums dedicated to showcasing artworks by students.
'''Thammasat University''', 2 Phrachan Road (next to the ''National Museum''), [http://www.tu.ac.th/default.tu/default.thai.html]. The main campus of one of Thailand's most prestigious universities, alma matter of many of the nation's politicians and businessmen. It is noticeably more modern than neighboring Silpakorn University and is worth a walk around campus, particularly on a school day.
'''Thai Massage at Wat Pho'''. To register for Wat Pho's famous Thai massage course, you'll need 2 x 2" passport photos and a photocopy of your passport. These photos are bigger than UK passport photos (which are not accepted). The Kodak shop on the corner of the Thai Massage Registration Office, Soi Penphat 1, Maharaj Rd, can supply the photos and has a photocopier, but the photos can take a few hours, so go the day before. Tell the Kodak man that the photos are for the Thai massage certificate - he has a jacket you can wear to look smart. The Thai massage school will reject photos if you are wearing a skimpy top or do not look tidy. The basic course (8,700 baht) is pretty comprehensive and lasts 5 days. They'll put you in a separate English speaking classroom where the instructors have a fair grasp of English. They know their stuff and justify their reputation of being the home of Thai massage. Prepare for an Asian style of teaching - they teach you what to do without often explaining the reasons ''why'', however if you question them, they will tell you. It is best to study 5 days consecutively, but there is scope for having a break in the middle - you do not need to book months in advance. You can start the day you register. Lunch is provided for 30BHT and is of good quality, but can be low on quantity if there are lots of students. All you need to bring for the course is comfortable clothing - be prepared to remove body jewellery. The Thai massages are conducted with you wearing all your clothes. At 8AM in NE corner of Wat Pho, the massage school teach Thai Yoga. This is free to attend, you do not need to pay an entrance fee to get into the Wat Pho courtyard if you are a massage student.
Buy
'''River City''', 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng (''pier N3 Si Phaya''), [http://www.rivercity.co.th/]. Easily accessible from its own pier for the River Express boat, this center has Bangkok's best collection of antique shops — but these are (for most part) the real thing and priced to match. Note that real antiques and any religious images will require export licenses, although the shops can arrange this for you (for a fee).
'''Old Maps & Prints''', Shop 412, 4F. Has a fascinating collection of old maps with an emphasis on Thailand and South-East Asia, but anything over a century old will set you back several thousand baht.
Eat
Compared to the profusion elsewhere in the city, places to eat in the Old City are a little limited.
Mid-range
'''Yaowarat''' (Chinatown) has the city's best selection of Chinese restaurants, many of which specialize in expensive delicacies like shark fin, bird nest or fresh seafood (often still swimming in tanks near the entrance). Gather the biggest group you can, preferably with a Chinese speaker or two, and head down for some ''ren'ao'' ("hot and noisy") banqueting.
'''Nam Sing''', 39-47 Soi Texas, Th Phadung Dao (''off Yaowarat Rd''). A large and functional restaurant, best known for its bird nest but there's plenty of other fare on offer. Try the chilli crab and pork neck. English menu with pictures available, most (large) dishes B200-300. Unfortunately they only accept Visa, Mastercard or Cash.
Splurge
The riverside hotels (see Sleep) have the usual monopoly of restaurants but at rather steep prices, although the Oriental's dinner buffet (B1000+) is acclaimed.
Dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya are a touristy but fun way of spotting temples while getting full with seafood. There are many competing operators, but mostly, all cruises depart from the '''River City Pier''', next to pier N3 Si Phaya of the River Express.
'''Wan Fah''', +66-2222-8679 [http://www.wanfah.com/]. 2-hour dinner cruises including a set meal of farang-friendly Thai food and seafood, live music and Thai classical dancing. Departs at 7 PM from River City, B1000 per head (not including drinks).
Drink
'''Bamboo Bar''', 48 Th Oriental (''Oriental Hotel''). Jazz lovers will want to stop by the Oriental's famous bar, which is surprisingly small and intimate, for classy colonial surroundings, live music and a Cuban cigar. Needless to say, at B250 a Singha here will be the most expensive beer you'll find in Bangkok.
'''Ta Chang''', a one minute walk to the left (when looking at the building) of the tourist office under Pinklao Bridge. Great place for a good coffee with a relaxing view over a small garden - alcohol is also served.
'''Coffee and More''', 102/1 Phra-Arthit Road, Chanasongkram (between Khaosan Road and river), Tel: 280-7887. Open: 10AM-9:30PM (11PM at weekends). A pleasant cafe overlooking garden - modern, but cosy decor. Wide selection of coffees and teas and great cakes. Breakfast options limited. Popular with young up-and-coming Thais.
Sleep
Budget
Budget guesthouses and such are clustered on Khao San Road, covered on a separate page.
Mid-range
Bhiman Inn. ttp://www.bhimaninn.com. Sister hotel of the Viengtai and is a bit cheaper. About a 5 minute walk North of Khaosan Road. Staff friendly, good swimming pool, but poor breakfast offering very little choice.
Viengtai Hotel. 300 baht. ttp://www.viengtai.co.th/. The breakfast is superb, offering most choices in cuisine and they have a swimming pool. Large room with air conditioning. This hotel is a popular destination for Thais visiting Bangkok. Staff are superbly efficient and friendly as they are in most hotels.
Navalai River Resort. 5/1 Phra Athit Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200" url=". Located in the middle of the stunning Riverside view of Chao Pra Ya river and surrounded by the sounds of River flourishing. Style of the interior that combine the Thai traditional design presents through the Modern way with the passionate decorations to take your breath and the most spectacular room.
Boonsiri Place. 000 baht. ttp://www.boonsiriplace.com/. Located about 5 minutes walk south of Khaosan Road, this hotel is hidden in the back alleys of the area. The rooms are very clean, as are the bathrooms. Breakfast selection is very poor, but adequate. Conveniently has a 711 on the ground floor.
Unico Grande Sukhumvit. 7 Sukhumvit Soi1, Sukhumvit Rd., Wattana. 66 2 6553993. rs@unicoproperty.co.th. 66 2 6553992. 400. 2 . ,200-5000 baht. ttp://www.unicograndesukhumvit.com/. Located closed to Bumrungrad International Hospital about 3 minutes walk to Nana and 8 minutes to Skytrain Ploenchit Station, this hotel is boutique style. The rooms are very clean, as are the bathrooms. Breakfast is good. Staff are pleasant to help. Conveniently has a pharmarcy, massage and 7-11 around the place.
Shanghai Inn Bangkok. hinatown Bangkok. 66 2 221 2121. ontact@shanghai-inn.com. ttp://www.shanghai-inn.com/. Chinese Chic hotel
Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok. 091/343 New Petchburi Road Makkasan, Rajthevee. 66 2 651 7600. ttp://www.eastinbangkokhotel.com/. Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok is a newly renovated 280 room 4 star hotel. Features a modern residential interior design. Suitable for business or leisure traveller
Splurge
The southern part of the river near the Sathorn Bridge has two of the world's best hotels, and not a few lesser lights.
'''Oriental Bangkok''', 48 Th Oriental, tel. +66 2659 9000, [http://www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok/]. Ranked highly amongst the finest hotels in the world, it is known particularly for its superlative service. Prices are consequently on the steep side; even the cheapest online rates are rarely below $300 a night. Sumptuously decorated in old-school Colonial style. The hotel is on the east side of the river with its own River Express stop (''Tha Oriental'').
'''Lebua at State Tower''', 1055/111 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. 5 star hotel, All-suite luxury accommodation in Bangkok that give you a glimpse of the most dramatic views of Bangkok. The Skybar is one of the world's highest out door bars, overlooking a panoramic view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river.
'''Peninsula Bangkok''', 333 Th Charoennakorn, tel. +66 2861 2888, [http://bangkok.peninsula.com/]. Just across the river from the Oriental, this newer competitor has nudged the Oriental out of its top spot a few times. Prices are a little more sensible but still usually above $200. Free shuttle service to the BTS Saphan Taksin stop.
'''Shangri-La Bangkok''', 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, tel. +66 2236 7777, [http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/bangkok/shangrila]. Definitely also a 5 star hotel but not ''quite'' as superlative as the Oriental or the Pen, the Shangri-La makes up for it partly with an excellent location next to both Skytrain and river boat. Prices start from $120.
Contact
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