Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [95]
Thann Sanctuary (Map; 0 2658 0550; 3rd fl, Gaysorn Plaza, cnr Th Ploenchit & Th Ratchadamri; spa treatments from 900B; 10am-10pm; Skytrain Chitlom) An offshoot of the fragrant herbal health products brand next door, this dark day spa offers a variety of treatments for post-shopping therapy. Also at Siam Discovery Center (corner Th Phra Ram I and Th Phayathai, Skytrain National Stadium).
River & Canal Trips
Glimpses of Bangkok’s past as the ‘Venice of the East’ are still possible today, even though the motor vehicle has long since become the city’s conveyance of choice. Along the river and the canals is a motley fleet of watercraft, from paddled canoes to rice barges. In these areas many homes, trading houses and temples remain oriented towards life on the water, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past when Thais still considered themselves jôw nám (water lords).
The most obvious way to commute between riverside attractions is the Chao Phraya Express (Map; 0 2623 6001; www.chaophrayaboat.co.th; tickets 9-32B). The terminus for most northbound boats is Tha Nonthaburi and for most southbound boats it’s Tha Sathon (also called Central Pier), near the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, although some boats run as far south as Wat Ratchasingkhon. Click here for more information about boat travel.
For an up-close view of the city’s famed canals, numerous long-tail boats are available for charter at Tha Chang, Tha Tian and Tha Phra Athit. Most trips spend an hour along the scenic Nonthaburi canals Khlong Bangkok Noi and Khlong Bangkok Yai, with stops at the Royal Barges National Museum and Wat Arun. Longer trips diverge into Khlong Mon, between Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai, which offers more typical canal scenery, including orchid farms. It usually costs 1000B for the entire boat for one hour, excluding admission and various mooring fees. Most operators have set tour routes, but if you have a specific destination in mind you can request it.
For dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya River, Click here.
Sports Facilities
If you’re dedicated to the cause of athletics in this energy-sucking climate, you need access to an air-conditioned facility. Most membership gyms and top-end hotels have fitness centres and swimming pools. Some hotels offer day-use fees but these policies vary per establishment.
Clark Hatch Physical Fitness Centers (www.clarkhatchthailand.com) is a top-class operation with more than 14 locations throughout the city. All branches have weight machines, aerobics classes, pool, sauna and massage. Other commercial gyms include California Wow (www.californiawowx.com), with 13 branches, and Fitness First (www.fitnessfirst.co.th), with seven.
These days Bangkok has every imaginable fitness trend: Pilates, kickboxing and even salsa dancing. Most exercise options are centred on the business district on Th Ploenchit or Th Sukhumvit, but there are also studios directly on Th Khao San.
Absolute Yoga (Map; 0 2252 4400; www.absoluteyogabangkok.com; 4th fl, Amarin Plaza, Th Ploenchit; Skytrain Chitlom) offers yoga for the gym rat, not the spiritualist, with classes in hot yoga, Pilates and vinyasa.
Yoga Elements Studio (Map; 0 2655 5671; www.yogaelements.com; 23rd fl, 29 Vanissa Bldg, Th Chitlom; Skytrain Chitlom) teaches classes in vinyasa and ashtanga and offers attractive introductory rates.
One of Bangkok’s longest-running sports groups is the Hash House Harriers (www.bangkokhhh.com), who pride themselves both on their dedication to running and their ability to subdue dehydration with massive amounts of beer. If you’ve got commitment issues with either pursuit, start with a simple jog at a local park, like Lumphini (Click here) or Sanam Luang (Click here). Every imaginable hometown sport – be it softball, ice hockey (yes, really), rugby or biking – attracts a loyal group of expat participants. Most clubs have websites with more information.
WALKING TOURS
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Ko Ratanakosin
Most of Bangkok’s ‘must-see’ destinations