BANGKOK
BANGKOKTOURSBANGKOKExiting the market at Tha Phra Chan, cross
Th Maha Rat and continue east, passing even
more traditional Thai medicine shops and
amulet vendors until you reach 8 Sanam
Luang, the ‘Royal Field’. The park is the site
for the annual Ploughing Ceremony, in which
the King (or, lately, the Crown Prince) offi -
cially initiates the rice-growing season, and a
large kite competition is also held here during
the kite-fl ying season (mid-February to April).
Cross Th Ratchadamnoen Nai and go
north, turning right at the Royal Hotel onto
9 Th Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok’s
own Champs Élysées. Continuing east, after
the intersection Th Tanao, you’ll see the
a^ October 14 Memorial, commemorating
the civilian demonstrators who were killed
on 14 October 1973 by the military during a
prodemocracy rally. Ahead in the distance
you’ll see the four-pronged b Democracy
Monument, erected in 1932 to commemo-
rate Thailand’s transformation from absolute
to constitutional monarchy. In recent dec-
ades, the monument has been a site of huge
demonstrations, most notably during 1973
and 1992.
Turn right down Th Din So and continue
south until you reach the unmistakable
c^ Wat Suthat and Sao Ching-Cha, both
lesser-known Bangkok landmarks.
You’re well overdue for lunch at this point,
but thankfully you’re only a couple of blocks
west of Th Tanao, one of Bangkok’s premier
eating areas. Cut through the d religious
shops along Th Bamrung Meuang for a pit
stop at e Poj Spa Kar or f Chote Chitr.
After lunch, turn left on Th Phraeng Nara,
crossing Khlong Lawt, and continue west
along Th Lak Meuang until you reack the
street’s namesake and home of Bangkok’s
city spirit, g Lak Meuang.
After paying your respects, head south
along Th Sanam Chai and turn right onto
Th Thai Wang, which will escort you to the
entrance of h Wat Pho home of the giant
Reclining Buddha and lots of quiet nooks and
crannies.
If you’ve still got the energy, head to adja-
cent Tha Tien to catch the cross-river ferry to
Khmer-infl uenced i Wat Arun; otherwise
end your journey with celebratory drinks at
the Arun Residence’s rooftop bar,
j^ Amorosa – if you’re there at the right
time, you can catch one of Bangkok’s premier
sunset views.