Palace Wonders-The Grand Palace

Visiting the Grand Palace is indeed a great way to become immersed in thai culture.

Built in the year Bangkok was founded, the splendid Grand Palace with its rich cultural heritage spans over 218,400 square metres. With Wat Phra  Si Rattana Satsadaram (The Emerald Buddha Temple) in the same compound, this dazzling complex is the absolute landmark of not just Bangkok but Thailand itself.

Enshrined in the temple is the Emerald Buddha, the country's most sacred image.

Yaowarat

Established in the reign of King Rama V in 1891, Yaowarat was given its name by his Majesty the king. The world " Yaowarat" implies the road is maked for a time when the king acceded to the throne at the age of 15 as a young king of Siam.

Yaowarat Road is populated by Chinese-Thai citizens, famous for being the Chinatown of Thailand. Both sides of the road and surrounding areas characterize the business centers of the city. The Chinese - Thai residents in Yaowarat have been preserving their cultures and tradition without losing their identities especially for their Chiness food. Chinese dishes are locally customized to the taste to local Thais, while they still look like their original dishes in mainland China.  Having Chinese cuisine with Chinese atmosphere causes the road to be one of the most charming attractions in Bangkok.

Transportation

By Bus

Take the bus no. 1,7,25,40,48,53,73,159,170,or 172 to Yaowarat
No. 4,21,25,29,34,40,46,67,109,113 or 159, air-con bus no. 172,501,507or 529 and Microbus no.5 or 14 to Charoenkrung.

By Boat-Chaophraya Express Boat
Disembark at Ratchawong Pier and take a 200-meter walk to Yaowarat Road.

By MRT
From Hua Lum Phong Station, cross the bridge and take a 300-meter walk to the Commemorative Arch, the starting point for Yaowarat Road and Charoenkrung Road.

Massage & Spa Shop

-  Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School     
2 Sanamchai Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2221-2974, 0-2225-4771
Open Daily 08.00-18.00 hrs.


-  Mandara SpaThe Royal Orchid Mandara Spa at the The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers 2 Captain bush lane, New Road, Siphaya, Bangkok
Tel: 0-266-0123   Fax: 0-2639-5478
Hours of Operation: 10.00 - 22.00 hrs.
http://www.mandaraspa.com/


-  Seven Eden Spa
27 Soi Saladaeng 1, Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2266-2345
Open Daily 10.00 - 22.00 hrs.
http://www.sirisathorn.com/


-  Banyan Tree Spa
Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21st Floor, Thai Wah Tower ll, Sathorn Road, Bangkok
Tel: 0-2679-1052-4  Fax: 0-2679-1053
Open Daily 9.00 - 22.00 hrs.
http://www.banyantreespa.com/

Massage & Spa

Thailand is renowned for its array of exotic treatments and therapies. Perhaps most well known is traditional thai massage which many call "the perfect massage". It's an ancient art deting back more than 2,500 years to the temples and traditions of Buddhism.

Traditional Thai Massage

The basic principle of traditional thai massage involves the concept of 10 invisible energy lines flowing through the body, know as "Sip Saen". It's believed that by massaging these points diseases can be cured and pain eradicated. Traditional Thai massage includes deep stretches similar to yoga, rhythmic, gentle rocking movements, and pressure at specific points on the body. It's very popular with travellers and the most popular spa treatment is traditional thai massage, be it foot massage or body massage.

If you have time and have never tried a traditional thai massge in a traditional environment, Wat Pho Thai Massage School is a good place to start. There are numerous traditional thai massage centres and if you are somewhere on Surawong, Silom or Sukhumvit, you are bound to find places that provide traditional massage.

Beauty Day Spa

As many say, your visit to Thailand is not complete without the pampering of a beauty day spa. Like the traditional Thai massage, Thai spas provide traditional ways of preserving well-being, curing ailments, and promoting the balance of a healthy body and soul. It's different from traditional Thai massage in that it utilizes plants and herbs with the use of water.

Koh Samui

Soft sand beaches, towering palm trees and a vibrant nightlife get Samui visitors hooked to this beautiful resort town.

Koh Samui, the third largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. This tropical paradise with its soft sand beaches has everything to offter - a nuique charm which gets everybody hooked.

Hotels and resorts offter a range of accommodation which fit every traveler's budget and afford a warm welcome that is truly Thai. Wining and dining is easy with the abundance of restaurants are dotted along the island. Casual dining places dot the popular Chaweng and Lamai areas with food for as cheap as Bt25. Fine dining is also available for travelers who want a more upscale experience.

Apart from swimming and frolicking under the scorching tropical sun, tons of activities are waiting for tourists. These include sailing, canoeing, fishing, elephant trekking, among many other outdoor activities.