Do you want to try out some sake in Bangkok, but you don’t know where to start? You can visit Isetan Department Store at Central World for a special tasting set to try out a few different flavors and see what you like.
sake boxes
Sake boxes sit stacked on big wooden barrels, inviting visitors to come in for a taste of the light, fruity Japanese rice wine.
boxes of sake for tasting
For only 180 baht, you can sit at the bar in Isetan’s grocery store, and be served a tasting set of three very different sakes from different parts of Japan. Each has a totally different smell, taste, and characteristic, from light and crisp to sweet and fruity.
Eat, Pray, Shop: An Initiative by the Tourist Authority of Thailand
Ratchaprasong Intersection: one of the busiest shopping districts in downtown Bangkok. The City of Angels itself rarely sleeps, and Ratchaprasong is another level entirely. The non-stop buzz of activity between Siam Paragon and Central World, two of Bangkok’s biggest and most popular shopping malls is chaotic. Buses and tuk-tuks zip past, and hoards of tourists, students, and business-people hurry along their way, barely pausing for a moment.
But amidst all this, there is a sacred secret: eight great shrines to various Hindu deities scattered throughout the area. Although the TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand) promotes a sort of pilgrimage walk to each shrine along the Ratchaprasong Intersection, busy people rarely have time to make the commitment to visit and pray at each.
Step away from the shopping malls and into a more spiritual world on this mini pilgrimage to visit and pray at each of downtown Bangkok’s eight holy shrines.
1. Indra Shrine
The God of Thunder
The Indra Shrine
Indra is the Hindu god of lightning, thunder, and the heavens, and is the king of the gods. He is the remover of obstacles and the bringer of happiness.
Indra is also revered in Buddhism as the god who encouraged the Buddha to become a teacher to mankind, and he is seen as a protector and defender. Indra even appears on the seal of the City of Bangkok, riding his great elephant (Erawan). In fact, the ceremonial name of Bangkok refers to the city as “given by Indra”.
Needless to say, Indra is very important and popular within Thai Buddhism.
Location of the Indra Shrine
The Indra Shrine is located at the corner of Amarin Plaza, just down the stairs from the BTS Skytrain Chitlom Station.
Shrine to Indra at Amarin Plaza, Bangkok
What to do at the Indra Shrine
Visitors to the Indra Shrine can buy marigold flowers and incense from an attendant at the shrine to give as an offering. Pray at the shrine for prosperity and protection from evil.
2. Erawan Shrine
Shrine of Lord Brahma the Great – The God of Creation
The Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok landmark. Officially, the shrine is the spirit house of the Erawan Hotel (Grand Hyatt Erawan), another Bangkok Landmark. It’s become so much more, however.
The Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok
During its construction in 1956, the Erawan Hotel was plagued by misfortune, setbacks, and bad luck. In a desperate attempt to ward off this negative karma, the management consulted an astrologer, who suggested the construction of a magnificent shrine to the four-faced god of creation, Brahma (in Thai: Phra Prom). This shrine is one of only a few shrines to Brahma in the world.
worshipers at the Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is lively, colorful, and incredibly popular. Visitors offer marigold garlands, incense, and candles, and pray for protection and the clearing of obstacles. The statue has four faces, one facing in each cardinal direction.
Shrine to Brahma in Bangkok
Location of the Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is located in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, at the corner of Ratchadamri Road, Between BTS Chitlom and Siam Stations.
What to do at the Erawan Shrine
A troupe of traditional Thai dancers will perform a dance as a prayer for worshipers kneeling and facing the shrine; a unique and beautiful spiritual ritual. If you make a donation and queue up, you can hire the dancers for a prayer honoring Brahma.
There are plenty of vendors around the shrine selling all sort of items for offerings.
The Shrine of Narayana atop Garuda stands in front of the Hotel Intercontinental, offering protection and deflecting evil spirits.
Narayana is another name for Vishnu, the Preserver.
Narayana Shrine at the Hotel Intercontinental, Bangkok
Garuda, the great eagle, is a symbol of royal power in Thailand.
Narayana Shrine
Location of the Narayana Shrine
The Narayana Shrine is located across the road from the Erawan and Indra Shrines in front of the Hotel Intercontinental. Go up and over the sky bridge to reach this shrine. The Narayana Shrine is part of a fountain in front of the hotel.
What to do at the Narayana Shrine
The shrine is fairly quiet. Visitors leave offerings of small cups of water, flowers, incense, and fruit and pray for protection from evil, as Narayana is believed to bring spiritual balance.
4. Lakshmi Shrine
The Goddess of Wealth and Fortune
Lakshmi is the consort of Narayana, and the goddess of wealth and fortune. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Gaysorn Plaza’s roof, the Lakshmi Shrine can be a bit hard to find. She stands, a golden statue clad in pink robes, looking out over Bangkok, protecting businesses and offering good fortune.
Lakshmi Shrine
Location of the Lakshmi Shrine
The Lakshmi Shrine can be a little hard to find if you don’t know where to look. Unlike the other shrines on this list, the Lakshmi and Jatulokbal Shrines are not on the street, but rather high above the city on a rooftop. The shrine is located on the 4th floor rooftop terrace of the Gaysorn Plaza shopping center. To reach the shrine, enter Gaysorn Plaza (next to the Hotel Intercontinental) and take the elevator to the 4th floor. From the outdoor terrace, the Lakshmi Shrine is on the corner to the left looking out across the city.
The Lakshmi Shrine looking out across Bangkok
What to do at the Lakshmi Shrine
Lakshmi is said to like pink. People leave offerings of pink lotus blossoms, incense, and coins, and pray for an increase in luck, wealth, and prosperity.
Shrine to Lakshmi at Gaysorn Plaza in Bangkok
5. Jatulokbal Shrine
The God of Directions
Lord Tao Jatulokbal is a combination of four gods, the “Four Heavenly Kings”, into one statue, each representing one cardinal direction. He preserves the teachings of Buddhism and protects the humans on earth.
Jatulokbal Shrine
Location of the Jatulokbal Shrine
The Jatukokbal Shrine is also on the 4th floor terrace at Gaysorn Plaza. From the Lakshmi Shrine, keep going as the terrace wraps around the building to find the Jatulokbal Shrine, also looking out over Bangkok.
Jatulokbal Shrine in downtown Bangkok
What to do at the Jatulokbal Shrine
Visitors can pray for luck, power, protection, and prosperity by lighting incense. If you are going on a trip, you can ask for protection, as Jatulokbal looks out over every direction.
6. Umathevi Shrine
The Goddess of Compassion
The Umathevi Shrine is dedicated to the goddess of compassion. Women especially pray here for success and leadership.
Umathevi Shrine in Bangkok
Location of the Umathevi Shrine
The Umathevi Shrine is located in front of Big C Supercenter, across from Central World shopping mall. From Gaysorn Plaza, exit the building and turn right towards Big C. This large shrine is easy to spot, just in front of the entrance to the shopping center.
Umathevi, the Goddess of Compassion
What to do at the Umathevi Shrine
You can leave flowers, fruit, and incense as an offering. Signs at the shrine say not to leave clothes or meat as offerings.
7. Trimurti Shrine
The God of Love
Trimurti Shrine, Central World, Bangkok
The Trimurti Shrine represents the unity of the three great gods of Hinduism: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. In Thailand, Trimurti is the god of love. This shrine was constructed to balance out the power from the Brahma Shrine at the Erawan Hotel across the street, but has been moved further down the road in years since.
God of Love Shrine, Bangkok
Location of the Trimurti Shrine
Cross the street from Big C to Central World, one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok. The Trimurti and Ganesh Shrines are right next to each other in front of the mall, at the entrance to Isetan Department Store. The Trimurti Shrine is to the left, and the Ganesh Shrine is to the right.
What to do at the Trimurti Shrine
Heartbroken? Lonely? Offer red roses, available from the vendors near the shrine, to the god of love.
Couples can pray for success in their relationship, and lonely singles can pray for luck in love. Many flower vendors set up shop around the shrine, which is especially popular in the evenings. Trimurti is said to be especially receptive to answering prayers on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
8. Ganesh Shrine
The God of Wisdom and Success
The final shrine on this small pilgrimage is the Shrine to Ganesh, located just adjacent to the Trimurti Shrine. Ganesh is the elephant-headed god of success, and is especially popular with students, teachers, and other professions requiring wisdom.
Ganesh Shrine in Bangkok
Location of the Ganesh Shrine
The Ganesh Shrine is also in front of Central World, just to the right of the Trimurti Shrine. Both shrines can be found just outside the entrance to Isetan Department Store at Central World shopping mall.
Ganesh Shrine in Bangkok
What to do at the Ganesh Shrine
Offer marigold garlands, fruit, incense, or Thai snacks (such as incense) to Ganesh and pray for luck and blessings of wisdom and creative inspiration.
Learn More
Visit the official Ratchaprasong District website to download a free PDF ebook guide and map to each shrine.
Cheers, one of Thailand’s newer breweries, has released a special “Northern Strawberry Lager”, which is being marketed as “The Valentine’s Beer”. At 50 baht per can, it’s not too expensive. But how does it taste?
Cheers Strawberry for sale 50 baht per can
It’s good! The strawberry flavor is strong, and the beer is fairly light and fruity. Definitely worth picking up a can at your local Tops Supermarket in Bangkok to try for yourself.
Even the expat who loves Thai food the most will, after a certain length of time in Thailand, begin craving breakfast. Not rice porridge, or fried rice, or stewed vegetables, no matter how delicious they may be, but “real” breakfast. In Thailand’ there’s not much difference between the dishes you eat for each meal. While Thai food may be some of the best in the world, sometimes you just want an egg, or a strip of bacon, or… a bagel.
For a taste of Manhattan in downtown Bangkok, look no further than Chitlom! Since 2011, BKK Bagel Bakery has been serving up the most delicious bagels in Thailand to expats, tourists, and locals alike.
BKK Bagel Bakery near BTS Chitlom, Bangkok, Thailand
BKK Bagel Bakery Menu and Price
Bagels run 195-260 baht, and come fully loaded with all the good stuff! Choose from the many options off of BKK Bagel’s menu; each dish is sure to be delicious!
You can choose your bagel from the selection of hand-rolled and kettle-boiled bagels, then choose your toppings. Their everything bagels are especially delicious, and I can’t resist the “Breakfast Epic” that comes with egg, cheese, bacon, and stone-ground mustard! So delicious!
BKK Bagel Menu
For a very traditional New York experience, try a “Lox, Stock, and Bagel”, which comes with salmon, cream cheese, onion, and caper.
When we visited BKK Bagel Bakery this week, they had a very special brightly multi-colored bagel for sale. How could we resist trying that?
colorful bagels!
We asked the bakery about these amazing colorful bagels. We were told that they are a new permanent addition to the menu that was added just last year.
“Lox, Stock, and Bagel” served on a cool, colorful bagel
Breakfast is available all day. If you love breakfast, don’t miss trying the “Breakfast Epic”, which is especially good on an everything bagel. In my opinion, the stone-ground mustard is the key ingredient to making this bagel so irresistable!
“Breakfast Epic” bagel served at BKK Bagel Bakery, Bangkok, Thailand
Sandwiches, salads, and coffee are also available.
Guaytiao Rua ( ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ ), or “Boat Noodles” in English, are a staple of Bangkok cuisine. Bangkok is sometimes called the “Venice of the East” due to the vast network of canals (known as “khlongs”) that crisscross the city. In the past, vendors would row their boats up and down the canals, serving tiny bowls of noodles to locals living and working along the canals.
Nowadays, these vendors have set up their vintage fast-food noodle shop in permanent restaurants, although many, if not most, are still located along the banks of Bangkok’s khlongs.
A bowl of boat noodles is cheap; usually running 10-20 baht per bowl. Patrons sit around a table with a group of friends ordering bowl after bowl of delicious, hot soup. By the end of the meal, there is a tall tower of bowls stacked up on the edge of the table. It’s a fun experience, and delicious and cheap besides!
One of the most famous areas in Bangkok for buying boat noodles is the Victory Monument area (BTS Victory Monument). The only problem is, there are just so many shops to choose from. Luckily a bowl of boat noodles is small and cheap, and you are meant to eat several in one setting, so that’s just what we did! We visited four boat noodle shops along a canal near Victory Monument to see who sells the best boat noodles in Bangkok!
Types of Boat Noodles
Boat noodles can be made of rice noodles, egg noodles, or even thin vermicelli. A small bite-sized portion of noodles is served with each restaurant’s unique broth, which is usually flavored with garlic, herbs, and Chinese five-spices. The brown broth is thickened with pig’s blood, and can be a little spicy, sour, and sweet. The noodles are usually served with pork and flavorful herbs on top. Despite their small size, a bowl of boat noodles is absolutely packed with flavor.
Boat Noodle Canal Near Victory Monument
From Victory Monument BTS Station, take the sky-walk around the monument towards Sirat Expressway. Looking down from the sky-walk, you’ll see a narrow canal with several restaurants crammed into the alley nearby.
It’s not glamorous. The muddy canal is a little smelly. The shops are cramped and crowded with everyone from office workers heading home after work to large groups students and off-duty policemen. The Skytrain rattling overhead doesn’t add much in the way of ambiance. But that’s all part of the fun! Here is where you’ll find this most wonderfully authentic dining experience. Who cares about fancy when the food is just so good?
Pranakorn Boat Noodle – First Shop
a canal near Bangkok’s Victory Monument
Location and Atmosphere of Pranakorn Boat Noodle
Located on the corner of the road, just by the canal. Walk down the stairs of the Victory Monument sky-walk, and it’s easy to spot Pranakorn Boat Noodle Restaurant. The shop is the first on the corner.
The atmosphere is energetic and lively. The shop is always crowded and busy, but there’s always a seat for one more.
This shop is very popular with locals heading home from work and groups of students.
Pranakorn Boat Noodle is right on the busy street, and is always crowded, and a bit noisy.
a kitchen at a noodle shop in Bangkok, Thailand
The Menu at Pranakorn Boat Noodle
Small bowls: 12 baht
Large bowls: 50 baht
Don’t miss the unique brewed bean curd noodle!
menu of Pranakorn Boat Noodle
The Noodles, Soup, and Broth at Pranakorn Boat Noodle
The broth is particularly thick and rich.
The soup is very herbal, and includes a lot of flavors.
They don’t skimp on including lots of good ingredients in their noodle soup.
bean curd noodle souppork noodle soup
Anong Boat Noodle – Second Shop
second shop
Location and Atmosphere of Anong Boat Noodle
Next up along the canal is Anong Boat noodle.
This shop is just next door to the first restaurant, and has both outdoor seating along the canal, and indoor air-conditioned seating.
This restaurant is a bit quieter, with nice seating along the canal.
noodle restaurant
The Menu at Anong Boat Noodle
Prices are similar, with a bowl of noodles running around 12 baht.
menu of Anong Boat Noodle
The Noodles, Soup, and Broth at Anong Boat Noodle
The broth here is sweeter and much less spicy (although you can add ground chili to your bowl to taste!).
The broth is a bit thinner than the others.
The meat in the pork noodle soup is extremely soft and tender.
boat noodles along the canal at Anong Boat Noodle
Rua Thong Noodle (Golden Boat)
Rua Thong, “Golden Boat” Noodle Shop in Bangkok
Location and Atmosphere of Rua Thong
The next restaurant along the canal is Rua Thong, which means “Golden Boat”.
The broth at Rua Thong is quite spicy, and not so sour.
Very soft and tender pork.
The broth at Rua Thong is the spiciest.
noodles from Rua Thong
Paa Yak Boat Noodles – Fourth Shop
Paa Yak Boat Noodle Restaurant
The Location and Atmosphere of Paa Yak Boat Noodle
Proclaiming itself to be “The Best Noodle Boat”, Paa Yak sits at the very end of the khlong.
The restaurant is fairly quiet, but popular.
There is no indoor seating, but plenty of tables along the canal.
noodles being prepared at Paa Yak
The Menu at Paa Yak Boat Noodle
A small bowl of noodles here is the cheapest; only 10 baht each!
The Noodles, Soup, and Broth at Paa Yak Boat Noodle
The broth is quite sour, making this bowl of noodles very traditional!
The soup is a bit spicy.
They include a lot of pork!
noodles are the only Thai dish eaten with chopsticks
So enjoy! Pull up a chair at your noodle restaurant of choice, and begin building a tower of your empty noodle bowls! Or, do as we did, and have a bowl or two from each shop along the canal! You won’t be disappointed with this tasty and super cheap meal!
Batu Cave is the site of a sacred Hindu shrine just outside of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. Easily accessible as a day trip from the city, Batu Caves are a colorful, interesting, and uniquely spiritual site. The shrine inside the Batu Caves is considered to be one of the most important Hindu shrines in Malaysia.
The world’s largest statue of Lord Murugan, and second-largest Hindu statue in the world
Arriving at the caves, climb the 272 steps up to the Temple Cave. A tall golden statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan looks down on the hundreds of tourists and pilgrims who visit the sacred caves each day. This statue holds the unique distinction as the second-tallest Hindu statue in the world!
climb 272 steps to the entrance of Batu Caves
The Temple Cave at Batu Caves
Batu Temple Caves
Also known as “The Cathedral Cave”, Temple Cave is the largest in Batu Caves. This is the site of a small, but important and popular Hindu Shrine. The shrine is host to a number of important Hindu festivals and celebrations each year.
inside Batu Caves
The Batu Malai Sri Murugan Temple inside the cave is one of the most important Hindu temples in Malaysia. This temple calculates and submits the annual Hindu calendar to the Malaysian government, and is the site of Malaysia’s yearly Thaipusam festival. It’s become a pilgrimage site for Malaysian and foreign Hindus alike.
a Hindu shrine inside Batu Caves
The caves have been a holy site since the 1890s when the first shrine was constructed inside the large, open cave.
the shrine at the Batu Caves
Tourists my visit the shrines, but must dress and behave appropriately (see below).
Batu Caves open to the sky
Monkeys at Batu Caves
One popular sight for visitors to see are the playful monkeys who live at the cave. Though they may look cute, monkeys can become aggressive. Be careful with your food and your valuables.
monkeys playing at Batu Caves
Dark Cave Tour at Batu Caves
Sign up for a guided educational tour (English available) at the Dark Cave, an ecological conservation area. The tour focuses on the unique biodiversity of Batu Cave’s Dark Cave.
If you are really brave, sign up for a three-hour caving adventure tour.
How to get to the Batu Caves from Kuala Lumpur by train
Batu Cave can be reached quickly and easily by train. Trains leave KL Sentral Station every half hour. Take the KTM Komuter Line from KL Sentral to Batu Caves. A ticket costs only RM 2, and takes about 25 minutes.
Batu Caves Station is the eighth and final stop on the KTM Komuter Train line.
the train from KL Sentral Station to Batu Caves
Admission, Hours, and Dress Code at Batu Caves
Temple Cave:
7:00-19:00 daily; FREE admission
Dark Cave:
9:30-17:00 daily; educational tour RM 35 ($9) per person
Dress Code at Batu Caves
As a Hindu temple, the caves have a strict conservative dress code. Women must cover their shoulders and knees. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed. If you do not wear appropriate clothing, you will have to rent a sarong in front of the temple. Men too should dress politely and modestly. Sleeveless shirts are not appropriate.
Japan is famous for its history and culture, but you can’t overlook the Japanese love of snacks and sweets! Wherever you go in Japan, there are plenty of amazing and unique flavors of ice cream to be found. These four flavors are available at some of central Japan’s most famous sites!
1. Cremia – Japan’s Premium Soft Serve at Osaka Castle
Cremia Soft Serve ice cream at Osaka Castle in Japan
Cremia is Japan’s most famous and popular soft serve ice cream. If you’ve never tried it, you are really missing out! Cremia is nothing like normal soft serve ice cream!
This “softcream” is made of high-fat milk and fresh cream, and is the freshest, richest, creamiest soft serve ice cream you can imagine! The ice cream is served in a sugar cookie cone.
Chocolate and green tea flavors are also available.
Cremia Ice Cream is available in many different places, but one of the best places to get it is at Osaka Castle. Enjoy the view and a special treat while visiting one of Japan’s most famous landmark!
2. Hanami Ice Cream With Real Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Japanese cherry blossom ice cream
A “hanami” is a Japanese cherry blossom-viewing party. Each spring, millions of Japanese cherry blossom enthusiasts will flock to parks and forests to enjoy the beautiful pink blossoms with their friends and families.
One popular hanami party takes place every spring in Tokyo’s Ueno Park. Cherry blossom viewers can buy sake, beer, and all sorts of Japanese snacks, and sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature.
One special snack available only during the springtime hanami season is sakura (cherry blossom) flavored ice cream made with real cherry blossoms! This can be found at hanami parties across the country.
Japanese Hanami party, Ueno Park, Tokyo
3. Gold Ice Cream at Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto’s Kinkaku-Ji Temple is known as the “Golden Pavilion”, a name that is fully embraced by vendors around the monastery. At the surrounding markets, you can buy everything from tea snacks covered in gold leaf to sake with tiny flakes of gold floating in it.
Of course, the most appropriate ice cream to enjoy just outside of the Golden Pavilion is one dusted with flakes of real gold!
gold ice cream, Kinkaku-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji is one of Japan’s most iconic temples. After exploring the beautiful temple grounds, enjoy a one-of-a-kind golden ice cream.
Despite its name, “tokyo” has nothing to do with Japan! This Thai street food is especially popular with students, as it is cheap and delicious. “Tokyo” is a type of street food snack that is commonly found on the streets of Bangkok.
A light, crispy crepe-like pancake is filled with quail egg and minced pork or pandan custard and rolled up to be eaten by hand.
“Tokyo” Bangkok street food snack for sale
“Tokyo” is sold for 4-6 baht apiece. A bag of several pieces is around 20 baht. It’s a super cheap, light, and tasty snack that you can find almost everywhere in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s Victory Monument (Victory Monument BTS) is a lively transportation hub with buses and taxis zipping around the iconic monument’s traffic circle 24 hours a day. If you want to go anywhere in Bangkok, the Victory Monument bus terminal is the central location for getting around the city. The area is famous for its trendy cafes, delicious street food, and cheap hostels. It also has a number of cool bars that you can visit within just a short walk to the BTS Skytrain station.
1. Skytrain Jazz Club
the entrance to the Skytrain Jazz Club
It’s nondescript entrance almost hidden 10 meters down Soi Rang Nam, Skytrain Jazz Club is one of the coolest little bars in the city. Located just across the soi from Century Movie Plaza, the Skytrain Jazz Club is on the forth (rooftop) floor of its narrow building.
cool art on the wall at the Skytrain Jazz Club building
The four-story climb to the bar takes you past colorfully painted walls. The building’s gritty and almost secretive atmosphere is no accident; it almost feels like entering some old fashioned speakeasy tucked away in the back of a building.
cool artwork in the stairwell of the Skytrain Jazz Club
The open-air rooftop bar is partially covered, and surprisingly cool and breezy for being right in Bangkok’s downtown. The bar is decorated with an eclectic style: Chinese movie posters hang on the walls, and a small metal Yoda figure looks down on patrons from atop a bookshelf. The bar is small and cozy, and there’s always good music.
the Skytrain Jazz Club bar
Best for: great views, a nice breeze, music, and a cozy atmosphere
Although not the tallest rooftop bar in the city, the Skytrain Jazz Club offers great views of the Victory Monument area. You can order an ice-cold Singha or Beer Lao, or one of the bar’s reasonably-priced cocktails, and watch the Skytrain zoom past.
Skytrain Jazz Club: reasonably-priced cocktails and drinks in a nice open-air setting
Hours, Location, and Price
Open daily 5pm-1am
5/F, 6 Soi Rangnam, Bangkok – located just across from Century Movie Plaza and next door to Eat Am Are Good Steak; 10 meters down Soi Rangnam
Cocktails 180-220 baht
view of the BTS Skytrain and Century Movie Plaza from the Skytrain Jazz Club’s rooftop bar
2. The Lab @ V Street Market
entrance to the V Street Market near Victory Monument
Best for: craft beer in a cool outdoor market
Craft beer isn’t easy to come by in Bangkok, but there’s plenty to be found at The Lab! The V Street Market is just down Phayathai Road, right next to the Skytrain Station. The street market’s warm fairy lights will welcome you in, and the ice cold craft beers and live music at The Lab Bar will keep you there.
V Street Market at Victory Monument, Bangkokcraft beer, cocktails, and burgers at V Street Market, Victory Monument, Bangkok
V Street Market
The V Street Market is relatively new, but has a ton of potential! Located down an alley in what used to be a minibus terminal, this little market sells clothes, accessories, and handicrafts. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and there’s always cool stuff to look at.
V Street Market, Victory Monument, Bangkok
The Lab Bar
The Lab Bar has only a few tables, but a refrigerator full of craft beer! Grab a Chalawan (on of Thailand’s better-known craft beers), and sit down to enjoy the live acoustic music! Although open-air, the whole market area is covered, so even if it’s raining, it’s a comfortable and dry place to enjoy a beer while waiting for the sky to clear.
craft beer at The Lab bar at V Street Market
Hours, Location, and Price
Open until 10pm
5/11 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok 10400 – next door to the Rest Note Cafe and just down the sairs from the Victory Mounument BTS Station
cocktails 150 baht; craft beers around 150-220 baht
Best for: live music, strong cocktails, and a lively atmosphere
Just off the Victory Monument traffic circle, Saxophone has been a Bangkok icon since 1987. With nightly live music, art and instruments decorating all the walls, and good food and drinks, Saxophone is one of the most popular hangouts for Bangkok locals and expats.
There are two floors of seating, and nearly every table has a view of the bands playing. Even when it gets crowded (nearly every night!) there’s always plenty of seating available.
interior of Saxophone Pub, Victory Monument, Bangkok
Hours, Location, and Price
Open daily 6pm-2am
3/8 Phayathai Road Victory Monument, Bangkok
Cocktails 180-250 baht
live music every night at Saxophone, Victory Monument, Bangkok
Live Music at Saxophone Pub Every Night!
Saxophone comes alive with music from 7:30pm – 1:30am every night. There are three bands each night, with the music getting progressively louder as the night goes on. Check out the decibel meter above the bar!
If you like a quieter atmosphere, arrive earlier and enjoy the first set, usually acoustic classics.
live music at Saxophone Pub, Bangkok, Thailand
Beer is served in a horn-shaped mug, also available for 200 baht at their gift shop or online store.
It may not be Thailand’s most famous island, nor its most beautiful. The beaches might be a little crowded at times, and the water may not be so clear, but Koh Larn (Coral Island) has it where it counts. This tiny little island off the coast of Pattaya City in the Gulf of Thailand is the closest tropical island to Bangkok, and is popular with day-trippers and those on a weekend getaway from the city alike. Just a few hours from the city, Koh Larn holds a special place for Bangkok locals and expats as their easiest tropical escape from the crazy metropolis of Bangkok.
via depositphotos.com
Koh Larn – เกาะล้าน – Coral Island
The small Koh Larn, just off of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand is an easy day trip or weekend trip for locals, expats, and tourists in Bangkok looking to get away from the big city for a while.
Getting to Koh Larn from Bangkok
Bus from Bangkok to Pattaya
To get to Koh Larn, first you have to get to Pattaya. From Bangkok, board one of the frequent buses from either Mo Chit (Bangkok) Bus Terminal [BTS Mo Chit then A1 bus or taxi to the terminal] or Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal [BTS Ekkamai Station]. The bus departs every 30 minutes or so, and tickets should cost around 150 baht (depending on bus class). Some companies may even sell a combination bus/ferry ticket that will take you directly to Koh Larn.
Ferries from Pattaya to Koh Larn depart every hour from 8:00am. If your bus stops at Pattaya bus terminal instead of at the pier, just tell a taxi or tuk-tuk driver “Koh Larn”, and they will take you where you need to go. Fare is 50 baht per person, and although the old wooden boats are rocky and slow, the trip is enjoyable and pleasant. Beer and snacks are usually available on board for sale. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
You can also pay more (500 + baht) to take a speedboat (about 10 minutes) directly to the island.
Beaches and Activities on Koh Larn
Rent a beach chair, order a few beers from one of the many beachfront vendors, and kick back and relax in the sun. A number of beach activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides are also available.
There are plenty of restaurants on the main tourist beach, but these can be a little pricey. Head inland towards the village where the locals live for less expensive, but equally delicious, fresh seafood!
There is a small Buddhist temple on the island, and an observation point in the hills above the beach that you can hike to.
Blue songtaews and motorbike taxis carry passengers from one part of the island to the other.
Where to Stay on Koh Larn
There are plenty of places to stay on Koh Larn, from beachfront resorts to smaller local guesthouses.
It can be a bit cheaper to stay overnight in Pattaya City and take the ferry to the island for the day.
Visit our link below to see the best deals in Koh Larn or in Pattaya.
LB convert 