Beauty lies all around Bangkok. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller
BEYOND the bars, temples and shopping centres, Bangkok holds a wealth of treasures the average tourist could easily miss, but are top of mind for locals.
Australian traveller and celebrity cook Marion Grasby of Marion’s Kitchen is based in the bustling Thai capital, and has navigated deep into the heart of the city and its surrounds to discover a few things you may have missed.
These are five of her favourite off the beaten track spots that are must-sees.
1. KOH YAO YAI
“If clear indigo water, crowd-free beaches and not much else sounds like your perfect getaway then this is the island for you. It’s only a 20-minute speedboat ride from Phuket and yet it couldn’t be further from the bustling crowds.
A pretty relaxed spot. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller
“There’s a smattering of resorts around the island with my pick being Santhiya Koh Yai Yao for it’s clifftop infinity pool and practically private beach. Hire a scooter and explore the many beautiful beaches around the island.”
A perfect sunset.
Not a bad view.
2. KHAO YAI
“Not to be confused with Koh Yao Yai, this inland area, about three hours northeast of Bangkok, is popular with Thai families wanting to escape the city.
“The Khao Yai National Park covers more than 2000 square kilometres and is great for day treks or longer guided camping and hiking trips.”
Magical Khao Yai. Picture: Iris
3. KHLONG LOT MAYOM FLOATING MARKET
Bang Ramat Rd, Taling Chan, Bangkok
“I’m almost reluctant to recommend this market as it’s so far escaped the clutches of the masses of tourists that descend upon Bangkok’s more famous floating markets. This is where the locals come for a spot of shopping or a long-tail boat ride through the adjacent canals. But mostly they come for the food.
“There’s seafood of every description — grilled fish, river prawns, local mussels and crab. Eat everything in sight ... it’s all good.”
Marion at the market.
4. ARI
Lao Lao Restaurant, 1271/4-7 Phahonyothin Road, Ari, Bangkok
Salt Aree, Soi Ari 4, Phaholyothin 7, Ari, Bangkok
“Ari is to Bangkok what Newtown is to Sydney. It’s the latest up-and-coming area of the city with a mix of hipster bars and insta-friendly cafes but also plenty of timeworn, local spots that continue to resist gentrification.
“I’d start an evening in Ari at Lao-Lao, a 30-year-old Chinese-Thai eatery specialising in seafood. Like most good local spots the decor leaves much to be desired but you won’t be disappointed with their steamed whole fish or crispy morning glory, pork and prawn salad.
“Now that you’ve saved some pennies on dinner, head to Salt to sip on fancy cocktails and spy on all the beautiful people lounging about in the outdoor garden.”
A restaurant at Ari. Picture: Promo Restaurant
5. GET ON A BIKE
‘The Green Lung’, Bang Krachao, Bangkok
Co Van Kessel Bangkok Tours
“Across the river from Bangkok’s bustling upper Sukhumvit area is a little haven of lush green jungle. Elevated bike paths and quiet tree-lined streets snake their way through this peaceful sanctuary.
“Make your own way there by catching a local long-tail boat from Khlong Toei Pier to Bang Krachao. You’ll arrive at a wooden jetty with a bicycle hire shop attached. You can rent a bicycle for about 100 baht (about $4) a day complete with a hand drawn map on a little scrap of paper.
“Don’t worry, the map is (sort of) accurate and points out the way to a rather lovely local market called Bang Num Pheung. If you’d rather go with an experienced guide then I’d highly recommend Co Van Kessel — they have fun guides and run small bicycle tours all over the city.”
Khlong Toei Pier. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét