Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 12:40PM from Sabine K.
What to see and do, Sukhumvit road

As you walk through the streets of Bangkok you’ll see international influences everywhere — especially from India. The outdoor markets sell saris. The Thai temple in the financial district pays homage to Hindu Gods, asking them to send riches. Many five-star hotels feature Indian chefs.

The Sukhumvit neighborhood is an expat enclave, where a plethora of Indian restaurants may be found. You’ll see Indian influence in other parts of the city, as well — in markets, gem merchants, art galleries and tailors’ shops.

In another part of the city, bordering Chinatown, you’ll find “Little India.” Phahurat Market is a landmark there, as is the large Sikh temple called Sri Guru Singh Sabha. This golden-domed temple holds one of the largest golden Buddha statues in Thailand. This area was once a hub of the textile trade.

Other sights not to be missed include the Wat Pho temple. It’s the largest temple in Bangkok and is famous for its enormous, gold-plated reclining Buddha statue. It also houses a fascinating collection of murals and other sculptures, as well as a beautiful landscaped garden. Another historic spot is the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to Thai kings for more than 150 years. Now you can walk the sacred grounds, admire the architecture and see the highly revered Emerald Buddha, which was carved from a single block of emerald dating from the 15th century.

The riverside is one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most scenic areas. Water taxis and ferries on the Chao Phraya River carry commuters to work and tourists to glittering temples and to exquisite shops. In Bangkok, you’ll find extraordinary buys at bargain prices.

Tags: chinatown, wat-pho