Named after Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, the capital’s best green enclave was donated by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1925, whose statue dominates the main (south-western) entrance. It’s most interesting around dawn and dusk, when its pagoda and lakes (pedalos can be hired) are circled by joggers.

It’s now when its paths become t’ai chi classes, and others perform mass aerobics or play acrobatic takraw. There are even open-air gyms. Its shaded grounds also refresh lazier souls: there’s a restaurant to the north-west, and even more picnickers than usual attend free Music in the Park concerts. By night, the perimeter becomes a soliciting ground: women on the east, men on the west.

Mahanakorn Skywalk’ is located at the top of the King Power Mahanakhon Building, just 5 minutes from Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. At 314 meters above ground level, you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Definitely, a must-see attraction to add to your Bangkok bucket list!

Silom Thai Cooking School offers an exposure to Thai cuisine and culture in a relaxing, friendly and helpful setting. Classes of only 1-11 take place in an open kitchen, with certified Thai chef’s to give you all the inside tips on choosing the best ingredients for each traditional Thai recipe.

Silom Thai Cooking School’s offers 5-course meal sessions in the morning and afternoon. Their are 5 different class options for these sessions, as well as a Chef Course that allows people to commit to 10-30 days of professional Thai cuisine instruction. Each Thai cooking experience offers a trip to the market before you dive into authentic recipes.

Address: 68 Silom Soi 13, Bangkok
Phone:  047265669
Website: www.bangkokthaicooking.com
Hours: Between 9.00am – 9.00pm Thai time

The city’s most historic architecture – the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – depict the heart of Thai culture.

Visit one of the most sacred places in Thailand, the Grand Palace, surrounded by monuments and courtyards of beautiful and spiritual art forms. Within the palace, you will find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a lavishly decorated temple with glass mosaic and colourful porcelain. Considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Thailand, these two attractions are must-sees.

Address: Thanon Na Phra Lan, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Open Daily 8.30am-3.30pm

Opened in December 2005, Siam Paragon is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. The mall includes a wide range of specialty stores, and multiplex movie theater (consisted of 15 large size theaters with one of the them having the biggest screen and seating capacity in Asia).

At Siam Paragon you can also find the Siam Ocean World, an exhibition hall, the Thai Art Gallery and also an opera concert hall. This venue is also Bangkok’s biggest food destination: 20,000 square metres are designated for 80 restaurants and food outlets divided into five areas: Gourmet Market, Take Home, Food Court, Food Hall Gallery, and the Food Hall.

Address: 991/1 1st Floor, Rama I Road, Bangkok 10330, Bangkok
BTS Skytrain: Siam Station
Phone: +66 2 690 1000
Hours: Open: 10:00 – 22:00
Website: www.siamparagon.co.th

A large open-air shopping and dining complex by the Chao Phraya River, just minutes away via Saphan Taksin BTS SkyTrain station.

Spend an evening by the Chao Phraya River and enjoy shopping at Asiatique The Riverfront, home to more than 1,500 retail boutiques and 40 restaurants. Operating from 5pm until late, the mall is a unique blend of night bazaar and warehouse complex, with everything from street vendor food to French bistro meals.

Address: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Phone: 02 108 4488

The MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Center is not as glamorous as others in Bangkok, but it offers 89,000 square meters of a complex with less expensive goods, making it a major tourist attraction. Find clothing, shoes and clothing, electronics, a gigantic food court and entertainment on the top floor.

The easily accessible MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Center offers a special MBK Tourist Discount Card. Apply at the information kiosks on the first and second levels with your passport in hand, and receive discounts of 5-30% off participating locations within the complex. If taking the BTS, use the National Stadium Station to get off of the train and make your way to Bangkok’s most affordable retail therapy destination.

Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok, Pathumwan 10330, Bangkok
BTS Skytrain: National Stadium Station
Phone: 02-6209000
Website: www.mbk-center.co.th
Open: Daily 11am-10pm

Just around the corner from Crowne Plaza Lumpini Park, guests will find the bustling night market of Patpong. Geared towards tourists rather than locals, prices here are on the higher end of the spectrum, however, if you are looking for leather goods or luggage, you’ll find plenty to choose from. The markets also offer souvenirs, sarongs, sunglasses, t-shirts and other popular tourist items. Always bargain with the vendor for a reasonable price. Opens around 6pm and trades until late.

Tourists will find it all here. Central World Plaza is a major one-stop complex. We’re talking 550,000 square meters of space that houses 500 shops and boutiques, over 100 different restaurants and dozens of first-class entertainment and recreational outlets. It’s one of the city’s premier venue.

Choose from local and international brand names in fashion, accessories, jewelry and souvenirs. Find fine silks, books, and extreme dining at their award-winning Central Food Hall. Central World contains the Zen and Isetan department stores, as well as 15-screen SF Cinemas and a selection of Spas. Central World is also a venue for many of the city’s most important events, including fashion shows, Bangkok’s largest New Year countdown, art exhibitions, concerts and more.

Address: 1 RAMA,, Bangkok

Phone: +66 2 264 5555
Website: www.centralworld.co.th
Hours: Daily 10am-9pm

From Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park you can take BTS skytrain to Krung Thonburi BTS station, go out from Exit 1, and board the free IconSiam Shuttle Bus