It is close and easy to the sightseeing attractions, 2.8 km to the Grand Palace, 2.0 km to Wat Pho, 5.5 km to Wat Arun, 1.5 km to the Bangkok Central Railway Station. Walking distance to the Chao Phraya River, the Golden Buddha Temple, Chinatown, the Flower Market, the Samphan Market and the Kontom Market.
Bangkok Overview
Chinatown is the commercial centre of the city, a Bangkok business hub for over 200 years. Bargain hunters will enjoy exploring the shops and stalls close to the Grand China Princess, where they can find delicious food, exotic merchandise and the area's distinctive gold jewellery. Bangkok's shopping highlights also include the Talingchan Floating Market, located on the Noi Canal in the old district of Thonburi, and the elegant designer stores of the Sukhumvit Road. Both are not far from the Grand China Princess.
The Wat Leng Noi Yi temple is the most important Chinese temple in Bangkok, located on Chareon Krung Road in Chinatown. There are several other temples or 'wats' near the Grand China Princess, including The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Sraket and the Golden Mount, and Wat Pho. Each offers spectacular surroundings in which to explore Bangkok's culture.
The Grand China Princess is also close to several Bangkok museums. The best of these include the Jim Thompson Thai House Museum, six teak wood houses that celebrate the life of the American silk entrepreneur, the Suan Pakkard Palace, where visitors can find priceless Asian antiques, and the National Museum, providing rich insight into the history of both Bangkok and Thailand itself. For a scenic view of Bangkok, enjoy the vista from Lumpini Park, a lush oasis in the heart of the city, and only a short distance from the Grand China Princess.
A major part of the city's culture only comes to life when the sun goes down. Bangkok's nightlife is world renowned, and the bars, restaurants and nightclubs of the city offer a dazzling variety for the visitor. Venture out into the neon wonderland just moments from the Grand China Princess.
Bangkok Attractions Close to the Hotel
- Wat Leng Noi Yi
- Jim Thompson Thai House Museum
- The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)
- Bangkok Nightlife
- Lumpini Park
- Talingchan Floating Market
Historical Places of Interest
- Anantasamakom Throne Hall
The Anantasamakom Throne Hall has played an important role in Thai political history and reflects the bond between royal and political institutions since the day that King Rama VII affixed his signature to give the Thai people their first Constitution. The first meeting of the Thai parliament was convened in this hall. - The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)
The heart and pride of Thailand, the Grand Palace was the former royal residence and features the Dusit Maha Prasad and the Chakri Palace. Wat Phra Kaeo houses the seated Emerald Buddha, which is made of green jade and is regarded as the most important Buddha image in Thailand. - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
The temple is best known for its magnificent Khmer-style pagoda, symbolising Mount Meru, the terrestrial representation of the 33 heavens. Built of bricks and stucco, the pagoda is decorated with an elaborate floral design of colourful Chinese porcelain shards, supported by rows of demons and monkeys. From the central balcony, there's a spectacular view of Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho across the river. - Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which founded the first school of ancient Thai massage and medicine, is known to the locals as Wat Pho, or Temple of a Bodhi Tree. Restored by King Rama I, Wat Pho is the finest example of Thai-Chinese architectural styles, and you can see many Thai and Chinese statues around the compound. It also houses the biggest and most beautiful 46-metre-long, 15-metre-high Reclining Buddha, shown passing into nirvana. - Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Wat Suthat Thep Wararamworavihara is one of Thailand's most important temples, featuring Bangkok's tallest preaching halls. It houses an impressive collection of gilded Buddha images, including Phra Si Sakayamuni, one of the largest Sukhothai bronze images. In front of the temple is the Giant Swing, once used in the Brahmanic ceremony called Triyampawai, or the Brahmin's New Year ceremony, in which men used to ride on the Giant Swing and try to grab a bag of silver coins attached to a pole. - Vimanmek Mansion
The first permanent royal residence in the compound of Dusit Palace, Vimanmek is the biggest golden teak building in the world. The mansion is beautifully decorated with Victorian fretwork. It is now used as the museum to commemorate King Chulalongkorn the Great (King Rama V). - National Museum
One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in South-East Asia, providing visitors with a glimpse of Thailand's rich history and culture, the National Museum is located on Na Phrathat Road, between Thammasat University and the National Theatre. It is within walking distance from the Grand Palace. - Jim Thompson's Thai House Museum
The Jim Thompson Museum comprises six teak wood buildings that represent the best of traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses are at least two centuries old. Determined to preserve Thailand's rich cultural heritage, Jim Thompson followed the customs of the early Thai builders in most respects. The houses were easily 'knocked-down' to move to new sites and were elevated a full storey above the ground to avoid flooding during the rainy season. The roof tiles were burned in Ayuthaya, employing a design common centuries ago. The red paint on exterior walls is a preservative commonly used in many old Thai buildings. - Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
The world's largest marble temple, made from Carrara marble and incorporating a mixture of the region's styles, this is considered to be one of the finest examples of modern Thai architecture. - Royal Barge Museum
Once glittering in pomp and splendour on the Chao Phraya River, the magnificent royal barges formerly served as war vessels and carriers for the royal family. Today, they are seen only during special occasions. - Suan Pakkard Palace
A lovely Thai museum, showcasing a priceless collection of beautiful Asian antiques. - Ancient City
The world's largest outdoor museum, showcasing scaled-down replicas of famous buildings, monuments and temples from all over Thailand.
Cultural Attractions
- Chinatown
An old business centre, well known as a wholesale market and with numerous small streets and alleys crowded with shops and stalls offering an exotic mix of merchandise and delicious food. Bargain hunters and connoisseurs will find this lively market fascinating. Chinatown is also well known for its gold jewellery shops. Wat Leng Noi Yi temple is the most important Chinese temple in Bangkok, located on Chareon Krung Road. - National Theatre
The main Bangkok venue for traditional Thai theatrical dance performances, considered to be one of the most graceful forms of artistic expression. The theatre is located on the corner between Na Phra That Road and Chao Fa Road near Phra Pinklao Bridge. It is next to the National Museum. - Talingchan Floating Market
Located on the bank of Bangkok's Noi Canal in the old district of Thonburi, this market features the traditional water-borne lifestyle of the Thai people. Every weekend, local merchants gather here to sell home-made products. You can buy freshly picked organic vegetables and fruit. - National Gallery Museum
Particularly interesting due to its collection of traditional and contemporary paintings by leading Thai artists, the National Gallery Museum is located on Chao Fa Road, at the foot of Phra Pin Klao Bridge, opposite the National Theatre. - Bang Sai Royal Folk Art and Craft Centre
The centre is part of the SUPPORT Foundation and offers a glimpse of how farmers in the four regions of Thailand live and work, and how Thai folk arts and crafts are produced. It also offers training to farmers and villagers in folk arts and crafts as a means to keep traditional art forms alive.
Shopping
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
A must for bargain hunters, Chatuchak Market is the largest weekend market in Thailand, with over 8000 shops and stalls from every corner of the country, offering everything from food, clothing, books, handicrafts, pets, plants and paintings to furniture, home decor and more. Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park on Phaholyothin Road. Visitors can take the BTS SkyTrain to Mo Chit station. - Silom-Surawong-Patpong
Well known as Bangkok's major business centre, Silom and Surawong are popular shopping areas with numerous shops and department stores, ranging from street stalls to luxurious shopping plazas such as Silom Complex, Robinson Department Store, Central Plaza and the Galleria Plaza.
Running between Silom and Surawong Roads is Patpong, where tourists will be amazed by the colourful nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and discotheques. Patpong also has a lively night market, studded with stalls, selling all sorts of goods including antiques, ceramics, leather goods, clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, silverware, watches and souvenirs. - Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
One of the largest shopping promenades in Bangkok, located in the heart of the city, with several leading department stores and shopping malls, selling luxury goods, including Gaysorn Plaza, Sogo, Central Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavilion. Located in the Bangrak District, close to Dusit Thani Bangkok. - Pathumwan District
One of the busiest shopping areas in Bangkok, located in the city centre, with several leading department stores, stalls, theatres and trendy restaurants. Shopping places include Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Siam Square, Maboonkrong Centre and Tokyu Department Store.
The Siam Centre is one of the very first shopping centres in Bangkok, where local designer fashion and brand name products can be found. On the opposite side is Siam Square, a cluster of alleys dotted with lovely shops and stalls selling clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Opposite to Siam Square, on Phayathai Road, the Maboonkrong Centre (MBK) and Tokyu Department Store present an air-conditioned market, where you can find almost everything, ranging from clothing, cosmetics, cell phones and electrical equipment to home furniture and more.
Sports
Bangkok and its surrounding areas offer plenty of championship-standard golf courses. Whether conveniently located city golf courses, or scenic, fully equipped courses in Bangkok's neighbouring provinces, all are within easy reach for golfers to enjoy.
- Krungthep Kreetha
516 Krungthep Kreetha Road, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
Tel: +66 2 379 3716 / 3732 | Fax: +66 2 379 3768
Designed by James R Vaughn, the 18-hole Krungthep Kreetha course is one of a few international-standard golf courses located within Bangkok. Challenging, with water hazards and many elevated greens, it is located in eastern Bangkok, off Ramkhamhaeng Road. - Navatanee Golf Club
22 Moo 1, Sukhapibal 2 Road, Kannayao, Bangkok 10230
Tel: +66 2 376 1034 to 6 | Fax: +66 2 376 1635
Built for the 1975 World Cup Tournament, Navatanee Golf Club is one of the best-maintained and most challenging courses, with a few tough water hazards. The 18-hole course has a beautiful layout with well-protected greens and narrow fairways. From the centre of Bangkok, take Ramkhamhaeng Road towards Minburi, then take Sukhaphibal 2 to reach the entrance of the course. - Rose Garden Golf Club
53 / 1 Moo 4, Petchkasem Highway Road, Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom
Tel: +66 2 317 0801 to 4 | Fax: +66 2 317 0805
Rated by international golf magazines as one of the top 50 best courses in the world, the Rose Garden Golf Club is one of the best and prettiest in Thailand. The scenic, shady course is rather flat, with narrow, tree-lined fairways and heavily bunkered greens. - Bangkok Golf Club
99 Moo 2, Tiwanon Road, Bangkadi Sub-district, Muang District, Pathumthani 12000
Tel: +66 2 501 2828 | Fax: +66 2 501 2778
Bangkok Golf Club is one of the most delightful golf courses, offering cleverly designed, yet challenging, fairways and greens, with a luxurious clubhouse, featuring traditional Thai massage and golf pro shop. It is just 30 minutes from the city centre and 20 minutes from Don Muang International Airport. - Rajpruek Club
100 Moo 3, Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Tung Song Hong, Laksi, Bangkok 10210
Tel: +66 2 955 0055 | Fax: +66 2 955 0096
The international-standard 18-hole Rajpruek Club is one of Bangkok's most elite sports clubs, offering a full range of sports complexes and recreational activities. The club is located off Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road. - President Country Club
42 Moo 8, Suwintawong Road, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530
Tel: +66 2 988 7555 to 63 | Fax: +66 2 988 7564
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the 27-hole President Country Club is one of Bangkok's finest laid out golf courses. The fairways are wide, and there is a heavy use of water hazards and deep bunkering around the greens. From the Sukhumvit area, take the Ramindra Expressway, and then proceed towards Minburi on Route 304. The entrance to the course is located on the right, off Route 304. - Natural Park Ramindra Golf Club
10 Moo 7, Liabklongsong, Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok 10510
Tel: +66 2 914 1930 to 60 | Fax: +66 2 914 1970
The Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole Natural Park Ramindra is a challenging course for all classes of golfer. With well-guarded bunker greens and a huge lake, the course is a tough test for professional players. To get to the course, take Ramindra Road towards Minburi and follow signs to Safari World. The entrance is next to Safari World.
