Page 105 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Bangkok

Beyond Bangkok ❮❮ 103

Koh Si Chang
1 canals. Arrive early (or even better,
stay overnight) to avoid the crowds
MAP U3 • 62 miles (99 km) SE
of Bangkok emerging from tour buses at around
Rarely visited by foreigners, this 10am, and you will be rewarded
small, rocky island is located with images of smiling Thais in
5 miles (8 km) off the east Gulf traditional clothes, sampans (flat-
coast. It has a selection of bottomed boats) piled high with
everything – secluded beaches appetizing fruits, and bowls of
with clear waters, a hilly interior noodles served directly from
ripe for exploring, and the remains floating kitchens (see pp26–7).
of Rama V’s palace, plus some
reasonable accommodations.
The most popular beach on the
island is Tham Phang Beach.
Bang Pa-In
2
While visiting Ayutthaya,
it is well worth stopping off at
the nearby royal retreat of Bang
Pa-In. Established by King Prasat
Thong (r.1629–56) in the mid-17th
century and expanded by Rama IV
and Rama V (see p40), its exuberant
buildings are an eclectic mix of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Thai architecture, particularly in
Muang Boran
the Aisawan Thipphaya-at pavilion, 4
and European influences, as seen (Ancient City)
in the Phra Thinang Warophat MAP T2 • 20 miles (33 km) from
Phiman. The manicured lawns Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road,
and tranquil lakes give the place Bangpoo • 02 709 1644 • Open
a relaxed feel (see p36). 9am–7pm daily • Adm • www.
ancientsiam.com
Damnoen Saduak
3 Covering a huge 320 acres (130 ha)
Floating Market
designed in the shape of Thailand,
Although this floating market is this cultural park contains
considered by some to be nothing reconstruc tions of some of the
more than a show put on for country’s most famous temples and
tourists, it is certainly the best monuments. It may sound like a
example of its kind. The market tacky theme park, but the site offers
gives an idea of how life in a visually impres sive and informative
this region once revolved experience. Visitors can explore the
around small boats plying site by car, tram, or bicycle, and it is
their trade on narrow rarely crowded.
Lakeside pavilion at
Muang Boran (Ancient City)

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