NEIGHBOURHOOD ATTRACTIONS
Named after the first radio station in Thailand, Wireless Road is an urban epicenter of heritage and culture that evolves constantly. At this prime location, Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road is situated nearby local landmarks such as Lumpini Park, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and Central Embassy Shopping Complex.
LUMPHINI PARK
Lumpini Park, a public greenspace that was once part of King Rama VI’s royal property, features an artificial lake surrounded by acres of tranquillity, fresh air and abundance of botany. The 142-acre park is a favourite spot for joggers as well as cyclists, and visitors can rent boats to revel in its scenic greenery from the waters. Bangkokians also assume various outdoor activities including tai chi, while others come to lounge or gaze at the greenery of indigenous flora.
ERAWAN SHRINE
A famous shrine in Bangkok, the Erawan Shrine attracts tourists yearly with its statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu God of Creation, Brahma. The shrine was built after the government decided to build Erawan Hotel in the mid-1950s. Often times, there will be performances by Thai dance troupes hired by devotees to bless their prayers. The shrine is also opposite Central World shopping mall and is also nearby other prominent shrines including the Trimurti Shrine, Indra Shrine, Ganesha Shrine and Laskshmi Shrine.
BANGKOK ART AND CULTURE CENTRE
Built in 2008, the centre represents the epitome of creativity in Bangkok. A contemporary arts centre in Bangkok, the centre features art, music, theatre, film and design, among other events that are often held in its exhibition and performance areas. The centre also houses several cafes and restaurants, as well as art galleries, bookshops, craft shops and a library.
100 TONSON GALLERY
Parallel to Wireless Road, the gallery caters to art enthusiasts and is dedicated to profiling contemporary art showcasing regional and international work. The gallery was also the first in Thailand to be exhibited in the Art Basel, Switzerland in 2011. Named among the top 50 galleries worldwide by the Contemporary Art magazine in 2007, the minimalist space was created by French designer Christian Liaigre and regularly features educational programs by various artists.
CENTRAL EMBASSY
An upscale shopping centre in Bangkok town, the Central Embassy houses high-end retail shops and restaurants, perfect for those in need of retail therapy. Its architectural structure features influence of Thai art and culture, while two other distinctive shopping malls – Central World and Gaysorn Plaza – are within walking distance from the shopping mall.
CENTRAL WORLD
Once known as the World Trade Centre, this one-stop shopping hub is a mere 10-minute drive from the hotel and houses over 500 shops of various goods from clothing boutiques, gadgets, bookshops, furniture to beauty salons and groceries. The mall also serves up a place for movie buffs with up to 15 cinemas and even, an ice-skating rink for a family-fun time.
JIM THOMPSON HOUSE MUSEUM
A hidden gem in central Bangkok, the mueseum houses the Asian art collection of American businessman and architect James H.W. Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King”. Built in 1959, the residential spot features six traditional Thai teakwood houses, which celebrate elements of the country’s rich Southeast Asian heritage.
NAILERT PARK HERITAGE HOME
Tucked along the banks of the Saen Saeb canal, the open plan heritage house previously belonged to renowned Thai architect Nai Lert. Open to the public, the home now showcases the beauty of traditional Thai architecture as two teak houses sit alongside the main home. Lush greenery surround the beautiful landscape of its gardens and the home also features an exhibition room furnished with Nai Lert’s collectibles. For those looking to feast on Thai cuisine in between exploring, Thai restaurant Ma Maison is within the compound and serves authentically local food.
POLO CHICKEN
Located in Soi Polo Bangkok and operating for over 50 years, Polo Chicken is a much-loved dish, especially during lunchtime. The garlic-pepper fried chicken, which is incredibly juicy on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside, is paired with warm sticky rice. The standalone shop also serves other delicacies including Thai favourites such as grilled beef, papaya salad (Som Tam) and minced pork salad (Lap Mu). However, be sure to get there early (slightly before noon) to secure a table!
SA – NGUAN SRI
A hidden gem sought after by food enthusiasts, this old-school eatery in Lumpini Park serves up traditional Thai cuisine including Tom Kha Gai, beef salad as well as its famous stir-fried Channa with rice, crispy pork and chilli sauce in its eclectically rustic cutleries.
EATHAI
Indulge in Thailand’s famous street food and regional delicacies at Eatthai, an upscale food court in Central Embassy which serves both Northern and Southern specialities. The food court also includes vegetarian options, seafood and more, while dishes are relatively affordable. The food court is also home to a cooking studio for those who are opting to learn the tricks of the trade.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF THAILAND
Located on Chao Fa Road in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon District, the art gallery is known as one of Thailand’s national museums which features traditional Thai art, with inclusions of contemporary Western-influenced assemblages. Previously known as the Thai Royal Mint building which dates back to 1902, it was later introduced to the Fine Arts Department and became the National Gallery we know today.
HOLY REDEEMER CHURCH
Established by the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the beautifully built church is decorated with Thai elements and is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok. It interior is fitted with high-ceilings of local influence, as the gold statues and embellishments finish its décor to infuse Thailand rich cultural foundations.
TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA (WAT PHRA KAEW)
The most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, the temple plays a significant part of the country’s religion-political landscape. Popularly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and located within the historic centre in the Grand Palace, the temple is home to Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha) whose meditating statue is intricately carved from a single block of jade. However, unlike other temples in Thailand, the sacred grounds are not built to house monks, but instead houses displays of religious statues and pagodas.
TEMPLE OF THE GOLDEN BUDDHA (WAT TRAIMIT)
Weighing 5,500 kilograms (5.5 tonnes), the Golden Buddha is located in Wat Traimit and is known as the world’s largest gold seated Buddha with its height measuring up to five metres. Historically, the statue was covered in a layer of stucco and plaster in a bid to shield it from invading armies, while parts of its plaster is still kept on display today. Interestingly, the Buddha was discovered by chance after it was dropped during the relocation in 1955. It has since maintained its condition for over 200 years.
CENTRAL CHIDLOM
Located downtown, the seven-floor departmental store sells various retail items of clothing and shoes, as well as fine, imported food at the Gourmet Food Market. The shopping centre also features several international brands, local designer labels and personalised shopping services. Meanwhile, on the top floor you’ll find Foodloft, a dining area which serves both local Thai and international cuisine.
TERMINAL 21
An eclectic mall featuring various retail outlets and restaurant chains, Terminal 21 brings the world in your shopping experience, Terminal 21 is divided into varying sections to feature different prominent landmarks and culture of renowned countries. From the lights of Tokyo City to bargaining in Istanbul, Terminal 21 is made to resemble the airport culture with its escalators and lighted up displays, while receptionists also don cabin crew uniforms.
THE SUKHUMVIT STREET MARKET (NANA MARKET)
A popular night market amongst travellers, here you’ll find an abundance of goods from clothes, bags, shoes, knock-off items, cheap souvenirs as well as second-hand goods. The night market also houses bars amongst its small vendors, while there are also several eateries with international dishes lined along Soi Nana and Sukhumvit Street.
THE PLATINUM FASHION MALL
Similar to the Chatuchak market, the mall in Pratunam Bangkok is a six-storey complex that offers over 1,000 vendors selling affordable wholesale fashion of clothing and accessories. As it specialises in wholesale items, the concept goes that buying in bulk allows shoppers to save more. The air-conditioned mall also provides a large food court for shoppers to fill up in between their shopping hauls, while cafes and fast food chains can also be found within the complex.
TOPS SUPERMARKET – ALL SEASONS PLACE
Catering to all customers’ needs, Tops Supermarket is designed to feature a comprehensive range of international and local products including quality meats, seafood and wine. Smaller than the other prominent shopping malls in Bangkok, it acts a convenient mall for those looking to get a groceries and locate services such as banks, pharmacies and convenience stores. The mall also shares a spot with several office lots.
ROLEX MARKET
A mere five-minute walk from the hotel, the market is well-known among those in Wireless Road Bangkok. The market is known to sell other replicas watches, however, its main attraction remains the street food vendors lined along the road selling local Thai specialities perfect to feast during tea time and lunch hours.
SANEH JAAN
With a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, Saneh Jaan offers classic Thai dishes with high quality local ingredients. If you are looking to taste authentic Thai flavours, their Kai Baan Kua Bai Jaan and Kaeng Kua Poo Bai Cha Ploo are two must-try dishes that will definitely leave you wanting more.
TRIMURTI SHRINE
Located at the busy Ratchaprasong junction at the corner of Central World, this shrine is often crowded and is considered a hotspot for both tourists and locals alike. Visitors of the shrine pray for love and many claim Trimurti has been successful in matching foreigners with local partners.
GANESHA SHRINE
Frequently referred as the Elephant God, The Ganesha Shrine stands at the other corner of Central World. Those who visit the shrine seek to be blessed with artistic success and accomplishment, as Ganesha is considered a master of intellect and wisdom.
81 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
