Bangkok shopping pick : Chatuchak Weekend Market : One of the largest markets in the world: Its land size is huge, covering an area of 35 acres. The number of stall is vast with 8000 stalls. The place brims over products of all kinds as a result. While Chatuchak covers everything you can ever imagine, unique sections worth checking out are rare to find antiques, ceramics, home furniture, and souvenirs. Best place to buy Thai handicrafts in Bangkok: Get some beautiful handicrafts while touring Chatuchak market if you plan to bring home something truly Thai. The product range is huge; the quality is high; the prices are competitive among shops. These are simply the reasons.
Let’s start big, shall we? Siam Paragon Mall is one of the largest malls in all of Asia. Its department store alone covers 50,000 square metres. And over 250 retail shops comprise of another 40,000 square metres of glorious shopping space. But what brought Siam Paragon at the top of this list is its reputation as the place to be when you’re out shopping for international high-end brands. Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes are just a few. Siam Paragon also hosts a few car showrooms namely Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, BMW, Aston Martin and Lotus. For us nomads hunting for coworking spaces, there is actually a pretty good alternative at this mall. Head to the True Café on the third floor for a fresh coffee and same fast wifi. At the ground floor, Siam Paragon is covered with restaurants and food courts. This is one of my favourite places to grab a bite to eat when shopping around here. Thai and international food from all corners of the globe can be found here, you won’t go hungry. And if you want to submerge after lunch, go ahead, the fish at Sea Life located just underground of the mall are waiting for you! Read extra travel info about Paris, Bangkok or Los Angeles at Places to see in Bangkok.
No attraction is more likely to take visitors’ breathe away than the Grand Palace. Visitors kill two birds with one stone by visiting these historical grounds, as this is where the shimmering Wat Phra Kaew is also found. The white exterior walls keep the relics hidden from the public up until the moment they enter. Upon paying the B500 entrance fee, visitors will behold an abundance of traditional Thai architecture making up the majority of buildings found on the grounds, of which there are more than 100. Some areas were greatly inspired by the European renaissance era, which visitors may catch glimpses of as they explore the three main zones which make up the Grand Palace.
A short etymology on the name is that this mall stands where the British Embassy was located in the early days and therefore has given the shopping mall its name Central Embassy. But enough talk of history, let’s fast forward the mall’s present. Central Embassy emphasises its classy touch through a white and neat minimalist interior and futuristic design. It is actually dubbed as the most luxurious mall in Bangkok for its expansive designer boutiques, fine-dining restaurants offering world-class cuisine, high-end movie theatres and a planned 6-star hotel. Your luxury shopping feel starts as you enter and see the swanky displays of Gucci, Givency, Prada, Vivienne Westwood, Michael Kors and so much more.
The Arc de Triomphe is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the French armies of the Revolution and the First Empire (Napoleonic Wars). Napoleon commissioned the building of this mighty structure in 1806 but did not live to see its completion in 1836. Designed by JF Chalgrin, the massive 50-meter-high arch features bas-reliefs with larger-than-life-size figures, which depict the departure, victories, and glorious return of the French armies. Particularly noteworthy is the bas-relief by Francois Rude on the Champs-Elysees-facing side: Departure of the Volunteers of 1792, also known as The Marseillaise, illustrating the troops led by the winged spirit of Liberty. On the inner surface of the arch are the names of more than 660 generals and more than a hundred battles. From the top of the monument, a viewing platform affords panoramic views of the 12 avenues that radiate from the Place de l’Etoile, including the route from the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde and the Louvre. It’s possible to see all the way to La Defense, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower.
Wat Suthat, adjacent to the Great Swing, is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Bangkok’s Buddhist temples. Three kings had a hand in its construction: it was begun soon after the coronation of Rama I (founder of the Chakri dynasty) in 1782, continued by Rama II, and completed ten years later by Rama III. Apart from its delightful architecture, the temple boasts some exceptionally interesting wall paintings. Wat Suthat is less popular than some of the other temple complexes in the city, so you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience here. Source: How to save money on hotel booking.
Paris shopping pick : Rue du Commerce We’ve named Rue du Commerce the Best Hidden Shopping Street in Paris for its excellent selection of popular brand shops, small boutiques and traditional Parisian charm. Located in the 15th arrondissement just a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower, this is where Parisians head when looking for the latest trends without the expensive price tags. There’s something for everyone along Rue du Commerce with over 100 shops along the way! With limited traffic along the narrow one-way street, you can easily crisscross your way down the street hitting your favorite shops.
Sitting at the highest point in Paris like an ornamental decoration, the Basilique Sacre-Coeur has a special aura. Its alabaster facade blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and from far away, it looks like a wedding cake (which is its nickname). Inside the Basilica, the striking mosaic of Christ with a flaming heart gives the sanctuary an emotional and spiritual intensity, fitting for a church that was created as a symbol of hope after the Franco-Prussian War. The sanctuary is illuminated with many candles, which provide a contrast to the dark, somber space. Visitors can spend time on the terrace admiring the views of Paris or climb the tower for an even higher perspective. The Esplanade that leads up (by a staircase of over 200 steps) to the Sacre-Coeur church is a popular area for people to hang out and is often animated by street musicians.
Paris restaurant pick : It’s been a while since an outstanding restaurant opened in the historic Latin Quarter, which is why Cambodian-born Tomy Gousset’s new place has been such a hit. Here, the chef — who spent time in the New York restaurant scene — preps a first-rate small-plates menu that will please both vegetarians and carnivores. Standout dishes include the savory pancake with guanciale; a breaded free-range pork cutlet with a fried egg, black rice, red cabbage, and curry sauce; and a black chocolate tart with puffed buckwheat and cappuccino ice cream. It’s an instant local favorite.