Take your grandpa ballroom dancing at the Thai-Japanese Youth Bangkok Center
(Local 06 Asoke-Ratchada) Ballroom dancing is a great way for your grandparents to exercise and meet new faces. The Thai-Japanese Youth Bangkok Center holds these free classes every weekend, suitable for dancers of all ages and levels. Maitri Road., Din Daeng. Call 02-245-4743.
Take a stroll at the Tree Market on Praditmanutum Road
(Locale 04 Kasetnawamin-Ramintra) Here's something you and your grandparents can enjoy together: pick out your favorite plants at the Tree Market, well-known to locals in the area. They’ve got gardening tools, gardening services, and all sorts of flowers and trees that will add wonderful colors to your home. Your grandparents will be delighted!
Make merits at Wat Chalo
(Locale 01 Pinklao-Ratchapreuk) Wat Chalo is a temple in Bangkruay that has a long history that goes all the way back to Ayutthaya period. It was built during the reign of King Borommakot, which means that the monastery is filled with stories and stunning artefacts. On top of merit-making, your family will also be able to take in the historic architecture and the beauty of the swan boat chapel. Bangkruay Sai Noi Road.
Go back to the golden age of Bangkok at Cook Shop, Yong Lee
(Locale 09 Sukhumvit-On Nut) The 70-year-old cook shop is located in the hip hood of Sukhumvit Soi 39, filled with up-and-coming restaurants. But Cook Shop is lost in time. Aside from the vintage atmosphere, the menu has delicious options that range from international cuisines like the western-style grilled beef salad, or familiar local dishes like Thai crab cake, chilli stir-fried sea bass and crispy fried noodles. This is your grandparent's Greyhound. They'll be thrilled to go back and tell you about the good old days--and you'll love the food. Sukhumvit Soi 39. Call 02-258-8863, 02-258-8313.
Practice Dharma at Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives
(Locale 03 Ladprao-Viphavadi) The Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives or Bangkok Suan Mokh are a resource center and a haven for people in the city of all ages to practice Dharma, from teenagers, professionals and senior citizens. You can pray, listen to the evening chant, meditate and do Taichi or yoga under the leafy trees of the Vachira Benjatat Park. Nikhom Rod Fai Sai 2 Road. Call 02-936-2800.
Bathe at Yunomori Onsen & Spa
(Locale 09 Sukhumvit-On Nut) There’s a Thai proverb that says “adults always take the hot shower before the kids do," but that doesn’t mean that you can’t bathe together, especially at these Japanese onsens while are guaranteed to relax every inch of your muscles. It makes for a great outting for the family, complete with a spa and massage services on offer. A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26. Call 02-259-5778.
Reminisce the old days at Chinatown’s community exhibition hall Baan Kao Lao Reung
(Locale 05 Sathorn-Ratchapreuk) Kids of Chinese descent, take your grandparents to the exhibition hall Baan Kao Lao Reung in Yaowarat. The hall was an initiative of the Charoenchai community conservation and development, which aims to preserve Chinese customs and traditions for the younger generation. You will find retro photographs that illustrate the community’s way of life in the past, as well as an exhibit of old wares that have been carefully preserved. Charoenchai Sub Soi, Charoenkrung Soi 23. Call 081-567-1142.
Meditate at Rung Arun School
(Locale 08 Suksawat-Ratburana) The Buddhism-focused Rung Arun School welcomes the public to pray and meditate on special religious days. This is a great opportunity to take your grandparents to meditate in the resort-like greenery inside the school. Find out what activities are happening on the school’s website. 391 Soi Rama II 33. Call 02-870-7512-3.
Take a sip of contemporary Chinese tea at Double Dogs
(Locale 05 Sathorn-Ratchapreuk) Although you can buy Chinese tea in Yaowarat, there are hardly any establishments that also operate as teahouses. Luckily, Double Dogs has become one of the most impressive teahouses in Bangkok since its opening a few years back. The owners are experts in tea, and the teahouse offers high quality imported tea leaves from China, Japan and Taiwan. You’ll also get to learn the traditional art of tea brewing. Yaorawat Road. Call 086-329-3075.
Learn how to put like a pro at Ratchapreuk Club
(Locale 02 Rattanathibet-Ngamwongwan) Nothing like a day on the course to hang out with grandpa. This one is over 300 rais, offering world class services and a sports club fully-equipped with the latest gear for you to use all day. Don’t forget to refuel at the classic Chinese restaurant Man Fu Yuan, hailing straight from Singapore. Viphavadi-Rangsit. Call 02-955-0055.
