Start the day at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, overlooking the Giant Swing, where drivers can ditch the car and board a free shuttle van to tour the area at their own pace. Better yet, leave your car at home for those celebrating Bangkok Car Free Day 2015. If you haven’t eaten, treat yourself to an old-school Chinese-style breakfast and strong cup of coffee at Kopi Hya Tae Gee (Wisutkasat Intersection, Phra Sumen Rd., 02-629-0446), established for over 60 years. King Rajadhipok Museum will be the first stop, a museum dedicated to the lives of King Rama VII and Queen Rambhai Barni, the Parliament Permanent Exhibition, The Thai Cabinet Museum and the Royal Thai Orders and Decorations Museum.
Move on to Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 02-621-0044. Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm), an interactive museum that takes you through the story of the establishment of this old part of the city. As part of the tour, you’ll also get exclusive access to its True Coffee Shop on the fourth floor, which offers a beautiful view of the iconic Golden Mount (Wat Phukao Thong) and Loha Prasat, the latter of which was just renovated. The Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (84 Ratchadamnoen Klang., 02-422-8827) is right next door, too, if you want a quick browse through the romantic watercolor paintings of Z Watercolor Exhibition 2015, which closes on Sep 27. There’s also a free watercolor workshop that runs from 1am-4pm. Tonchabab Record Store (Boonsiri Rd., 081-486-7528), a hidden gem for vinyl junkies, is right around the corner, but if you need to refuel, continue walking down Dinso Road for a late lunch break at Krua Apsorn (Samsen Rd., 02-668-8788), a local hit. Try the coconut ice-cream on a hot day.
Just beyond Ratchadamnoen Road, The National Gallery (4 Chao-Fa Road, opposite the National Theatre, 02-282-2639. www.thailandmusuem.com/national_gallery. Open Wed-Sun 9am-4pm) is currently home to an exhibition sponsored by the Embassy of Israel. Writing with Light presents the work of Israeli photojournalist Ziv Koren, whose iconic photographs have been widely published in the international media. Other ongoing exhibitions include: So Hope, a contemporary Thai and Islamic art exhibition by Keeta Isran and the annual Art Camp 2015, featuring over 400 pieces of work by National Artists, professors, independent artists and art students.
You’ve got an excuse to check out the riverside Tha Maharaj Community Mall (1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Rd., 02-866-3163) now that you’re in the area. You’ll find the usual offerings of Gram Cafe and The Creamery Boutique Ice-Cream, who have both opened branches here, as well as munchies at newbie joints Noanoa Cafe and Puff Stick. Soon there’ll be a new branch of Peppina joining the mall soon, too.
For something new, though, we suggest heading down Tha Tien for Err: Urban Rustic Thai (394/35 Maharaj Rd.), a recent opening by Bo & Dylan of the famed Bo.Lan. The crafted cocktails and the Thai retro gimmicks are adorable, but if you still fancy some riverside luxury at an affordable price, you can take the popular option and head for the rooftop of Sala Rattanakosin (39 Maharaj Rd., 02-622-1388)for the view of Wat Arun over the Chao Phraya River.
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