The Thai festive season has begun, and will last well until the New Year. Unfortunately, there’s no escape from the onslaught of holiday marketing from Bangkok shopping malls, hotels and other commercial ventures. But why not make the most of it and enjoy their dazzling Christmas light displays? Here are some of our favourite viewing spots/routes:
- Rachadamri Road – From the Rachadamri Skytrain station, get off on the side of the St. Regis and Four Seasons hotels. You will first see the Four Seasons’ lighted tree display, but the real showstopper is at Peninsula Plaza. With reindeer displays and elaborate lights, this is one of the most photographed holiday spots in the city. Then walk to Amarin Plaza, which features a whimsical theme and life-sized cartoon motifs.
- CentralWorld — From the intersection of Rachadamri and Rachaprasong Roads, get on the elevated skywalk and check out the stunning tree in front of the InterContinental Hotel. Stay on the skywalk and head towards CentralWorld’s sprawling outdoor plaza. Here, you’ll experience a complete sensory experience; not only are there a number of impressive displays, including the tallest Xmas tree in Southeast Asia, but also beer gardens, pop-up shops and nightly live concerts.
- Siam Square – Make your way to Siam, which is also connected to the skywalk, to witness Siam Paragon’s uniquely fashionable lights and décor. Then walk over to the open area between Paragon and Siam Discovery to take in the festive scene, which will likely encompass makeshift stores, beer gardens and live music.
- Ratchadamnoen Avenue – Take a taxi or drive out to the old part of town for a less commercialized, more regal feel, where the famed Ratchadamnoen Avenue is decked out for H.M. the King’s birthday. Drive down Ratchadamnoen Klang towards the Democracy Monument and past Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace, and/or go down Ratchadamnoen Nok (where the UN-ESCAP building is located) and pass the statue of King Rama V on horseback and the stately Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
- Riverside Area – The Chao Phraya River area also boasts a unique atmosphere — temples and historic sights are lit up, and boats and barges add colour and character. Head to Asiatique, the huge open-aired mall at the river bend, and get on Asiatique Sky, a jaw-dropping 60-metre high Ferris Wheel, for a bird’s eye view of the lively riverside scene.