The Year 2019 Has Never Been Pigger Article posted Mon, 17 Jun 2019 We’ve come a long way from the cute cat cafés where the felines are, not unsurprisingly, lounging and minding their own business. Today, exotic animal establishments are opening in Japan at an all-time high rate. Opened in March, Mipig Cafe has become Meguro district’s number one attraction in Tokyo . A short bus ride away from the train station, tiny pig tracks lead you inside a narrow townhouse to something that’s a first even in Japan — a micro pig cafe. Or at least we’re yet to discover another one. They specialise in raising and nurturing the world’s most fun-loving pigs. But don’t be surprised to find delicious pig-themed cupcakes, cheesecakes, coffee, and juices (starting at 600 yen) on their snack menu. Depending on your luck, special requests, and purpose of your visit, you’ll be taken to one of the cosy rooms on three floors. Here, if you’re considering to adopt a pig as a standout family member, the third floor is for more formal business. While the second floor and the attic don’t have any chairs, they are more relaxed playrooms where the pigs can climb all over you. Oh, they will, and in high numbers. As we are dealing with affectionate animals, sometimes the piglets get a bit jealous of all the attention their friends are receiving. And if one gets too naughty, the piggy-sitter gently picks him up and gives him the time-out treatment. Mipig’s caretakers are gentle and devoted, and they answer customer queries to give you facts on anything pig related. And you’ll get to practice your Japanese as you’ll probably hit a language barrier if you have very piguliar questions. Like the host on the attic, a young Japanese gentleman, went above and beyond to answer all the silly questions Google managed to translate. Remember that bookings are required and have to be made through the website. It will set you back 800 yen and is good for 30 minutes of piggy time. Though, you can extend that to a full hour if the pigs won’t let you leave.

Make Your Own Coffee Blend in Japan Article posted Tue, 24 Sep 2019 You’ll find some of the world’s best coffee in Japan, and indie roasters are sneaking into the wall-to-wall Starbucks-like café scenery of Tokyo . We teamed up with the top coffee roasters at THE COFFEESHOP to do the things we don’t know how to do like selecting the beans for our speciality coffee blend. You can find the baristas — entitled coffee geeks — selecting, roasting, and brewing coffee just eight minutes from the Shibuya station. So, what exactly is speciality coffee? We asked Mr Sugawara, the roaster at THE COFFEESHOP in Shibuya: The highest quality beans roasted to maximise the flavours. It starts with the producer and follows through the entire supply chain. Only coffee beans free of defects are selected. If you want evidence of pre-ground speciality coffee, look no further than the drip bag — an easy cup of coffee for aficionados who also travel a lot. You only need a mug and some hot water. A musky, sweet smell fills the room — Indian dark roasted beans with hints of strawberry and almonds. Freddy’s home country, Nepal, inspires the theme for our signature blend. And it consists of a mix of eight different beans brewed to perfection. Celebrate the opening of Red Planet Sapporo Susukino Central with your own cup of speciality coffee. You can buy them at the front desk for 200 yen a pack.

How To Eat In Nagoya Article posted Fri, 08 Feb 2019 When it comes to travel, tasting local cuisine is always something on our to-do lists. That’s why Nagoya, famous for their local delicacies, is one of Japan’s most exciting cities to visit. Here are some of the best of the city’s local dishes that can’t be missed when visiting Nagoya . Unagi hitsumabushi (chopped eel over rice) Unadon, or eel rice bowl, is a staple food all over Japan. You know, the long slices of eel carefully placed on a bed of steamed rice. Well, forget about that. The Nagoya unagi hitsumabushi is a very particular way of serving eel on rice. You get the usual bowl of rice but with the eel chopped over. To not look like a total fool in the restaurant, you should taste the divine eel as it is. And then, add chopped green onions and wasabi to elevate the flavours of the two. Now you’re ready to pour over the fish broth and enjoy whatever you have left of your eel. You can find us eating unagi hitsumabushi at Atsuta Horaiken , which is a hitsumabushi restaurant that opened in 1873. Just drop off at Temmacho station. Miso nikomi udon (soybean paste stew with wheat flour noodles) You can slurp on udon noodles anywhere in Japan, but miso udon is native to Nagoya and hard to find anywhere else. The noodles in miso nikomi udon are more al dente than usual, which can be surprising to people trying the savoury soup for the first time. There was no mistake in the kitchen — that’s just how they are served. Our favourite miso nikomi udon is at Yamamotoya . Misokatsu (pork cutlet with soybean paste) Bored of the typical vinegary katsu dressing? That tangy flavour is Worcestershire sauce, which is the main ingredient in the sauce outside Nagoya. Misokatsu is a deep-fried, breaded pork cutlet served with, not surprisingly, miso sauce. The sauce goes great with rice, and even when you have finished the pork, you will lick your plate clean because of this magical sauce. Rally your foodie friends and head to Yabaton . It was established in 1947 which means they know how to make misokatsu. Tebasaki (spicy chicken wings) Japanese for buffalo wings; not really, but it could be. Because tebasaki is spicy, seasoned chicken wings that are so tasty that you don’t miss the blue cheese sauce. The crispy wings were created at the Furaibo and popularised by Sekai no Yama-chan restaurant. Now everyone in Japan, not only in Nagoya, knows tebasaki. And rightfully so. There are two tebasaki restaurants in Nagoya that we love visiting. Furaibo , established in 1963, is the inventor of tebasaki. Sekai no Yama-chan is different, but equally delicious. Why not try them both? We are just scratching the surface of Nagoya ryori. On your next trip to Japan, try these, but try everything else. That’s how you find your favourite.

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Five Tips To Travel Better Article posted Fri, 24 Jan 2020 We’ve all been there: that rush you feel when your trip is fast approaching. The excitement churning. That adrenaline surge that gives you half-slept nights. And yes, also that anxious feeling about what to expect. We’ll ease your troubles of searching for travel tips, and hacks with our five travel do’s and don’ts for 2020. Do keep your travel documents in one place, and don’t leave your hotel without them. The worst travel nightmare is losing your passport. Always keep it with you (together with your other travel documents) whenever you leave your hotel — just in case you need it. Oh, and you need that passport for tax-free shops too. Do learn a phrase or two in the local language, and don’t be afraid to ask. We get it, travelling to a country that speaks a different language can be frightening. Learning how to say simple things like “hello” or “thank you” eases you down and locals usually appreciate the gesture. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from them either. Trust us. It’s better to ask around than fumble about in an unfamiliar place. Do try out local food, and don’t settle for fast food. One of the best ways to experience a new culture is through the local cuisine . You’d be amazed at how others enjoy their meals and learn some bits of history through food. That being said, try to stay away from fast food because you’ll be missing out on a lot. Do look around at shops, and don’t buy at the first ones you see There’s a reason why shops on the ground floors or storefronts are pricey. It’s because people tend to buy on impulse when on vacation. Save some coin by checking out other shops for better deals and who knows, you might find better buys too. Do check hotel reviews, and don’t rely on photos alone. What’s the best travel tip we can give? Google is your friend. When you’re searching for a hotel, spend some time to read reviews and don’t make your selection based on the photos alone. It’s better to listen to fellow travellers than to get sleepless nights because you chose something that looked pretty on the website.

Find the Room That Works for You. Choose between reliable comfort or a smart upgrade designed for productivity. Upgrade to City Room Standard Room For Rest and Simplicity. Designed for travelers who need a clean, reliable place to recharge after a long day. ✔ Quick city stays ✔ Budget friendly travel ✔ Leisure trips ✔ Overnight business stays City Room For Work and Extended Stays. Built for guests who need more space to focus, prepare, and stay productive. ✔ Work trips ✔ Remote workers ✔ Digital nomads ✔ Long stays ✔ Early meetings Feature Standard Room City Room Why choose a City Room? ✔ More space to work comfortably ✔ Keep drinks and snacks chilled ✔ Prepare coffee or tea anytime ✔ Better setup for longer stays Experience City Rooms at These Locations:

Is Studio Ghibli Museum in Japan Worth it? Article posted Tue, 13 Aug 2019 The only museum you have to visit in Japan could be a 30-minute train ride away in the suburbs of Tokyo. Studio Ghibli has a reputation not just as one of the world’s best animation houses that rely on hand-drawn artistry, but one of its most influential film studios. Whether they are drawing inspiration from age-old folklore or illustrating humanity’s relationship with nature — these films have changed how we look at Japanese animation. The key ingredient is simple: imaginative storytelling. With narration like this, together with strong, standout heroines, the animations promise to entertain you through many rewatches. And so does the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, just outside the western border of Tokyo Metropolis. What are the first things that come to mind when you mention Studio Ghibli? The warrior princess Mononoke? Or maybe Totoro, the lovable forest spirit who spends a larger part of his life asleep? But the Totoro greeting you at the museum’s information box is fully awake. And awake or not, he is, without doubt, the best-known character in the Ghibli universe. So, too, everything else in the museum, including the café, is something to be advertised. And what’s the best part of the museum? For your exclusive entertainment, and those who have been there already, they show three animated shorts that cannot be seen anywhere else — talk about endless bragging rights. Japanese animation is often being accused of being visually pleasing for teens and children. But Hayao Miyazaki, the castle-building master of animation behind the Studio Ghibli Museum, knows that anyone, regardless of their age, can get lost together in the fantastical worlds of his films. “Is someone different at age 18 or 60?” he asks rhetorically, “I believe one stays the same.” There’s a delusion that everything needs to be captured on Instagram, but Mr Miyazaki recommends that the museum should be an experience that shapes everlasting memories. Not temporal video stories. And the giant Laputian robot from Castle in the Sky (standing more dormant than ever on the museum’s rooftop garden) remains one of the few places where you are allowed to take photos in the entire museum. The distance from Tokyo to Ghibli Museum is around 25 kilometres, and it takes 50 minutes with a local train from Asakusa . Take the Ginza Line from Tawaramachi station towards Shibuya, and get off at Kanda station. From there, hop on the Chuo Line rapid train bound for Takao. And once you arrive at Mitaka station, and the weather permits, you can walk to the museum. The whole trip costs just JPY 560. As for most Japanese museum admissions. And amusement park passes. In fact, just about any types of tickets in Japan. They shouldn’t be purchased at the door. You have been warned: Ghibli Museum tickets cannot be purchased at the museum. So, how to buy the Ghibli Museum tickets? When you’re getting them from the museum’s website (you’ll also find a convenient calendar for all their opening hours and admissions), you should know already when you’re going — they are good only for a specific day and time of entry. And the tickets (made from animation cels) are collectables as such and something to bring back home with the intangible memories. How much do the Ghibli Museum tickets cost? Ages 19 and over: JPY 1,000 Ages 13 to 18: JPY 700 Ages 7 to 12: JPY 400 Ages 4 to 6: JPY 100 Ages 3 and under: Free

Discover affordable comfort in the heart of Manila. This budget hotel in Malate offers a prime location near Robinsons Place, Rizal Park, and the Manila Baywalk. Red Planet Manila Malate Mabini Stay in the heart of Malate at Red Planet Manila Malate Mabini, just 3 minutes from Robinsons Place Manila and within walking distance of Manila Zoo and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Ermita's dining, shopping, and nightlife are all close by, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about 20 minutes away. Enjoy clean, comfortable rooms and smart value at an affordable hotel in Malate Manila. Address: 1740 A. Mabini Street Zone 076 Barangay 699 1004 Malate NCR, City of Manila, First District Philippines Contact: +63 (2) 8708 9888 Room Types: Double | Twin | Family | City Double | City Twin | City Family Amenities : Excellent Location WiFi-6 Transport Services Business Center Parking Available In-Room Massage Non-smoking Property Restaurant Cafe Multiple Payment Methods Accepted Accessible rooms Pet-Friendly (1k fee/night) BOOK NOW Explore Manila Malate Mabini and nearby destinations Walk Drive 15 min 6 min Manila Zoo 20 min 7 min Cultural Center of the Philippines 25 min 10 min Philippine International Convention Center 8 min 3 min Robinsons Place Manila 20 mins Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 GIVE THE GIFT OF A STAY BUY E-VOUCHER Treat someone to a stay at Red Planet Malate Mabini Hear it from our guests Red Planet Davao Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Cebu Visayas, Philippines Red Planet Cagayan De Oro Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Clark Angeles City Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cavite Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cubao Aurora Boulevard Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Quezon City Timog Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Bay Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Avenue Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Binondo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Amorsolo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Aseana Manila City Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet BGC The Fort Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Davao Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Cebu Visayas, Philippines Red Planet Cagayan De Oro Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Clark Angeles City Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cavite Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cubao Aurora Boulevard Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Quezon City Timog Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Bay Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Avenue Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Binondo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Amorsolo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Aseana Manila City Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet BGC The Fort Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Davao Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Cebu Visayas, Philippines Red Planet Cagayan De Oro Mindanao, Philippines Red Planet Clark Angeles City Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cavite Luzon, Philippines Red Planet Cubao Aurora Boulevard Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Quezon City Timog Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Bay Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Avenue Manila Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Manila Binondo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Makati Amorsolo Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet Aseana Manila City Metro Manila, Philippines Red Planet BGC The Fort Metro Manila, Philippines Explore other Red Planet Hotels

ABOUT US How it All Started This is the space to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer. RED PLANET MAKATI AMORSOLO: YOUR FAVORITE BUDGET HOTEL IN THE HEART OF MAKATI ARTICLE POSTED TUE, 30 SEP 2025 Red Planet Makati Amorsolo: Your Favorite Budget Hotel in the Heart of Makati When it comes to traveling, whether for business or leisure, location and convenience make all the difference. Makati City is well known for its bustling business district, vibrant shopping malls, and family-friendly parks. Right in the middle of it all, Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo in Makati stands out as a smart choice for travelers, backpackers, and staycationers who want comfort, accessibility, and affordability. Why Stay in Red Planet Makati Amorsolo? 1. Prime location in Makati CBD Strategically located along Amorsolo Street, Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo places you in the center of the action. As an on-the-go traveler, I am only minutes away from Makati’s top offices, shopping malls, and cultural attractions. From Ayala Avenue’s corporate hubs to Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, Ayala Museum, and more, the best of Makati is right at your doorstep. 2. Comfort and Convenience at budget-friendly prices Red Planet Hotels are known for delivering all the essentials without unnecessary extras, and that is exactly what I expect at Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo. Each room is designed to maximize space while offering high-quality beds with fresh linens, powerful showers, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi 6. The property also has a convenience store and a restaurant, so if I need quick essentials or a meal, it is just an elevator ride away. 3.Ideal for Business and Leisure Travelers For business travelers, Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo provides quick access to Makati’s corporate towers, allowing you to save time on commutes and focus on your meetings. For leisure travelers, Makati’s vibrant community spaces such as Washington SyCip Park, Salcedo Weekend Market, and Ayala Triangle Gardens are just nearby. With the hotel as your home base, you can explore the best of Makati without the hassle. 4. A hotel designed for digital nomads In today’s digital world, seamless service is essential. With the Red Planet Hotels App, you can manage bookings, check in online, and access exclusive deals right from your smartphone. Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo makes traveling smarter, faster, and more convenient for today’s on-the-go guests. 5. Ayala Car-Free Sundays I am a running junkie, so I enjoy this a lot. A weekly initiative that started last September 2023, where portions of Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo De Roxas are closed to vehicles every Sunday from 6:00AM to 10:00AM. It has also been extended until further notice in 2025, giving more people the chance to enjoy a safe, pedestrian-friendly space. What’s good is that Red Planet Makati Amorsolo is just a 5-minute walk from the starting point of the running path. Who Should Stay at Red Planet Hotels Makati Amorsolo? If you are a business traveler in town for work or a leisure traveler who wants to discover the city, Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo in Makati is designed for you. The hotel offers a straightforward stay with everything you need, all at budget-friendly rates. Whether you are grabbing a coffee nearby, exploring new dining spots, or attending a meeting, you can always return to the comfort of a safe and reliable home base in Makati. Looking to explore more Red Planet Hotels? Check out our guide to 14 Things to Do When You Stay at Red Planet BGC The Fort for more inspiration on what to do when checking in at another one of our prime city hotels. Wrapping up If you want to experience Makati with ease, Red Planet Hotel Amorsolo in Makati City checks all the boxes: a prime location, affordable rates, clean and comfortable rooms, and the convenience of a mobile app. Whether you are staying for a quick business trip or an extended leisure getaway, Red Planet Hotels put you close to the city’s best attractions without breaking the bank.

The Only Cafe You Need To Visit In Tokyo Article posted Fri, 17 Jan 2020 What makes Café Kitsuné probably the most Instagram ready coffee shop in Tokyo (and brews a great cup of espresso). Café Kitsuné is in no sense a new place in the upscale Minamiaoyama neighbourhood which sits next to the high-end fashion boutiques of Omotesando. It opened already in February 2013 and has shot up in popularity ever since. You might be one of the 84,000 followers on their Instagram page @cafekitsune. l. Taking inspiration from its parent brand, the famed French-Japanese fashion brand Maison Kitsuné, the café seamlessly blends elements of Japanese and French culture, design, and cuisine. When you enter the cafe, you’ll be greeted by the friendly staff, who will escort you to your table with the world-class service for which Japan is renowned. After 7pm, table lamps are replaced by candles, which allows you to truly appreciate the one-of-a-kind, impressive architecture and atmosphere that separates Café Kitsuné from other coffee bars (this place really becomes a bar in the evening). The menu offers a range of coffee, including espressos (JPY 370) and cold brew (JPY 570), as well as Japanese-style drinks such as hojicha lattes and matcha lattes. What’s more, they sell baked goods such as the famous fox-shaped cookie (JPY 330) and red bean paste filled dorayaki (JPY 350). If you’re in Shibuya and looking for a break from the hustle of Tokyo city life, make sure to stop by Café Kitsuné for a cup of coffee to relax, unwind, and enjoy the slower side of life. We’re sure you’ll have a great experience at this Japanese-French fusion cafe. Kitsuné also has a coffee roastery and café in Okayama if you’re heading that way. CAFÉ KITSUNÉ TOKYO 3-15-9 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku 107-0062 Tokyo +81 (0)3 5786 4842 Monday / Saturday : 9am – 8pm

Buy a Bracelet, Clean the Ocean Article posted Wed, 31 Oct 2018 Did you know that every minute, one garbage truck worth of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans? That’s over 680 million kilogrammes of trash a year ending up in our oceans. This staggering number directly affects the health of both humans and wildlife alike, compromising the livelihoods of all organisms that depend on a healthy ocean to thrive. Plastic bags can be mistaken as food, straws can get stuck in sea creatures’ throats and blowholes, and discarded fishing gear can trap helpless sea turtles or cut through the flesh of whales. These days, to have been to practically any beach is to be familiar with sand covered in garbage left by beachgoers, washed up from nearby boats, or arriving on prevailing currents. Even shorelines that rarely get human visitors have somehow become decorated with used yoghurt cartons and empty bottles of sunscreen. The proliferation of plastic is a major threat to not only the ocean environment but also to the fishermen and seaside communities that have to live amongst the waste. Luckily, there are people like Alex and Andrew, the founders of 4Ocean, who are determined to live in a world where a day at the beach doesn’t involve mistaking trash for a seashell. 4Ocean produces handmade bracelets made of 100% recycled materials such as glass and plastic bottles. By purchasing a 4Ocean bracelet, you facilitate the removal of half a kilo of trash from our oceans and coastlines. So far, 4Ocean has collected over half a million kilos of trash in less than two years since they started their important mission in January 2017. These bracelets should be worn with pride, and identify you as a concerned citizen of our beautiful planet. Since our hotels are based mostly in island nations that thrive on healthy oceans, we are especially supportive of 4Ocean’s efforts. To do our part in helping their cause, we’re selling 4Ocean signature bracelets at every Red Planet Hotel across Asia. Buy one at check-in or upon booking when you use our app or website. There’s no such thing as buyers’ guilt when you are purchasing a good-looking bracelet and facilitating the removal of a half a kilo of trash from the ocean at the same time. Want to take even more action? Start your own beach cleanup or join one of the 4Ocean-hosted cleanups around the world. Check www.4ocean.com regularly for activities near you. Let’s take action by joining this global movement to restore our oceans a better place for future generations!

Seven Places You Need To See On Bangkok Riverside Article posted Thu, 21 Mar 2019 The history of Bangkok is told along the Chao Phraya riverside. Ancient temples, royal landmarks, and unique architecture are easily accessible with public river ferries and private long-tail boats. Or by just a regular taxi if you’re not a sea dog. To make it plain sailing, we start at Sathorn pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS station and continue the old town theme up the river. The Chao Phraya Express boat service takes you pretty much anywhere on the river, but be fast, these boats don’t wait for the hesitant tourist. They have five types of ferries, and you buy the ticket before you get on. Whether it’s orange, yellow, green, blue (tourist boat), or no flag (local line) at all, depends on how many stops you want to make on your way, and if your stop is on the chart. Look for the tiny triangular flags on the roofs of the boats. And so what if you took the wrong ship, the walk from one stop to the other is not that bad. So scroll down, and get some ideas for your next Bangkok riverside trip. Asiatique the Riverfront Not many open-air destinations have such easy access from both land and water. Closest to our starting point at Saphan Taksin sky train station, Asiatique the Riverfront puts up dining experiences, extravagant cabaret shows, Thai boxing fights, souvenir shopping, and an old sawmill metaphorically under one roof. The fascinating history, formerly an important trading port between Siam and Europe, sets Asiatique apart from regular shopping malls. While embracing history and architecture from the colonial period and avoiding cultural clichés, it strikes a balance between local and global. Just take the free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS station. Iconsiam Another option in the scorching heat is to head out for Iconsiam and air conditioning. The megalithic shopping mall, adjacent to the recently entitled tallest buildings in Thailand, is a must-see destination for any window shopper. The complex includes tons of fashion, a floating market (seriously), local street food stalls with affordable food, and a Japanese shopping mall. The Japanese part, Siam Takashimaya, takes shoppers on an adventure on several floors. But it’s the basement floor that you want to see. A food market with all kinds of Japanese delicacies. Fresh sushi at knock-down prices, big white strawberries (some call them pineberries), and authentic Japanese street food, like okonomiyaki and taiyaki. With dozens of trendy cafes and amazing views, it’s probably the most instagrammable mall in Thailand, and the first one decent enough to have an official Apple store. Like Asiatique the Riverfront, you can hop on the free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier, or take the free bus from Krung Thonburi station. Pak Khlong Talat Continue to the flower of Bangkok. Pak Khlong Talat is the largest and most fragrant fresh flower market in town. Many flower shops are lined up on the main road and the extremely narrow alleys displaying a full array of colours night and day — the market is not only eye candy, but also nose candy. And they are open 24 hours a day with business flourishing all the time. Best way to get there is to take the Chao Phraya Express ferry from Sathorn pier and drop off at Memorial Bridge N6. Just turn left after getting off, and walk for ten minutes straight. You’ll smell it. Museum Siam Museum Siam is a discovery centre in the historical, repurposed Ministry of Commerce building. The museum coined the term play and learn, or plearn, because many of the interactive exhibits of Thainess teach locals and foreigners traditional Thai identity and cultures of surrounding countries. If you’re a real history buff, enter the map room, and watch panoramic videos on the history of Thailand. And better yet, it’s located close to Wat Pho, a nice little detour on your day trip in the old town of Bangkok. Temple of the Dawn Wat Arun temple is the most visually striking landmark on the wrong side of Chao Phraya. You’ve probably seen it on your Instagram feed, touristy postcards, and in real life from the other side of the river. The central prang or stupa, standing at 80 meters, is intricately decorated with tiny, colourful, enamelled pieces of porcelain. The porcelain was used as ballast in boats travelling from China to Bangkok to improve their stability on the rough waters. You can climb up to the middle level of the central prang and be rewarded with a beautiful view of the river. And witness the Grand Palace and Wat Pho from a different angle. Tha Maharaj Tha Maharaj, located unsurprisingly on the Maharaj road, is a tasteful restoration of old shophouses on the bank of Chao Phraya river. If you’re coming back from visiting the ancient temples and royal palaces like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, make sure to swing by for some cool cafes, local restaurants, and a windy open-air promenade. Climb up the blazing led lighted stairs to the big white sign, and you’ve got 360-degree views of the entire width of the river and Thai-style buildings framed in the background. Or you can buy your lucky charm from one of the largest talisman and amulet market in Bangkok, and sit down for a riverside dinner afterwards. Perfect time to go to Tha Maharaj is in the late afternoon when you can have a cold one by the sunset. Arrive at Tha Chang pier N9, and walk up to Tha Maharaj. Wang Lang market If you want to find local food and local people, look no further. Wang Lang market sells almost everything, including special second-hand clothing and fashion accessories for an entire wardrobe at a bargain. There are hardly any tourists at the market, but if you want to be the first one, it’s best to visit before 2 pm when the market starts to die down (but we told you it’s going to get hot). So, if you are looking for a place to do some last minute shopping while enjoying the riverbank view, you have to jump on a boat heading towards Nonthaburi and get off at Prannok Pier.