Explore the modern side of the Thai capital and see a different side to the popular city. Try out one of the Sukhumvit hotels, Bangkok residents have labeled it an exclusive neighbourhood with its swanky restaurants, luxury malls, ritzy clubs and more. The city has a booming shopping culture with malls and markets of every description. Bangkok also has a lively after dark party scene that includes: bars, clubs, beach parties, elaborate theatre performances and more. You will also find entertainment in the form of theme parks that appeal to all ages.
A lesser known activity in Bangkok is horse racing. There are several race tracks in the city, which are attached to a club, like the Royal Turf Club, which is a twenty minute drive from Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. Club membership is almost impossible to get and mostly reserved for the elite. However horse races are open to the public. Races are held at the Royal Turf Club on a single Sunday of every month. Gambling is banned in Thailand but there is an exception for betting on horse racing.
The races are well attended, mostly middle-aged and older local men but families also stop by for an afternoon out. A standard entry ticket to the Royal Turf Club costs 50 Baht and with it you are allowed access to both the lower and upper tier terraces and you are allowed to make your way from one to the other as the races progress. A programme of the events costs 10 Baht for a Thai version and 100 Baht for an English version. There is a plenty of food and drink at the track, including beer. It is an unusual activity that one would not expect to find in Thailand but one that makes for an animated afternoon.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
