Let the good times roll

Bang Namphung Market opens for visitors over the New Year holiday

Don't feel lost if you can't afford to travel out of Bangkok over the New Year holiday. In fact, this is the best time to enjoy the city - when millions of urbanites flee the capital. Wat Bang Namphueng, a riverside temple on the Chao Phya in Samut Prakarn, turns the clock back and host a retro marketplace from today until January 1. The market opens around midday and runs through midnight. Highlights include cultural shows, lots of authentic, home-cooked food, plants and flowers. Visitors can also watching the lights and fireflies during a leisurely sampan trip.

Call Bang Nam Phrueng Administration Office (02) 819 6762 or (08) 1255 5354. For the map in (Thai) go to www.tat8.com/thai/activities/mapsp_bangpueng.htm.