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BANGKOK

Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital in 1782. Over the next two centuries, it developed in many ways reflecting the modern dynamisn: however, its ancient glories were well maintained, especially in the old area around the Grand Palace. Today, Bangkok has become the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction for both domestic and international travelers.

Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square kilometres on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts (Khets), it is home to one-tenth of the country's population. Thon Buri, a former capital, is now a district under the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.

The Grand Palace is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang surrounded by high white walls occupying an area of about a square mile. The palace, founded in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The Royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same compound, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Photography inside the building housing the Emerald Buddha is forbidden.

The Coin Pavilion is located within the Grand Palace compound on the right hand side before entering the palace's inner gate. the pavilion displays exotically designed coins and other monetary exchange units used in Thailand since the early 11th Cebtury AD. In the same building, adjacent to the coin collection, is a display room for Royal regalia, decorations and medals. Most of the items seen were used in former royal courts. Some are made of gold and are elaborately patterned. The pavilion is open every day from 9.00 - 15.30

Admission to Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace compound is 200 baht, including tickets to the Coin Pavillion, Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek and Abhisek Dust Throne Hall. Proper dress is of essential.
The complex is open daily from 8.30 to 15.30.

Vimanmek Mansion is located behind Bangkok's National Assembly and is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. The three-story wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, excluding terraces and verandahs. Near the entrance to Vimanmek Palace is the Royal Carriage Museum where 13 royal horse-drawn carriages once used during the reign of King Rama V are collected. The collection is quite splendid and is regarded to be of great historical value.

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall ( The Support Museum) a one-story teak building built in the reign of King Rama V is situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Throne Hall. Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is now Thailand's first handicraft masterpieces created by members of Support Foundation. In the museum, visitors find such handicrafts as niellowares, Thai silk with various unique designs. Lipao basketry like beautiful trays and handbags are studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetle.

Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, across the Pramane Ground, is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, founded in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.

Admission Fee: 40 baht Open: 9.00 - 16.00 except Monday, Tuesday and public holidays
Guide tours are provided, please call the museum for schedules.

Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the National Gallery Museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art by Thai artists.
Admission Fee: 80 baht Open: 9.00 - 16.00 except Monday , Tuesday and public holidays

Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the National Gallery Museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art by Thai artists. The gallery is open to the public everyday from 9.00 to 16.00 except Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. Admission fee is 80 baht.

National Theatre is on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Thai classical dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here. For current programs call 225-8757-8, 222-1352.

Thailand Cultural Centre located on Ratchadaphisek Road, is a fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. Thai cultural performances are periodically held. Call 247-0028 for a current program.

Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre is located on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. Modern dramas and plays are usually held while Khon or a classical mask play is a special event that is staged occasionally. Call 2258757-8, 222-1325 for more information.

Phatharavadi Theatre Renowned for its lavish productions, this outdoor theatre has gained popularity through its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques. It is situated at Soi Wat Rakhang, Thon Buri, Tel. 412-7287-8.

Ban Chang Thai is situated on Soi 10 Ekkamai Road off Sukhumvit Road. Thai puppet shows and ancient Thai boxing shows are held at certain times of the year. Call 391-3807 for more information.

The Centre shares the same building with the Bangkok Bank Ltd. Phan Fa Branch. Performances, discussions and activities are taken place on Friday with free admission. Call 282-2396 for more information.

Sanam Luang is a huge public ground in front of the Grand Palace. Special activities or ceremonies such as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May, Kings Birthday in December and the New Year Festival also take place here.

At the northern part of Sanam Luang, opposite the Royal Hotel is a small statue placed in small white pavilion. The Goddess of the Earth was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868 - 1910) to provide public drinking water.

This is a very old temple on Na Phrathat Road between Silpakorn University and Thammasat University. The back of the temple faces the Pramane Ground or Sanam Luang. Wat Mahathat was built during the reign of King Rama I and houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in the country. Those interested in Buddhist meditation should visit Section 5, which is the headquarter of Wipassana (insight) meditation in Thailand. Information and practice in English can usually be arranged depending on the availability of the right monks. The temple complex is open from 9.00 - 17.00.

The temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Road, near Wat Pho. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign. The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new ideas and a desire to experiment with them. The exterior of the chapel is in Thai style but the interior is decorated in European style.

This world famous temple is located right next to the Grand Palace on the south side. It is on of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago and houses the gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. This unique image is 49 meters in length and 12 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called "Thailand's First University". The building housing the Reclining Buddha is open daily from 9.00 - 17.00. Admission fee is 20 baht.

Located at the southeast corner of Sanam Luang, this graceful templeliked structure houses "Lak Muang" a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, as the foundation stone for his new capital city of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed by many people to have the power of granting wishes.

Located on bamrung Muang Road, this temple took 27 years to build. It is famous for the excellent murals in the main building from the reign of King Rama III (1824 - 1851). The viharn should have seen for its collection of gilded Buddha images. The temple complex is open daily from 9.00 - 21.00. In front of the temple is the famous Giant Swing. Many shops surrounding Wat Suthat stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist ecclesiastic supplies.

Located on Mahachai Road, this royal temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), one of its tourist attractions standing on its 36 meters high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world. Situated in the nearby area are a royal pavilion for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King Rama III.

Wat Sa Ket or the Golden Mount was founded during the reign of King Rama 1 (1782-1800). The golden chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha and affords visitors a panoramic view of Bangkok.

At the end of Yaowarat Road near Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway station, is a temple situated on Traimit Road. This temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image of solid gold is three meters high and weighs five and a half tons. The building holding this image is open to the public everyday from 9.00 - 17.00.

The building is located on Phra Sumen Road in Banglamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinasri which was molded in about 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most important temples of Bangkok whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. Other Chakri Kings who resided here during their monkhood included King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Located near Wa Sukri Pier on Samsen Road, it provides service on data searching. Apart from the Vajirayan Building, where stone inscriptions and scripture cabinets are kept, the National Library houses Thun Kramom Boriphat Music Library and the ancient archives room. Other activities are documentary projection, discussions and exhibitions, it is open daily from 9.30 19.30 except for national holidays.

Located on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, it was conceived and constructed during the administration of the late Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkhram to commemorate the peaceful change-over from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy on June 24, 1932. The democracy Monument was officially dedicated on June 24, 1940.

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by crossing the river by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure in this temple is the 79-metre-high pagoda or "Phra Prang". Wat Arun was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. Despite its name "Temple of the Dawn", the most beautiful view of the Prang is from the Bangkok side of the river at sunset. Admissin fee is 10 baht. The building is open daily from 7.00 - 17.00.

The Marble Temple is situated on Si Ayutthaya Road near Chitralada Palace. The temple is well-known because its main building was constructed with marble during the reign of King Rama V. The best time to visit this temple is early in the morning when Buddhist monks are chanting inside the chapel. The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of Bronze Buddhas lines the walls of the spacious inner courtyard. The main building is open to visitors until 17.00. There is an admission charge of 10 baht.

Located in Bangkhunphrom area on Wisutkrasat Road, Wat Indravihan is well-known for a huge standing Buddha image. This image of "Buddhasiariyametriya" is about 109 feet tall and 40 feet wide. This Buddhist monument was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple is open to the public every day. Admission is free.

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 101, this is the highest pagoda in Bangkok. The Pagoda, 94.78 metres high, has 14 storeys and an elevator to enable visitors, particularly the elderly people, to go to the top of the building. Relics and a hair of the Lord Bhuddha, kept in the pagoda, were presented by the Supreme Patriach of Bangladesh.

This shed, where several royal barges are displayed, is located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River, not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. These barges were used on Royal and government occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The most beautiful and well-known barge is "Suphanahong" used by the King only when he made his Royal river procession for the Kathin ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during October or November. The Royal barges proceeded during the Rattanakosin Bicentennial celebrations. (Nowa-days, we have the main Royal Barge instead. It is called "Narai Sonbgsuban Rachakarn Ti Kao" being used since The Golden Jubilee Celebration of King Rama IX since 1996) The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors. The shed is open to the public everyday from 8.30 - 16.30. Admission fee is 80 baht.

Sitnating on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai Road, this palace used to be the residence of princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading art colletors. There is a complex of five traditional Thai Houses, overlooking a beautifully kept garden. They house a large collection of Asian arts and antiques. One building exhibits a collection of seashells, nineral crystal and painted pottery from Ban Chiang. Suan Pakkad Palace is open everyday from 9.00 - 16.00 except Sunday. There is an admission fee of 80 baht.

This interesting spot is located at the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road west of Chulalongkorn Hospital. It is a section of the Thai Red Cross, where one can have cholera, smallox and typhoid inoculations as well as rabies treatment. The institute has become a popular tourist attraction because of its large collection of live poisonous snakes. The Snake Farm is open to the public everyday between 8.30 - 16.30 on weekdays and 8.30 - 12.00 on public holidays. The extraction of venom from snakes is demonstrated daily at 10.30 and 14.00 on weekdays and at 10.30 on public holidays. Admission fee is 70 baht.

Located near Makkasan Railway Station, Nikhom Makkassan Road, Phayathai. Labour history of Thailand from the past to present is put on exhibition. The museum is open daily with no admission fee from 10.00 - 17.00 except Monday, Tuesday and national holidays.

The museum is on the first floor of the metropolitan Postal Bureau (North) behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office, Sapan Khwai. Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 - 16.00. No admission fee. Thai and foreign stamps of the old ages are on display. The collections of post books in both Thai and foreign languages available at the library. Stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale.

Ban Kamthieng is an old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated to the Siam Society by its owners and later was brought of reconstruction in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house, which is at 131 Soi Asoke (Sukhumvit Soi 21). Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen. Open daily from 9.00 - 17.00 except Sunday and national holidays. An admission fee is 100 baht.

The first camera and photograph museum to be established in Thailand and Asia, is located in the same building as the Department of Photographic Science and Printing Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Historic photographs and imaging equipment as well as its technological evolution are collected and displayed in the form of camera and imaging technology museum. Modern photographic arts and techniques as well as advanced technology of three dimensional photographs, electronic photography and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open on Thursday from 10.00 - 16.00, admission fee is 100 baht.

It is located on Kamphaeng Phet Road, off Chatuchak Park near a multi-purposed parking lot. It is where railway information is collected for publicity. Steam engines, train models and miniature trains of various sizes are exhibited there along with photographs and paintings depicting development of world railway systems and several other related objects. The Hall of Railways Heritage is open every Sunday between 5.00 - 12.00, admission is free. For more information contact the Thai Railfan Club, Tel: 243-2037-9.

It is located at 9 krungthep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from pre-historic through Rattanakosin periods. Various styles of architecture, for example, a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in Bangkok National Museum, and a replica of Ho Phra of Wat Yai Suwannaram, are scattered within the museum complex. Prasart Museum is open daily from 10.00 - 15.00 except Monday, admission fee is 500 baht (snack and beverage included). It is also open for group visitors. Please make advance contact at Prasart Museum.

All kinds of Thai dolls are made in this factory situated on Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop, in the Pratunam area. It is open to visitors who may inspect and by dolls everyday from 8.00 - 17.00 except Sunday and public holidays.

Located on Phetchaburi Road, modem plays are presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, for farther information contact The Bangkok Playhouse.

Located on Ratchadaphisek Road, the Thailand Cultural Centre was first opened in December 1987 celebrating the 60th birth Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. The main buildings include

Main Hall - a 2,000 seat auditorium fully equipped for stage presentations, concerts and international conferences

Small Hall - a 500 seat multi-purpose auditorium integrated with a 1,000 seat amphitheatre

Social Education and Exhibition Building housing a cultural library and Thai Life Permanent Exhibition. The exhibition hall is open on weekdays.

Visitors who wish to find out more about Buddhism or Buddhist meditation should contact the head-quarter of the World Fellow-ship of Buddhists, 33 Sukhumvit Soi 1 - 3, preferably in the morning from Monday to Friday. The WFB holds a meditation class in English every first Sunday of the month from 14.00 - 18.00. Lectures on Buddhism are held at the same time every third and last Sunday of each month.

Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practiced regularly by numerous Thais and laymen as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. There are meditation centres in Bangkok which offer a class in English for foreign visitors who wish to find out more about Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. These include The International Buddhist Meditation Centre in Wat Mahataht (Tel: 623-6325), Buddhist Association of Thailand (Tel. 281-9563-4), Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence (Tel: 258-3257), Young Buddhist Association of Thailand (Tel. 413-1706), and House of Dhamma (Tel. 511-0439)

The scientific museum situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) is an exhibition center on scientific knowledge and astronomy. Open daily from 9.00 - 16.00 except Monday and national holidays. At the planetarium, daily performances on the solar system are presented for the public from Tuesday to Sunday, open from 8.00 - 14.30 admission fee is 20 baht. (including ticket for scientific museum).

A weekend market in front of Taling Chan District Office starts from 9.00 - 16.00. Boat trip service is available fro sight-seeing along the canal where gardens and the village lifestyle can still be seen. The market is also accessible by buses No. 79 and 83 which pass nearby. Contact Taling Chan District Office telephone number 424-5448

Thai boxing is both a sport and a mean of self-defence. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: foot, elbow, leg, knee, shoulder are all "weapon". Playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement. There are three venues for this type of sport.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium (Tel: 281-4205) - Located at Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Every Monday and Wednesday at 18.00, Thursday at 17.00 and 21.00, Sunday at 16.00 and 20.00

Lumpini Stadium (Tel: 251-4303) - Located at Rama IV Road, Every Tuesday and Friday at 18.00 and Saturday at 17.00.

Royal Turf Club of Thailand is situated on Phitsanulok Road. The races are held every two weeks on Sunday from 12.30 to 18.00, admission fee are 50 and 100 baht. Contact Tel: 280-0020 - 9

Royal Bangkok Sports Club is situated on Henri Dunant Road, the races are held every two weeks on Sunday for 12.30 - 18.00, admission fee are 50 , 70 and 100 baht. Contact Tel: 251-0181 - 6

Located near Vimanmek Palace, Dusit Zoo is opened to public everyday from 8.00 - 18.00. Tropical animals to be found include great grey kangaroos, Sumatran, rhinoceros, Siamese crocodiles, gaurs, lesser mouse deer, American bisons, etc. Admission fee is 30 baht.

This large open public ground covering approximately 35 acres opposite the Northern Bus station on Phahonyothin Road known as Suan Chatuchak, hosts the popular Weekend Market where people buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, dress materials, furniture, toys, domestic utensils to pets. There is a particularly fine section for plants. The Weekend Market is open on Saturday and Sunday from 7.00 - 18.00.

Bangkok's China Town is an old business center covering a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago to make way for the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex.

Pratu Nam located on Ratchaprarop Road. It is one of the most famous and the biggest wholesale and retail markets for ready-made clothes, dresses, jewelry etc.

Bo Bae, located on Krung Kasem Road, is one of the most famous and the biggest wholesale and retail markets for ready-made clother, dresses, jewelry etc.

Sum Peng, located on Sum Peng Alley, Yaowarat, is one of the most famous and the biggest wholesales and retail markets for ready-made clothes, cloth, jewelry, souvenirs, gifts etc.

A shopping area once frequented solely by local people, has become a popular place for tourists. This area offers various inexpensive items especially ready made clothes, handbags, men's and ladies' shoes, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended. The area called Kao Sarn Road is most well-known among foreigners as the cheapest room-rate guest houses in town.

For moderately priced, second-hand goods, no other is better than the two markets in Bangkok. The first is Lang Krasuang, which is on Atsadang Road, the other is Woeng Nakhon Kasem, located around some of the smaller alleys off New Road near China Town. Visitors will get a better bargain if they take along a Thaifriend to haggle over prices. Both markets have goods from pawn shops: musical instruments, electrical goods, uniforms, camping equipment.

Siam Water Park, in merely a 30 minute drive from the Lard Prao flyover, is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi. The park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls, and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped gardens. Satellite attractions include children's playground, aviaries, open zoo and botanical garden. The complex is open daily from 10.00 - 18.00 weekdays, and 9.00 - 19.00 weekends. Admission fee is 200 baht (adult) and 100 baht (child)

Located at KM. 9 Ram Indra Road, Min Buri, it covers an area of some 170 acres and is divided into 2 parts. Safari Park houses a large variety of animals like zebras, deer, giraffe, birds, tigers, lion, bears etc. in natural habitat. Visitors can drive their won cars or have a good look from the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches. Marine Park exhibits marine and some rare animals, visitors can enjoy performances by trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals and monkeys. Restaurants and game shops are also scattered within the area and tram service is provided for those wishing to look around.

Safari World is open daily from 9.00 - 16.30 admission is 400 baht (adult) and 300 baht (child)

Located on Km. 7 of Rangsit -Ong Kharak Road, a 10 minutes frive from Don Muang Airport. It is a beautiful land designed in classic style and decorated with European style plaza, miniature land of the major world legend and exciting playing machines. Open daily from 10.00 - 17.00 weekdays and 10.00 - 19.00 weekends. Admission fee is 95 baht. (entrance only) or buy the package for 270 baht (include tickets for some rides)

Another bridge across the Chao Phraya River is part of the expressway, the Tha Rua (Rort) - Dao Khanong route. It is the world's longest single plane cable-stayed bridge. The overall length is three kilometers. The distance between its tow main supports measured from Bangkok side to Thonburi side is 450 meters.

This first Diamond -Eyed (two coloured eyes) Siamese Cat Park of the world is found in Thailand not far from Bangkok on Pinklao-Nakhonchaisri Road between Buddhamonthon Lane 3 and 4. You can closely touch more than 100 genuine Siamese Cats of original race from the old days. Around the area of 36 rais, Thai-styled houses aged of centuries from Ayutthaya period were reconstructed with various shady kinds of trees surrounding. It opens everyday from 10.00 - 18.00 admission fee is 50 baht (adult) and 50 baht (child) , 20 baht (student)

A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East". The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city's premier attractions. Tourists can book such a tour through travel agents or rent a boat at Tha Chang, a pier near the Grand Palace.