Bangkok

Bangkok

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

TRANSPORTATION Contents
TOURIST SPOT IN BANGKOK
5
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo 7
Temples / Mosque
Museums / Art Exhibition 7
Zoo / Aquarium 11
Amusement Parks 16
Public Parks 30
Shopping 32
34
RIVER & CANALS 35

The Chao Phraya River & Canal Tour 40
Dinner cruise
Floating Market 40
41
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES 42

Theatres 45
Dinner and Thai Classical Dance
45
SPECIAL INTERESTS 47

Thai Boxing 47
Thai Cooking
Meditation 47
Thai Traditional Massage / Spas 48
Street Food 49
49
TOURIST SPOT AROUND BANGKOK 50

Ayutthaya 51
Nonthaburi
Nakhon Pathom 51
Pathum Thani 51
Ratchaburi 51
Samut Prakan 53
Samut Songkhram 54
55
SUGGESTED ITINERARY 57
USEFUL CALLS
58
60

Bangkok

Attractions in and around
Bangkok

4 Bangkok

As the political, economic, cultural and Its better to flag down taxis that are already
culinary capital of Thailand, Bangkok driving (the red light means empty); these will
features both old-world charm and modern generally use the meter while parked taxis
convenience, at times served up in an typically ask for higher fixed fares or will take
apparently chaotic manner, but always with you for the proverbial ‘ride’.
a gracious smile.
During the monsoon season months of
Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres June through September rains come quickly
in area and is home to one-tenth of the and heavily, particularly in the afternoon.
country’s population. Adequate footwear and an umbrella are
advisable.
Bangkok or Krung Thep “the city of angels”
as it is known to its inhabitants. Many tourists TRANSPORTATION
who travel to Bangkok are immediately
overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Airport Rail Link The train services between
city and the vast number of attractions Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok City from
Bangkok has to offer. Indeed there is a wide
variety of Bangkok sightseeing opportunities 06.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m. There are two types
spanning more than two centuries of rapid of services: City Line taking 25 minutes with
development following the city’s founding the fare calculated from the distance, starting
in 1782 by King Rama I, the first king of the from 15 Baht and up to 45 Baht. The
present Chakri dynasty. train service is available from Phya Thai
BTS Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport via
Attractions Bangkok contains, from exotic Ratchaprarop, Makkasan, Ramkhamhaeng,
temples, which underscore Thailand’s strong Hua Mak, Ban Thap Chang, Lat Krabang
Buddhist history, to modern shopping malls, to its terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
which make shopping an integral part of any For more information, contact Tel: 1690, or
Bangkok holiday. Bangkok pleases visitors http://airportraillink.railway.co.th
either simply passing through the city or
spending their entire Thailand holiday in BTS Sky Train BTS sky trains ply along Su-
Bangkok. khumvit, Silom-Bangwa and Phahonyothin
road. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading
Beware of scams involving tuk tuks, hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam
gem shops, and tailors, particularly around Square, Ratchaprasong, Silom and Chatuchak
popular tourist attractions. Remember, there Weekend Market during 06.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m.
is no such thing as a free ride. The fare ranges from 15-52 Baht according to

Bangkok 5

the distance. For more information, contact Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have
the Bangkok Mass Transit System at Tel: minimum and maximum fares of 12 and
0 2617 6000, 0 2617 7340-2 www.bts.co.th 24 Baht, respectively. Air-conditioned Metro
Buses charge a flat fare of 20-30 Baht all
MRT Subway A metro service is available routes. A Bus Route Map is available at
from Bang Sue via Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, bookshops. For more information, please
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ratchadaphisek call 1348.
Road, Queen Sirikit National Convention
Center, Lumphini Park, Silom, Sam Yan to its River Taxi The river taxis that ply the Chao
terminal at Hua Lamphong Railway Station Phraya River. Some are just cross river
during 06.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m. The fare ranges ferries, but others serve the many landing
from 16-42 Baht according to the distance. stages on both banks and cover a route that
Call 0 2624 5200 or www.bangkokmetro.co.th goes up as far as the northern suburb of
Nonthaburi, call 0 2866 3163-4, 0 2449 3000
Taxi Metered-Taxi charge a minimum of or www.chaophrayaboat.co.th
35 Baht for the first one kilometre, and
approximately 5 Baht per kilometres there
after or 2 Baht every minute during traffic
jam. Passengers must pay tolls in the case
of using an expressway.

Tuk-Tuk These three-wheeled motorised
taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares
must be bargained in advance. Minimum
fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are
approximately 50 Baht.

Bus A regular bus service is provided by the
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and
its contracted operators throughout
Bangkok as well as to its outskirts during
04.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m. and around the clock
on certain routes. Public buses are plentiful
and cheap, with a minimum fare of 8 Baht
to most destinations within metropolitan

6 Bangkok

TOURIST SPOT IN BANGKOK with a similar floor plan to that of the Grand
Palace in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. The
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a palace
temple just as Wat Phra Si Sanphet used to be
The Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง) in the Ayutthaya Period. A blend of Western
Constructed simultaneously with the architecture prevailed during the reigns of
establishment of Bangkok or Krung King Rama IV and King Rama V. Major throne
Rattanakosin by King Rama I the Great, halls include:
the complex comprises 3 major quarters;
namely, Phra Maha Prasat-the throne Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat (พระท่ีน่ังดสุ ิต
halls, Phra Ratchamonthian Sathan-royal มหาปราสาท) formerly named as Phra Thinang
residences and Wat Phra Si Rattana Inthraphisek Maha Prasat, is the first throne
Satsadaram (Temple of the Emerald hall to have been constructed within the
Buddha). Formerly, the Grand Palace served Grand Palace to house royal remains of the
as a residential palace for the royal family, kings, queens and members of the royal

The Grand Palace

Bangkok 7

family. It is also for use in major royal Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (พระที่นั่ง
ceremonies such as auspicious rites and จักรีมหาปราสาท) built in the reign of King
merit-making. Rama V in 1876 to receive royal guests who
were monarchs or heads of state. There
Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat (พระที่นัง่ are also several other principal throne halls
อาภรณพิโมกขปราสาท) located near Phra such as Phra Thinang Ratchakaranyasapha,
Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat served as the Phra Thinang Munlasathan Boromma-at,
king’s mounting platform as well as dressing Phra Thinang Sommutithewarat Upbat, Phra
area for a royal procession. Thinang Borommaratchasathit Mahoran, Phra
Thinang Chakraphatdi Phiman, Phra Thinang
Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya (พระท่ีนั่ง Phaisan Thaksin, etc.
พมิ านรตั ยา) established in 1789 and served as
the king’s royal chamber as well as assembly Open : Daily (except during special royal
hall for members of the royal family and ceremonies) from 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.
audience hall for ladies of the court (Tickets are sold till 03.30 p.m.)
to receive royal decorations and title’s
paraphernalia in the reign of King Rama VI. Admission : 500 Baht. (including a ticket to
It was also where the bathing ceremony for Vimanmek Royal Mansion or Anantasamakhom
royal remains of the members of the royal Throne Hall). Proper attire is essential Audio
family before the urn would be placed inside Guide in Thai, English, French, German, Spanish,
the Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat. Russian, Japanese and Mandarin: 400 Baht

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

8 Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Bus : No. 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, interesting structures include a group of 8
47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 82, 91, 203, 503, 507, 508 Prang towers, Phra Si Rattana Chedi, model
of Angkor Wat, Prasat Phra Thepbidon, etc.
Tel : 0 2623 5500 ext 3100 www.palaces.
thai.net Open : Daily (except during special royal
ceremonies) from 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m.
Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald (Tickets are sold till 03.30 p.m.)
Buddha (วัดพระแกว) Wat Phra Kaeo (Wat
Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) is a royal temple Admission : 500 Baht (including a ticket to
situated on the northeastern corner of the Vimanmek Royal Mansion or Anantasamakhom
Grand Palace compound. It is where the Throne Hall). Proper attire is essential.
image of the Emerald Buddha is enshrined Personal Audio Guide in Thai, English, French,
as well as royal religious ceremonies have German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and
been performed. The construction of the Mandarin : 200 Baht per hour
temple was completed in 1784, and it has
consistently undergone several times of Tel : 0 2623 5500 ext 3100 www.palaces.
restoration from the reign of King Rama I thai.net
through to the reign of King Rama IX. The
temple’s ordination hall-Phra Ubosot-and The City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง)
enclosing cloister house fine murals. Other According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar
had to be built upon the establishment of
a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok

Bangkok 9

Wat Pho

10 Bangkok

city pillar erected near the Temple of the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (วดั อรุณ) This
Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark
with the city’s horoscope inside. The original diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best
pillar was made of cassia wood known as known for a porcelain encrusted 79 metre
Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter central pagoda which sparkles in the sun.
and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama The temple can be reached either by Arun
IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier
by a new one made of the same kind of near Wat Pho.
wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing
on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Open : Daily from 08.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.
Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today.
The shrine also houses images of protective Admission : 50 Baht
deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho
Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Tel : 02466 9179, 0 2891 2185, 0 2465 5640,
Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si. 0 2466 3167 www.watarun.org

Temples/ Mosque Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ) This old temple
was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on
Wat Pho (วัดโพธิ์) This large and extensive Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University,
temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn
on Thai Wang Road and contains a gigantic Buddhist University, one of the two highest
gold plated Reclining Buddha some 46 Metres seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and
long and 15 Metres high with inlaid mother also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
of pearl soles. The temple is also regarded
as the first centre of public education and is Open : Daily from 07.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
sometimes called “Thailand’s first university”.
Wat Pho Thai Massage is behind the temple. Tel : 0 2221 5999, 0 2227984, 0 2221 1962,
Meditation Centre : 0 2222 6011
Open : Daily from 08.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m.
Wat Ratchapradit (วดั ราชประดษิ ฐ) Situated
Admission : 100 Baht to the north of Saran Rom Park. It was built
in the reign of King Rama IV who intended it
Tel : 0 2226 0335 www.watpho.com ; Wat to be a temple in the Dhammayutika Sect as
Po Thai Traditional Massage School Tel : well as to be one of the 3 major temples as
0 2226 4887, 0 2622 3550-1, 0 2221 3686 required by an old tradition to be situated
www.watpomassage.com within the capital. The place was originally
a royal coffee plantation in the reign of King
Rama III. With his personal donation, King

Bangkok 11

Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing

Rama IV bought the plantation and had a constructed a temple to mark his reign. The
small temple constructed there, naming it temple is a mixture of local and western
“Wat Ratchapradit Sathitthammayutikaram”. styles, showing an awakening interest in
Later, he had the name changed to “Wat new ideas and a desire to experiment with
Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram”. A place of them. The exterior of the chapel is in the
interest in this temple is Phra Wihan Luang - Thai style, but the interior is decorated in
the royal image hall - which houses mural the European style.
paintings depicting “The Royal Ceremonies
over 12 Months” and legend of the solar Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
eclipse phenomenon.
Tel : 0 2222 3930, 0 2221 0904
Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m-04.30 p.m.
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing (วัดสทุ ัศน
Tel : 0 2222 0855, 0 2622 1030 และเสาชิงชา) Located on Bamrung Muang
www.rajapradit.com Road, this temple is noted for its superb
19th century murals in the main chapel. The
Wat Ratchabophit (วดั ราชบพติ ร) The temple distinctive Giant Swing outside the temple
is located on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies
Pho. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in long since discontinued. Nearby shops stock
keeping with tradition that each monarch a very comprehensive range of Buddhist
religious supplies.

12 Bangkok

Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Open : Daily from 08.30 a.m.- 08.00 p.m. the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of
Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu,
Admission : 20 Baht one of Thailand’s greatest poets, had resided
in this temple during his monkhood from
Tel : 0 2222 6935 www.watsuthat.org 1840-1842.

Wat Ratchanatdaram (วัดราชนัดดาราม) Open : Daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was
built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Tel : 0 2222 5067
Loha Prasat, the temple’s main attraction,
standing 36 metres high with 37 surrounding Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
spires, is the only one of its kind left in the (วัดสระเกศและภูเขาทอง) Wat Saket’s major
world. Next to the temple is the area for feature is the Golden Mount, dating from
welcoming an important foreign guest and a the 1800s. A Lanka-style chedi on the top
memorial statue of King Rama III. contains relics of Lord Buddha and offers a
panoramic view of historic Bangkok.
Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Open : Daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Tel : 0 2224 8807, 0 2225 7889
Admission : 10 Baht
Wat Thepthidaram (วดั เทพธดิ าราม) Located
on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in Tel : 0 2621 0576 www.watsakesa.com

Bangkok 13

Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Bowon Niwet (วัดบวรนิเวศ) This temple reign of King Rama IV, is 32 Metres tall and
is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang 10 Metres wide. The topknot of the Buddha
Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought
of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful from Sri Lanka.
Buddha image which was moulded in about
1357. This is one of the most important Open : Daily from 06.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.
temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief
abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended Tel : 0 2281 1406
the throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as
well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Wat Benchamabophit (วัดเบญจมบพิตร)
had resided here during their monkhood. Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this unique
marble temple was constructed during the
Open : Daily from 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m. reign of King Rama V. It employs European
ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass
Tel : 0 2281 2831-3 windows, and contains a superb cloister
collection of bronze Buddha images.
Wat Intharawihan (วัดอินทรวิหาร) Located
on Wisutkasat Road, this temple is well Open : Daily from 09.00- a.m.-05.00 p.m.
known for a huge standing Buddha image Admission : 20 Baht
called Luang Pho To. The image, built in the
Tel : 0 2281 2501, 0 2281 7413, 0 2280 4012

14 Bangkok

Wat Trai Mit (วดั ไตรมติ รวทิ ยาราม) Located at
the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near
Bangkok Railway Station, this temple houses
an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of
the Sukhothai Period, three Metres in height
and weighing five and a half tons.

Open : Daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.

Admission : 20 Baht

Tel : 0 2225 9775, 0 22226011, 0 2623 5613
www.wattrimit.com

Gurdwara (ศาสนสถานคุรุดวารา/ วัดซิกข) Wat Trai Mit
The place of worship for Sikhs, on Chakraphet
Road. Indian town, means the gateway to
the guru, however, people of all faiths are
welcomed in the Sikh Gurdwara. The people
can eat free food served by the Sikh
community.

Open : Daily from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.

Bus : 4, 5, 21, 37, 53, 56, 73

Tel : 0 2221 1011 www.thaisikh.org

Maha Umadevi Temple (Hindu) (วดั ศรีมหา Haroon Mosque (มสั ยิดฮารณู ) The mosque
อมุ าเทว/ี วดั แขกสลี ม) The temple is situated on is located on Charoen Krung 36 Road, was
Pan Road, Silom. It was built in 1879, houses built in 1901 with two storeys stucco. The
of hindu godess and gods. For those who visit interior is decorated in Muslim style with
the temple, photos, foods are prohitbited. wooden craft. They are some religious leader
The Navaratri is an important festival and from other country had visited. The mosque
celebrated in September-October. warmly welcomes all visitors.

Open : Daily from 06.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. Open : Daily 09.00-11.00 a.m., 01.30-
03.00 p.m. and 04.00-05.00 p.m.,
BTS Sky Train : get off at Saladaeng Station Friday 02.00-05.00 p.m.
Tel : 0 2630 9435
Underground : get off at Silom Station

Tel : 0 2238 4007, 08 4451 5722

Bangkok 15

Museums / Art Exhibition seniors (above 65 years old), and students

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑ (12-18 years old with ID), no admission fee
ผา ในสมเดจ็ พระนางเจา สริ กิ ติ  พระบรมราชนิ นี าถ) for children aged below 12.
Located at the Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Tel : 0 2225 8420, 0 2225 9430 Fax : 0 2225
Building in the Grand Palace, was established 9431 www.sirikitmuseumoftextiles.org.

according to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s Bus : No. 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44,
initiative with the purpose of disseminating 47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 82, 91, 203, 503, 507, 508
and promoting knowledge of the art wisdom,
culture, costumes, and textiles to be a National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแหงชาติ
sustainable learning centre of fabric and พระนคร) A former palace of the Wang Na
traditional Thai costumes from the early or second king-Kromphraratchawangbowon
Rattanakosin period to the present time Mahasurasinghanat - built simultaneously
showcasing in the form of exhibitions and with the Grand Palace, the complex
related-documents. In the exhibition part, comprises several major throne halls such
it includes “Artistry in Silk: the Royal Style as Phra Thinang Siwamok Phiman, Phra
of H.M. Queen Sirikit” displaying the royal Thinang Phutthaisawan and Phra Thinang
costumes in modern styles tailored from Itsara Winitchai. In the reign of King Rama V,
silk, and the national royal Thai costume a national museum was first established at
exhibition showcasing a variety of royal Thai the Concordia Hall and known as “Miosiam”
dresses in order to set as a sample of the before being transferred to where it is now
traditional Thai dress for several occasions. located. Currently, the second king’s palace
Also, there is a video showing the evolution also houses Thammasat University, Bangkok
of Thai dresses from the past to present. In Fine Arts College, Bangkok Dramatic Arts
addition, a museum shop is available for College and National Theatre. The complex
selling products under the Promotion of also accommodates Wat Bowonsathan
Supplementary Occupations and Related Sutthawat otherwise known as Wat Phra Kaeo
Techniques of H.M. Queen Sirikit of Thailand Wang Na. The National Museum exhibits a
project which includes dresses, woven and large variety of antiquities and objets d’art,
silk fabrics, decorative items, and basketry. which represent the cultural heritage of
Thailand and neighbouring countries. The
Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-04.30 p.m. Bangkok National Museum won the Award
(ticket selling closes at 03.30 p.m.) of Excellence in the category of Tourism

Admission : 150 Baht for adults, 50 Baht for Promotion Organisations and Projects of

16 Bangkok

National Museum

the Thailand Tourism Awards 2002 from its now exhibits collections of both traditional
“Museum Education for the Public” project, Thai and contemporary arts by past as well
the main objective of which was to encourage as present famous artists of Thailand. Oil
appreciation in the country’s cultural heritage paintings by His Majesty the King are also
in the local community for tourism purposes. exhibited here.

Open : Wednesday-Sunday from 09.00 a.m- Open : Wednesday-Sunday from 09.00 a.m.-
04.00 p.m. 04.00 p.m.

Admission : 200 Baht, Guided tours in English, Admission : 200 Baht
French, German, and Japanese are provided
on Wednesday and Thursday of the week. Tel : 0 2282 06370, 2282 2639-40, 0 2282
8525, 0 2282 0637
Tel : 0 2224 1370, 0 2224 1333, 0 2224 1396
www.nationmuseumsfinearts.go.th PipitBanglamphu(พพิ ธิ บางลาํ พ)ู TheMuseum
preserves the history of Banglamphu, its
National Gallery Museum (พพิ ิธภัณฑสถาน communities, craftsmen, places and the way
แหง ชาติ หอศลิ ป) Situated on Chao Fa Road at of life in this neighbourhood in old Bangkok.
the foot of Phra Pinklao Bridge, the museum is The 1st floor of the concrete has two sections;
a former location of the Royal Thai Mint and the first is an area for temporary exhibits

Bangkok 17

for special occasions, the second records through the present time, library, history
the history of the old city, the forts and the of Thai life by 4D presentation, temporary
city gates. exhibition.

The 2nd floor had several rooms with exhibits Open : Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday,
on the Treasury Department, coin minting, Public Holidays) from 10.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
asset management, land appraisal at different
periods and locations. Admission : 100 Baht

The museum is extremely well equipped. Tel : 0 2282 0818
There are touch screen videos in Thai with
English sub-titles. All display boards are in http://coinmuseum.treasury.go.th
English and Thai. Old scenes have been
painstakingly re-created either by models, Bank of Thailand Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ
murals or projected images. ธนาคารแหง ประเทศไทย) Located on the Chao
Phraya River inside Bang Khun Phrom Palace
There’s a conducted tour in Thai of the upper within the same compound as the Bank of
stories in both buildings every half an hour. Thailand, Sam Sen Road, Phra Nakhon District.
Register at the reception. Take a tour on your The museum building is one example of the
own of the ground floor before joining the finest architecture of the same art style built
conducted tour. by King Rama V to be a royal residence of
HRH Prince Boriphat Sukhumphan, his 33rd
Discover life and soul of Banglamphu in Pipit son born with Queen Sukhuman Marasi. After
Banglamphu Museum. 1932, the palace was used as a governmental
office for a certain period until 1945 when it
Open : Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday, became the Bank of Thailand. It was turned
Public Holidays) from 10.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m. into the Bank of Thailand Museum in 1982,
accommodating 14 rooms on 2 floors. Floor
Bus : 3, 6, 9, 30, 32, 33, 53, 64, 524 or take 1 houses rooms of ancient coins, the Phot
Chao Phraya Express boat to Phra Athit pier. Duang or Thai bullet coins, modern Thai coins
Then walk through the park past Phra Sumen and banknotes, golds and foreign currency.
Fort till reach a white concrete building. Floor 2 houses rooms of the 60th anniversary
of the Bank of Thailand, banknote printing,
Tel : 0 2281 9828 and several others.

Coin Museum Treasury Department Open : Monday-Friday from 09.00 a.m.-
Thailand (พิพธิ ภัณฑเหรียญ) The museum is 12.00 a.m. , 01.30 p.m.-04.00 p.m.
located on Chakkrapongse Road, Banglamphu.
In the building is divided into three stories,
showing several kinds of coins in the past

18 Bangkok

Tel : 0 2283 6152, 0 2356 7702, 0 2283 5265, as connect relative ties with neighbouring
0 2283 5286, 0 2283 6723 www.bot.or.th countries. New methods of a display with
(contact at least 2 weeks in advance). modern media have been applied to enable
participation of visitors in learning and
Museum Siam Discovery Museum (มิวเซยี ม understanding historical stories of the Thai
สยาม พิพธิ ภณั ฑก ารเรยี นรู) Located on Sanam nation.
Chai Road in Phra Nakhon district, in the
former building of the Ministry of Commerce. Open : Tuesday-Sunday from 10.00 a.m.-
This building won an outstanding award of 06.00 p.m.
art and architecture preservation in 2006
from the committee on art and architecture Admission : 300 Baht
preservation.
Tel : 0 2225 2777 www.ndmi.or.th
The museum serves as a learning centre
on ethnology, anthropology, and other Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (นิทรรศน
fields related to Thai society and Southeast รัตนโกสินทร) Located on Ratchadamnoen
Asia, in order to instil consciousness and Klang Avenue in the old building next to the
understanding of the Thai people in their Lan Phlapphla Maha Chetsada Bodin Pavilion.
history, nation, culture, and localities, as well The Crown Property Bureau renovated and
decorated the original building to become a
learning centre compiling historical knowledge

Museum Siam Discovery Museum

Bangkok 19

and information, arts, and culture of the Bus : No. 2, 15, 47, 59, 60, 70, 79, 157, 171,
Rattanakosin Era, which is the most complete 183, 503, 509, 511
one of its kind in Thailand. The exhibition of
the Rattanakosin Era presented with modern Tel : 0 2422 8827
technology, display media, models, and
virtual four-dimensional mixed-media. Visitors TheQueen’sGallery(หอศลิ ปส มเดจ็ พระนางเจา
can experience and learn by themselves. สริ กิ ติ ิ์ พระบรมราชนิ นี าถ) It is situated within
There are also animated cartoons. A guide the compound of the Bangkok Bank Office,
is provided in each of the nine exhibition Saphan Phan Fa branch, on Ratchadamnoen
rooms. A coffee shop with clear glass walls Klang Avenue.
offers a beautiful sight of Loha Prasat (metal
castle) of Wat Ratchanatda and the Golden Open : Thursday -Tuesday (closed on
Mount. Furthermore, there is a library and Wednesday) from 10.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m.
souvenirs shop.
Admission : 30 Baht
Open : Tuesday- Sunday from 10.00 a.m.-
07.00 p.m. Tel : 0 2281 5360-1 www.queengallery.org

Admission : Adult 100 Baht, child 50 Baht for King Prajadhipok Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ
children not over 110-cm. พระบาทสมเด็จพระปกเกลาเจาอยูหัว) The
museum is located at the preserved building
Tel : 0 2621 0044, 0 2226 5048 of the Public Works Department at the foot
www.nitasrattanakosin.com of Phan Fa Lilat Bridge at the corner of Lan
Luang Road in Phra Nakhon district. The
Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Centre neo-classic architecture building was built
(หอศิลปรวมสมัยราชดําเนิน) Situated on in 1906. Then, it was renovated to serve
Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue, close to as a museum exhibiting a rare collection
the Nithat Rattanakosin Building, and Royal of King Prajadhipok’s (King Rama VII)
Pavilion Mahajetsadabodin Court, is an art personal belongings as well as photographs,
centre exhibiting a variety of international documents and biography of Thailand’s
contemporary arts and culture; such as, visual first constitutional monarch. It has become
art, acting, literature, costume and music the first perfect monarchic museum, using
design. In addition, the Centre offers a rotation modern technology in giving explanations
exhibition, academic seminar, and information and guidance. The exhibition including the
service of contemporary arts of artists. succession to the throne, the king’s biography
before his accession to the throne, royal
Open : Daily 10.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m. activities, political reform, promulgation of the
constitution, royal utensils and memorabilia,

20 Bangkok

Anantasamakhom Throne Hall

as well as his life after abdication and death The building serves as a venue for royal and
in the United Kingdom. state ceremonies and was once used as the
National Assembly before it was moved to
Open : Tuesday-Sunday from 09.00 a.m.- the new building behind.
04.00 p.m.
Open : Tuesday-Sunday from 10.00 a.m.-
Tel : 0 2280 3413-4 05.00 p.m. (except Mondays, New Year Day,
www.facebook.com/kingprajadhipokmuseum Songkran Day, Constitutional Day) tickets are
sold till 04.20 p.m.
Anantasamakhom Throne Hall (พระที่น่ัง
อนนั ตสมาคม) This Renaissance building was Admission : 150 Baht (proper attire is
constructed of marble from Italy under the essential)
instruction of King Rama V, with an intention
to be used as a royal reception-assembly Tel : 0 2282 7318 www.artsofthekingdom.com
hall. The construction was completed in
the next reign. The dome of the throne hall Vimanmek Mansion Museum (พระที่น่ัง
houses picturesque frescoes of royal activities วมิ านเมฆ) This is the world’s largest golden
undertaken during the reigns of King Rama I- teak building located in the compound of
King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri. the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The
three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms,

Bangkok 21

halls and ante-chambers containing fin de M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, Kularb Saipradit, Malai
siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in Choopinij and Isra Amantakul. There are also
English is provided to visitors. images of King Rama IV-founder of Thailand’s
publishing business established to publish
Other beautiful buildings in the same declarations and royal gazettes, the first
compound display various items and art newspaper for Thai people-and King Rama
objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol’s VI-a press king who granted freedom for
photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection newspaper publication. The museum
of handicraft masterpieces created by rural features an exhibition on newspapers and
people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, magazines and provides a library service
old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages. as well.

Open : Tuesday-Sunday from 09.30 a.m.- Open : Monday-Friday from 09.00 a.m.-
03.30 p.m. (Tickets are sold till 03.00 p.m.) 05.00 p.m.

Admission : 100 Baht (Proper attire is required) Tel : 0 2669 7125

Tel : 0 2628 6300 www.vimanmek.com Geological Resource Museum (Minerals and
Rocks Museum) (พิพิธภัณฑทรัพยากรธรณี)
The Press Museum (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑห นงั สอื พมิ พไ ทย) Located on the first floor of the Emerald
Located in the same building as the Press Building next to the Department of Mineral
Association of Thailand on Ratchasima Road, Resources on Rama VI Road, the museum is
Dusit district (opposite Suan Dusit Rajabhat attached to the Bureau of Geological Survey,
University), this is the first museum to have Department of Mineral Resources, and was
been established to enhance press occupation established in 1948. It exhibits minerals, rocks,
and be a source of study and information fossils as well as ancient tools made from
as well as valuable historical data about the minerals and rocks in three sections:
Thai press from past to present. The exhibition
is displayed through modern information Geology featuring the Earth, plate movements,
technology. The first portion presents the earthquakes, minerals and rocks, geological
press in the past by imitating the working surveys, ground water and fossils.
atmosphere of reporters represented by wax
models. Next are the political, economic as Mineral Resources displaying specimens of
well as social roles of the press and biographies gemstones and precious stones, uses of
of outstanding personalities such as Dr. minerals, mineral fuels, petroleum and
Bradley, Prince Narathipphongpraphan, minerals from abroad.

22 Bangkok

Special Exhibition currently showcasing recognised internationally and renowned
dinosaur fossils in Thailand. among doll collectors. They won the first
prize and the Honorary Gold Peacock Feather
Open : Tuesday-Sunday (Closed Monday) Award from the 3rd International Folklore
from 08.30 a.m.-04.30 p.m. Dolls Biennial 1978 in Poland. The place
serves as both a museum and workshop
Tel : 0 2621 9647, 0 2621 9642, 0 2202 3670 where various kinds of dolls are displayed
www.dmr.go.th and made totally by hand, using mainly
locally available materials. There are several
Suan Pakkad Palace (วงั สวนผกั กาด) Located categories of dolls such as Khon dolls, hill
on Si Ayutthaya Road, this complex of five tribes, Thai rural lifestyles as well as Khon
Thai-style houses was once the residence mask miniatures. There is also a corner in
of one of Thailand’s leading art collectors, the workshop where a private collection of
Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. It houses some 400 dolls from around the world are
an extensive collection of Asian art and displayed.
antiques, including items from the prehistoric
Ban Chiang civilisation, and also an impressive Open : Monday-Saturday from 08.00 a.m.-
collection of sea-shells. 05.00 p.m.

Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m. - 04.00 p.m. Tel : 0 2245 3008, 0 2245 4532
www.bangkokdolls.com
Admission : 100 Baht
Jim Thompson Museum (พิพิธภัณฑจิม
Bus : No. 72, 77 ทอมปส นั ) This collection of traditional Thai-
style houses, fashioned into one dwelling,
BTS Sky Train : get off at Phayathai Station. belongs to the man who helped restore the
Thai silk industry after World War II, and today,
Tel : 0 2246 1775-6 ext 229, 0 2245 4934 preserved as a museum, contains a priceless
www.suanpakkad.com collection of Asian objects d’ art. The canal
side museum is located in Soi Kasemsan 2 on
Bangkok Dolls & Museum (บานบางกอก Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium.
ดอลสและตุกตานานาชาติ) Located at 85 Soi
Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Road. It was established by Khunying
Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after having Admission : Adult 100 Baht, child 50 Baht
completed a course on doll making from
the Osawa Doll School in Tokyo, Japan. Her Tel : 0 2216 7368 www.jimthompsonhouse.com
intention was to make as well as publicise
Thai dolls. Bangkok Doll’s products are well

Bangkok 23

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (หอศิลป networking, and create new cultural
วัฒนธรรมแหงกรุงเทพมหานคร) The Bangkok resources from both the public and the
Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is located private sectors. It is intended as a venue
at the Pathumwan Intersection, facing the for cultural exchange in terms of content,
MBK and Siam Discovery Centres. It is a new curatorial and cultural management, giving
mid-town facility for the contemporary arts. Bangkok an operational base on the
Programmes for art, music, theatre, film, international art scene.
design, and cultural/educational events
take place in a friendly and recreational Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m.
atmosphere - with cafe, restaurants, bookshops, (closed on Mondays)
and an art library being part of the facility.
The BACC aims to create a meeting place for Tel : 0 2214 6630-8 www.bacc.or.th
artists, to provide cultural programmes for
the community giving importance to cultural Madame Tussauds Bangkok (พิพิธภัณฑ
continuity from past to contemporary. It aims มาดามทสุ โซ) Located on the 6th floor of the
to open new grounds for cultural dialogue, Siam Discovery department store on Rama I
Road, Pathum Wan district. It is the 10th
branch of the world famous wax museum,

24 Bangkok

with more than seventy waxworks on display. Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand
Visitors can pose for photos with every (สถาบันวิจัยและพัฒนาอัญมณีและเคร่ืองประดับ
mannequin. The museum is divided into แหง ชาติ (องคก ารมหาชน) Located ITF Tower,
rooms of important figures representing Silom, the museum was established with the
famous persons and world benefactors; such objective to enhance knowledge as well as
as, a room of history and important persons, encourage awareness among the youth and
room of art and science, room of favourite public of the significance of jewellery, in
sportsmen, room of pop singers, room of addition, to emphasise the image of Thailand
celebrities’ party on the red carpet, room as one of the world’s coloured stones and
of TV stars, etc. jewellery trading and industrial centres. It is
also intended to give inspiration to jewellery
Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-09.00 p.m. designers as well as to preserve fine
specimens of jewellery for later generations.
Admission : Adult 800 Baht, child (5-12 years) Displayed items include gems and jewellery
600 Baht donated by the private sector, precious
metals for use in jewellery making, tools and
Tel : 0 2658 0060 equipment, as well as rotating exhibitions of
www.madametussauds.com/bangkok jewellery borrowed from various jewellery
companies. The permanent exhibition features
Museum of Imaging Technology (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑ history of gems and jewellery, model of a
เทคโนโลยีทางภาพฯ) This is the first museum gemstone mine and production procedures
of cameras and photographs of Thailand including size selection, sectioning, cutting,
and Asia located at the Department of polishing, etc.
Photographic Science and Printing Technology
Building, Faculty of Science. It collects as well Open : Monday-Friday from 09.00 a.m.-
as portrays the history of photograph-taking, 07.00 p.m.
evolution of cameras from past to present,
electronic imaging, photographic accessories, Admission : 200 Baht
film manufacturing, 3-dimensional images
and photography, principles of light and Tel : 0 2634 4999 www.git.or.th.
colour and also contemporary photographs.
Mr.Kukrit’sHeritageHome(บา นม.ร.ว.คกึ ฤทธ)ิ์
Open : Monday-Friday from 09.30 a.m.- Located at 19 Soi Phra Phinit, Sathon Tai
04.00 p.m. Road, the traditional Thai style house
belonged to the late M.R.Kukrit Pramoj,
Admission : 100 Baht

Tel : 0 2218 5581-3 www.sc.chula.ac.th/photo

Bangkok 25

a former Prime Minister who contributed Museum of Thai Pharmacy (พิพิธภัณฑ

significantly to the country’s politics as well เภสัชกรรมไทย) The museum is located

as arts. The residential complex comprises on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical

a group of 5 teakwood buildings of different Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage

sizes as well as a sitting-hall (Ho Nok) and Building at 40 Soi Santisuk, Sukhumvit 38

Buddha image hall (Ho Phra), all built on Road (diagonally opposite Soi Thong Lo).

posts with a connected balcony. There is a It was established to publicize traditional

large traditional Thai stle pavilion situated Thai medicine from past to present for later

separately from the living compound for generations to learn and treasure. The

various activities exhibition is featured by various topics;

Open : Daily (except Songkran Day and New namely, the Birth of Pharmacy, the Evolution
of Oriental Pharmacy and Basic Wisdom, the
Year Day) from 10.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.
Evolution of Western Thai Pharmacy and the
Admission : Adult 50 Baht, child 20 Baht Evolution of Herbs and Natural Products.
(Advance contact in writing is required for
Tel : 0 2286 8185, 0 2287 2937-8 a group visit.)
www.kukritshousefund.com

Kamthieng House (เรือนคําเที่ยง) Located Open : Monday-Friday from 10.00 a.m.-
at 131 Sukhumvit Soi 21 Road (Asok) inside 04.00 p.m.
the compound of the Siam Society under
Royal Patronage, Kamthieng House was Tel : 0 2391 6243, 0 2712 1627-8
originally built in Chiang Mai some 150 years www.thaipharma.net

ago. The traditional northern-style house Science Centre for Education (ศูนย
was later donated to be under the care of วิทยาศาสตรเพ่ือการศึกษา-ทองฟาจําลอง)
the Siam Society and was demolished to be Situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal
reconstructed in Bangkok. It serves as a folk, (Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this is an
ethnological museum exhibiting the way of exhibition centre on a variety of scientific
life of the Northerners and various household knowledge. Among the attractions are a
items and equipment used in their daily life. planetarium, an aquarium as well as permanent
exhibitions of sports science, communication
Open : Tuesday-Saturday from 09.00 a.m.- technology and natural environment.
05.00 p.m.
Open : Exhibition : Tuesday-Sunday (except
Admission : 100 Baht public holidays) from 09.00 a.m.-04.30 p.m.
Tel : 0 2661 6470-7 www.siam-society.org

26 Bangkok

Planetariam : 1-hour shows at 11.00 a.m. and Language and Literature, Thailand and the
02.00 p.m. Additional shows on Tuesday- World, and Important Achievements and
Friday at 11.00 a.m., 02.00 p.m., Saturday- Events in Thai Society.
Sunday at 11.00 a.m. and 01.00 p.m.,
02.00 p.m., 03.00 p.m. Open : Monday-Friday (except public
holidays) from 09.00 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission : Adult 30 Baht, child 20 Baht
Tel : 0 2247 0028 ext. 4223
Tel : 0 2392 5951-5, 0 2392 1773 www.culture.go.th
www.sciplanet.org
Art in Paradise Bangkok (อารท อนิ พาราไดซ)
Thai Labour Museum (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑแ รงงานไทย) Located on the 4th floor of the Esplanade Plaza,
This museum is located at the former office Ratchadaphisek Road, is a 3 dimensional
of the State Railway of Thailand Labour art museum where visitors can be involved
Union on Nikhom Rotfai Road, Makkasan, and enjoy taking pictures.
Ratchathewi. It exhibits a historical background
of Thai labour. The exhibition in each room Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m.
is displayed through various media such as
television, slides and computer, which make Admission : 180 Baht for adults, 120 Baht
it more interesting and easier to understand. for children (not more than 120 cm. height)
The museum also provides a library service
with books and research reports about Tel : 0 2660 9130
labourers and computer training for workers. www.facebook.com/artinparadisebangkok

Open : Wednesday-Sunday and Public MRT Subway : get off at the Thailand Cultural
holidays from 10.00 a.m.-04.30 p.m. Centre Station, Exit 3

Tel : 0 2251 3173 www.thailabourmuseum.org Philatelic Museum Sam Sen Nai (พิพธิ ภณั ฑ
ตราไปรษณียากรสามเสนใน) Located on the
Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall 2nd floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau
(หอไทยนทิ ศั น) Located in the Thailand Cultural (North) (behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office),
Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road, this is a Phahonyothin Road. It displays the history
venue for displaying the history of the Thai of the Thai postal service and development
people and different aspects of Thai culture, of Thai stamps from the past until present
as developed from pre-historic times up to time. Moreover, “Solot”, the first Thai stamps
the present. The exhibition is presented used in the reign of King Rama V and the
under five topics: The Evolution of the foreign ones of the member countries of
Thai Nation, Rice and Thai Way of Life, Thai the Universal Postal Union are on display.
Also, there is a library collecting books and

Bangkok 27

knowledge on post both in Thai and foreign Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
languages. In the same area, stamps and (อุทยานผีเส้ือและแมลงกรุงเทพฯ) Situated in
accessories for stamp collection are on sale the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas
at the ground floor of the building. Next to Park (Railway Park), Kamphaeng Phet 3
the museum, there is also a room imitating Road. It displays 20 kinds of more than 500
the operational site and equipment of the butterflies. The garden, which connects to
post office in the past, providing services of the Chatuchak and Queen Sirikit Parks, is an
postal money orders, selling stamps, etc. In appropriate natural classroom for learning,
front of the building, Thai postal boxes in conducting research, as well as, collecting
various periods, as well as, those from foreign and exchanging the knowledge on butterfly
countries are exhibited. species and insects, their life cycles and their
ways of living.
Open : Wednesday-Sunday from 08.30 a.m.-
04.30 p.m. Open : Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays
from 10.00 a.m.-04.00 p.m.
Tel : 0 2831 3722, 0 2271 2439
Tel : 0 2272 4359-60
Children’s Discovery Museum (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑเ ดก็ )
The museum is located inside Queen Royal Barge National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ
Sirikit Park and was established under the สถานแหงชาติเรือพระราชพิธี) Thailand’s
royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, in ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges
her realizing the significance of creating a are displayed in boatsheds on Bangkok Noi
pleasurable learning process for Thai children. canal, just off the Chao Phraya River near
Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side.
The museum offers exhibitions as well as The barges are used on royal occasions and
funny activities for children to enjoy and formerly served as war vessels.
learn about human life, sciences, culture
and society, nature and the environment, Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
including an exhibition in honour of Her
Majesty the Queen. Admission : 100 Baht

Open : Tuesday-Friday from 09.00 a.m.- Tel : 0 2424 0004
05.00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 a.m.-
06.00 p.m. Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum (พิพภิ ัณฑศริ ริ าช
Admission : Adult 150 Baht, child 150 Baht พิมุขสถาน) It is situated on the bank of
Tel : 0 2272 4500-2, 0 2615 7333 ext. 102, Khlong Bangkok Noi, Chao Phraya River. At
134, 148 www.bkkcdm.com the front of the museum is located a building
in a traditional Thai style pavilion, housing
the statues of King Rama V the Great and

28 Bangkok

HRH. Prince Siriraj Kakuttaphan. The Museum Siriraj Medical Museum (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑก ารแพทย
comprises the vintage railway station building, ศิริราช) Located on the 2nd floor of the
clock tower, and warehouse which have been Adulayadejvikrom Building, Faculty of
renovated to be a location for displaying Medicine Siriraj Hospital on Wanglang Road,
the 200-year-old history of the early which is Thailand’s first medical institute. The
Rattanakosin period, multimedia exhibition museum comprises the Congdon Anatomical
with light and sound about the kings and Museum, Songkran Niyomsane Forensic
royal family members’ story related to Medicine Museum, Prehistoric Museum and
medicine and the founding of Siriraj Hospital laboratory, Pathology Museum and Touch
for the public’s benefits, the evolution of Exhibits Museum in honor of Her Majesty
traditional Thai medicine from the past to the Queen.
present, the surgical simulation in which
visitors can experience the roles of physicians Open : Wednesday-Monday, from 10.00 a.m.-
and nurses like being in the surgical room. 05.00 p.m. (closed on official holidays)
The warehouse section showcases a theatre,
poetry, shops, and Dhamma hall that depicts Admission : 200 Baht
the art, culture, traditions, and local wisdom
of the Bangkok Noi community’s way of life. Tel : 0 2419 2618-9, 0 2419 2601
A 24-metre antique wooden ship, which www.si.mahidol.ac.th/museums
was buried for more than 100 years, is also
on display. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Anthropology Centre (ศนู ยม านษุ ยวทิ ยาสริ นิ ธร)
Open : Monday, and Wednesday-Sunday Located on Borom Ratchonnani Road beyond
(closed on Tuesday and public holidays) the Southern Bus Terminal, this centre is a
from 10.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m. Ticket sold till national institution responsible for systematic
04.30 p.m. gathering processing and servicing of
anthropological data scattered throughout
Admission : visit one museum 200 Baht, visit the country. A variety of exhibitions on Social
Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum and Siriraj Medical and Cultural Development in Thailand,
Museum (located in the Siriraj Hospital area) Ethno-Archaeology, Thai Ceramic Collections,
300 Baht with audio. as well as the Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn’s Biography can be viewed.
Bus : No. 57, 81, 91, 146, 149, 157, 177
Open : Monday-Saturday from 09.00 a.m.-
Tel : 0 2419 2601, 0 2419 2618-9 04.00 p.m.
www.si.mahidol.ac.th/museums
Tel : 0 2880 9429 www.sac.or.th

Bangkok 29

Buddha Art Gallery (หอศิลปพ ุทธะ) Located Sunthorn Museum (พพิ ธิ ภณั ฑส นุ ทร) Situated
at 1 Borommaratchachonnani Road, Sala on Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near
Thammasop, displays Buddhism-related Lotus Supermarket), this is a private museum
artworks, which is offered in rotation and operated by Mr. Sunthorn Chunothaisawat.
permanent exhibitions in digital, art printing, It houses invaluable antiques from different
exquisite printed Buddhist-related pictures periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the
on a canvas, and the life of the Buddha. World War Periods, various kinds and types
The gallery is also a place for studying the of old clock, lamps, children toys made out
Tripitaka, Dhamma preaching, and Dhamma of zinc, irons, type writers, fans and sewing
practice for interested persons. machines which are in good condition.

Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m. Open : Monday- Saturday from 09.00 a.m.-
06.00 p.m.
Tel : 0 2441 1940, 08 5425 3663, 08 9084 5664
www.thebuddhaartgallery.com Admission : Adult 100 Baht, child 50 Baht

Bus : from the Victory Monument, take No. Tel : 0 2802 0863-4 www.sunthornmuseum.com
515, 539 or from Sanam Luang, take No. 124
Zoos / Aquarium
House of Museums (บานพิพิธภัณฑ) The
House of Museums is located at Soi Khlong Dusit Zoo (สวนสตั วด สุ ิต) Located beside the
Pho 2, Sala Thammasop Road, Thawi Royal Plaza, Bangkok’s oldest zoo contains
Watthana. The exhibition features a collection a collection of popular African and Asian
of old as well as modern items of various mammals and birds in an ornamental garden.
uses of both townspeople and villagers
such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen Open : Monday-Friday from 08.00 a.m.-
and household utensils, forming a legacy of 06.00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 08.00 a.m.-
the past to be inherited by the present. The 06.00 p.m.
modern 3½-storey building of 3 chambers.
The first floor lends an old atmosphere of Admission : Adult 100 Baht, child 50 Baht
shop houses before 1957 including a café,
drugstore, barber’s, etc. Tel : 0 2281 2000, 0 2281 9027-8
www.zoothailand.org www.dusitzoo.org
Open : Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 a.m.-
05.00 p.m. Sea life Bankok Ocean World (ซไี ลฟ บางกอก
โอเช่ยี น เวลิ ด) It is situated on B1-B2 floors of
Admission : Adult 40 Baht, child 10 Baht Siam Paragon, an extravagant department
store located in the heart of the metropolis.
Tel : 08 9666 2008, 08 9200 2803 The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia,

30 Bangkok

exhibiting over 30,000 marine animals from 300-acre complex comprises a Safari Park
all over the world and featuring a wide range populated by African and Asian mammals, a
of rare and exotic species. The area of the Marine Park with amusing performances of
aquarium spans as wide as two football fields, well-trained dolphins and seals, a Bird Park
and uses world-class advanced technology to and a Games Corner.
provide a rewarding underwater experience
to visitors. Feel like walking under the Open : Monday-Friday from 09.00 a.m.-
ocean and be amazed with the fascinating 04.30 p.m; Saturday, Sunday and Public
underwater world. Holidays from 09.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.

Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. Admission : Adult 800 Baht, child 500 Baht

Admission : Adult 490 Baht, child 350 Baht Tel : 0 2518 1000-19, 0 2914 4100-19
www.safariworld.com
Tel : 0 2687 2000 www.siamoceanworld.com

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
(Snake Farm) (สถานเสาวภาสภากาชาดไทย-
สวนงู) Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital
on the corner of Henri Dunant Road and
Rama IV Road, this institute contains a collection
of poisonous snakes which are “milked” daily
for their venom in order to produce invaluable
anti-snakebite serum.

Open : Monday–Friday from 08.30 a.m.-
04.30 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Public
Holidays from 09.30 a.m.-01.00 p.m.

Venom extraction : Monday-Friday at 11.00
a.m. and 02.30 p.m., holidays at 11.00 a.m.

Admission : Adult 200 Baht, child 50 Baht

Tel : 0 2252 0161-4

Safari World (ซาฟารเี วลิ ด) Bangkok’s greatest
open zoo and leisure park is located in
Min Buri, via Km. 9 on Raminthra Road. The

Dusit Zoo

Bangkok 31

Amusement Parks Open : Monday-Friday from 10.00 a.m.-
11.00 p.m. and on Saturday-Sunday from
Kids Zania Bangkok (คดิ ส ซาเนีย) Located 08.00 a.m.-11.00 p.m.
on the 5th Floor of Siam Paragon Centre,
Rama I Road, is a learning and entertainment Admission : 750 Baht per hour
centre for children in the form of a model
city that displays the roles of various BTS Skytrain : get off at the Phrom Phong
occupations through virtual activities Station then go to Soi Sukhumvit 24 or Su-
consisting of the Airport Zone to get into khumvit 26 to the end of the road.
the city, City Square Zone with a mock up
of a governmental office centre, universities, Bus : No. 2, 25, 38, 46, 48, 116
hospitals, banks, etc., and performance
activities, and Suburb Zone featuring different Tel : 0 2108 5211-16, 0 2108 5210
kinds of factories. The place is well equipped www.flowhousebangkok.com.
with facilities for the disabled; such as,
elevators for wheelchair users and kidZos Funarium (ฟน เนเรย่ี ม) Located on Sukhumvit
cash for the eyesight impaired. 26. It is a playground theme park that small
children to adults can participate. The space
Open : Daily on Monday-Friday from 10.00 is divided into 4 zones: the Toddler Zone is
a.m.-05.00 p.m. and on Satureday, Sunday a play zone for the development of small
and public holidays 10.00 a.m-03.00 p.m. children aged 1-4 where they can play in
and 04.00-09.00 p.m. a soft playground, slider, and a small ball
pool, the Junior Zone for children between
Admission : 300 Baht for children aged 2-3, 4-13 years old features a two-storey-tall play
650 Baht for children aged 4-14, 400 Baht structure ideal for climbing, jumping, crawling
for children aged and above 15 years old, and balancing, a ball-blower machine, and
and 300 Baht for adults aged more than 60. a large 4-lane slider that can accommodate
adults and children at the same time, the
Tel : 0 2683 1888 www.kidzania.com Sport Zone offers a bike rink, a basketball,
or football court, and the Sand and Water
Flow House Bangkok (โฟลว เฮาส แบงคค ็อก) Zone includes a puddle and a large sand pit
Located in the A Square Community Mall for building sand castles.
Project, Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Toei, is a location
of the biggest surfing sport simulation in the Open : Monday-Thursday from 09.00 a.m.-
South East Asia region, with a water flowing 06.00 p.m., Friday-Sunday and public holiday
speed at 20 miles per hour (32 kilometres per from 09.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m.
hour). Adults or children are welcome to play.
Admission : 200 Baht/3 hours for children (up
to 105 centimetres high), 320 Baht/3 hours

32 Bangkok

for children above 105 cm. high and aged for example, the Spaceship Adventure Zone
not more than 13, and 110 Baht for adults. features space playing machines, the Electric
Mini Car in the Street Zone provides mock
Tel : 0 2665 6555 Fax : 0 2661 5056 up traffic in which kids can learn the traffic
www.funarium.co.th. rules, the Dino Rock and Cliff Zone takes
kids from the virtual space time in transition
BTS Sky Train : At Phrom Phong Station, then to the Dinosaur era via a time machine, the
take a cab to get into Soi Sukhumvit 26 about Toddler Zone is for small children to climb,
250 metres. Arts and Craft Room is an art workshop in
various forms, Kids Career Courses are a role
Subway : At Queen Sirikit National Convention play activity in different careers, and Kids
Centre Station, and walk toward the Big C Sports offers sport activities for children to
Superstore direction on Rama IV Road. learn about playing with spirit.

The Escape Hunt (เอสเคป ฮนั ท) Situated in Open : Monday-Thursday from 09.00 a.m.-
the Interchange Building, B2 Floor, Sukhumvit 06.00 p.m., Friday-Sunday and public holidays
27, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, is an from 09.00 a.m.-07.30 p.m.
entertainment complex offering an
adventurous game where players can act as Admission : 250 Baht for children not taller
a famous English detective named Shylock than 105 cm., 390 Baht for children taller than
Barnes (or Charlotte Barnes), who investigated 105 cm., and 130 Baht for adults.
and solved many significant cases of
more than 100 years ago. 2-5 players can Tel : 0 2382 0077 Fax : 0 2382 0083
participate in the game. www.playtime.co.th

Open : Daily from 09.30 a.m.-06.30 p.m. Siam Park City (สวนสยาม) Located in
suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban 2 Road,
BTS Sky Train : At Asok Station Exit 6, the this water amusement park contains a
building is on the left. man-made sea with towering slides. Satellite
attractions include children’s playgrounds,
Subway : At Sukhumvit Station Exit 2, 4 aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden.

Bus : No. 25, 38, 40, 48, 136, 181, 508, 511 Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.

Tel : 0 2611 2827-8 www.escapehunt.com Admission : Siam Day Pass 900 Baht, Siam
Fantasy Pass (Water Park) 300 Baht
Play Time (เพลย ไทม) Situated in the Park
Lane Shopping Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 63, Bus : No. 26, 60, 512
Ekkamai, is an edutainment park that
promotes learning development skills for Tel : 0 2919 7200-19 www.siamparkcity.com
children. The area is divided for each activity;

Bangkok 33

In addition to the amusement parks as Royal Ground, and the rice farming there
mentioned above, many leading department cancelled. Later, King Rama V had the Wang
stores in Bangkok also provide an indoor Na’s eastern wall demolished. The place
amusement area such as : has been used as the crematorium ground
for kings, members of the royal family and
Fantasia Lagoon 4th floor, The Mall (Bang nobility, in addition, to being a royal sporting
Khae) Tel: 0 2487 1000 ground. The king also had 365 tamarind trees
planted around it.
Fantasia Lagoon 4th floor, The Mall (Bang
Kapi) Tel : 0 2173 1000 Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park
(พระท่ีน่ังและสวนสาธารณะสันติชัยปราการ)
Funplanet, Leo Land Water Park 6th-7th The park is on Phra Athit Road on the bank
floor, Central City (Bangna) Tel : 0 2725 5000 of the Chao Phraya River. It was constructed
near Phra Sumen Fort under the cooperation
Yo Yo Land 4th floor, Seacon Square (Si between the Royal Thai Government and
Nakharin) Tel : 0 2721 8888 the general public to mark the auspicious
occasion of the sixth cycle birthday
Skippy Land basement and 4th floor, Imperial anniversary of His Majesty the King on
World (Samrong) Tel : 0 2756 8217-9 5 December, 1999. The spacious area
provides a pleasant atmosphere as well as
Kids Island 3rd floor, Fashion Island Tel : a scenic view of the Chao Phraya River and
0 2947 5000 the Rama VIII Bridge. It is popular among
both Thais and foreigners, especially from
Public Parks the nearby Bang Lamphu community.

Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) A vast open Open : Daily from 05.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m.
ground situated near the northern wall of
the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of Lumphini Park (สวนลุมพนิ ี) This was a huge
the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na. At open space once belonging to King Rama
the time when Bangkok was first established, VI, who issued a royal command to turn the
the ground was a rice field and was area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok
sometimes used as a location for a royal residents. It is located on Rama IV Road,
crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground between Ratchadamri and Witthayu (Wireless)
was, thus, otherwise called as ‘Thung roads, with entrance gates on all sides.
Phra Men’ which means the crematorium
ground. In considering that the name was Open : Daily from 05.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m.
inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground
renamed as ‘Thong Sanam Luang’, or the

34 Bangkok

Suan Luang Rama IX (สวนหลวง ร. 9) The
200-acre botanical garden-cum-public park
is located deep inside Sukhumvit Soi 103
(Udomsuk) and was opened in 1987 to
commemorate the 60th birthday of His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Open : Daily from 05.00 a.m.-07.00 p.m.

Admission : 10 Baht

Tel : 0 2328 1395, 0 2328 1385-6

Chatuchak Park (สวนจตจุ กั ร) This is located
at the junction of Phahonyothin and
Vibhavadi Rangsit roads. There are nine
pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the
character of the park.

Open : Daily from 05.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m.

Queen Sirikit Park (สวนสมเด็จพระนางเจา Suan Luang Rama IX
สิริกิติ์) This is situated east of Chatuchak
Park on Phahonyothin Road. It was built to Siam Square-Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong-
commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary Ratchaprarop (สยาม-เพลินจิต-ราชประสงค-
of HM Queen Sirikit. A big pool in the park ราชปรารภ) Top department stores and luxury
contains three fountains and a fine collection shopping malls are concentrated in the area,
of both Thai and foreign lotuses. namely Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, MBK,
Tokyu, Central World, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan,
Open : Daily from 05.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. Zen, Amarin Plaza, Central Ambassy all of
which together make the largest shopping
Shopping promenade in Ratchaprasong area.
Furthermore, Narai Phand Pavilion, host the
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one official handicraft centre selling items from all
or two major streets. There are many areas parts of the country (www.naraiphand.com).
throughout Bangkok affording ample choices Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to
and easy access. The following is just a several shopping areas.
selection of some of the principal shopping
areas.

Bangkok 35

Sukhumvit (สุขุมวิท) Sukhumvit is one of in which its space is mostly allocated for
Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long restaurants and shopping stores for the rest.
road is lined with shops, boutiques and
modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.
3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai), such
as Robinson and The Emporium (luxuary Tel : 0 2258 9919-21
department store). Most shops and restaurants www.kvillagebangkok.com
are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21
(Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok Rain Hill (เรนฮลิ ล) Situated at Soi Sukhumvit
and Ekkamai. 47 Sukhumvit Road. It is a community
complex combining restaurants, coffee and
Emquartier (เอ็ม ควอเทยี ร) located on the bakery shops, clothing, fashion, jewellery
opposite of the Emporium, Sukhumvit Road. stores, health and beauty parlours, and
It’s the Luxury Mall, filled with shops selling academies.
high end local and international brands,
international food court, beauty institute, Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.
fitness center, IT shops, Quartier Cineart
Theater, Sky outdoor garden and a highest BTS Skytrain : between Phrom Phong and
manmade waterfall in Asia. Thong Lo Stations.

Open : Daily from 10.00 am.-10.00 pm. Tel : 0 2620 8777 www.rainhill47.com

Tel : 0 2269 1000 J Avenue Thonglor (เจ อเวนิว ทองหลอ)
Located at Soi Thong Lo 15, Sukhumvit 55
Terminal 21 (เทอรม นิ ลั 21) Is situated at Soi Road. It is a shopping arcade combining
Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road. The highlight Japanese fusion restaurants.
of this place is that it was built as a market
street simulating international airports from Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.
around the world in order to bring visitors to
the cities; such as, Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Tel : 0 2660 3900 www.facebook.com/
Tokyo, London, etc. Each floor has been Javenue.Thonglor
decorated harmoniously with every city zone.
Pratunam-Phetchaburi (ประตูนํ้า-เพชรบุรี)
Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. A highlight in the district is Pratunam
market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for
Tel : 0 2108 0800 www.terminal21.co.th ready-to-wear.

K Village (เค วลิ เลจ) Located at the end of Baiyoke Tower (ตึกใบหยก) Located next
Soi Sukhumvit 26, is a community mall to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke
tower is one of the city’s renowned garment
centres.

36 Bangkok

ASIATIQUE The Riverfront

The Portico Langsuan (เดอะปอรต โิ กห ลงั สวน) Silom-Surawong-Patpong (สีลม-สุรวงศ-
Located at 31, Lang Suan Road, Lumphini, พัฒพงษ) Silom Road is the main artery of
Pathumwan, is a building complex combining Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled
various kinds of stores; such as, international by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs
stylish restaurants, fashion stores, Japanese crosswise between the two. In addition
style gift shops, dancing school, yoga studio, etc. to housing dozens of specialist shops and
boutiques, this area also boasts many
Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m. branches of well-known retailers and several
shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound,
BTS Sky Train : about 100 metres from Chit most notably at Patpong’s famous night
Lom Station market.

Tel : 0 2652 1968-70 Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road (สีลม-
www.theporticolangsuan.com มเหศักด-ิ์ เจริญกรงุ ) Silom leads into Charoen
Krung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya
The Nine Neighbourhood Centre (เดอะไนน) River, and notable shopping opportunities
Located on Rama IX Road, Suan Luang, include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak
is a community mall with the design that Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza
combines nature and architecture in the and River City shopping complex.
concept of a tropical village style, enchanting
the mall to look modern and pleasant under ASIATIQUE The Riverfront (เอเชียทีค เดอะ
the shade of trees. ริเวอรฟรอนท) Located on Charoen Krung
Road, the complex has been constructed into
Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. a colonial style. It is divided into 4 sections:

Tel : 0 2716 7999 Fax : 0 2719 7998 Bangkok 37
www.thenine.co.th

the Charoenkrung section consisting of more than 4,000 well-selected design books
more than 1,000 shops selling souvenirs and from all around the world, plus restaurants,
decorative items. and supermarkets. In addition, there is a night
market on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from
the Town Square section staging shows like 5.-9 p.m.
Jo Louis Puppet Theatre, Calypso Cabaret
and Muay Thai Lives including international Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.
restaurants.
Tel : 0 2515 0922 www.sbdesignsquare.com

the Factory section is a more than 100-year- Festival Walk Nawamin Art Village (นวมนิ ทร
old sawmill refurbished into a modern เฟสตวิ ัล วอลค ) Situated at Soi Senanikhom
look to be shopping stores of apparel and Niwet 200, Prasoet Manunkit Road, Lat Phrao.
accessories. It is an open-air shopping mall built in semi-
ancient European and modern architecture
theWaterfrontsectioncomprisingrestaurants on consisting of restaurants and shops selling
the Chao Phraya Riverside and the longest clothing, jewellery, home decorations, etc.
boardwalk along the Chao Phraya River. The outer space is designed into a green area
with a pool. Every Saturday, the “Festival
Visitors can see a panoramic view and take Art@Festival Walk” will be held. The event
Asiatique Sky, a 60-metre high ferris wheel, features shops selling creative ideas or hand-
to see a panoramic view. made work.

Open : Daily from 05.00-12.00 p.m. Open : Daily 10.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m.

BTS Sky Train : At Saphan Taksin Station, Tel : 0 2660 9000
take the free Asiatique’s shuttle boat service www.facebook.com/NawaminFestival
between 05.00-10.00 p.m.
Amorini Boutique Lifestyle (อะมอริน่ี
Tel : 0 2108 4488 www.thaiasiatique.com ไลฟสไตล มอลล) Located on Ram Inthra
Km. 12 Road (at the entrance of the Suan
Crystal Design Centre (ครสิ ตลั ดไี ซน เซน็ เตอร) Siam Water Park). It is a shopping mall that
Situated on Pradit Manutham Road (alongside built in Greek-style architecture by imitating
the Ekkamai-Ram Inthra Expressway). It is the Santorini Island. This place is remarkable with
first and only design centre in Thailand that a large windmill and big bell tower, featuring
provides the biggest and most complete shopping stores and restaurants.
package of design products and services in
Asia combining furniture in various styles, Open : Daily from 10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.
art gallery, modern architectural decoration,
etc., as well as offering a library that contains Tel : 0 2518 5669 www.amorinimall.com

38 Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Bang Lamphu (บางลาํ พ)ู Bang Lamphu is a the weekend market, open on Saturday and
market in the old town of Bangkok where Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where the
clothing, food are popular buy. Besides tourists can buy everything from clothing to
shopping, many restaurants, hotels and potted plants, a paradise for browsers and
guesthouses are located. Most of the bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers
bag packers choosing this area for visiting items of furniture and home decor. It is also
Thailand. where professional and amateur art-lovers
and artists meet.
Chinatown (ยา นเยาวราช) Centre on Yaowarat
Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Talat (ปากคลองตลาด) This is a
Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers
as well as several nearby traditional shopping and vegetables. It is located on Maharat
places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market
Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam is crowded in the early morning and in the
Plaza. evening.

Bo-be Market (ตลาดโบเ บ) Situated close to Yod Piman River Walk (ยอดพิมาน ริเวอร
Bangkok Railway Station, It is one of the city’s วอลค) located near Yodpiman market at the
renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, heart of Pak Khlong Talat, on Chakkaphetch
both wholesale and retail. Road, Phranakorn district. It’s the community
mall, performes as a Thai Heritage Mall, filled
Chatuchak Weekend Market (ตลาดนัด with more than 40 shops selling Thai and
จตจุ กั ร) Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, International food, Spa products shops and

Bangkok 39

OTOP products. It’s highlight is superior to River & Canals
any other places with 300 metres of corridor
along Chaophraya river bank, allowing true The Chao Phraya River & Canal Tour
closeness to the delightful view of the river.
The Chao Phraya river and canals may be
Open : Daily from10.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. conveniently explored by chartered boat :

Tel : 0 2623 6851-55 Chao Phraya Express Boat at Tha Chang Pier
www.yodpimanriverwalk.com near The Grand Palace Tel: 0 2623 6001-3
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
Bus : No. 6, 8, 73 and by Chaophraya Express boats.
Mit Chao Phraya at Tha Chang Pier Tel: 0 2225
Lang Krasuang (หลังกระทรวงกลาโหม) The 6179, 0 2221 2297
name literally means “behind the Ministry”
and refers to an area behind the Ministry Si Phraya Boat Trip at Si Phraya Pier near
of Defence on Atsadang Road, which runs the River City Shopping Complex. Tel:
along Khlong Lot. On sale are military 0 2235 3108
items such as uniforms, territorial defence
student uniforms, shoes as well as travelling Tourists can also book such a tour through
accessories like tents, sleeping bags and travel agents.
camping pots. There are shops selling musical
instruments nearby. Taling Chan Canal Tour (ลองเรอื เขตตลิ่งชัน)
Taling Chan District on the bank of Khlong
Woeng Nakhon Kasem (เว้ิงนาครเกษม) Bangkok Noi, is well-known for canal tour.
A quarter of Thai and Chinese antiquities Visitors will have a chance to explore the
and art objects such as blue-and-white way of Thai live along the canal.
porcelain, brass ware and furniture decorated
with mother-of-pearl inlay. It is located near Canal tour by boats on 4 routes every Saturday-
Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Roads. Sunday, visitors can buy tickets and take a
boat at the Taling Chan Floating Market.
Handicrafted products are available :
Tour 1: Visit Khlong Lat Mayom floating
Chitralada Shop www.chitraladashop.com market, Wat Saphan Market, and Taling Chan
Floating Market. The 3-hour tour operates
Doi Kham Shop www.doikham.co.th once a day at 09.30 a.m. Tickets: 99 Baht for
adults and 60 Baht for children.
Phufa Shop www.phufa.org
Tour 2: Visit Orchid farm, Wat Saphan Market,
Patpat Shop www.patpat9.com, which feeding fish at Wat Pak Nam, and buying Khao
offers items from the Royal Project SUPPORT Lam (glutinious rice roasted in a bamboo joint)
Foundation

40 Bangkok

Chao Phraya River

on a canal side. The 3-hour tour operates Bus : Take air-conditioned bus No.79 and get
once a day at 01.30 p.m. Ticket 99 Baht for off at Taling Chan District Office.
adults and 60 Baht for children.
Tel : 0 2424 1742, 0 2424 5448. Taling Chan
Tour 3: Klong Bangluang Artist’s House, District Office
watch the Hun Lakhon Lek puppet show and
sightseeing the atmosphere of Khlong Bang Dinner Cruise
Luang Floating Market. The 3-hour tour operates
once a day at 01.30 p.m. Tickets: 99 Baht for Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital’s
adults and 60 Baht for children. most arresting sights, particularly at night
when the weather is cooler and light
Tour 4: An hour boat tour cruising around reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River with
and sightseeing the way of life along the flickering magic and romance. An ideal way of
riverside. The boat operates every hour combining dining with riverine enchantment
from 12.00-03.00 p.m. Ticket: 100 Baht each. is to enjoy a river dinner cruise. Reservations,
Special activity in April, during the Songkran current prices, conditions and departure
Festival, visitors can enjoy splashing water times may be obtained from travel agents
while riding on a boat. or the following organisers:

Bangkok 41

Dairy Queen 280/seat (A la carte) boat leave Floating Market
King Rama III Bridge pier
Wat Taling Chan Floating Market (ตลาดนํ้า
Tel : 0 2921 8670-5 www.d-dairyqueen.com วดั ตลิง่ ชนั ) Located near Taling Chan District
Office, is a floating market of the community
Wonder Grand Pearl 2,500 Baht (international and temple. The trading shops have been
buffet with Thai performance) boat leave constructed with thatched roofs to match
River City pier) Tel : 0 2861 0255-60 with the environment of this place where
www.grandpearlcruise.com bamboo table sets are provided for enjoying
eating a variety of food in a riverside
Horizon Cruise 2,300 Baht (international atmosphere. Visitors can also buy fresh fruits,
buffet) boat leave Shangri-la Hotel pier vegetables and many kinds of plants sold by
orchardists.
Tel : 0 2236 7777 www.shangri-la.com
Open : Saturday-Sunday from 08.00 a.m.-
Loy Nava 1,900 Baht (buffet with Thai per- 05.00 p.m.
formance) boat leave Si praya pier
Bus : air-conditioned bus No. 79 and get off
Tel : 0 2437 4932, 0 2437 7329 www.loynava. at Taling Chan District Office
com
Tel : 0 2424 1742. Taling Chan District Office
Manohra 1,750-2,500 (buffet with Thai music)
boat leave Taksin pier Wat Champa Floating Market (King Rama III
Park) (ตลาดนาํ้ วดั จาํ ปา) (อทุ ยาน ร. 3) Located
Tel : 0 2476 0021-2 www.bangkok-riverside. Taling Chan District, constructed into an
anantara.com open Thai style hall with a thatched roof,
is a small floating market that reflects the
Riverside 910 Baht (Buffet with live music, community lifestyle while on the opposite
Thursday-Sunday Thai performance) Boat side is a garden in the city, featuring fruits,
leave Riverside Hotel pier. vegetables and lotus field, which is quite rare
to see nowadays. Some interesting activities
Tel : 0 2883 1588 www.riversidebangkok.com are available; such as, Thai desserts cooking
class at Ban Mae Chuap, Ban Sawang Chan
Wan Fah 1,300 Baht (set menu Thai, interna- Homestay, a traditional Thai house that
tional with Thai performance ) boat leave The suits those who love the atmosphere of a
River City Hotel pier, Charoen Krung Soi 30 canalside orchard. Wat Champa is an ancient
temple from the late Ayutthaya to the early
Tel : 0 2622 7657-61 ext. 405
www.wanfahcruise.com

Yok Yor Marina 160 Baht/seat (A la carte)

Tel : 0 2863 0565-6 www.yokyor.co.th

42 Bangkok

Floating Market

Bangkok 43

Rattanakosin periods. It was restored in the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market (ตลาดนา้ํ
reign of King Rama III to King Rama V the คลองลดั มะยม) Situated on Bang Ramat Road,
Great, featuring crockery decoration on the Taling Chan, is a large floating market with
gables of the Ubosot and Mondop and stucco an area on both sides of the street where it
relief of Chinese deities in the Chinese art offers numerous kinds of food and desserts,
style as well. The Ubosot roof is decorated clothes, house decorative items, pottery with
with stucco of a large alligator casting its a moulding demonstration, various kinds of
body along the roof ridge, which was made plants brought and sold by gardeners, and
according to the myth that there was a big Suan Chiam Ton or a nature learning centre
alligator inhabiting Khlong Bang Ramat. to educate the new generation to learn the
original gardeners’ way of life that is simply
Open : Saturday-Sunday and public holidays living with nature. A sightseeing boat tour
from 09.00 a.m.-03.00 p.m. along Bang Ramat Canal is available including
visiting Ban Khanom Thai or Thai desserts
Bus : air-conditioned bus No. 79 and get off at house, in which visitors can taste and buy
Taling Chan District Office, then take mini bus for a souvenir.

Tel : 08 1918 8825, 08 9810 1770 Open : Saturday-Sunday and public holidays
from 08.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Wat Saphan Floating Market (ตลาดน้ํา
วัดสะพาน) Located inside Wat Saphan Bus : No.68, 147 get off at Macro department
on the bank of Khlong Bangkok Noi, Pak Store, Charan Sanitwong branch then take
Nam-Krachom Thong Road, Bang Phrom, mini bus
Taling Chan. Wat Saphan is an ancient temple
since the Ayutthaya period as evidenced Tel : 0 2422 4270, 08 9215 2659
from the discovery of a sandstone Buddha
image and the three other Buddha images: Kwan-Riam Floating Market (ตลาดนํ้า
Luangpho To, Luangpho Klang, and Luangpho ขวญั เรยี ม) Situated on the bank of Khlong
Dam. The Market offers a variety of food and Saen Saep, Wat Bamphen Nuea (Soi Seri
desserts including fresh fruits and vegetables Thai 60) and Wat Bang Pheng Tai (Soi
from gardeners. Ramkhamhaeng 187), Min Buri district, offers
various food from nationwide where visitors
Open : Saturday-Sunday and public holidays can eat on boat or on land. Local souvenirs
from 09.00 a.m.-03.00 p.m. are on sale. There is an antique boat on
display. The highlights of this market are
Bus : air-conditioned bus No. 79 and get off a bridge in a boat shape connecting Wat
at Taling Chan District Office, then take mini

Tel : 08 6035 0424

44 Bangkok

Cultural Performances

Bamphen Nuea and Wat Bang Pheng Tai, Cultural Performances
and alms offering on a boat every Saturday
and Sunday at 7.30 a.m. with chanting for Details of current programmes and events
blessings to visitors. A boat tour along the can generally be found in Bangkok’s major
canal is offered and narrates the history and English-language newspapers, namely
stories of the Khlong Saen Saep Community Bangkok Post and The Nation.
lifestyle by a youth guide. In addition, there www.bangkokpost.com or
are Thai cultural performances of each region www.nationmultimedia.com
by children, a variety of activities on the stage;
such as, musical performances and sermons Theatres
by monks, etc.
The National Theatre (โรงละครแหงชาติ)
Open : Saturday-Sunday and public holidays located on Na Phra That Road next to the
from 07.00 a.m.-08.00 p.m. National Museum, is the official centre of
Thai classical performance.
Bus : No.27, 58, 113, 502, 514
Tel : 0 2224 1342
Tel : 08 7701 2878, 08 1635 1491
www.kwan-riamfloatingmarket.com Wangna Theater (โรงละครวงั หนา) is located
near Sanam Luang, in the compound of the

Bangkok 45

Bunditpatanasilpa Institute on Rachini Road, Thailand Cultural Centre (ศูนยวัฒนธรรม
Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, แหงประเทศไทย) on Ratchadaphisek Road, is
Phra Nakhon District. It has a capacity of 250 a fully integrated venue for social education
seats. Traditional Thai dances, music, plays, and cultural activities.
and Khon mask performances performed
by teachers and students of the Institute Tel : 0 2247 0028 for a current programme
are presented in a show lasting 75 minutes or www.culture.go.th
every day.
Siam Niramit (สยามนิรมิต) is located on
Tickets : 600, 800, and 1,000 Baht Thiam Ruam Mit Road, diagonally across
from the Thailand Cultural Centre, next to
Tel : 0 2224 4704 ext. 408 the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. It has
http://wangnatheater.com/drama state-of-the-art cultural performances which
have achieved international standards. It uses
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre (เฉลิมกรุง special techniques integrated with drama to
รอยลั เธยี เตอร) is located on Charoen Krung depict the history of each region of Thailand.
Road (New Road) near the Old Siam Plaza. The story also includes depictions about
Thai dramas and plays are usually held while hells, the forest of Himmaphan, heavens and
Khon or Thai musical dance drama is a special lands beyond imagination from Thai literature,
event that is staged occasionally. all of which are influenced by the Thai
common beliefs. There is also a spectacular
Tel : 0 2225 8757-8, 0 2623 8148-9 performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural
www.salachalermkrung.com heritage. The show is staged by more than
150 performers in a luxurious theatre with
Hun Lakhon Lek Khlong Bang Luang by the a capacity of more than 2,000 seats. The
KhamnaiPuppetShowCompany(หนุ ละครเลก็ showtime is at 08.00 p.m. only and the ticket
คลองบางหลวง คณะคํานาย) is performed costs 1,500-2,000 Baht. Before admiring the
at Ban Sinlapin in the Khlong Bang Luang performances, visitors can walk outside the
Community, Soi Phetchakasem 28, on a daily theatre to see typical Thai houses in various
basis except for Wednesdays, with one show styles depending on the four different
at 02.00 p.m. One more show is available on regions. Food and drink shops are available.
Saturdays and Sundays at 11.30 p.m.
Tel : 0 2649 9222 www.siamniramit.com
Bus : No. 509, 68, 80, 81. Micro bus 10

Tel : 0 2868 5279, 08 1258 9260

46 Bangkok

Dinner and Thai Classical Dance Special Interests
Reservations can be made through travel
agents or the following restuarants: Thai Boxing

Piman Tel : 0 2258 7866, 0 2258 7861; Muay Thai or Thai boxing is both a sport
and means of self defence. Contestants are
Sala Rim Nam Tel : 0 2659 9000 ext. 7330-3, allowed to use almost any part of their body:
0 2437 3080; feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders,
are all weapons. The playing of traditional
Sala Thai (Indra Regent Hotel) Tel : 0 2208 music during bouts makes for even greater
0022; excitement. There are two Boxing Stadiums :

Sawasdee Tel : 0 2237 6310-1, 0 2237 7114; Ratchadamnoen Stadium (สนามมวย
ราชดําเนิน) Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open
Silom Village Tel : 0 2234 4448 every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Sunday at 6.30 p.m.-11.30 p.m.
Suwannahong Tel : 0 2245 4448, 0 2245 3747

Thai Boxing

Bangkok 47

Ticket : 500-2,000 Baht Bai Pai Thai Cooking School (โรงเรียน
สอนทําอาหารไทยใบพาย) Ngam Wongwan
Bus : No. 70, 157, 503, 509 Soi 54 Road, Chatuchak Tel : 0 2561 1404
www.baipai.com
Tel : 0 2281 4205, 0 2280 1684-6
Blue Elephant Bangkok Cooking School
Lumphini Stadium (สนามมวยลุมพินี) Ram and Restaurant Blue Elephant Building
Indra Road KM.2, open every Tuesday 06.00 South Sathon Road, Tel : 0 2673 9353-8
p.m. and Friday-Saturday at 04.30-08.00 p.m.
and 8.30 p.m.-12 p.m. International Baking and Cooking School
(โรงเรียนขนมอบนานาชาติ) (Opposite
Ticket : 500-2,000 Baht. Chatuchak Weekend Market), Tel : 0 2272
5692-3, 0 2272 5663, 0 2272 5654, 0 2682 7644
Bus : No. 26 www.international-baking-cooking-school.com

Tel : 0 2521 5338-39, 0 2521 4708 Siam Square 180-184 Bakery House Bldg.,
Siam Square Soi 1, Patumwan Tel : 0 2252
Thai Boxing Schools 7286, 0 2252 7520 www.ufmeducation.com
Eminent Air Boxing Gym (คา ยอมี เิ นน ทแ อร) Soi
Punnawithi 20, Sukhumwit 101 Rd., Bangkok. Suan Dusit International Culinary School
Tel : 08 9217 0822 www.eminentgym.com (โรงเรียนการอาหารนานาชาติสวนดุสิต) Tel :
0 2244 5391-3 www.chefschool.dusit.ac.th
Fairtex Muay Thai Fitness (คา ยมวยแฟรเ ทก็ ซ)
Mu 8 Soi Buntham Anuson, Amphoe Bang Thai & International Food Academy
Phli, Samut Prakan. Tel : 0 2757 5147, (โรงเรียนธุรกิจการอาหารไทยและนานาชาติ)
0 2386 6117-9, 0 2755 3329, 0 2385 5148-9 Rama III Road, Yannawa, Tel : 0 2682 7644
www.fairtexbangplee.com www.yingsakfood.com

The Muay Thai Institute (โรงเรียนมวยไทย) The Modern Woman Institute (แมบาน
Phaholyothin Road, Amphoe Thanyaburi, ทนั สมัย) Setsiri Road, Phaya Thai, Tel : 0 2279
Pathum Thani. Tel : 08 1828 5115, 0 2992 2831, 0 2279 2834 www.mwthaicook.com
0096-9 www.muaythai-institute.net
The Thai House (บานไทย) Amphoe Bangyai,
Thai Cooking Nonthaburi, Tel : 0 2903 9611, 0 2997 5161
The Thai cuisine gains increasing international www.thaihouse.co.th
favour. Visitors wishing to learn how to cook
Thai food can contact:

48 Bangkok

UFM Baking & Cooking School (โรงเรียนสอน Park) behind the PTT Headquarters Building,
การผลิตอาหารและขนมมาตรฐาน) Sukhumvit Chatuchak, is a learning and recreational
Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Sukhumvit Road Tel : centre as well as spiritual fitness and
0 2259 0620-30, 0 2260 5280-300 edutainment centre for happiness and
serenity. Moreover, the Archives collect
Wandee Culinary School (โรงเรยี นครัววันดี) written documents, printed materials, and
Padiphat Road, Phayathai Tel : 0 2279 9844-5, audio-visual aids for propagating Achan
0 2279 2204 www.wandeethaicooking.com Buddhadasa Indapanno’s sermons, which
can be used as a reference for education,
Thai cooking class is also arrange by many and research on Buddhism academia. The
hotels including : Dhamma activities are meditation, music,
Edutainment, arts, photography practice,
Mandarin Oriental Hotel (โรงแรมแมนดารนิ Yoga and Tai Chi.
โอเรียนเต็ล) Charoen Nakhon Road., Tel :
0 2659 9000 ext. Thai cooking school Open : Daily from 09.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.
www.mandarinoriental.com
Tel : 0 2936 2800 www.bia.or.th
Anantara Resort and Spa (โรงแรมอนนั ตรา
รสี อรท แอนด สปา) (Near Krung Thep Bridge), BTS Sky Train : get off at Mo Chit Station, then
Thon Buri Tel : 0 2476 0021-2 take taxi.

Meditation MRT Subway : get off at Chatuchak Park
Station, then take taxi
Meditation is one of the most popular
aspects of Buddhism, practiced regularly by The International Buddhist Meditation
numerous Thais, and laymen as a means Centre (ศนู ยว ปิ ส สนานานาชาต)ิ Wat Mahathat,
of promoting inner peace and happiness. Tha Phrachan, Bangkok Tel : 0 2222 6011
The following are meditation centres which
offer a class in English for foreign visitors who The World Fellowship of Buddhists (องคก าร
wish to find out more about Buddhism and พุทธศาสนกิ สัมพนั ธแ หงโลก) Sukhumvit Soi 24,
Buddhist meditation. Khlong Toei, Bangkok Tel : 0 2661 1284-7

Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (หอ Thai Traditional Massage
จดหมายเหตุพุทธทาส อินทปญโญ หรือสวน
โมกขกรงุ เทพฯ) Located at the entrance of This therapeutic and highly soothing form
Wachira Benchathat Park (Railway Public of massage purportedly evolved from rishis
(forest-dwelling Brahmin hermit ascetics)
who relieved the physical stress of extended

Bangkok 49

Thai Traditional Massage

periods of meditation by adopting certain These days, a spa doesn’t have to be a town
postures. Wat Pho is the best known centre built on natural thermal springs. It can be a
for massages and massage tuition. Major place anywhere that anyone can go to, to
hotels also offer Thai massage services. relax in tranquil surroundings with a variety
of treatment administered to recontour and
For more information, call Wat Po Thai rejuvenate the body and mind.
Traditional Massage School Tel : 0 2221 3686,
0 2622 3551 www.watpomassage.com Street Food

Spas Street foods have become a heaven for those
looking for good taste. Dotted on almost
Spas, traditionally, were towns where public every street in Bangkok, food stalls are open
baths, hospitals or hotels were built on top in the evening, ranging from rice, noodle,
of mineral springs so that people could somtom, grilled chicken to fresh seafood.
come and make use of the healing properties It could be found in Bang Lamphu,
found in the water and its mud for medical Yaowarat, Silom, Chong Nonsi, Pratunam,
purposes. Ratchaprasong, Phetchaburi Soi 10-12,
BTS Ratchatewi Station, Siam, Sukhumvit.

50 Bangkok