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Bangkok is the Orient's most cosmopolitan city and has attractions to stimulate even the most jaded travellers. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre. |
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| The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Tel : 222 0094, 222 6889, 224 3273, 222 2208) This city landmark should be the first place on any visitor's itinerary. It is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road near Pramane Ground which is surrounded by high white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile. The palace, begun 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 complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m. Admission fee is 125 baht (including tickets to The Coin Pavillion & Phra Thi Nanl Vimanmek & Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall). Proper dress is essential. |
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Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall Vimanmek Palace is located behind Bangkok's National Assembly and is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. The three storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls, excluding terraces and verandahs. Near the entrance to Vimanmek Palace is the carriage museum where 13 royal horse-drawn carriages once used by the reign of King Rama V are collected. The collection is so splendid and regarded as a great historical value. |
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Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (The Support Museum), a one storey 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 museum where Her Majesty The Queen collects 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, handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetle. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht per person. Free guide is available (Tel. 2818166, 2816880, 281 1569, 281 1518, 280 5926) |
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The National Museum
Tel : 2241333, 2241396 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 thousnad artifacts ranging from neolithic times
to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also
begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful
buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.
The museum is open every day, except Mondays, Tuesdays
and public holidays from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission
fee is 20 Baht. |
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The National Theatre
Thailand's National Theatre is on Na Phra Lan Road
next to The National Museum. Thai Classical dramas
and other types of international arts are periodically
staged here. Current programmes can be checked at
the theatre (Tel. 2241342) on weekdays between 8.30
a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Special exhibition shows of Thai
classical dancing and music are held on the last
Friday and Saturday of each month. Please contact
the theatre for details. |
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Sanam Luang This huge
public ground in front of the Grand Palace used
to be the place where the Weekend Market, now moved
to Suan Chatuchak on Phahonyothin Road, was held.
Special activities or ceremonies such as the Royal
Ploughing Ceremony in May 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 pavillion. The Goddess of
the Earth was built during King Chulalongkorn's
reign (1868-1910)to provide public drinking water. |
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The City Pillar Shrine
Located at the southeast corner of Sanam Luang,
this graceful, temple-like 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. |
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Wat Pho (Tel : (02)
222 0933) This world famous temple is located right
next to the Grand Palace, on the south side. It
is one 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 46 metres in length
and 15 metres high with beautifully inlaid mother-of
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 8.00 a.m.- 5.00
p.m. Admission fee is 20 Baht. |
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Wat Arun (Temple of
the Dawn) (Tel :(02) 465 5640) 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 it
is from the Bangkok side of the river at sunset.
Admission fee is 10 Baht. |
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Wat Traimit (Temple
of the Golden Buddha) 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 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. |
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Wat Benchamabophit
(The Marble Temple) Tel :281 2501 The Marble Temple
is on Si Ayutthaya Road near Chitralada Palace.
The temple is well-known because its main building
was constructed 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 ofthe spacious, inner courtyard. The main
building is open to visitors until 5.00 p.m. There
is an admission charge of 10 Baht. |
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Wat Suthat (The Giant
Swing) 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 be seen
for its collection of gilded Buddha images. The
temple complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00
p.m. In front of the temple is the famous Giant
Swing. Many shops surrounding Wat Suthat stock a
very comprehensive range of Buddhist ecclesiastic
supplies. |
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Wat Sa Ket (The Golden
Mount) War Sa Ket or the Golden Mount, was built
during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1800). The
golden chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha, and affords
visitors a panoramic view of Bangkok. |
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Wat Indravihan Located
in Bangkhunphrom area on Wisutkrasat Road, Wat Indravihan
is well-known for a huge standing Buddha image.
This image of "Buddhasiariyametriya",
is 32 metres tall(108.99 feet) and 10 metres and
24 inches wide (40.09 feet) his Buddhist monument
was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The
top of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord
Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple is open
to the public every day. There is no admission fee. |
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Wat Thammamongkhon
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 elderly people, to go to the top of
the building. Relics and a hair of the Lord Buddha,
kept in the pagoda, were presented by the Supreme
Patriach of Bangladesh. |
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Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Thanon Mahachai. This royal temple was
built in the reign of King Rama VI 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 area royal pavilion
for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King
Rama III. |
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Wat Bowonniwet The
building is located on Phra Sumen Road, in Banglumphu
area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra
Phutthachinasri, which was molded in about 1357.
Wat Bowonniwet is one of the most important temples
of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King
Rama IV before he asscended the throne. Other Chakri
Kings who had resided here during their monkhood
include King Rama VI and King Rama VII, as well
as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. |
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Wat Mahathat (Temple
of the Great Relic) 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 head-quarters of Vipassana
(insight) meditation inThailand. Information and
practice in English can usually be arranged according
to the availability of suitable monks. The temple
complex is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. On Buddhist
holy days, there is a thriving open air market in
the grounds and a comprehensive selection of traditional
Thai medicines, usually in plant or root form, for
sale. |
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The Shed of the Royal Barges
(Tel : 424 0004) 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 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. The unique design and
decorative details of each barge should be of great
interest to all visitors. The shed is open to the
public every day from 8.30 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. There
is an admission fee of 10 Baht. |
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Jim Thompson's Thai House
(Tel : 215 0122) This remarkable Thai-style house,
was the work of Mr. Jim Thompson, an American who
came to Thailand at the end of the Second World
War and revived the Thai Silk industry. His later
disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a
mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is
at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National
Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are
Mr.Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts, such
as blue-white China ware, Cambodian stone figures,
benjarong ( a multi-coloured porcelain made in China),
wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques.
Jim Thompson's House is open from Monday to Saturday
9.00 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. Admission costs 100 baht. Volunteer
guides explain the collection to visitors. |
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Suan Pakkad Palace
(Tel : 245 4934) On Si Ayutthaya Road not far from
the intersection of Phaya Thai Road, used to be
the residence of princess Chumbhol of Nagara Svarga,
one of Thailand's leading art collector. There is
a complex of five traditional Thai Houses, overlooking
a beautifully kept garden. They house a large collection
of Asian art and antiques. One building exhibits
a collection of seashells, mineral crystal and painted
pottery from Ban Chiang. Suan Pakkad Palace is open
everyday except Sunday from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
There is an admission fee of 80 Baht. |
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Pasteur Institute (Snake
Farm) 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,
smallpox 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 every day between 8.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.
on weekdays and 8.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m. on public holidays.
The extraction of venom from the snakes is demonstrated
daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on weekdays and
at 10.30 a.m. on public holidays. Admission fee
is 70 baht. For further details please call 252
0161-4. |
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Labour Museum Located
near Makkasan Railway Station, Nikhom-Makkasan Road,
Phayathai. Here, labour history of Thailand from
the past to present is put on exhibition. The museum
is open daily with no admission fee during 10.00
a.m.- 5.00 p.m. except for Mondays, Tuesdays and
national holidays. |
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Philatelic Museum
The museum is on 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal
Bureau (North) behind Sam Sen Ni Post Office. Open
daily from Tuesday to Sunday during 9.00 a.m.-4.00
p.m. No admission fee. Thai and foreign stamps of
the old ages are on display. The collections of
postbooks in both Thai and foreign languages are
available at the library. Stamps and accessories
for stamp collection are on sale. For more information,
please contact tel.271-2439, 573-0099 ext. 2637. |
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Ban Kamthieng (Tel
: 258 3491, 258 3444, 260 2830-32) 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 reconstructed 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 Asok (Soi 21) Sukhumvit Road. Also on display
are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen.
It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. An admission
fee of 50 baht is charged to help maintain the property
and grounds. |
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Museum of Imaging Technology
The first camera and photograph museum to be established
in Thailand and Asia, is located at 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 the dimensional
photographs, electronic photography, and printing
technology are also exhibited. The museum is open
on Saturday between 10.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission
fee is Baht 100 each. It is also open on weekdays
for group visitors making advance contact. Tel.
251 1913, 2541748. |
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Hall of Railways Heritage
It is located to the North of Chatuchak Park near
a multi-purposes parking lot, 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
a.m. Admission is free. For more information, please
contact the Thai Rail Fan Club. Tel. 243 2037-9. |
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Prasart Museum It
is located at 9 Soi Krungtepkreetha 4, Si Nakharin
Road, Phra Khanong, houses a vast collection of
artifacts from pre-historic through Rattanakosin
periods. Various styles of architecture, for example,
a baroque building, a smaller version of the real
Palace in Bangkok National Museum, and an imitation
of Ho Phra of Wat Yai Suwannaram, are scattered
within the museum complex. Prasart Museum is open
on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during 10.00
a.m - 3.00 p.m. Admission fee is Baht 300 each (snack
and beverage included). It is also open on weekdays
for group visitors. Please make advance contact
at Tel. 379 3601, 379 3607, 253 9772. |
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Bangkok Planetarium &
Scientific Museum The scientific museum situated
next to the Eastern Bus Terminal(Ekamai) is an exhibition
center on scientific knowledge and astronomy. Open
daily, except Monday and national holidays, from
9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 10 Baht. At
the planetarium, daily performances on the solar
system are presented for the public from Tuesday
to Sunday. Open from 8.30 a.m.2.30 p.m. Admission
fee is 10 Baht. For further information, please
contact tel. 392 5952, 390 2301. |
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Narayanaphand (Tel
: 252 4670-9, 255 4328-9) This is a handicraft centre,
under government supervision, located on Ratchadamri
Rd. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts
from all parts of the country. Items available include
Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquerware,
bronze objects and Khon masks. The store is open
daily from 10.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. |
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Bangkok Dolls & Museum
(Tel : 245 3008) All kinds of Thai dolls are made
in this factory which is on Soi Ratchataphan (Soi
Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road, in the Pratunam
area. It is open to visitors, who may inspect and
buy dolls, every day except Sundays and public holidays
from 8.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. |
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China Town 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. |
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Bang Lamphu A shopping
area once frequent 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 lady's shoes, cosmetics and
curios. Bargaining is recommended. |
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Weekend Market at Chatuchak
Park This large open public ground covers
approximately 35 acres opposite the Northern Bus
Station on Phahonyothin Road. Known as Suan Chatuchak,
it hosts the popular Weekend Market where people
buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range
from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts,
dress materials, clothing, shoes, toys, domestic
utensils and pets. There is a particularly fine
section for' plants. The Weekend Market is open
on Saturdays and Sundays from 7.00 a.m. -6.00 p.m. |
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Dusit Zoo (Tel : 281
2000, 281 1039) Located near Vimanmek Palace, Dusit
Zoo is opened to the public everyday from 8.00 A.M.-
6.00 P.M. Tropical animals to be found include great
grey kangaroos, Sumatran rhinoceros, Siamese crocodiles,
gaurs, lesser mouse deer, American bisons, etc.
Admission fee is 20 baht. |
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Siam Water Park Siam
Water Park is merely a 30-minute drive from the
Lat Phrao flyover, and 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. Attractions include children's
playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and botanical
gardens. The complex is open daily from 10.00 a.m.to
6.00 p.m. (weekdays) and 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
(weekends). Admission fee is 200 baht for adults
and 150 baht for children. Bus service: No. 26 &
27 from Victory Monument. (Tel :517 0075-9). |
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Safari World It is
located at 99 Ramindra 1, Min Buri, covers an area
of some 430 rai and is divided into 2 parts. The
first, the Safari Park, houses a large variety of
animals like zebra, deers, giraffe, birds, tigers,
lion, hears, etc. in natural habitat. Visitors can
drive their own cars or have a good look from one
of the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches. The
second, the 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 have a look around. |
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Safari World is open daily between 9.00 a.m.-4.30
p.m. Admission fee is 400 baht for adults and 300
baht for children. For more information please call
518 1000-19 Bus services: No. 26 from Victory Monument
goes to Minburi, from where a mini-bus service serves
Safari World. |
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