Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand has more visitors than any
other country in Southeast Asia. It is famous for its cuisine,
temples and natural beauty. It offers something for every kind
of traveller. It is about equal distance from both India and
China. Evidence from Archaeological findings suggests that the
worlds oldest civilizations has flourished here about 5,600
years ago. It is tolerant to alien religions and beliefs.
Thailand has Laos on the east, Cambodia on the southeast, Malaysia
to the south, Burma to the Northwest. There are 2 major distinguishable
seasons in Thailand, Rainy and Dry. December through February
are the expensive seasons, as many foreign tourist visit Thailand
during these months. The language is quite complicated. English
is spoken by the people who work in the tourism industry.
The people here have a deep reverence to the royal family. Visitors
are expected to dress neatly while visiting a temple. Buddist
monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman. The common
way to greet is to hold your palms together in a prayer like
gesture.
Bangkok
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. 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.
Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area and is home
to one-tenth of the country's population.
Major tourist attractions include glittering Buddhist temples,
palaces, timeless “Venice of the East” canal and river scenes,
classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centres.
Buses 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
4 a.m. – 11 p.m. and around the clock on certain routes. Public
buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 4 baht
to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned
buses have minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 20 baht, respectively.
Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all
routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops. For more
information, please call 184.
Taxis Taxis cruising city streets are
metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres,
and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure
you have change, as taxi drivers often don’t! Passengers must
pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.
Tuk-Tuks These three-wheeled ‘open-air’
motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be
bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3
kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.
BTS Sky Trains BTS sky trains ply along
Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect
Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam
Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The
fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more
information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at Tel:
0 2617 7340, 0 2617 6000 or visit www.bts.co.th
Bangkok Metro A metro service is now available
from Bang Sue via Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak Weekend Market,
Ratchadaphisek Road, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre,
Lumphini Park, Silom, Sam Yan to its terminal at Hua Lamphong
Railway Station. The fare ranges from 14-36 baht according to
the distance. Call 0 2624 5200 or visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th
for further information.
River Taxis Taxis that are even more unusual,
though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the
Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others
serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route
that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.
Activities and places of interest:
Bangkok Songkran Festival
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all
over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand
Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed
and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran
beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment.
Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots
in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between
locals and tourists.
H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations
December 5
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest reigning monarch
is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young.
The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects
the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over
the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area
around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate
their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen
Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known
locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent
adornments.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which
farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next
rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that
are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking
official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who
wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced
in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the
official commencement of the rice-growing season.
Trooping
of the Colours
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Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive
annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue
of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much
pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance
to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.
It is located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road slightly beyond Bangkok
International Airport. Covering an area of 38 rai, the National
Memorial is under the responsibility of the Armed Force Education
Department, Supreme Command Headquarters. There are wall paintings
depicting historic events in Thai history from the Sukhothai
period to Rattanakosin period, replicas of royal decorations,
bas-reliefs of the establishment of the city and models recounting
historic battles in Thai history.
The Princess Mother Memorial Park
A Tribute to Mae Fa Luang, “The Mother of us all”
When Princess Srinakarin, the mother of King Rama IX, passed
away in 1995 it was one of the saddest times in Thailand’s modern
history. This remarkable woman was born a commoner, daughter
of a goldsmith in Nonthaburi province and grew up in Thonburi
near Wat Anongkharam. Throughout her life, she never forgot
her humble beginning and devoted her considerable energy to
improving the life of all Thais. The most well-known of her
achievements was the establishment of the Doi Tung Foundation
to assist the northern hilltribes.
In 1993, King Bumipol Adulyadej expressed his wish to renovate
the area around his mother’ childhood home in Thonburi as thanks
to Princess Srinakarin who is still referred to as “Mae Fa Luang”
meaning “The Mother of Us All”.
Her original home had no longer existed so owners of some similar
buildings in the area gladly donated them to the King for his
project.
The Princess Mother Memorial Park has a reproduction of the
house where she lived as a child set in open space with beautiful
gardens. There are two exhibition halls, the first devoted to
her life including signed photographs such as the one of her
at the age of 14. The photographs with supporting text chronicle
her life and finally her cremation ceremony in 1996.
The second exhibition hall recounts her active life and many
achievements in establishing projects. It includes some very
personal items such as a Mickey Mouse needlepoint that she made
for The King.
A gazebo shelters a statue of the Princess Mother and a small
shop nearby sells products manufactured by some of her projects.
Wat Ratchaburana
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This temple is located at the foot of the Rama I Memorial Bridge
on the Bangkok side. Built in the late Ayutthaya period by a
Chinese merchant, it is otherwise known as Wat Liap and is one
of the 3 principal temples of the capital which include Wat
Ratchaburana, Wat Ratchapradit and Wat Mahathat. It had been
regularly restored since the reign of King Rama I through to
the reign of King Rama VII, except in the sixth reign. Some
of the temple’s principal buildings, especially Phra Ubosot
– the ordination hall – which houses mural paintings by Khrua
In Khong, were badly damaged by bombing during World War II.
The buildings were later restored to their good condition as
they appear today.
King Taksin the Great Monument
This is an equestrian statue situated at Wongwian Yai Circle
on Prachathipok Road. The king is portrayed with his right hand
holding a sword, measuring approximately 9 metres in height
from his horse’s feet to the spire of his hat. The statue rests
on a reinforced concrete pedestal of 8.90 x 1.80 x 3.90 metres.
There are four frames of stucco relief on the two sides of the
pedestal. The opening ceremony of this monument was held on
17 April, 1954 and a homage-paying fair takes place annually
on 28 December.
Sunthorn Museum
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Situated at 82/10 Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near Lotus
Supermarket), this is an private museum operated by Mr. Sunthorn
Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different
periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the World War Periods, various
kinds and types of old clock, lamps, children toys made out
of zinc, Raios, Irons, type writers, Fans and sewing machines
which are still bing maintained in good condition.
House of Museums
The House of Museums is located at 170/17 Mu 17, Khlong Pho
Land, Soi Khlong Pho 2, Sala Thammasop Road, Thawi Watthana,
Bangkok 10170. It is accessible by driving along Phutthamonthon
Sai 2 Road toward the railway track or Khlong Maha Sawat. At
the end of the road, turn left onto Sala Thammasop Road and
follow the sign to the museum. The exhibition features a collection
of old as well as modern items of various uses of both townspeople
and villagers such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen and
household utensils, forming a legacy of the past to be inherited
by the present. The modern 3½-storey building of 3 chambers
covers a total area of 232 square metres. The first floor lends
an old atmosphere of shop houses before 1957 including a café,
drugstore, barber’s, etc. There are rooms displaying alternate
exhibitions on various topics, as well. The House of Museums
is open during 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends only. Admission fees
are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
Canal Tours A voyage through time
Bangkok’s history is so closely connected to the waterways.
It used to have so many canals that it was often called “The
Venice of The East”. Rattanakosin Island came into existence
when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong constructed to fortify
Bangkok.
Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai,
takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras and
up to modern Bangkok.
The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side of the
Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi side to venture
up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. These journeys take you
to fascinating places such as The Royal Barge Museum and the
colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station.
On the way you will see a different side of life as you pass
the homes of the klong-dwellers. Each home seems to have its
own boat, be it a small canoe or a “hang yao” the long-tailed
boats powered by car or truck engines and a propeller on a long
shaft that acts as both propulsion and steerage.
The contrast continues as you pass into idyllic rural pockets
where villagers grow fruit, vegetables and orchids which are
sent to markets on the long-tailed boats. You’ll see children
on there way to or from school and saffron robed monks travelling
to their klong-side temples. You may even come across Thai women
in boats selling “boat noodles”, drinks, snacks and fruit.
Most organized canal tours take you to a floating market at
Taling Chan in Thonburi that operates from 8.30 a.m. until noon.
It is usually crowded with other tourists.
How to get there: Tour boats depart from the pier beside the
Oriental Hotel, at River City and Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.
Royal Barge National Museum
The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events
in the world. It is performed occasionally during the Tod Kathin
Buddhist Festival when H.M. The King delivers new robes to the
monks at Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around
the world when it was specially staged for the 2003 APEC Conference
in Bangkok and broadcast live to the participating countries.
These ornately decorated boats are maintained by the Royal Thai
Navy and docked at The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok
Noi canal on the Thonburi side.
The most impressive and important boat is the King’s personal
barge, Suphanahong which was built in 1911. It is 46 metres
in length hewn from a single tree and covered with intricate
gilt carvings and colourful pieces of glass. The design is representative
of a mythical swan. The crew consists of 54 oarsmen who paddle
in time to the rhythmic beat of a drummer.
The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels . Each is a masterpiece
of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety
of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman
and the seven heads of Naga.
In formation the fleet travels in rows five abreast and more
than one kilometer from the leading barge to those at the rear.
These are proplelled by 2,082 specially trained naval personnel
A visit to The Royal Barge National Museum will give you an
insight into the colourful culture of Thailand.
How to get there: by Chao Phraya Ferry cross the river at Tha
Pra Chan Pier near Thammasat University to Bangkok Noi (Thonburi)
Train Station Pier or by chartered boat from Tha Chang Pier.
Bang Lamphu One of the oldest
parts of town
Bang Lamphu district has become famous over recent years due
to the emergence of Khao San Road as the popular destination
for the world’s young budget travellers. The area has an interesting
history as it is located in the Rattanakosin Island area.
It gets its name from the “lamphu trees” that used to grow here.
This tree has vertical roots and is a favourite gathering spot
for fireflies. The canal that makes Bang Lamphu part of Rattanakosin
Island was dug during the reign of King Rama I and has had many
names including Klong Ong Ang because there used to be a community
here making the big earthenware pots called “ong”.
The first palace was built here by Princess Chakjesda, a relative
of King Rama I. Although the palace has now gone, a small part
of a wall remains on Phra Sumen Road, opposite the hexagonal-shaped
Phra Sumen Fort. This fort is one of the original 13 constructed
to defend Bangkok.
Bang Lamphu has been the location of many of the major events
in Thailand’s recent history. The Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen
Klang Road has been the rallying point for many political movements.
There is a house on Phra Arthit Road, where Pridi Banomyong
lived when he established the “Seri Thai” organization to fight
the Japanese occupation during World War II.
Today, Bang Lamphu is an interesting mix of buildings built
over a century ago in the colonial style side by side with modern
buildings and shophouses. It is well worth a visit to what is
possibly Bangkok’s first suburb.
Khao San Road Where the world’s young travellers meet
Khao San Road is a favourite crossroads for the young travellers
on a budget. It has evolved over the last two decades from just
one small hostel providing low-budget accommodation become one
of the world’s most well-known destinations. It has been featured
in many movies and television documentaries.
During the day, Khao San Road is the scene for back-packers
looking for a cheap room while others are arranging transport
to their next destination in Thailand or overseas. Some will
be just chatting with friends over a cup of coffee or a bowl
of noodles.
At night, it turns into a lively thoroughfare lined with street
stalls selling cheap clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs and thousands
of other items. The lights are on at the many bars where the
travellers tell tales of the day’s adventures and discoveries
and the plans for tomorrow. Khao San Road is not just for foreign
travellers, many young Thai people like to hang out there, including
members of the TV and film production industries.
The location is very convenient for visiting the many tourist
attractions on Rattanakosin Island. It is just a 10-minute walk
to Sanam Luang and The Grand Palace.
During April when Thais celebrate the Songkran Festival, Khao
San Road becomes a fun-filled battleground as everyone, Thais
and foreigners endulge in splashing each other with water.
The area is also well-known for the wide variety of inexpensive
food. This ranges from spicy Thai Tom Yum Gung soup to the ever-popular
banana pancake.
King Rama I the Great Memorial
Built in commemoration of Bangkok’s 150th anniversary celebrations
in 1932, the monument is situated at the foot of Pathom Boromrachanuson
or Rama I the Great Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side. King
Rama I was the first king in the Royal House of Chakri and founder
of Bangkok as the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, as Thailand
was formerly known. He was born in Ayutthaya, one of Thailand’s
former capitals, on 20 March, 1736, accessed to the throne on
6 April, 1782, and passed away 27 years later.
King Rama III Memorial
The monument was built by the Fine Arts Department in 1990 near
the Royal Reception Pavilion in front of Wat Ratchanatdaram
on Ratchadamnoen Road. The bronze statue, half larger than life
size, is seated on a throne. The surrounding area is decorated
with beautiful plants, with the Royal Reception Pavilion and
three minor pavilions known as Sala Rai nearby.
Maenam Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya River is the most important waterway in Thailand.
Boats of all sizes ply this river ranging from huge container
ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. Its most
recognized water transporters are the rice barges and the long-tail
boats. Then there are cross river ferries and the river express
boats serving as water-born buses bringing commuters to the
city from as far up-river as Nonthaburi.
A cruise on the Chao Phraya River gives you a new perspective
on Bangkok as you pass by the imposing Prangs of Wat Arun, the
majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
You’ll see a different side of commerce as huge lines of rice
barges are towed by a small tugboat and other barges carrying
cargo as diverse as sand and gravel, even soft drinks and beer.
There are a number of ways you can experience life on the river.
You can take a voyage on a luxuriously converted rice barge
leaving from Bangkok on a leisurely journey all the way up to
the ancient capital at Ayutthaya. There are also purpose-built
luxury cruisers making the same trip. Or you can see the river
life the same way the locals do by catching a river express
boat.
There are converted rice barges and Chinese junks that offer
lunch and dinner cruises. The evening dinner cruise can be particularly
romantic, sipping fine wine at a candle-lit table.
For those who want a more budget-priced journey, there are small
river boats that are available for hire by the hour.
Monument to the Expeditionary Force
Near a northern corner of Sanam Luang stands a monument to the
Thai expeditionary force that fought in the European battlefield
during World War I. After war broke out in 1914, Thailand joined
the Allied Army to declare war on Germany and sent militia to
Europe on 20 June, 1918. Upon their return to Thailand on 21
September, 1919, the ashes of dead veterans were taken to be
enshrined here on 24 September, 1919.
National Gallery Museum
Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the
museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created
by Thai artists.
Pak Khlong Talat
London has its Covent Garden, Paris has Les Halles, Bangkok
has Pak Khlong Talat which is the biggest fresh flower market
in the city.
The Thai people have a great appreciation for fresh flowers,
both for the beauty and the fragrance. This is where those who
have time and the florists come to buy their flowers at wholesale
prices.
The variety includes roses, daisies and more exotic species
such as orchids in every colour and shade imaginable.
Most of the flowers are grown in the neighbouring provinces
of Nakhon Prathom, Samut Sakon and Samut Songkram although the
best roses come from the cooler climate in Chiang Mai and Chiang
Rai.
Unfortunately, the main activities at the market take place
late at night and in the early morning but there are flower
sellers there all day and in the surrounding streets.
Rommaninat Park
This is a public park built on the old prison grounds on Mahachai
Road near Wat Suthat. The Corrections Museum inside the park
displays instruments of punishment and evolution of punishment
in Thailand.
Sanam Luang or Thung Phra Men
A vast open ground situated near the northern wall of the Grand
Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or
Wang Na. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the
ground was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location
for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus,
otherwise called as ‘Thung Phra Men’ which means the crematorium
ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King
Rama IV had the ground renamed as ‘Thong Sanam Luang’, or the
Royal Ground, and the rice farming there cancelled. Later, King
Rama V had the Wang Na’s eastern wall demolished and the area
of Sanam Luang enlarged to cover a total of 78 rai as it does
nowadays. The place has been used as the crematorium ground
for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition,
to being a royal sporting ground. The king also had 365 tamarind
trees planted around it.
Saranrom Park
Located near the Grand Palace between Rachini and Charoenkrung
roads, this park was originally a royal garden in the Saranrom
Palace. At the south end of the park is a marble monument dedicated
to HM Queen Sunantha Kumareerat and HRH Prince Kannaporn Phetcharat,
who died in a boating accident in the reign of King Rama V.
The City Pillar Shrine
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 city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald
Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the city’s horoscope
inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as
Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high.
In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was
replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring
270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered
by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also
houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho
Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup
and Phra Kan Chai Si.
The Grand Palace
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings
within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur
architectural style.
Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nation’s capital by King
Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol
of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family
resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used
for ceremonial purposes.
The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built
for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama
V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural
landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly
used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception
areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room
on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes
of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.
Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of
King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne,
he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding
Kings also resided here at one time or another.
The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household
Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation
area for the royal women and children.
Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai
where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of
the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.
How to go there:The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS
Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River
Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk
from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.
Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special
Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress
appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to
both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers,
as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or
quarter length trousers can not be worn.
Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled
up.
Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and
fisherman trousers can not be worn.
The National Museum
A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand
And how people lived during the different periods. It gives
you a view through the windows of the past.
The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang
to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V.
The foundation collection was previously stored at The Grand
Palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.
King Rama VII placed it under the administration of the Royal
Institute of Literature, Archeology and Fine Arts which has
evolved to be the Fine Arts Department.
New buildings were constructed in 1967 and other historical
buildings relocated to the museum grounds.
The Buddhaisawan Chapel was built in 1787 to enshrine a revered
northern Buddha image called Phra Buddha Si Hing. The interior
has exceptional murals, while the building itself is a fine
example of Rattanakosin religious architecture.
Tamnak Daeng is another building that has been moved to the
Museum. This “Red House” was originally the residence of an
elder sister of King Rama I. Furniture and other items from
early Bangkok times.
The National Museum’ collection encompasses a wide range of
religious and secular art found throughout the country. Items
from pre-historic times, through the Srivijaya, Dvaravati, Khmer
Kingdoms and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods
of Thai history.
These include Neolithic tools, painted pots and bronze objects
unearthed in the northeast. Thai Buddhist art exhibits feature
images in stone, bronze and terracotta as well as illustrated
scripture books manuscript cabinets and votive plaques.
The Museum also has a large collection of miscellaneous items
such as Thai and Chinese ceramics, theatrical costumes, palanquins,
weapons and assorted items used in royal households.
Guided tours are given free by volunteers in English and French
starting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tours are
also given in German on Thursdays and in Japanese on Wednesdays
of the first & the third week of each month. Guided tours in
some other languages can be arranged.
Vimanmek Mansion Museum
This is the world’s largest golden teak building located in
the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey
royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing
fin de siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in English is
provided to visitors.
Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various
items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol’s photography,
H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created
by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks,
ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Wat Bowon Niwet
This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu
area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi,
a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in about 1357.
This is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose
one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the
throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej had resided here during their monkhood.
Wat Intharawihan
It is an awesome feeling to stand before this Buddha image that
reaches to the sky at 32 metres tall.
During the reign of King Rama I he suppressed a rebellion in
Laos and brought members of the Lao royal family to settle in
this area. One of these was Chao Inthawong, who was a devout
Buddhist, helped to restore the local temple which is now Wat
Intharawihan.
In 1867, Somdej Phra Buddhachan started the construction of
this giant Buddha called Luang Pho To, logs and structural steel
were used as alternate abutments. After his death in 1872 construction
continued until completion in 1927. This spanned the reigns
of King Rama IV to King Rama VII.
Luang Pho To stands 32 metres tall and is 11 metres wide. As
it faces east, it is best photographed in morning light.
On two occasions, in 1964 and 1967, Their Majesties The King,
The Queen and their children covered this statue of Buddha at
the Topknot and forehead with gold leaves.
The Topknot contains relics of The Lord Buddha which were donated
by the Government of Sri Lanka and placed there in 1978 by H.R.H
The Crown Prince Vachiralongkorn.
For Bangkok’s Bi-Centennial Celebrations in 1982, the then Abbot,
Phra Khru Woraphattikhun carried out restoration including decoration
with 24 K golden mosaics from Italy.
Devotees believe that Luang Pho To can bless everyone with success,
particularly if they present the head of a mackerel fish, a
boiled egg and a lei of flowers.
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in the center
of old Bangkok, gives you an opportunity to see both the Giant
Swing and one of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding
area is also worth exploring as there are many shops selling
religious items.
The building of the temple was commissioned by King Rama I,
the founder of Bangkok, in 1807. Its location in the center
of Rattanakosin Island. This was in keeping with the Buddhist
belief that it is like Mount Phra Sumeru being the center of
the universe. Phra Sri Sakayamunee, the principal Buddha image,
was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai to be placed in Phra
Wihan Luang in Wat Suthat in 1808.
Wat Suthat is surrounded by an impressive wall 1.94 metres high
and 0.85 metres thick. There are a total of 15 doorways leading
into the temple compound. Within the temple grounds the most
important building is the Phra Wihan Luang which is the Royal
Temple. The mural paintings, covering all the interior walls
are some of the finest to be seen anywhere. Each has stone inscriptions
describing the pictures.
Surrounding the Royal Temple is Phra Wihan Khot terrace which
is really impressive with 156 Buddha statues, mostly in the
seated meditative attitude called Smathi.
The chapel, Phra Ubosot at Wat Suthat is possibly the most beautiful
in Thailand and is also the largest measuring 72.25 metres in
length and 22.60 metres in width.
There are four pavilions (sala) within the compound that are
elevated to the height of the temples walls. These are used
for various royal functions and for viewing the previous functions
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The annual ceremony was held up until the 1930s but was discontinued
to the high fatality rate as young men tried to swing high enough
to grab a sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air. Cheap
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Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand
Located at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University
Pathumwan, the institute was established to help develop and
support the gem and jewellery industry of Thailand. It is dedicated
to the collection, preservation, study and display of gems,
jewellery and gemmological equipment. There are also gem identification
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Jim Thompson's Museum
This exquisite collection of traditional Thai house stands as
a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after
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The story of James H.W. Thompson is one upon legends are made.
After serving in the U.S.A. armed forces, Jim Thompson settled
in Thailand and found the tremendous opportunity to re-establish
the Thai silk industry. In recognition of his services to the
country, he was bestowed the royal award of “The Order of the
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The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized
worldwide for its brilliant creations. Cheap
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He was an avid collector Asian artefacts and antiques and The
Jim Thompson's House is possibly the epitome of his collection.
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Before his mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highland
in Malaysia in 1967, his house was the “talk of the town” where
he entertained his friends and visitors including the like of
Somerset Maugham. Cheap
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The house sits on approximately a half acre of land on Mahanak
Canal. Ban Khrua village where his silk weavers lived and worked.
Is just on the other side of the canal. To build the house he
gathered 6 original traditional teak structure from different
parts of the country and brought carpenter from Ayutthaya who
completed the house in 1959. Cheap
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The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle
imitating nature’s haphazard beauty right in the center of the
city. Cheap
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Jim Thompson’s connoisseur collection of antiques and artifacts
is on permanent exhibition, making this a magnificent museum
of the lifestyle of the legend. Cheap
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Lumphini Park
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Holidays Bangkok The green zone in
the city
This is where businessmen, tourists and Bangkok residents come
to jog. Older folks practice their Tai Chi while others just
relax in the fresh environment.
Lumphini Park was originally an open field called “Sala Field”,
the private property of King Rama VI. In 1925 he donated it
to the nation as the first public park. The name “Lumphini”
comes from the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The park was used
as a fair ground and as the site for The Siamrath Phiphithapan
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Covering an area of 58 hectares, Lumphini Park has so much to
offer visitors right in the center of the city. The lush, green
lawns are ideal for family picnics, while the two lakes have
paddle and rowing boats for rent. Throughout the park there
are vendors selling cool drinks and snacks. For the literary
minded, there is a public library located within the park. Another
way to exercise the brain is to sit at one of the many tables
that are used for playing oriental board games such as checkers
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During the cooler months of the year, December and January,
there are free concerts titled “Sundays in the park.” These
concerts feature a whole range of musical entertainment from
The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra to rock bands, traditional ensembles
and Thai country music called “ Luk Tung”. The performances
start at 5.00 p.m. and seating is on mats on the grass. The
early bird gets the best position. Cheap
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Museum of Imaging Technology Cheap
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The first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand
and Asia, is located at the same building as the Faculty of
Science, Chulalongkorn University on Phaya Thai Road. Historic
photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological
evolution are collected and displayed. Modern photographic arts,
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Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm) Cheap
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The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is a popular attraction
for both tourists and scientists, right in the heart of Bangkok.
Here you can see some very venomous snakes actually doing good
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Thailand is the habitat for many varieties of venomous snakes
as well as harmless species. Under the auspices of the Thai
Red Cross Society, the snake farm was established and officially
opened on November 22, 1923 to extract venom from the snakes
in order to study and develop anti-venom serum to treat snake
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The poisonous snakes that are indigenous to Thailand are cobra,
king cobra, banded krait, Russell’s viper, some pit vipers and
sea snakes. These venomous snakes are provided by Thai farmers
who are also snake catchers by profession. The snake farm pays
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The normal procedure for extracting the venom is through the
use of a glass receptacle with a membrane cover. The snake handler
holds the snake just behind the head and places the glass receptacle
for the snake to bite into the membrane. The venom flows into
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Visitors can see the extraction of the venom at scheduled times
and wander through the breeding and holding areas to see the
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Shopping Street - Siam Square to Chidlom Cheap
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Bangkok’s Fashion City Cheap
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This is the major shopping area of Bangkok. It is very popular
with tourists and Thais, particularly young, fashion-conscious
Thai girls. The area started to develop around Siam Square in
the late sixties when Chulalongkorn University utilized its
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Since then, it has continued to progress with new shopping centers
being built even now. Starting from the Pathumwan junction it
stretches all the way to Wireless Road.
The original development, Siam Square, is particularly popular
with university students and young Thai’s who have just started
their business careers. There is a well-used phrase on mobile
phone calls “Meet you at Siam”. Opposite Siam Square is Siam
Center which was the first western-style air-conditioned shopping
complex in Thailand. Now this area has many other shopping complexes.
The next section in this area is around the Ratchadamri and
Ratchaprasong intersection where there are a selection of 5-star
hotels and major shopping complexes catering for the more up-market
shoppers. Many of the world’s leading fashion designers have
boutiques in this locale.
The Central World Plaza is the largest complex in this area
and the site for Bangkok’s New Year Countdown celebrations.
During the cooler months of November to January, the major breweries
sponsor the setting up of beer gardens on the plaza in front.
The last point on this Fashion City map is Central Chidlom,
another upmarket department store. This is at the Chidlom and
Lang Suan intersection. Soi Lang Suan has many condominiums
and a variety of restaurants and bars catering to the more affluent
members of society.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar A fun place to shop and dine
The Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a great place for an inexpensive
night out that offers fabulous shopping, restaurant or food
court dining, live entertainment and a superb choice of beers.
The shopping area is well laid out with neat streets lined on
both sides with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs,
and a myriad of other items. There are alleyways between the
main streets, which are crammed with smaller stalls offering
great bargains. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you might
find here.
Spread throughout the complex, are many restaurants and bars.
The range of cuisine is quite extensive including Thai and Chinese
seafood, Indian, Japanese and German. As you wander along the
main street, you’ll see The Joe Louis Puppet Theatre. This is
truly unique. This is a puppet theatre presenting performances
of the ”Ramakien”. With three puppeteers manipulating each puppet.
They are in full view of the audience and even come off the
stage.
The main attraction at Suan Lum Night Bazaar is the huge beer
garden and food court covering an area about the size of two
football fields. On three sides there are stall selling a delicious
variety of food cooked before your eyes. There are also beer
stalls on the right hand side offering all the local beers,
many imported brands and some local brews from micro breweries
in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The center piece is a large stage where the latest lacal and
foreign hit songs are performed by a variety of singers with
their back up dancers. Great entertainment for free. All the
food and drink stalls operate on a coupon system so it is easy
to keep track of your spending.
Sukhumvit Road Where us
foreigners live and hang out
Sukhumvit Road runs all the way from the railway crossing at
Ploenchit to the Cambodian Border in Trat. But the section from
the first soi to Soi 55 is the one relevant to this presentation
as it has much to offer visitors and locals alike.
There are restaurants all the way along Sukhumvit Road and in
just about every side street. These cover just about every cuisine
known to man. The area around Soi Nana at the beginning of Sukhumvit
Road has many restaurants, particularly those serving Middle
Eastern and Indian cuisine. This area is also well-known for
its lively bar scene.
There are many hotels ranging from 5-star to cheaper establishment
in the area from Soi Nana to Asoke Road. There are also a variety
of international fast food restaurants as well as those serving
French, Italian, Japanese and Korean in addition to Thai and
Thai-Chinese meals. Another street of bars, Soi Cowboy, is just
past Asoke Road.
The restaurants and hotels continue up Sukhumvit Road and all
the side streets. There is a beautiful park, Benchasiri Park,
just before you reach The Emporium, yet another high class shopping
center. The condominiums in this area have a high number of
expatriate Japanese families residing here, so there are more
Japanese restaurants and bars in this locale. Some call it “Little
Tokyo”.
Soi 55, also known as Soi Thonglor, is another street of restaurants
and shops catering to the well-to-do. Opposite the entrance
to Soi Thonglor on Sukhumvit Road, is a small soi that fills
up at night with a multitude of food vendors and their carts
serving supper into the early morning.
Pratunam
Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok that
has a highly-deserved reputation among bargain shoppers.
Passing through the area, you will see many shops on the main
roads. But the real activity is in the market hidden behind
the stalls and shops. Here you’ll find a huge variety of low
cost clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, watches, electronic
gadgets and all sorts of souvenirs. It is usually very congested
as there are many eager shoppers looking for their bargains.
Pratunam is the location for Thailand’s tallest building, the
Baiyok Tower. This is the major wholesale center for the garment
trade. It is very popular with minor and major international
traders, particularly those from Africa. There is even an African
restaurant nearby.
Bargain hunters looking for good deals on computers, accessories
and software flock to Pantip Plaza, which is now known throughout
the world for its low prices.
Suan Pakkad Palace
A visit to this exquisite collection of traditional Thai homes,
set in beautiful gardens, gives you an insight into the appreciation
of art and gardening by members of the Royal Family.
Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy
this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong
Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip.
They took up permanent residence there after World War II.
The compound contains seven traditional houses that display
the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs.
Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and religious
artifacts are displayed in House 1. The reception area of House
2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid
with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will
be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin,
nielloware and ceramics.
Princess Chumbhot’s extensive mineral collection is on show
in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery.
The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils
and figurines in House 6.
The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon
Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes,
accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and
the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban
Chiang art and culture.
Victory Monument
The monument is situated on Phahonyothin Road. It was constructed
in 1941 under the premiership of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram
in order to praise the heroic deeds of soldiers, policemen and
civilians who sacrificed their lives in a dispute between Thailand
and France on the demarcation between Thailand and other Indochinese
nations. The dispute ended with a compromise being agreed by
the two parties, and 59 casualties. Victory Monument was, therefore,
established as a memorial to their bravery.
China Town The largest outside
of China
Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just
about anything day or night.
The main thoroughfare through Chinatown is Yaowarat Road, which
is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. It was built during
the reign of King Rama V. On each side of the road, there is
a network of streets and alleys lined with shops selling all
sorts of things. In many of these streets you’ll find shops
side by side selling the same items.
There is an old fresh food market called Trok Isarnuphap where
leading chefs from all over Bangkok shop for the finest and
freshest ingredients for their restaurant menus.
The largest outside of China
Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just
about anything day or night.
The main thoroughfare through Chinatown is Yaowarat Road, which
is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. It was built during
the reign of King Rama V. On each side of the road, there is
a network of streets and alleys lined with shops selling all
sorts of things. In many of these streets you’ll find shops
side by side selling the same items.
There is an old fresh food market called Trok Isarnuphap where
leading chefs from all over Bangkok shop for the finest and
freshest ingredients for their restaurant menus.
A visit at night will take you to a food street where you sit
on stools watching your meal being prepared, then enjoying the
delicious cuisine washed down by tea or a cold beer.
Phahurat Indian Market
This is the place to come to buy fabrics and to enjoy Indian
cuisine. Phahurat Market is a small Indian community on the
fringe of Chinatown. Most of the merchants are Indian Sikhs
who are involved in the textile trade.
They have a unique way of greeting female shoppers, calling
each one “Khunying” which is a Thai royal title similar to the
English “Lady”. Their selection of fabrics is the best in Bangkok,
particularly the Indian cottons and silk.
There are many vendors selling ready made goods including shoulder
bags which are at unbelievable low prices.
Wat Trai Mit
Have you ever seen five and a half tons of gold? Wat Trai Mit,
near the Bangkok Railway Station at Hua Lamphong, is home to
the famous Golden Buddha which is 3 metres high.
The Golden Buddha is believed to be 700 to 800 years old as
it is in the Mara attitude, typical of the Sukhothai era. It
was installed at Wat Phrayakrai in the Yannawa area of Bangkok
during the reign of King Rama III where it stayed until 1931.
The temple had fallen out of use and was abandoned so the Ecclesiastical
Commission had it relocated at Wat Trai Mit. At this time, no
one seemed to know that it was made of pure gold.
Then in 1955, Reverend Phra Visutha-thibordee, the presiding
abbot at the temple had supervised the construction of the temple
building to house the Buddha. When it was being moved into its
new position, the covering plaster was damaged revealing what
was inside - Buddha image cast in 18 carat gold.
It is believed that the original Golden Buddha was disguised
under the plaster covering to hide it from enemies during the
Ayutthaya period. Photographs of different stages of the plaster
removal are displayed in the Wihan.
Wat Sa Ket and The Golden Mount
This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance
for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up
to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.
The Golden Mount is on a man-made hill with a diameter of 500
metres and soars 100 metres to the sky. There was a small chedi
on this site and after it collapsed, King Rama III commissioned
the constructed of a much larger one which was completed during
the reign of King Rama V.
In 1877, King Rama V brought the Buddha relic in the custody
of the Royal Chakri family from the Grand Palace to the Royal
Pavilion at Wat Saket. It was then enshrined in the in the pagoda
on top of the Golden Mount.
Two decades later, Marquis Curzon, the British Viceroy of India,
presented more Buddha relics near the Nepalese border to King
Rama V. These were enshrined in a bronze pagoda in 1899 and
installed on the top of the Golden Mount.
The temple, Wat Saket, was built during the reign of King Rama
I and is the location for a festival each November that includes
a climb to the top of the Golden Mount.
Science Centre for Education
Situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit
Road, this is an exhibition centre on a variety of scientific
knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium
as well as permanent exhibitions of sports science, communication
technology and natural environment.
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Situated in the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway
Park), the garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It
comprises an activity ground, exhibition area, feed breeding
room, embryo breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly
garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering an area
of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high,
built from an open framework for good ventilation. The garden
area connects to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park. It is
a natural study room ideal for learning and being a source of
information as well as exchange of knowledge about butterflies
and insects, their life cycles and being. The garden is open
daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Chao Phraya River Cruise “The River
of Kings”
The Chao Phraya River is the most important waterway in Thailand.
Boats of all sizes ply this river ranging from huge container
ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. Its most
recognized water transporters are the rice barges and the long-tail
boats. Then there are cross river ferries and the river express
boats serving as water-born buses bringing commuters to the
city from as far up-river as Nonthaburi.
A cruise on the Chao Phraya River gives you a new perspective
on Bangkok as you pass by the imposing Prangs of Wat Arun, the
majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
You’ll see a different side of commerce as huge lines of rice
barges are towed by a small tugboat and other barges carrying
cargo as diverse as sand and gravel, even soft drinks and beer.
There are a number of ways you can experience life on the river.
You can take a voyage on a luxuriously converted rice barge
leaving from Bangkok on a leisurely journey all the way up to
the ancient capital at Ayutthaya. There are also purpose-built
luxury cruisers making the same trip. Or you can see the river
life the same way the locals do by catching a river express
boat.
There are converted rice barges and Chinese junks that offer
lunch and dinner cruises. The evening dinner cruise can be particularly
romantic, sipping fine wine at a candle-lit table.
For those who want a more budget-priced journey, there are small
river boats that are available for hire by the hour.
Rare Stone Museum
Located on Charoenkrung Road between Soi 26 and Soi 28 in Bang
Rak area, the museum features a fascinating display of over
ten thousand rare stones from Thailand and all over the world.
Exhibits include precious stones, fossils, crystals, stalactites
and more. Collections of ashtrays and cigarette labels are also
on display.
Silom Road The business heart of
the country
Like so much of Bangkok, Silom Road is a street of contrasts.
The glass-clad office towers are populated by bankers, investors,
corporate lawyers and the like, while on the kerbside there
are young people selling cheap clothing and trinkets.
Starting at the southern end, you’ll find the “The Gem Capital
of The World” where there are many jewellery shops and out of
sight in the offices, gem traders from around the world are
negotiating with their Thai counterparts.
In this area there is also a Indian temple where devotees stage
colourful festivals according to their Hindu gods.
The mid-section of Silom Road is mainly office buildings with
some more jewellery shops, handicrafts and bronzeware shops.
There is a small lane beside the Bangkok Bank headquarters building
called Soi La Lai Sap which becomes very crowded at lunchtime
as the female office workers shop for inexpensive cosmetics
and clothes. There are also stall where they have their midday
meal.
On the northern end there are more office blocks and some department
stores as well as many international fast food restaurants.
And of course more kerbside vendors selling fried bananas.
The last side street on the northern end is Soi Thaniya which
is like a “Little Tokyo” with its many bars and restaurants
catering to an exclusive Japanese clientele.
Thai Boxing Thailand’s most famous sport Thai kick boxing is a very exciting spectator sport. The
agility of the contestants is simply amazing. In Thailand we
call it “Muay Thai”. Its popularity has spread world wide and
many young foreign men come to Thailand to train under Thai
coaches. Some of these have gone on to become world champions.
“Muay Thai” is thought to have originated in the early
part of the Ayutthaya period as a form of unarmed combat. Competitions
were usually staged at temple fairs and were accompanied by
a small 3-piece traditional music ensemble.
Each contest starts with the contestants paying respects to
their trainers to the accompaniment of the ensemble. When the
bout begins, the tempo of the music increases adding an aural
enhancement to the frantic action in the ring.
Today it is a professional sport with training camps located
in just about every province. For many poor country boys, it
is the road from rags to riches. Many professional fighters
take on the names of their sponsors. So you will see fighters
with the same name as products such as a can of paint. It is
all part of the uniqueness of this sport.
Some of the Thai beach resort areas have training camps specifically
for foreigners who want to learn the techniques. These camps
usually arrange contests between their foreign students and
Thai exponents of the sport.
Dining Out:
With gastronomic choice galore, eating out in Bangkok is fun
amazing and inexpensive. In this remarkable city, visitors can
experience a cosmopolitan feast of diverse cultures and styles.
Eating places range from five-star restaurants to food shops,
cafe and street-side stalls and food carts. Thai food,both authentic
and nouvelle dishes, can be found almost everywhere at small,
sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly ornate ones, along
the pavements, and in the markets. In Nagkok the food is good
everywhere at small, sparingly decorated restaurants or lavishly
ornate ones, along the pavements, and in the markets.
Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown never sleeps. The area houses
some of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in the
city, along with many of the best and cheapest food stalls,
especially at night. The restaurants mostly specialise in southern
Chinese cooking, withnoodles, seafood and, at lunchtime, dim
sum dumplings dominating the menus. Large restaurants line the
bustling Yaowarat Road, but venturing into sois, or lanes, will
lead you to less impressive yet equally enjoyable establishments.
At night the streets electricfies the almosphere of the streets.
Ad Hoc seafood stalls line the sidewalks, drawing such crowds
that late-comers have to wait for seats.
Pahurat
Known as Bangkok's Little India, the confined alleyways around
Pahurat area accommodate a number of authentic Indian restaurants,
particularly those offering North Indian cuisine. Alternatively,
other subcontinental foods such as Punjabi and Pakistani are
also plentifully available. The atmosphere around Pahurat is
less chaotic than Yaowarat, yet the vivacity can still be felt
in this small but thriving neighbourhood.
Soi Lang Suan
Fashionable restaurants in Soi Lang Suan present interesting
eating possibilities at medium to high prices, Also home to
some of the most popular jazz pubs in the city, the street's
flashy atmosphere attracts the money crowd in droves after sundown.
Like Sukhumvit Road, Lang Suan offers a divese mix of Thai,
Asian, and European influences aided by specialised-oriented
Whole Earth restaurant and the Chinese favourite Nguan Lee.
Bang Lamphu
Shoestring travellers flock to Bang Lamphu, especially the area
around Khao San Road. Most eating places in this area cater
for budget-conscious diners. Many guesthouses on Khao San Road
have open-air cafes serving standard Thai and Chinese dishes.
Other decent possibilities include Indian, Jewish, and Muslim
restaurants. Many unassuming Chinese dim sum and noodle places
may be found along the adjacent Phra Athit Road. Bold exploration
is advised in this interesting neightbourhood.
Silom Road
Several food streets are linked to this road in Bangkok's busiest
area. Many restaurants are found along the main thoroughfare,
but there is an even greater number tucked away in its side
alleys. As if awakened by street lights, seafoood stallls sprout
along the section near Saladaeng Intersection after sunset until
late at night. The nearby Convent Road offers everything from
Italian, Swiss, Californian to an Irish tavern. Opposite, a
crush of Japanese restaurants makes Soi Thaniya into a lively
walkway for Japanese visitors and sushi lovers of all nationalities.
Thai food is available in palace style and street style, side
by side. The best selection of the formercan be found in Soi
Pipat. Dozens of vendors sell quick meals such as "kuai tiao"
noodle and "Khao kaeng" curry rice. Siam Square
This shopping area is crammed with medium to high-priced eateries
as well as American fast-food outlets. Whether you crave for
Thai, European, or Chinese foods, there is a place for you somewhere
in this fashionable area. Traditional Thai restaurants are flanked
by gaudy fast-food franchises and Japanese suki parlours. Soi
1 has conventional Chinese restaurants. Bangkok's branch of
Hard Rock Cafe is just up the street. Dozens of food stalls
sell meatballs, grilled squid, and fried bananas along the walkways
that connect the main streets.
Sukhumvit Road
Cosmopolitan cuisine is the theme of Sukhumvit Road, one of
the Bangkok's most stylish thoroughfares. There is no shortage
of eating placces on Sukhumvit Road. European, American, Italian,
French, British, German, Mexican, Japanese, Indian and Thai
restaurants living along the road and presenting a variety of
options in terms of menus, atmosphere, and prices. Sukhumvit
55, also knowm as Soi Thonglor, and its labyrinthine branches
are also full of restaurants of every kind. Sukhumvit Sois 23,
24, 47, 49 and 63 are typically sophisticated restaurant streets.
Nightlife:
Bangkok has a reputation for wild and rowdy nightlife. In fact,
'sanook' or 'fun' would be a better description. The city's
nightlife is relaxed, safe and very enjoyable. You don't need
to dress up, and you won't break the bank. The city's nightlife
goes way beyond the over-worn naughty image from the Vietnam
days. And it really does go on around the clock.
For tourists, the main centers for evening entertainment are
concentrated around Silom Road (Patpong, Thaniya, Silom Soi
2 and 4), Sukhumvit (Soi Nana, Soi Cowboy, Soi 33) and most
recently Khao San Road. First-class hotels are often good centers
for nightclubs and discotheques, which are generally quite cheap
and of very good standard. Pubs and bars can be found all over
the city, many specializing in live music and usually offering
food as well.
Need to Know:
Airport Directions Taxi: From
Don Muang international and domestic terminals, 30-45 mins to
the city centre, up to 60 mins to hotels along Sukhumvit Road,
but depends very much on the time of day
Transport
The skytrain and subway systems, together forming a giant rectangle
across central Bangkok, have revolutionised the commuting experience.
Inexpensive and fast. Otherwise, metered taxis are cheap and
easily hailed.
CurrencyThai baht
Time Zone
GMT +7 hours
Cost of Living
Compared to European capitals, Bangkok is inexpensive.
Holidays to Dubai, Cheap
Flights to Dubai, Flights to Dubai, Holidays to Dubai, Cheap
Flights to Dubai, Flights to Dubai Dial Codes
Thailand +66; city 02, but drop zero when calling from abroad
Etiquette
Dress neatly, don't point at people with your fingers or your
feet, never make light of the royal family and, remember, a
smile goes a long way.
Visas
Citizens of most Western countries are granted entry for 30
days without a visa. For longer stays or business visits, contact
a Thai embassy for information.
Health and Hospital
In emergencies, ambulance (02) 255 1133, police 191
Embassy Numbers
Australia (02) 287 2680; Austria (02) 287 3970; Canada (02)
636 0540; France (02) 256 9306; Germany (02) 287 9000; Irish
consulate (02) 223 0876; Italy (02) 285 4090; Japan (02) 252
6151; South Africa (02) 253 8473; Spain (02) 252 6112; UK (02)
253 0191; US (02) 205 4000
Language
Thai
Public Holidays
New Year's Day (Jan 1); Maha Puja (Feb full moon); Chakri Day
(Apr 6); Songkran (Apr 13-15); Labour Day (May 1); Coronation
Day (May 5); Ploughing Ceremony (early May); Visakha Puja (May
full moon); Asanha Puja (July full moon); Khao Pansa (day after
Asanha Puja); Queen's Birthday (Aug 12); Chulalongkorn Day (Oct
23); King's Birthday (Dec 5); Constitution Day (Dec 10); New
Year's Eve (Dec 31)
Safety
Quite safe. Keep an eye on wallet, purse and possessions, especially
where tourists congregate.
