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Bangkok
Travel Guide
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| Bangkok
Introduction |
Bangkok
is one of Asia's most popular cities. Created 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.
Major tourism attractions include glittering Buddhist temples,
palaces, timeless 'Venice of the East' canal and river scenes,
classical dance, a legendary nightlife, and plenty of air-conditioned
shopping centres and department stores selling Thai silks,
cottons, gemstones, bronze and pewterware and many more internationally
admired handicrafts. Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometers
in area. Its population of over 6 million means that approximately
one in every ten Thais is a Bangkokian. |
| Bangkok
Major Attractions |
| The
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo (Chapel of the Emerald Buddha)
 Wat
Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace,
is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha,
the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings
inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the
Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra
Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist
scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for
keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides,
the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of
the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans.
The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open
daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..
The
admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal
Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound
and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.
Sanam
Luang (Phramen Ground)
This oval public ground in front of the Grand Palace enclave
is used for various royal ceremonies, including the Royal
Ploughing Ceremony each May, and is edged by several noteworthy
institutions.These include the Fine Arts Department,
Thammasat University, and the National Museum,
which houses a superb collection of artifacts and objects
dating from the Bronze Age. The National
Theatre regularly stages classical dance
drama performances, the National Gallery houses
a collection of traditional and contemporary paintings by
leading Thai artists, and Lak Muang (City
Pillar Shrine) on the southeast corner of Sanam Luang, contains
a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I as the foundation
stone for his new capital of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed
by many to have the power of granting wishes.
Admission to the
National Museum is 40 baht. The museum is open every day except
Mondays and Tuesdays and annual holidays, 9.00 AM until 4.00
PM. The National Theatre can be contacted at 224-1342 on weekdays
(8.30 AM-4.30 PM) for details of current programmes.
Admission to the National Gallery is 30 baht. It is open to
public everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays
from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand
Palace enclave and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining
Buddha some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, and with inlaid
mother-of-pearl soles.
Wat Arun (Temple
of Dawn)
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, diagonally
opposite the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted
79-metre central pagoda (phra prang) which sparkles in the sun.
Vimanmek Palace (The Celestial Residence)
Or Vimanmek Mansion Museum, located on Ratchawithi
Road behind the National Assembly, is the world’s largest
golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms,
halls and ante-chambers. A guided tour inside the building is
provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are
also used as museums and display various items and art objects.
The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission
fee is 50 baht.
Wat Traimit (Temple
of the Golden Buddha)
Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, near
Hualampong Railway Station, this temple houses an ancient solid
gold seated Buddha image, three metres in height and weighing
five and a half tons.
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Located in Si Ayutthaya Road, near Chitralada Palace,
this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of
King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910), employs European ecclesiastic
details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb
cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.  Wat
Suthat & The Giant Swing
Located on Bamrung Muang Road, this temple is noted
for its superb 19th-century murals in the main chapel. The
distinctive Giant Swing outside the temple was once used in
Brahmanic ceremonial long since discontinued.
Wat Saket (The Golden
Mount)
Wat Saket's major feature is the Golden Mount, dating
from the 1800s, which overlooks Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The
golden chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha and offers a panoramic
view of historic Bangkok. Other inner-city temples that merit
visits include Wat Mahathat, a Buddhist university
edging Sanam Luang, Wat Ratchabophit on Ban
Mo Road, Wat Intharawihan on Wisutkasat Road,
with its 32-metre-high standing Buddha image, and Wat
Ratchanatdaram, behind the Rama III Memorial Park
on Ratcha-damnoen Avenue, with its pink Loha Prasat.
Royal Barges National
Museum
This shed, where several royal barges are displayed,
is located near Phra Pin Klao Bridge. The barges were used
on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The
most beautiful barge is “Suphannahong”
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 to November. The unique
design and decorative details of each barge should be of great
interest to all visitors.
The shed is open everyday from 9.00
a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.
 Jim
Thompson's Thai House
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 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 and many
other fabulous antiques. Volunteer guides explain the collection
to visitors.
Admission fee is 100 baht. Open everyday,
9.00 AM until 4.30 PM.
Suan
Pakkard Palace
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this complex of five
Thai-style houses occupies a beautiful garden and houses an
important collection of Asian antiques. A lacquer pavilion
is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthaya period (1350-1767)
gold-leaf Murals.
Admission fee 50 baht. Open Monday through
Saturday, from 9.00 AM until 4.00 PM.
Pasteur
Institute Snake Farm
Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital, on the corner
of Henri Dunant and Rama IV roads, the Snake Farm contains
a collection of poisonous snakes which are 'milked' daily
for their venom in order to produce invaluable anti-snakebite
serum.
Admission fee is 40 baht. Venom is extracted
from the snakes every day, at 10.30 AM and 2.00 PM on weekdays,
and at 10.30 AM on public holidays.
Dusit
Zoo Located beside the Royal Plaza, Bangkok's oldest
zoo contains a collection of popular African and Asian mammals
and birds in an ornamental garden.
Admission fee is 10 baht. The zoo is
open every day from 8.00 AM until 6.00 PM.
Kamthieng
House
This is a classic northern-style teak house, originally
constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated
to Siam Society by its owners. It is located at 131 Soi Asoke
(Sukhumvit Soi 21). A variety of Thai flora can be seen in
its garden. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers
and fishermen.
Admission fee is 100 baht. Open daily
except Sundays and Mondays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Bangkok
Doll Museum
Located on Soi Ratchataphan , off Ratchaprarop Road,
this museum exhibits dolls from many countries including Thai
dolls in both classical and tribal costumes.
The museum is open daily, except Sundays,
from 8.00 AM until 5.00 PM. Call (02) 2453008 for more information.
King
Rama IX Park
This 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.
Admission fee is 10 baht. The park is
open daily from 6.00 AM until 6.00 PM.
Siam
City Park
Located in suburban Minburi, some 30-minutes east
of the Lat Phrao flyover, this water amusement park contains
a man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains,
waterfalls and towering sliders. Satellite attractions include
a children's playground, aviaries, open zoo and botanical
garden.
Admission fee is 200 baht for adults,150
baht for children. Open daily from 10.00 AM until 8.00 PM.
Safari
World
This 300-acre complex is also located in Minburi,
via Km 9 on Raminthra Road. The complex is divided into four
sections, namely a Safari Park populated by African and Asian
mammals, a Bird Park, a Macaw Island, and a Games Corner.
Admission fee is 400 baht for adults,
and 300 for children. The complex is open daily from 9.00
AM until 5.00 PM.
The
Chao Phraya River & Bangkok's Canals (Khlongs)
Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals,
giving the capital the designation 'Venice of the East'. Surviving
canals, and the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) provide
memorable vignettes of a traditional waterborne way-of-life
that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries.
The river and canals may be conveniently explored by public
transport.
Express
Boat Trip/Bangkok-Nonthaburi
An express boat service on the Chao Phraya River
connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of
Nonthaburi, starting from the Wat Ratsingkhon Pier near Krung
Thep Bridge. The fare is 7 baht. Major sights include the
Memorial Bridge, Wat Arun, the riverine Grand Palace and Thammasat
University. The most convenient boarding points areTha Chang
Pier near the Grand Palace, and Tha Phra Chan Pier near Thammasat
University. The express boat service operates daily from 6.00
AM until 8.00 PM.
Khlong
Mon
Boats leave every 30 minutes, daily, from 6.30 AM
until 6.00 PM, from Tha Tian Pier behind Wat Pho. The single
fare is 4 baht. Picturesque sights include canalside temples,
orchards, orchid farms and perpetually fascinating vignettes
of waterborne life.
Khlong
Bang Waek
Boats leave the Memorial Bridge Pier every 15 minutes
from 6.00 AM until 9.30 PM. The single fare is 10 baht. Scenic
attractions include canalside temples and orchid farms.
Khlongs
Bang Khun Wiang & Bang Yai
Boats leave Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace
every 20 minutes between 6.15 AM and 8.00 PM. The single fare
is 10 baht. Scenic attractions include canalside temples,
the Royal Barge Boatsheds, Thaistyle houses and the early
morning Khu Wiang Floating Market which operates between 4
and 7.00 AM.
Chao
Phraya River
Dinner Cruises
Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital's most
arresting sights, particularly at night when the weather is
cooler and light reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River
with flickering magic and romance. An ideal way of combining
dining with riverine enchantment is to enjoy a river dinner
cruise. |
| Bangkok
Special Interests |
|  Thai
Boxing
This unique martial art of 'Muay Thai' can be seen
in its commercial form throughout the week at two major boxing
stadiums, Lumphini, on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday,
and Ratchadamnoen, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Programmes
generally feature eight bouts, and commence at 6.00 PM.
Buddhist
Meditation
The headquarters of the World Fellowship of Buddhists
(WFB) at 33 Sukhumvit Road, between Soi 1 and Soi 3, is the
most convenient place to learn about Thai Buddhism and meditation
in certain Bangkok temples. The WFB conducts a meditation
class in English each Wednesday from 5.00 PM until 8.00 PM.
Cultural
Performances
Thai and international cultural performances, including
orchestral performances, ballet, mime and jazz and pop concerts,
are frequently staged at the National Theatre (Tel: 224-1342
) at Sanam Luang, the Thailand Cultural Centre (Tel: 247-0028)
on Ratchadaphisek Road, and the Queen Sirikit National Convention
Centre (Tel: 299-3000-9 ) on New Ratchadaphisek Road. Details
of current events can generally be found in Bangkok's major
English language newspapers.
Traditional
Thai Massage
This therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage
purportedly evolved from rishis (forest-dwelling Brahmin hermit
asetics) who relieved the physical stress of extended periods
of meditation by adopting certain postures. A school of traditionalThai
massage is located in Wat Pho (Tel:221-2974), where a two-week
course costing 4,500 baht is taught for anyone interested
in mastering this arcane art.
 Thai
Cooking The Thai cuisine gains increasing international
favour. Visitors wishing to learn how to cook Thai food can
contact the Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel (Tel:
437-6211, 437-3080), the Modern Housewife Centre (Tel: 279-2831-4),
or the UFM Food Centre Co. Ltd. (259-0620-30) for full details.
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| Shopping
in Bangkok |
Shopping
is one of Bangkok's major attractions. Favourite purchases
include Thai silks and cottons, modern and traditional jewellery
featuring precious gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, emeralds
and diamonds, semi-precious stones including opals, jades,
topazes, turquoises and zircons,silverware,nielloware, pewterware,
bronzeware, ceramics, specially high-fired celadon, leather
goods, woodcarvings, paintings, custom-tailored clothing and
any of the one thousand and one items produced by skilled
Thai artisans. Bangkok is one of the most competitively priced
cities in Asia. Friendly bargaining in most stores and markets
ensure favourable prices and service. There are six clearly
defined city shopping areas:
Phatphong/Suriwong/Silom
Area
Major hotels include the Montian and Dusit Thani.
Numerous shops, and department stores, sell jewellery, gemstones,
antiques, ceramics, leather goods, men's and women's clothing,
handicrafts, Thai silks and cottons, electrical and photographic
goods. The area comprises Bangkok's major commercial and nightlife
centre.
Mahesak/Silom/New Road Area
Principal hotels include the Shangri-la, Oriental
and Sheraton Royal Orchid. The area is a major gemstone dealing
and jewellery manufacturing area. Boutiques, art galleries,
department stores and shopping arcades, including the River
City complex, sell a wide range of items, with particular
emphasis on antiques, tailored clothing, and contemporary
Thai and Asian paintings.
Phloen Chit /Pathumwan Area
Principal hotels include Le Meridien, the Hyatt Erawan,
Arnoma, Regent, Imperial and Siam-Intercontinental. The area
encompasses several department stores and shopping centres,
such as the World Trade Center, Siam Square, Siam Centre and
Mahboonkrong. Almost everything the shopper needs may be found
within this area. Thailand's principal duty-free shopping
outlet is located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center.
Sukhumvit Area
Principal hotels include the Landmark, Ambassador
and Sheraton Grande. Concentrated largely between Soi Nana
(Soi 3) and Soi Asoke (Soi 21), several shops, shopping centres
and department stores offer a broad range of Thai and imported
items. The Nana Entertainment Complex on Soi 4 is one of Bangkok's
favourite nightlife areas.
Pratunam/Petchaburi
Road Area
Principal hotels include the Amari Watergate and
Indra regent. The area is best known for its inexpensive readymade
clothing, which is sold partly in a street market, where determined
bargaining is required for best prices.
Banglamphu
This riverine section of Bangkok is favoured by back-packers
for its budget accommodation. The area offers inexpensive
items, especially readymade clothing, leather goods, footwear,
cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended. |
| Bangkok
Principal Markets |
Chatuchak
Weekend Market
An approximately 35-acre public park on Phaholyothin
Road, opposite the Northern Bus Terminal, and known locally
as Suan Chatuchak, is the site of a popular weekend market which
sells at least one thousand different local products including
pets, handicrafts, plants, fresh fruit, antique reproductions,
shoes, toys, clothing and domestic utensils. The weekend market
is open on Saturday and Sunday from dawn to dusk, or approximately
7.00 AM until 6.00 PM.
Bang Rak Market
Located on New Road, between Silom and Sathon roads,
this market offers a particularly large selection of cut blooms
and orchids. Lovely garlands made principally of jasmine are
a specialty.
Thewet Market
Lining the bank of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem off Samsen
Road, this market is best known for potted plants.
Lang Krasuang Market
Facing Khlong Lot, on Atsadang Road, between the Royal
Hotel and Interior Ministry, a row of shophouses sell moderately
priced second-hand goods, including antique cameras and typewriters,
musical instruments, radios, and all manner of electrical goods.
Bargaining is essential.
Woeng Nakhon Kasem
Better known as 'Thieves Market', located between Yaowarat
Road and New Road, near Phahurat, this area sells antiques,
including Thai and Chinese objets d'art, porcelain, brassware,
copperware and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Bargaining is essential. |
| Dining/Nightlife |
Simply
stated, Bangkok is one of the best eating places in the world,
for gourmet and gourmand alike. Almost every major cuisine
in the world is represented in specialty restaurants located
throughout the city. Quality Thai and Chinese food is ubiquitous
in outlets as diverse as coffee shops and street front restaurants,
markets and food centres found in shopping arcades, department
stores and hotels.
Several complimentary English-language tourism guides, available
at hotel reception desks, provide comprehensive listings
of choice eating places. The classified advertisement pages
of Bangkok's most popular English language newspapers are
another reliable source of information for good dining. Bangkok's
nightlife is almost legendary.
Nightlife outlets are found citywide. Beyond hotels, the most
popular nightlife areas are the Phatphong area between Silom
and Surawong roads, the Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy areas on Sukhumvit
Road, and the New Phetchaburi Road area between Sukhumvit
Soi 21 and 71. Aforementioned complimentary English-language
tourism magazines list the most popular outlets, such as bars,
discotheques, restaurants featuring Thai classical dance and
cocktail lounges. |
| Bangkok
Transportation |
| Buses
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum
fare of 3.50 baht to most destinations within metropolitan
Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares
of 8 and 20 baht respectively. Airconditioned microbuses charge
a flat fare of 30 baht on all routes. A Bus Route Map is available
at most hotels, bookshops and the TAT office on Ratchadamnoen
Avenue for 35 baht.
 Taxis
Hotel taxis have fixed rates. Taxis cruising city
streets are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for
the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer
thereafter.
Tuk-Tuks
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorized 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. |
| Festivals
in Bangkok |
| Besides
nationally celebrated events on public holidays, including
Buddhist holy days and the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran,
celebrated each April, Bangkok hosts a number of important
annual events. They include:
New
Year's Celebrations
Generally celebrated on January 1, located around
Sanam Luang, and marked by early morning Buddhist merit-making,
and afternoon and evening folk entertainment.
Royal
Ploughing Ceremony
Staged every May at Sanam Luang, and presided over
by H.M. the King, to mark the official commencement of the
rice-planting season.
H.M.
the Queen's Birthday
Celebrated each August 12. Public buildings, particularly
in the Ratchadamnoen and Grand Palace areas are illuminated
at night.
Chulalongkorn
Day
Celebrated each October 23, principally beside the
equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (reign: 1868-1910),
the monarch generally credited with saving Thailand from western
colonialisation, and who modernized his country, besides abolishing
slavery.
Trooping
of the Colours
Celebrated each December 3, preceding H.M. King Bhumibol's
birthday, the elite Royal Guards swear anew their allegiance
to their monarch in a colourful ceremony in the Royal Plaza.
H.M.
the King's Birthday
Celebrated each December 5 with Buddhist merit-making,
spectacular evening illuminations in the Grand Palace and
Ratchadamnoen areas, and public entertainment principally
in the form of folk dramas and open-air filmshows at Sanam
Luang. |
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