Bangkok Hotels, Central Thailand

Bangkok Hotels, Central Thailand
Bangkok Hotels
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Central Thailand Bangkok

General Information

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.

Attractions

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. Wat Phra Kaeo within the same compound, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.(except during special royal ceremonies)
Admission: 250 baht. (including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion)
Proper attire is essential Personal Audio Guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2623-5500,0-2222-0094, 0-2222-6889
www.palaces.thai.net


Jim Thompson Museum
Jim Thompson Museum This collection of traditional Thai-style houses, fashioned into one dwelling, belongs to the man who helped restore the Thai silk industry after World War II, and today, preserved as a museum, contains a priceless collection of Asian objects d’ art. The canalside museum is located in Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht.
Tel: 0 2216 7368, 0 2612 3744, 0 2215 0122 www.jimthompson.com


Bangkok Dolls & Museum Bangkok Dolls
Bangkok Dolls & Museum Bangkok Dolls have won several awards for their creations. A single-storey workshop and Doll Museum in the Chandavimol family compound at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) in Bangkok’s Makkasan district is the magnet for several visitors who wish to inspect these miniature creations in all their wondrous variety.
Open: Mon to Sat from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2245-3008


King Prajadhipok Museum
King Prajadhipok Museum The King Prajadhipok Museum was formerly called the Parliamentary Museum. It was under the care of the Secretariat of the National Assembly and was housed in the basement beneath the King's Monument in front of the National Assembly Building. The museum enjoyed the blessing and patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rambhai barni during the reign of King Prajadhipok, the seventh king of the Chaki dynasty. In 1980 Her Majesty kindly donated personal articles belonging to King Prajadhipok, for public exhibition.


On 7 December 2002, the museum was reopened at its new home, in The elegant building of a National Heritage Site, is very close to Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue. The main purpose of opening this museum was to exhibit the biography and lifework of His Majesty King Prajadhipok, Rama Vll, who agreed to a constitutional monarchy for the People of Thailand and became the first king in Thai history to rule under A legal constitution.

Open : Tuesday - Sunday (including public holidays)
9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Admission fee : 40 Bahts
Address : King Prajadhipok Museum Registered Heritage Building, Phanfalilat Bridge 2 Lanluang Road, Sommanat Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100 Thailand
Tel: (+662) 280-3445-6
Fax: (+662) 281-6820
E-mail: kpm@kpi.ac.th
www.kpi.ac.th/museum

Services
Guided tour every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Wheelchairs available for disabled and senior citizens (contact Public Relations)
King Prajadhipok Studies Center and Archives
Educational activities
Museum Shop
Transportation

Bus no.2, 15, 44, 47, 60
Air-conditioned Bus no.39, 44, 79, 511, 512
Saensaep Canal Express Boat service at the Phanfa pier


Khamthieng House
Khamthieng House Located in the garden of the Siam Society on Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok), this 200-year-old northern Lanna style wooden house contains a collection of traditional implements used by northern people.

Open: Tue to Sat from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.(except public holidays)
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2661-6470-7
www.siam-society.org


Kukrit’s House
Kukrit’s House At 19 Soi Phra Pinit, South Sathon Road, stands the home of M.R. Kukrit Pramoj (1911-1995). M.R. Kukrit was born and raised in a family of royal descent. His career included military service, finance, lecturing, writing, and politics. He was Prime Minister in 1974 and 1975. His house is antique Thai structures assembled in Bangkok and contains a fine art collection. The gardens are noted for their Thai bonsai trees and for eastern and western-style sections.

Open: Sat -Sun and official holidays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 50 baht
Tel: 0-2286-8185


Museum of Imaging Technology
Museum of Imaging Technology 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, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited.
Open: Mon-Fri from 9 a.m.to3 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht.
Tel: 0-2218-5583
www.chula.ac.th


The Museum of Buddhist Art
The Museum of Buddhist Art The Palace of the Bodhisattava Kuan Yin and other well known Chinese Gods and Goddesses. The only Kuan Yin Museum in the world, displaying the rarest Kuan Yin sculptures dating back as far as 1,500 years ago, from various countries in Asia.

Open : 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on monday-friday
Please call for appointment and come in group at least 3 persons
Open for everyone : Saturday
Closed : Sunday
Address : 104 Solid Group Building Pattanakarn 40 Pattanakarn Rd, Suanluang Bangkok 10250
Tel : 0 2321 0048-50, 0 2322 2451-4 Fax : 0 2322 2412
E-mail : solidgroup@hotmail.com


National Gallery Museum
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.

Open: Wed-Sun from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: 30 baht.
Tel: 0-2281-2224
www.thailandmuseum.com

National Museum
National Museum Within the walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok’s National Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts found in all parts of the country ranging from neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. The complex, once used as a palace, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.
Open: Wed to Sun from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: 40 baht
Guided tours in English, French, German, and Japanese are provided on certain days of the week.
Tel: 0-2224-1333
www.thailandmuseum.com


Philatelic Museum
Philatelic Museum The museum is on the 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office, Saphan Khwai area. Thai and foreign stamps of the past are on display. The collections of post books in both Thai and foreign languages are available at the library. Stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale.
Open: Tue – Sat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2271-2439


Prasart Museum
Prasart Museum This museum is located at 9 Soi 4 A, Krungthep Kritha Road off Srinakarintara Road, Bang Kapi District. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from the prehistoric to Rattanakosin (Bangkok) periods. The imitation of some beautiful Thai architecture is scattered within the museum complex.
Open:Tue - Sun from 10.30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Reservation is required.
Admission: 500 baht
Tel: 0 2379 3601, 0 2379 3607


Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre Located on Borom Ratchonnani Road beyond the Southern Bus Termninal, this centre is a national institution responsible for systematic gathering processing and servicing of anthropological data scattered throughout the country. A variety of exhibitions on Social and Cultural Development in Thailand, Ethno-Archaeology, Thai Ceramic Collections, as well as the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Biography can be viewed.
Open: Mon to Fri from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht
Tel: 0-2880-9429 www.sac.or.th


Rare Stone Museum
Rare Stone Museum Located on Charoenkrung Road between Soi 26 and Soi 28 in Bang Rak area, the museum features thousands of queer stones found in Thailand and various countries as well as displays collections of ashtrays and cigarette labels.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2236-5666, 0-2236-5655, 0-2236-5712


Royal Barge National Museum
Royal Barge National Museum Thailand’s ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, just off the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side. The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: 30 baht
Tel: 0-2424-0004
www.thailandmuseum.com


Royal Thai Army Museum
Royal Thai Army Museum The Royal Thai Army has the pleasure to invite you to join us in our effort to promote Thailand tourism industry. Visit our Headquarters and be a witness to a spectacular Changing of the Cavalry Guards procedure in full uniform. Children will have a chance to closely inspect tanks and other amoured vehicles on display.

Visitors will be able to visit the Royal Thai Army Museum to learn about the history of the Royal Thai Army as well as view various weapons, military insignia and uniforms which were used in the past. And for your enjoyment, the Royal Thai Army Band will provide beautiful music throughout the event. We guarantee that it will be an exceptional and memorable experience for all.

Please join us at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road (opposite Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium)

Open: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission: free

Science Centre for Education Situated
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.
Open: Exhibition: Tue to Sun (except public holidays) from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Planetariam: 1-hour shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additional shows on Sat & Sun at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Admission: Exhibition and Planetariam- Adult 30 baht, Child 15 baht
Tel: 0-2392-1773, 0-2392-5951-9


Suan Pakkad Palace
Suan Pakkad Palace Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this complex of five Thai-style houses has an important colloction of Asian antiques. An exquisite lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthaya period gold leaf mural. There is also a Khon Museum where masks and costumes of the classical play are on display.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2245-4934


Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall
Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall Located in the Thailand Cultural Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road, this is a venue for displaying the history of the Thai people and different aspects of Thai culture, as developed from pre-historic times up to the present. The exhibition is presented under five topics: The Evolution of the Thai Nation, Rice and Thai Way of Life, Thai Language and Literature, Thailand and the World, and Important Achievements and Events in Thai Society.
Open: Mon to Sat from 9.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2247-0028 ext. 154, 167


The State Railway Hall of Fame
The State Railway Hall of Fame This is a train museum where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. It is located on the western side of Chatuchak Park adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet Road.
Open: Every Sunday from 5 to12 a.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2243-2037-9


Vimanmek Mansion Museum
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.

Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thai dancing shows: Daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht

Proper attire is required
Tel: 0 2628 6300-9 www.palaces.thai.net


Wat Arun
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 which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.
Open: Daily from 7.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2465-5640
www.watarun.org


Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2281-2501, 0-2628-7947


Wat Bowon Niwet
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.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel: 0-2281-2831-3

Wat Intharawihan
Wat Intharawihan Located on Wisutkasat Road, this temple is well known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image, built in the reign of King Rama IV, is 32 metres tall and 10 metres wide. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2628-5550-2


Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2222-6011, 0-2222-8004; Meditation Centre Tel: 0-2623- 6326


Wat Pho
Wat Pho This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha some 46 metres long and 15 metres high with inlaid mother of pearl soles. The temple is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2222-0933
www.watpho.com


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

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2222-3930, 0-2221-0904


Wat Trai Mit
Wat Trai Mit Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near Hualamphong Railway Station, this temple houses an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of the Sukhothai Period, three metres in height and weighing five and a half tons.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2225-9775


Wat Saket and The Golden Mount
Wat Saket and The Golden Mount Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800s. A Lanka-style chedi on the top contains relics of Lord Buddha and offers a panoramic view of historic Bangkok.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht
Tel: 0-2621-0576


Wat Ratchanatdaram
Wat Ratchanatdaram Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat, the temple’s main attraction, standing 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world. Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important foreign guest and a memorial statue of King Rama III.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2224-8807, 0-2225-5749


Wat Thepthidaram
Wat Thepthidaram Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailand’s greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monkhood from 1840-1842.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0 2222 5067


Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing
Wat Suthat and 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 ceremonies long since discontinued. Nearby shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.
Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2224-9845, 0-2222-9632 www.watsuthat.org


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

Open: Daily from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht.
Tel: 0-2328-1385-7


Benchasiri Park
Benchasiri Park This compact park on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24 was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992. It features a huge sculpture of commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including children’s works.
Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free


Chatuchak Park
Chatuchak Park This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.
Open: Daily from 5 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Admission: Free


Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park This was a huge open space once belonging to King Rama VI, who issued a royal command to turn the area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok residents. It is located on Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri and Witthayu (Wireless) roads, with entrance gates on all sides.
Open: Daily from 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Admission: Free


Princess Mother Memorial Park
Princess Mother Memorial Park This beautiful park is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San District. It was built near the Wat Anongkharam community where Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, HRH the Princess Mother had resided during her childhood. The park comprises a full scale model of the Princess Mother’s house and the old buildings renovated as exhibition halls displaying the life story of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother as well as the history of the Wat Anongkharam community.
Open: Garden - Daily from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m./ Museum – Daily from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2437-7799, 0-2439-0902


Queen Sirikit Park
Queen Sirikit Park This is situated east of Chatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road. It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. A big pool in the park contains three fountains and a fine collection of both Thai and foreign lotuses.
Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free


Rommaninat Park
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.
Open: Park - Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m./ Museum – Thu to Sat from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission: Free


Saranrom Park
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.
Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free


Dusit Zoo
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.
Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adult 30 baht; Child 5 baht
Tel: 0-2281-2000, 0-2282-7111-3 www.zoothailand.org


Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm)
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm) Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital on the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, this institute contains a collection of poisonous snakes which are “milked” daily for their venom in order to produce invaluable anti-snakebite serum.
Open: Mon–Fri from 8.30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 8.30 a.m.-12 noon)
Venom extraction: Mon-Fri at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.; holidays at 11.00 a.m.
Slide presentation in English: 30 minutes before venom extraction. Admission: 70 baht
Tel: 0-2252-0161-4


Safari World
Safari World Bangkok’s greatest open zoo and leisure park is located in Min Buri, via Km. 9 on Raminthra Road. The 300-acre complex comprises a Safari Park populated by African and Asian mammals, a Marine Park with amusing performances of well-trained dolphins and seals, a Bird Park and a Games Corner.
Open: Daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
Admission: Adult 700 baht; Child 450 baht
Tel: 0-2518-1000-19 www.safariworld.com


Siam Park City
Siam Park City Located in suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, this water amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Satellite attractions include children’s playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden.
Open: Mon to Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Adult 400 baht; Child 300 baht
Tel: 0-2919-7200-19 www.siamparkcity.com

 

Festivals

Bangkok Songkran Festival
April 12-14
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.

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.

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.

Trooping of the Colours
December
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.

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.

 

How To Get There

Bus
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 18 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office.

TAXI
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 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th

Boat
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.

Local Product

Shopping Areas and Markets

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of some of the principal shopping areas.
Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Centre and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square-Mahboonkrong, Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.

Silom-Surawong-Patpong Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkok’s commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpong’s famous night market.

Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads into Charoenkrung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.

Sukhumvit Like Silom, Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkok’s biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkok’s tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the city’s renowned garment centres.

Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.

Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

Chinatown Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkok’s Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as several nearby traditional shopping places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam Plaza.

Bo-be Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the city’s renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.

Jatujak or Chatuchak Weekend Market Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.

Pak Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon.

 

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