Bangkok / Attractions

Bangkok attractions

The Grand Palace

This city landmark should be the first place on any visitor's itinerary. It is a huge compound with entrance on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang, surrounded by high white walls and occupying an area of about 260 hectares (2.6sqkm, 1sqmi). The palace consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The Royal Chapel,
Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same compound, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Photography is forbidden inside the building housing the Emerald Buddha.
The complex is open daily 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-15:30. Admission fee is 100 Baht (including tickets to Wiman Mek Palace and the Coin Pavilion). Proper dress (modest attire) is requested - no shorts, sleeveless shirts or shower thongs.
Building of the Grand or Royal Palace was begun after Bangkok was elevated to be the national capital (1782) . The first part was completed for the coronation of King Rama I.
The plan of the palace followed the Ayutthaya sample: the river forms a moat on one side; the site of the temple of the Emerald Buddha corresponds to the placement of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the old royal palace at Ayutthaya. Many of the main buildings also resemble those that where destroyed in Ayutthaya after the Burmese invasion.
The compound houses a number of halls, residences and other buildings which were built in the time of King Rama I (reigned 1782-1809). Some structures were altered, renovated, enlarged, or razed to make way for new buildings by later monarches. The palace compound can be sub-divided into four complexes: the First Halls group, the Dusit Maha Prasat group, the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall complex and the Boromphiman Hall complex.

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 or Anantasamakhom Throne Hall or Sanam Chandra Palace(Nakhon Pathom Province). Proper attire is essential
Personal Audio Guide in Thai, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin: 200 baht
Tel: 0 2623 5500 ext 3100, 0 2224 3273 www.palaces.thai.net


Wat Pra Keo

Wat Phra Kaeo (Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram), in English called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, was built as Royal Wat early in the reign of King Rama I (reigned 1782-1809), founder of the Chakri Dynasty, who established Rattanakosin (the inner part of Bangkok) as the capital of the kingdom in 1782. The Wat, completed in 1784, occupies its own compound within the Royal Palace area as did Wat Phra Si Sanphet in the former capital, Ayutthaya.
It is the most revered temple in the city, but being the royal chapel no monks reside there. It serves as the center for all religious rites pertaining to the state and monarchy, such as ordinations under royal patronage, special ecclesiastical rites, and the swearing of fealty.
The image of the Emerald Buddha is regarded by the Thai people as the palladium of the kingdom, just like statues of Pallas Athene were regarded as protectors of cities and states in ancient Greece. King Rama I brought the image from the palace in Thonburi, the short period former capital on the west bank of the Chao Phaya River. It was placed in the Main Assembly Hall (Bot) of the newly-built Royal Chapel and has remained there ever since.
During its two hundred years history, the chapel has undergone several renovations, restorations and additions to its edifices. Extensive restoration and additional construction were carried out in the reigns of Rama III (reigned 1824-1851) and Rama IV (Mongkut, reigned 1851-1868). The latter's task was completed by his son, Rama V (Chulalongkorn, reigned 1868-1910), in time for the Bangkok centennial celebrations in 1882. Further renovations were made by Rama VII (Prajadhipok, reigned 1925-1935) on the occasion of the city's 150th anniversary in 1932.
A renovation of the entire temple was undertaken in the present reign of Rama IX, King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, to commemorate the Rattanakosin (Bangkok) bicentenary in 1982. The Royal Chapel thus incorporates no less than two centuries of Rattanakosin craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity.

Vimanmek Palace

An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftsmanship of the carpenters, you will travel back through time to gain a rare insight into the lifestyle of royalty.
Vimanmek Mansion, the principal building in the palace compound, was built for King Rama V on land he named The Dusit Garden located between Padung Krungkasem and Samsen canals. The completion was celebrated on March 27, 1901 and King RamaV took up residence until 1906. The mansion was originally his Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang Island. It was dismantled and re-built at the present location under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.
The three-storey Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teak building in the world, built in an architectural style that reflects European influences. There are two right-angled wings, each 60 metres long and 20 metres high. The section where The King resided is octagonal and has four storeys. The mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers.
Following King Rama V moving to Amporn Satarn Mansion in 1906, Vimanmek Mansion was un-occupied until 1925 when King Rama VI gave permission for his wife, HRH Indharasaksaji to take up residence there. She stayed there until his death.

For the next 50 years it was used as just a storage area for the Bureau of the Royal Household until 1982 when HRH Queen Sirikit initiated its restoration as a museum to commemorate King Rama V.
Today, there are 31 exhibition rooms. Exhibits include a silverware room, ceramic display room, glassware and ivory display. Some of the rooms have been preserved to retain the atmosphere of the earlier era, particularly the bedrooms, bathrooms and the Audience Chamber. Other buildings in the compound also house displays of various artifacts and precious art objects.

How to get there: Bus Routes 18, 28, 108, 510, 515
Opening Hours: Open, Daily from 9.30 a.m.to 4 p.m. Tickets are sold till 3.15 p.m. (The last Guided Tour is at 3:15 p.m.)
Admission Fee: Baht 100. If you have visited The Grand Palace on the same day you will have also received an entrance ticket to Vimanmek Palace which is valid.
Contact: Telephone: 0 2628 6300-9
Website:  www.palaces.thai.net
Admission: 100 baht


Royal Barges

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 Kings 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 propelled 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.
Open daily : 9 am. - 5 pm.
Admission : 30 baht
Tel : 0 2424 0004  www.thailandmuseum.com

Wat Pho

This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.
Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.
Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.
Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.
For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.

How to get there: Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Admission : 20 baht
Tel : 0 2222 1969 ; Thai Massage School : 0 2221 3686  www.watpho.com


Wat Arun

Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok.
The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok. It means "Village of Olives".
Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.
The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.
Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok. The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 104 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain that was used as ballast by boats coming from China. It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama II.
The central balcony is an ideal spot for looking across the river to The Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
Each year at the end of the three-month lent period for Buddhist monks, H. M. The King or his appointed representative travels down river in a Royal Barge Procession to present new robes to the monks. This ceremony is called Royal Tod Kathin.

How to get there: Bus routes 19, 57, 83
Open daily: 7.30 am. to 5.30 pm.
Admission fee: Baht 20
Contact: Tel: 0 2465 5640
Website: www.wararun.org  


Wat Traimit ( Golden Buddha )

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.

How to get there: Metro to Hua Lamphong Station.
Bus routes 4, 7, 21, 25, 501, 511, 513
Open: Daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0 2225 9775

Wat Benchamabophit ( Marble Temple )

To stand at the main gateway and look upon the Monastery of Five Kings is a sight to behold. The perfect symmetry and proportions must inspire admiration of this architectural masterpiece.
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is known to foreigners as The Marble Temple as its exterior is clad in Carrara marble. Very talented The Prince Naris, a son of King Rama IV , designed the main building which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.
The interior crossbeams are decorated with lacquer and gold. The walls of the spacious inner courtyard are lined with a large collection of bronze Buddha images. The canal in front and to the left hand side has ornate bridges.
It is advisable to come in the early morning to see local people offering alms to the monks as they do not go outside as monks at other temple do. Stand at the main entrance to the compound and watch the pigeons take flight. If you cant be there at this time, go at sunset when the main doors are illuminated. This is another sight well worth witnessing.

How to get there: Bus routes 72, 503
Open : Daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : 20 Baht
Tel : 0 2281 2501, 0 2628 7947

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.

How to get there: Bus route 15, 37, 47, 49
Open daily : 7.30 am. - 5.30 pm.
Admission : 10 baht
Tel : 0 2621 0576

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 the Second World War.
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 White Elephant.
The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant creations.
He was an avid collector of Asian artifacts and antiques and The Jim Thompson's House is possibly the epitome of his collection.
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.
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.
The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature's haphazard beauty right in the center of the city.
Jim Thompsons connoisseur collection of antiques and artifacts is on permanent exhibition, making this a magnificent museum of the lifestyle of the legend.

How to get there: BTS Skytrain to National Stadium Station
Bus routes 15, 32, 39, 53, 59, 70, 80, 82
Open daily: 9.00 am. to 5.00 pm.
Admission fee: Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht.
Contact: Tel. 0 2216 7368 website : www.jimthompson.com  


Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo has a very good collection of animals from around the world. It is ideal for a family outing or just for those who would like to know more about animal behavior.
The Dusit Zoo was established in 1938 and covers an area of 118 rai in the Dusit District of Bangkok. Under the administration of The Zoological Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The King, it welcomes more than 2,500,000 visitors a year. It takes care of over 1,000 birds and nearly 2,000 animals.
Major sections include a Nocturnal Animals Exhibit where you can see how they live in the night- time environment. The Reptiles and Amphibians Center has more than 70 species.

There is a special Childrens Zoo where youngsters can have contact with small animals that are of interest to children.

You can learn about animal behavior at the Animal Presentation area including how they live in their respective environments. Visitors can witness and experience the animals in person.
For more fun, there is Playland where children can really enjoy themselves on amusement rides. There are other more sedate rides available on the lake.

How to get there: Bus routes 18, 28, 70, 108, 510, 515, 539, 542
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


Thai Boxing our 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.

Where to see: Lumpini Stadium Rama IV Road Tel: 0 2252 8765 Tuesday, Friday Saturday nights at 6.30 pm. and Saturday afternoon at 5.00 pm. Ticket prices Baht 500, 800 and 1,500 for ringside.                           How to get there: Subway to Lumpini Station. Bus routes4, 13, 22, 45, 47, 74, 141 Ratchadamnoen Stadium Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: 0 2281 4205 Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Sunday nights at 6.30 pm. Ticket prices Baht 500, 800 and 1,500 for ringside. Discount on Sunday nights.
How to get there: Bus routes 70, 503, 509 Channel 7 Stadium Behind old Mo Chit Bus Terminal near Chatuchak Park Tel: 0 2272 0210 Ext. 205 Sunday 1.45 pm.                                                                         Admission fee: Free
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit Staion and Subway to Chatuchak Station Bus routes 3, 26, 27, 29, 34, 59, 77, 96, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145, 502, 503, 509, 510, 512, 513


Safari World   Close encounters with the animal kingdom

This 170 acre park offers many opportunities for fun and excitement as you get close to wild animals roaming free or see others performing tricks.
The main attraction is as the name says traveling through the open spaces where wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat from the windows of a tour coach or your own car. The journey is 8 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. On the way you will have close encounters with rare and endangered species. One highlight you should not miss is feeding time for the lions and tigers. It will send a chill down your spine.
There are many animals in the underwater world too. Some are very playful and mischievous. They will split your sides with laughter as the sea lions and their friends perform in the Sea Lion Show at Lighthouse Cove.
Add more excitement to your visit on a boat ride through the tropical jungle where hungry crocodiles await and head-hunters have their eyes on you. Beware of the gorillas lurking in the forest. You had better hold on to your seat as the boat moves through the mangroves and thick reeds and shoots down a heart-stopping flume.
All this adventure will probably build up an appetite so you head to the restaurants and kiosks spread throughout the park.

How to get there: Bus routes 26, 60, 71, 96, 501 and go to Safari World by "Song Theaw" mini bus.
Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : Adult 700 baht, Child 450 baht
Tel : 0 2518 1000-19, 0 2914 4100-19   www.safariworld.com

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 childrens playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden.

Open : Mon. - Fri. from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. - Sun. and Public Holidays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Adult 200 baht; Child 100 baht
Tel : 0 2919 7200-19  www.siamparkcity.com  
In addition to the amusement parks as mentioned above, many leading department stores in Bangkok also provide an indoor amusement area such as Fantasia Lagoon at the Mall (Bang Khae) Tel : 0 2454 0061, The Mall (Bang Kapi) Tel : 0 2734 1400-59, Leo Land at Central City (Bang Na) Tel : 0 2361 0888, Seacon Square (Si Nakharin) Tel : 0 2721 8931-33, 0 2721 8888, Future Park (Bang Khae) Tel : 0 2455 0173-5, Imperial World (Samrong) Tel : 0 2756 8217-9, Fashion Island Tel : 0 2947 5000, and so on.


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.