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Further AttractionsPhra Sumeru Fortress (Also spelled Phra Sumen) Located on the corner where Phra Athit Road and Phra Sumeru Road meet, this fortress was constructed in the reign of King Rama I in 1783 along with 14 other fortresses and battlements surrounding the capital. Its shape is an octagonal one with three levels. Inside the walls, there are steps leading up to the fortress. Altogether, there are 38 rooms for ammunition and weapons. The roof collapsed during the reign of King Rama IV or V, but was restored by the Fine Arts Department in the early 1980s using old photographs as a guide. Nowadays, there is a small park surrounding the fortress. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Chao Phraya River all the way to Phra Pinklao Bridge. Suan Pakkad Palace & Museum Royal Barges National Museum The Erawan Shrine Prasat Museum Located at No. 9 Krung Thep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi in the eastern area of the city, the museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from prehistoric to Rattanakosin periods (from 1782 A.D. to the present). Within the museum complex, there are various styles of architecture, like a baroque building, a smaller replica of the Red Palace in the National Museum, and a replica of Ho Tri Kiang Nam (Tri Pitaka Pavilion - a library for Buddhist scriptures) of Wat Yai Suwannaram. Prasat Museum is open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. except Monday, with an admission fee of 500 baht a person ( in case of one person, a minimum admission fee of 1,000 baht will be charged). The tours run from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (about 2 hours) and must be arranged in advance. Tel. 0 2379 3601, 0 2379 3607 Jim Thompson's House Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (The Snake Farm) Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital, on the corner of Henri Dunant and Rama IV Roads, the Snake Farm contains an interesting collection of poisonous snakes which are "milked" for their venom from which anti-snake bite serum is produced. It is open from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on weekdays and 8.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. on holidays. Visitors can watch the venom extracted from the snakes by experts, in demonstrations at 11.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on weekdays and at 10.30 a.m. on holidays. The admission fee is 70 baht. Tel. 0 2225 0161-4 Website: www.redcross.orth Situated on Rama V Road, in the Dusit District, near the Royal Plaza, Bangkok's oldest zoo contains a collection of popular African and Asian mammals and birds in a botanical garden. With an additional section for children, it is ideal for a family outing. The zoo is open every day from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The admission fee is 30 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. Tel. 0 2281 2000, 0 2282 7111-3 Ext. 128 Website: www.zoothailand.org Kamthieng House Museum Located in the garden of the Siam Society on Sukhumvit Road Soi 21 (Asok), this newly renovated and refurbished 200-yearold northern Thai-Lanna-style wooden house contains a collection of traditional tools and implements used by Northern Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. The admission fee is 100 baht. Tel. 0 2661 6470-7 Website: www.siam-society.org Located at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng), off Ratchaprarop Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of handmade Thai and foreign dolls. Bangkok Dolls have also won several awards for their miniature creations. The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. with free admission, except for Sunday and national holidays. Tel. 0 2245 3008 Website: www.bangkokdolls.com Museum of Imaging Technology Located in the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, this is the first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its Siriraj Museum Siriraj is one of Bangkok's most prestigious hospitals. It has another claim to fame, its Forensics Museum, a little chamber of horrors. Among several other museums, the best ones to see are the Museum of Criminology and the Museum of Anatomy. Here the visitor can meet Si Oui, or rather his embalmed body. This serial killer had the appalling habit of eating a victim's liver. Now he stands forever in a glass case, defiant to the end. The bodies of various other criminals, the embalmed corpses of suicides, the victims of hideous accidents and murders are also on display. There are photographs of the results of accidents as well.
In the Museum of Anatomy, visitors can see embalmed legs, arms, internal organs and organs of malformed humans. If this is not enough, move on to the Museum of Parasitology. The museum is fascinating, but only for those who have a very strong stomach. Entry to the Siriraj Museum is free and it is open from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on weekdays. National Science Museum The astonishing geometric architecture of the National Science Museum attracts not only children but also adults for its -entertaining combination of science and technology. The museum provides both education and entertainment, along with exhibits of technological advancements in agriculture by local Thais. The museum is divided into two halls: Hall I is about scientific knowledge, and nature from around the globe is on display in Hall II. Admission for each hall is 50 baht per adult, or two for 60 baht. Children under 12 get in free. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Tel. 0 2577 9999 Science Centre Situated near the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this exhibition centre houses an interesting aquarium, computer world, a planetarium, as well as many devices created for fun and education. The science centre consists of two sections. The first is the Bangkok Planetarium where you can explore the stars and sky. Open on Monday, Tuesday at 11.00 a.m. / 2.00 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday at 10.00 a.m. / 11.00 a.m. / 1.00 p.m. / 2.00 p.m.The second part is the science exhibition centre. Open Tuesday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The admission fee for adults is 40 baht and 10 baht for children. Lumphini Park Sean Luang Rama IX Park Opened in 1987 on the east side of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udomsuk) is this 200-acre botanical garden, Suan Luang Rama IX Park. It was built to commemorate the 600 birthday of King Rama IX. Here is a haven of peace and quietness, beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees where you can enjoy some pristine moments. The admission fee is 10 baht and the park is open from 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Tel. 0 2328 1972, 0 2328 1395 Siam Park
Dream World
On the perimeter of Bangkok towards Min Bari is this 300-acre complex ideal for a family trip, divided into four sections, Safari Park, with African and Asian mammals, Bird Park, Macaw Island and Games Corner. The complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Tel. 0 2518 1000-19 The Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's Canals (Khlong) In the nineteenth century, Bangkok's had a complex network of canals that served as the major arteries of transportation. The population drew upon the river not only for transport but also Express Boat Service Khlong Mon Boats leave every thirty minutes, daily, from 6.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from the Tha Tian Pier behind Wat Pho. The fare is minimal. This trip is very picturesque, allowing the passenger fascinating insights into the Thai way of life, including views of canal-side temples, orchards, orchid farms and fascinating insights into the water-borne life of the inhabitants who live along the canal banks. Khlong Bang Khu Wiang and Khlong Bang Yai Inexpensive ferries leave Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace every 20 minutes between 6.15 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. Visitors will enjoy various scenic attractions including canal-side temples, the Royal Barge Boat Shed, Thai-style houses and the early morning Khu Wiang Floating Market which operates between 4.00 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruises Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital's most superb sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and reflections from the water bestow upon Bangkok a magical effect of flickering lights and shadows. An ideal way of combining dining with river enchantments is to enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya. |
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai, Suan Pakkad Palace is the former residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading gardeners and art collectors. In the compound of the palace, visitors will see 8 traditional Thai houses. Collections include: Asian art and antiques, seashells, mineral crystals, pottery and bronze objects from the prehistoric burial ground Ban Chiang, in Northeast Thailand. The complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and the entrance fee is 100 baht.
Tel. 0 2245 6368 Website: www.suanpakkad.com
Located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River and not far from the Phra Pinklao Bridge, this shed has a display of several ornately carved royal barges with unique designs and decorative details. These barges are used on royal and official occasions and formerly served as war vessels.
The most beautiful and well-known barge "Suphannahong" is used by the king only when he makes his royal river procession for the Kathin Ceremony, a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually held during October or November. There is also "Narai Songsuban Ratchakan Thi Kao':, the latest royal barge especially built on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the King's Accession to the throne in 1996. The royal barges were also used during the Rattanakosin bicentennial celebrations and the reception ceremony of the APEC 2003.
The shed is open to the public every day from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. There is an admission fee of 30 baht and extra charges for shooting videos and photographs (100 baht per camera). Tel. 0 2424 0004
At the corner of Ratchadamri and Phloen Chit Roads, countless Thais and other Asian tourists who seek good luck visit this very popular shrine. as it is reputed to have the power of granting wishes. Many come to pay homage by offering flower garlands and pray to the four-headed image of the Hindu God "Brahma" to grant their wishes. To reinforce the wish or express appreciation to the God, they will donate wooden elephants or hire a group of Thai classical dancers to perform a dance with live music. The number of dancers and the length of the performance are directly tied to the generosity of their donation. All around plumes of incense smoke rise so thickly that they overcome the traffic fumes at this busy intersection.
An early partner in the Oriental Hotel, Jim Thompson, an American serving here, decided to devote his energies to
develop a thriving Thai silk industry. Due to his efforts, Thai silk is now famous all over the world and justly renowned for its quality, colours and patterns. Thompson, trained as an architect and gardener, also built a fine collection of traditional Thai houses, fashioned into one dwelling where he lived during his lifetime.
After his tragic death, the house remains preserved as a museum containing a priceless collection of Asian objets d'art. The museum, located centrally at Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road, is accessible by bus, taxi and the sky train. Entrance fee is 100 baht. The museum opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with the last tour at 4.30 p.m. Tel. 0 2215 0122, 0 2216 7368. Website: www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Dusit Zoo
Bangkok Dolls Museum
The largest park in Bangkok is considered the "green lung" of the city. It is situated between Wireless and Ratchadamri Roads. Lined with trees and shrubs, many paths run through the park, and an artificial lake lies in the centre, where boats can be rented. For Thais and visitors, it is an attractive place to visit and relax. In the morning, joggers use its many paths for keeping fit, and many Thai-Chinese people come here to do Tai Chi. There are restaurants within the park and plenty of places to find a cool drink. Entrances to the park are at all four of its corners. Admission is free, and it is open from 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
On the outskirts of Bangkok in Min Bun district lies this very popular water and amusement park. Some of its attractions are a man-made sea with artificial anti' for au/framer, whirlpools, fountains, waterfalls and towering slides. Other attractions include a children's playground, aviaries, an open zoo, a botanical garden and plenty of places where refreshments are available. Opening hours are 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Tel. 0 2919 7200-19 Website: www.siamparkcity.com
Situated on Rangsit - Ong-kharak Road near the airport, this classic European-style fantasyland, theme park with miniature versions of legendary sites and a huge variety of modern amusements is ideal for the family. It is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Tel. 0 2533 1152 Ext. 156
Website: www.dreamworld-th.com
Safari World
To connect Bangkok with the neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, the express boat service, with fares depending on the colour of the flag on the boat, is provided from the terminal pier near Krung Thep (Bangkok) Bridge. It stops at various piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River to collect many Bangkokians who take the boat for commuting to and from their places of work.
Major sights to be seen from the river include the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace and Thammasat University. The piers for these sights are Tha Chang and Tha Phra Chan. This bustle-free river journey is a welcome difference from the traffic-ridden fumes of the capital, and offer a different and refreshing view of the capital with a fresh river breeze. The express boat service operates daily from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Tel. 0 2623 6001-3 Ext. 100, 106 Website: www.chaophrayaboat.com