|  Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Central Thailand
Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital in 1782. Over the next two centuries, it developed in many ways reflecting the modern dynamism; however, its ancient glories were well maintained, especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace. Today, Bangkok has become the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction for both domestic and international travellers.
Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square kilometres on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts (Khets), it is home to one-tenth of the country's population. Thon Buri, a former capital, is now a district under the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.
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Grand Palace This city landmark should be the first place of any visitor's itinerary. It is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road consisting of several buildings with highly decorated architectural designs. Wat Phra Kaeo in the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha image, most revered by the Thai people. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. Admission fee is 125 baht. (including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion). Proper attire is essential.
Sanam Luang This huge public ground in front of the Grand Palace is used for royal cremation ceremonies and other special events including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Celebration of the King's and the Queen's birthdays, and the New Year Festival. Other nearby monuments include the Statue of the Earth Goddess, erected in the reign of King Rama V to provide public drinking water, and the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang, a temple-like structure erected by King Rama I.
National Museum Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, this complex was once a palace consisting of several old beautiful Thai style buildings. It houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Admission fee is 40 baht. Guided tours in English, French, German and Japanese are provided to visitors on certain days of week.
National Gallery Museum Located on Chao Fa Road, this museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. Opening time is similar to that of the National Museum. Admission fee is 30 baht.
Wat Mahathat This old temple on Na Phra That Road was built in the reign of King Rama I. It houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. 
Wat Pho This world famous temple is located on Thai Wang Road next to the Grand Palace. It is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. The gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with inlaid mother-of-pearl soles is highly revered among Buddhists. Also regarded as the first centre of public education, or sometimes called "Thailand's first university", the temple houses mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues which educated people on varied subjects; for example, literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation, medicine, and Thai traditional massage.
Wat Arun Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. It was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. An important structure is a 79-metre-high pagoda or "Phra Prang" decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multicoloured porcelain. The name of Wat Arun literary means "Temple of the Dawn". But the most beautiful view of it can be seen from the east side of the river at sunset.
Wat Ratchabophit This 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 construction design.
Pak Khlong Talat This is Thailand's biggest wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. Plenty of flower stalls lining Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge offer colourful and bustling scenes every morning.
Wat Suthat This temple on Bamrung Muang Road is famous for the excellent murals created in the reign of King Rama III. The Wihara (preaching hall) should be seen for its collection of gilded Buddha images. A huge door with intricate carving, which is the masterpiece of King Rama II, once belonged to this temple and is now kept in the National Museum. In front of the temple is the Giant Swing or Sao Ching Cha, where a Brahmanic ceremony had taken place until the early 20th century. Many nearby shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.
Wat Thepthidaram Located on Mahachai Road, this 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, resided in this temple during his monkhood from 1840-1842.
Democracy Monument This monument in the middle of Ratchadamnoen Avenue was constructed to commemorate the peaceful changeover from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy on 24 June, 1932.
Wat Ratchanatdaram This temple is located on Mahachai Road. It houses a spectacular unique styled structure called Loha Prasat, which is the only one of its kind left in the world. It stands 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires. The statue of King Rama III who built this temple in 1846 is situated next to the compound.
The Golden Mount With the entrance on Boriphat Road, this is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda. The mount is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, it is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok's old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top.
Wat Inthrawihan Located on Wisutkasat Road, this temple is known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image, 32 metres tall and 10 metre wide, was constructed in the reign of king Rama IV. The topknot of the image contains the relics of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.
Wat Bowon Niwet this important temple is located on Phra Suman Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, there is in the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in 1375. King Rama IV used to be a chief abbot of this temple before he ascended the throne. Other Chakri Kings who had resided here during their monkhood include King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Wat Benchamabophit Also know as the Marble Temple, this temple is on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Chitralada Palace. The main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. Its interior is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of bronze Buddha images lines the wall of the spacious inner courtyard.
Vimanmek Royal Mansion Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, this is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is provided to visitors. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. The outstanding one is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which exhibits H.M. Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including H.M. King Bhumibol's photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht. Proper attire is required. Traditional Thai dancing commences daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. Call 282-7111, 281-6880 for more information.
Dusit Zoo This zoo is managed by the Zoological Park Organisation. It houses various species of tropical animals, including 300 mammals, 1300 birds and 190 reptiles. There is a pond where visitors can enjoy paddling a boat. The area is pleasant and shady, and is suitable for picnics. It is open everyday from 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Chinatown Bangkok's Chinatown is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Roads. There are many small streets and alleys full of shops and vendors selling all types of shops and vendors selling all types of goods. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago. Nearby Phahurat or Indian market is one of the city's renowned cloth centres.
Wat Trai Mit Located at the end of Yaowarat Road near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is know for its famous golden Buddha image constructed during the Sukhothai Period. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres high and weighs five and a half tons.
Suan Pakkad Palace Located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Phayathai intersection. This used to be the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand's leading art collectors. Five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautifully kept garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 100 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. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission costs 100 baht. Volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors.
Museum of Imagery Technology This is the first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia, which shares the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are on display. Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open only on Thursdays from 10.00a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 100 baht. Call 218-5581-2 for more information.
Pasteur Institute or Snake Farm This interesting spot is located at the corner of Henri Dunant and Rama IV Roads west of Chulalongkorn Hospital. It is a section of the Thai Red Cross, where one can have cholera, smallpox, and typhoid inoculations, as well as rabies treatment. The institute has become a popular tourist attraction because of its large collection of live poisonous snakes. It is open from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. on weekdays and 8.30 a.m. - 12.00 a.m. on holidays. The extraction of venom from the snake is demonstrated at 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on weekends, and at 10.30 a.m. on holiday. Admission fee is 70 baht.
Erawan Shrine Located on Ratchadamri Road, this shrine of Hindu God is very revered by many people who came to pay homage and beg for blessings. Laced flowers and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are offered to the statue by grateful devotees.
Ban Kham Thieng This is a classic northern-style teak house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated to the Siam Society by its owner and reconstructed in Bangkok. It is located at 131 Soi Asoke (Soi 201) Sukhumwit Road. A variety of Thai flora can be seen in its garden. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open daily except Sundays and Mondays from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 70 baht. Call 661-6470-7 for more information.
Science Museum Situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumwit Road, this is an exhibition centre on a variety of scientific knowledge. It houses an interesting aquarium, a computer world, a planetarium, as well as many devices created for fun and education. The compound is open daily except Mondays and public holidays from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
Royal Barge National Museum This shed, where several royal barges are displayed, is located on Khlong (canal) Bangkok Noi off the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. These barges were used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels. It is open everyday except annual holidays from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht. Visitors can rent a boat at Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace to visit the museum and observe the way of life along the canal.
Princess Mother Memorial Park This beautiful park, in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Sri Nagarindra or King Rama IX's mother, is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San District. It was built near Wat Anongkharam community where she had resided during her childhood. A full scale model of the Princess Mother's original house has been constructed. There are two exhibition halls displaying the Princess Mother's life story as well as the history of this old community. The park is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Thai Cat Palace Among the famous breeds of Siamese cat, the white pure Maeo Khao Mani, with the dominant feature of diamond eyes, has been favoured through history by Thai royalty and the elite. In an old Thai-style house on Boromarajajonani Road, a number of diamond-eye cats are bred and shown to visitors. Every cat of this kind has one light blue coloured eye and one that is amber. Valuable amulets called "Phra Somdet" and antiques are also displayed.
Philatelic Museum This is on the 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau behind Sam Sen Nai post Office. Saphan Khwai area. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays during 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. There is no admission fee. Collections of Thai and foreign stamps as well as post books are on display. Stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale.
Chatuchak Weekend Market This large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road is where people buy and sell a thousand local products including food, clothing, household products, handicrafts, pets, and pit plants. The market is a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. It operates on Saturdays and Sundays. From Wednesday to Fridays, the ground becomes a wholesale for various kinds of plants.
Hall of Railway Heritage This is a train museum on the western side of Chatuchak Park adjacent to Kamphaeng Phe Road. Steam engines, train models and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. It is open only on Sundays from 5.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.
Prasart Museum This private museum is on the outskirts of Bangkok, at 9 Soi 4, Krungthep Kritha Road, Bang Kapi District. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from the prehistoric to Bangkok periods. Replicas of some beautiful Thai architecture are constructed from the prehistoric to Bangkok periods. Replicas of some beautiful Thai architecture are constructed within the complex. The museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht. For advance reservation, call 379-3601, 379-3607.
King Rama IX Royal Park The 200-acre park on Si Nakharin Road commemorates His Majesty King Rama IX's 60th birthday in 1987. It comprises extensive botanical gardens, and a building displaying the works and life of King Rama IX.
Safari World this is located at Km. 9, Ram Indra Road, Minburi District. Within an area of 170 acres, the park houses a large variety of wildlife in natural habitat. Visitors can drive around the area, or have a look at wild animals from Safari World's coach. There are also performances of well trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals, and monkeys. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 400 baht for adult and 300 baht for children.
Span's Cultural Gallery Situated near Soi 62, Phahonyothin Road to the north of Bangkok, this is a sartorial art centre which exhibits the evolution of both Thai and international folk costumes. Miniatures of Thai Communities and some social activities contribute to more understanding of the Thai traditional culture. Advance reservation is necessary. Cell 532-2733-4, 531-2013 for more information.
SPECIAL INTEREST:
Cruising along the Chao Phraya River:
A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the city once dubbed "Venice of the East". The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to your exploration of the city's premier attractions. Tourists can book such a tour through travel agent or rent a boat at Tha Chang, a pier near the Grand Palace.
Thai Boxing:
Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self-defence. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbow, legs, knees, and shoulders. The playing of traditional music during bouts makes even greater excitement. There are two venues in Bangkok for this type of sport.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open Mondays and Wednesdays at 6.00 a.m., Thursday at 5.00 and 9.00 p.m., and Sundays at 4.00 and 8.00 p.m.
Lumphini Stadium Rama IV Road, every Tuesday and Friday at 6.00 p.m. and Saturday at 5.00 p.m.
Amusement Parks:
Besides the amusement parks in major department stores, the following are extensive fun lands with beautiful landscaping and many kinds of toys:
Magic Land on Phahon-Yothin road. Open daily from 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. and on holidays until 7.00 p.m. Admission fee: 250 baht
Siam Water Park on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, Minburi. This features fun toys, an extensive man-made sea and towering water slide. Open from 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. (Weekdays) and 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (weekend) Admission fee: 200 baht.
Dream World at km. 7 of Rangsit Ongkharak Road. Open daily from10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. On holidays it is open until 7.00 p.m. fee: 270 baht.
Thai Cultural Show:
National Theatre is on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Thai classical dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here. For current programmes call 225-8757-8, 222-1352
Thailand Cultural Centre located on Ratchadaphisek Road, is a fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. Thai cultural performances are periodically held. Call 247-0028 for a current information.
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre is located on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. Modern dramas and plays are usually held while Khon or a clasical mask play is a special event that is staged occasionally. Call 225-8757-8, 222-1325 for more information.
Phattharavadi Theatre Renowned for its lavish productions, this outdoor theatre has gained popularity through its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques. It is situated at Soi Wat Rakhang, Thon Buri. Tel. 412-7287-8.
Ban Chang Thai is situated on Soi 10 Ekkamai Road off Sukhumwit Road. Thai puppet shows and ancient Thai boxing shows are held at certain times of the year. Call 391-3807 for more information.
Meditation Centres:
Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practiced regularly by numerous Thais and laymen as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. There are meditation centre in Bangkok which offer a class in English for foreign visitors who wish to find out more about Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. These include:
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The International Buddhist Meditation Centre in Wat Mahathat (Tel: 02-623-6325)
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The world fellowship of Buddhists (Tel: 02-251-1188-90)
- Buddhist Association of Thailand (Tel: 02-281-9563-4),
- Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence (Tel: 02-258-3257)
- Young Buddhist Association of Thailand (Tel: 02-413-1706)
- House of Dhamma (Tel: 02-511-0439)
COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.
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