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District Dusit
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 vistors 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 Children's 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
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V )stands.
In 1906, His Majesty commissioned the construction of a new Throne Hall within the grounds of the Dusit Palace . The name Ananda Samakhom was taken from a previous building that had deteriorated and was no longer usable. The foundation stone was placed by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The design and construction was supervised by Chao Phraya Yommaraj, with a team of Italian architects, engineers and painters. It took nine years to complete the building, which is designed in Italian Renaissance style. The exterior is decorated with marble imported from Carrara in Italy .
As beautiful as the exterior is, it is the exquisite paintings inside that really take your breath away. These paintings, by Mr. C. Riguli and Prof. G. Chini, trace the history of the Chakri Dynasty from Kings Rama I to Rama VI.
The north side dome is painted to depict King Rama I on his return from a battle in a neighboring country, while the eastern dome has paintings of Kings Rama II and Rama III and their support for the arts.
How to get there: Bus routes 70, 72, 503
Open : Daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except public holidays)
Admission : 50 baht (proper attire is essential)
Tel : 0 2628 6300 ext. 5119 - 5121 www.palaces.thai.net .
The Equestrian Statue of King Rama V the Great
Established in 1908 in the reign of King Rama V with a fund raised by the Thai people, the statue was cast in Paris by a French craftsman. The remaining fund was spent by King Rama VI on the establishment of " Chulalongkorn University ", which was named after King Rama V.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free
The Press Museum
Located in the same building as the Press Association of Thailand on Ratchasima Road, Dusit district (opposite Suan Dusit Rajabhat University), this is the first museum to have been established to enhance press occupation and be a source of study and information as well as valuable historical data about the Thai press from past to present. The exhibition is displayed through modern information technology. The first portion presents the press in the past by imitating the working atmosphere of reporters represented by wax models. Next are the political, economic as well as social roles of the press and biographies of outstanding personalities such as Dr. Bradley, Prince Narathipphongpraphan, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, Kularb Saipradit, Malai Choopinij and Isra Amantakul. There are also images of King Rama IV- founder of Thailand 's publishing business established to publish declarations and royal gazettes, the first newspaper for Thai people - and King Rama VI - a press king who granted freedom for newspaper publication. The museum features an exhibition on newspapers and magazines and provides a library service, as well.
Open : Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Advance contact is required)
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2669 7124 - 6 Fax : 0 2241 5929 www.thaipressasso.com
Vimanmek Palace
An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftmanship 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 to the public everyday from 9.30 am . to 3.15 pm .
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
Wat Benchamabophit
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 can't 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
District Huai Khwang
Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall
The Thai Life Exhibition Hall, located at the Thailand Cultural Center , takes you through the different periods of life in Thailand and how the Thai people have struggled and overcame difficulties to remain an independent.
The exhibition is divided into four main sections and uses a combination of presentation techniques including computer generated images, photography, multi-image slide presentations and puppets.
A video wall with nine screens welcomes visitors as they enter starts the presentation on the history of the Thai people.
This is divided into four areas covering the history of Thai culture, important archeological sites in Thailand , world civilization and the origins of the Thais.
The second sector takes you through Thai settlements concentrating on different cultures, languages and religions presented in the media of puppets and aerial photographs of ancient sites in four regions of the country.
Influences of outside civilization comes in the third section. Some highlights are those of Chinese and Indian traders and the impact they had in social intercourse.
The fourth area takes you through the development of Thailand as a nation from the establishment of The Kingdom of Siam at Sukhothai, the rise and fall of Ayutthaya ,
the Thonburi period leading on to the present Rattanakosin era under the Chakri Dynasty.
The Thai Life Exhibition Hall is a valuable source of information for all those who want to know more about Thailand and its people.
How to get there: Subway Thai Cultural Centre Station.
Bus routes 36, 73, 122, 136, 137, 179, 185, 206, 514, 517
Open : Mon. - Sat. from 9.30 am. - 4 pm.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2247 0028 ext. 4224, 4206-7 www.culture.go.th/once/thainithat
District Klong San
The Princess Mother Memorial Park
A Tribute to Mae Fa Luang, "The Mother of us all"
When Princess Srinakarin, the mother of King Rama IX, passed away in 1995 it was one of the saddest times in Thailand's modern history. This remarkable woman was born a commoner, daughter of a goldsmith in Nonthaburi province and grew up in Thonburi near Wat Anongkharam. Throughout her life, she never forgot her humble beginning and devoted her considerable energy to improving the life of all Thais. The most well-known of her achievements was the establishment of the Doi Tung Foundation to assist the northern hilltribes.
In 1993, King Bumipol Adulyadej expressed his wish to renovate the area around his mother' childhood home in Thonburi as thanks to Princess Srinakarin who is still referred to as "Mae Fa Luang" meaning "The Mother of Us All".
Her original home had no longer existed so owners of some similar buildings in the area gladly donated them to the King for his project.
The Princess Mother Memorial Park has a reproduction of the house where she lived as a child set in open space with beautiful gardens. There are two exhibition halls, the first devoted to her life including signed photographs such as the one of her at the age of 14. The photographs with supporting text chronicle her life and finally her cremation ceremony in 1996.
The second exhibition hall recounts her active life and many achievements in establishing projects. It includes some very personal items such as a Mickey Mouse needlepoint that she made for The King.
A gazebo shelters a statue of the Princess Mother and a small shop nearby sells products manufactured by some of her projects.
How to get there: Bus Routes 6, 43. The park is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San.
Open : Garden - Daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Museum - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2437 7799, 0 2439 0902 www.princessmothermemorialpark.org
District Klong Teoy
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
Museum of Thai Pharmacy
The museum is located on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage Building at 40 Soi Santisuk, Sukhumvit 38 Road (diagonally opposite Soi Thong Lo). It was established to publicize traditional Thai medicine from past to present for later generations to learn and treasure. The exhibition is featured by various topics; namely, the Birth of Pharmacy, the Evolution of Oriental Pharmacy and Basic Wisdom, the Evolution of Western Thai Pharmacy and the Evolution of Herbs and Natural Products. The museum is open on weekdays during
Open : Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Advance contact in writing is required for a group visit)
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2391 6243, 0 2712 1627
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 2.30 p.m. Additional shows on Sat & Sun at 10 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.
Admission : Exhibition and Planetariam - Adult 40 baht, Child 20 baht
Tel : 0 2392 5951-9
District Lumphini
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
District Min Buri
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 children's 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.
District Nong Klaem
Sunthorn Museum
Situated at 82/10 Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near Lotus Supermarket), this is an private museum operated by Mr. Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the World War Periods, various kinds and types of old clock, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, Raios, Irons, type writers, Fans and sewing machines which are still bing maintained in good condition.
Open : Sat. from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission : 200 baht
Tel : 0 2802 0863-4 www.sunthornmuseum.com
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