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District Phra Wet
King Rama IX Park
Enhancing the quality of life
King Rama IX Park is an expression of gratitude from the people of Bangkok to H.M. King Bumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 60th birthday in 1987.
The 200 acre park is Thailand 's first comprehensive botanical garden, providing a relaxing environment. It has six distinct areas, each with its own specific theme.
The "Garden of the Great King" or Uthayan Maharaj, symbolizes the Sovereign Grace and Majesty is the first and most important area.
Area two is the botanical garden where research is conducted on varies types of flora and the knowledge gained is passed on.
The Reservoir at area three is named "Traphang Keo" and truly exemplifies His Majesty's efforts to mitigate flooding in Bangkok as it adds to the effectiveness of the project he has proposed.
The " Rommaniya Garden " in area four is an open garden with miniature reproductions of Thailand 's natural heritage including mountains and other geological features.
Area five is an open field for use for entertainment and festival purposes. It is called "Sanam Rasdara" which means "Royal Ground".
There are mixed jungle and wetlands providing habitats for fish and waterfowl in area six.
In addition to these main areas, there are also seven international miniature gardens that were created with the assistance of experts from each of the countries represented.
How to get there: Bus routes 145, 206, 207
Open : Daily 5 am . to 5 pm .
Admission : 10 Baht
Tel : 0 2328 1395
District Pom Prap Sattru Phai
King Prajadhipok Museum
It was during the reign of King Prajadipok as King Rama VII that Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This museum presents the life and tumultuous times of The King's reign.
The building, constructed in 1906, was initially an imported clothing store called John Simpson Store designed in the Neoclassical style by Charles Beguelin, a French-Swiss architect. It later became a hardware store and then headquarters of the Public Works Department.
The museum has nine permanent exhibition halls covering various subjects in a sequence.The first hall introduces you to the line of succession under the Chakri Dynasty from King Rama I up to H.M. King Rama IX, the current King.
King Prajadipok's life before his accession to the throne in the second hall, informs about his youth, education, ordination, marriage and government service.
His coronation is shown in photographs and royal activities in areas of national development and foreign relations are shown in the next exhibits.
The preparations for and the celebrations marking the 1932 150th anniversary of the founding of the Chakri Dynasty are next.
1932 was the year of the turning point in Thailand 's political history when under pressure from a political party,the King consented to the change from an absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy.
The Conferment of The Constitution exhibit hall informs you about the King's prior intent to bestow upon the nation a constitution.
King Prajadipok's personal effects are displayed including items on films, music, sports and writings, revealing his personal tastes. The final exhibition shows his life after abdication and his final years in England .
The King Prajadipok Museum is a very informative source of information on Thailand during this significant period.
How to get there: Bus routes 2, 15, 39, 44, 47, 60, 79, 511, 512. Saensaep Canal Express Boat service to Phanfa pier.
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday and public Holidays from 9.00 am . to 4.00 pm .
Admission fee : 40 baht
Tel : 0 2280 3413-14, 0 2280 3445-6
Email : kpm@kpi.ac.th
Website : www.kpi.ac.th/museum
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
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 2221 4026 Fax : 0 2222 6935 www.watsuthat.org
District Ratchatewi
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 - Sat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2245 3008
Geological Resource Museum (Minerals and Rocks Museum)
Located on the first floor of the Emerald Building next to the Department of Mineral Resources on Rama VI Road , the museum is attached to the Bureau of Geological Survey, Department of Mineral Resources, and was established in 1948. It exhibits minerals, rocks, fossils as well as ancient tools made from minerals and rocks in 3 sections:
1. Geology, featuring the Earth, plate movements, earthquakes, minerals and rocks, geological surveys, ground water and fossils
2. Mineral Resources, displaying specimens of gemstones and precious stones, uses of minerals, mineral fuels, petroleum and minerals from abroad
3. Special Exhibition, currently showcasing dinosaur fossils in Thailand . The museum is open on weekdays during 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission is free but advance contact in writing addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources is required.
Open : Mon to Fri from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2202 3669, 0 2202 3670 Fax 0 2202 3754 www.dmr.go.th
Pratunam
Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok that has a highly-deserved reputation among bargain shoppers.
Passing through the area, you will see many shops on the main roads. But the real activity is in the market hidden behind the stalls and shops. Here you'll find a huge variety of low cost clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, watches, electronic gadgets and all sorts of souvenirs. It is usually very congested as there are many eager shoppers looking for their bargains.
Pratunam is the location for Thailand 's tallest building, the Baiyok Tower . This is the major wholesale center for the garment trade. It is very popular with minor and major international traders, particularly those from Africa . There is even an African restaurant nearby.
Bargain hunters looking for good deals on computers, accessories and software flock to Pantip Plaza , which is now known throughout the world for its low prices.
How to get there: Bus routes 2, 11, 23, 60, 62, 72, 93, 140, 511, 512
Suan Pakkad Palace
A visit to this exquisite collection of traditional Thai homes, set in beautiful gardens, gives you an insight into the appreciation of art and gardening by members of the Royal Family.
Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip. They took up permanent residence there after World War II.
The compound contains seven traditional houses that display the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs. Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and religious artifacts are displayed in House 1.
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics.
Princess Chumbhot's extensive mineral collection is on show in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery. The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils and figurines in House 6.
The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes, accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban Chiang art and culture.
How to get there: Bus routes 14, 17, 38, 77
BTS Skytrain : Phaya Thai station.
Open : Daily from 9 am . - 4 pm.
Admission : 100 baht
Tel : 0 2245 4934, 0 2246 1775-6 www.suanpakkad.com
Thai Labour Museum
This museum is located at the former office of the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union on Nikhom Rotfai Road , Makkasan, Ratchathewi. It exhibits a historical background of Thai labour in 7 rooms: Room 1, slave labour and corvée system - the foundation of ancient Thai society - presenting the history of Thai labour since ancient times; Room 2, Chinese coolies - early hire workers - featuring their way of life; Room 3, labour and the country's reforms in the reign of King Rama V - a major transitional period in Thai history; Room 4, labourers and the 1932 Revolution - labourers before and after the revolution; Room 5, from World War to the Cold War - Thai labour under critical situations during World War II and the Cold War; Room 6, from the 14 October uprising to the economic crisis - life of Thai workers during the pro-democracy period, women and child labour, truck drivers and boxers; Room 7, labour artist Chit Phumisak - dedicated to Chit Phumisak, a significant thinker and intellectual. The exhibition in each room is displayed through various media such as television, slides and computer, which make it more interesting and easier to understand. The museum also provides a library service with books and research reports about labourers and computer training for workers.
Open : Wed - Sun from 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. (except Mon - Tue and national holidays)
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2251 3173.
Victory Monument
The monument is situated on Phahonyothin Road . It was constructed in 1941 under the premiership of Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkhram in order to praise the heroic deeds of soldiers, policemen and civilians who sacrificed their lives in a dispute between Thailand and France on the demarcation between Thailand and other Indochinese nations. The dispute ended with a compromise being agreed by the two parties, and 59 casualties. Victory Monument was, therefore, established as a memorial to their bravery.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free
District Samphan Thawong
China Town
The largest outside of China
Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just about anything day or night.
The main thoroughfare through Chinatown is Yaowarat Road , which is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. It was built during the reign of King Rama V. On each side of the road, there is a network of streets and alleys lined with shops selling all sorts of things. In many of these streets you'll find shops side by side selling the same items.
There is an old fresh food market called Trok Isarnuphap where leading chefs from all over Bangkok shop for the finest and freshest ingredients for their restaurant menus.
The largest outside of China
Chinatown is a bustling, crowded area where you can buy just about anything day or night.
The main thoroughfare through Chinatown is Yaowarat Road , which is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length. It was built during the reign of King Rama V. On each side of the road, there is a network of streets and alleys lined with shops selling all sorts of things. In many of these streets you'll find shops side by side selling the same items.
There is an old fresh food market called Trok Isarnuphap where leading chefs from all over Bangkok shop for the finest and freshest ingredients for their restaurant menus.
A visit at night will take you to a food street where you sit on stools watching your meal being prepared, then enjoying the delicious cuisine washed down by tea or a cold beer.
How to get there: Subway to Hua Lamphong station
Bus routes 1, 4, 7, 25, 53, 501
Phahurat Indian Market
This is the place to come to buy fabrics and to enjoy Indian cuisine. Phahurat Market is a small Indian community on the fringe of Chinatown . Most of the merchants are Indian Sikhs who are involved in the textile trade.
They have a unique way of greeting female shoppers, calling each one "Khunying" which is a Thai royal title similar to the English "Lady". Their selection of fabrics is the best in Bangkok , particularly the Indian cottons and silk.
There are many vendors selling ready made goods including shoulder bags which are at unbelievable low prices.
Wat Trai Mit
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
District Sathon
Kukrit House
It is difficult to describe the many achievements and talents of Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Promoj, a great grandson of King Rama II, in a limited space. A visit to his home will give you an insight into the life, tastes and achievements of the man who was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand.
M.R. Kukrit was one of Thailand 's most interesting characters. He was a noted performer and choreographer of the traditional Thai "Khon" dance drama, writer of stories that have become Thai classics such as "Phai Dang", founder, publisher and editor of the influential "Siam Rath" newspaper, actor with Marlon Brando in "The Ugly American" and founder of the Social Action political party, of which he was the leader when he served as Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975. He was a man of impeccable taste which is mirrored in "Baan Kukrit" his Bangkok home.
The house is set in beautiful tropical gardens with ponds. The architecture is in the Ayutthaya style constructed of teak wood. The main residence building is furnished with antiques such as a lion-leg bed that was used by King Rama II . The library holds books on many subjects, ranging from fiction to philosophy.
There is a smaller house called "Ho Kwang", which he used as a private retreat for relaxing and a Thai-style pavilion, with solid teak pillars and furnished in his impeccable taste.
How to get there: Located at Soi Sathon 3, also with access through Soi Narathiwat 7. The nearest public transport is BTS Skytrain at Chong Nonsi Station. Bus routes 22, 62, 77, 162
Open Times : 10.00 am.-17.00 pm. on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (not open on in lieu of Public Holidays)
Admission fee : Adult 50 Baht, Child 20 Baht
Tel : 0 2286 8185, 0 2287 2937
District Suan Luang
The Museum of Buddhism Art
Located at 104 Soi 40, Phatthanakan Road , Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, the museum features a large private collection of Buddha images and is operated by The Foundation of Thai's Arts Preservation. The exhibition focuses on the art of Buddha images in accordance with Thai history, with an international standard presentation comprising light, sound (chanting), scent (incense) in an air-conditioned atmosphere. Besides Buddha images and artefacts of different periods, there is also an area allocated to be a shrine as well as museum of Kuan Yin and other major gods of various beliefs in Asia.
Open : Tue. - Fri. and Sun. (Advance contact is required.), Sat. from 10 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : 250 baht
Tel : 0 2321 0048-50, 0 2322 2434 Fax : 0 2322 2412
District Ta Ling Chan
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC) was initiated by Silapakorn University to commemorate H. R. H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn 36th birthday and to fulfill her wish to have a national institution devoted to the collation of all anthropological data scattered throughout the country.
The Centre became fully functional in 1999 with the necessary buildings, human resources and modern facilities to fulfill its mission. This is divided into academics and services.
On the academic side, SAC conducts and coordinates research, builds an inventory for study and research, develops the data base and acts as an information exchange for both foreign and local institutes and organizations.
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre has a permanent exhibition open to the public four main subjects:
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Biographic Exhibition displays photographs and artefacts illustrating her life and works including her numerous contributions to the society and culture of Thailand.
Thai Ceramics Collections exhibits ceramics from prehistoric sites such as Ban Chiang and Ban Kao, stoneware from Northeastern Thailand , pottery from Sukhothai and Buddhist tablets from the various historical periods.
Social and Cultural Development in Thailand is the subject of another exhibition, displaying the results of research in social and cultural development. It covers the various regions in Thailand and highlights the social and cultural relationships between various ethnic groups in Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia.
The Ethno-archaeology Exhibition presents the results of research focused on the comparison of past and present culture.
How to get there: Bus routes 79, 515
Open : Mon - Sat from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission : Free
Contact: Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Public Organization) 20 Boromaratchachonnani Road , Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Tel : 0 2880 9429 Fax : 0 2880 9332 www.sac.or.th
District Thawee Wattana
House of Museums
The House of Museums is located at 170/17 Mu 17, Khlong Pho Land, Soi Khlong Pho 2, Sala Thammasop Road, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170. It is accessible by driving along Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road toward the railway track or Khlong Maha Sawat. At the end of the road, turn left onto Sala Thammasop Road and follow the sign to the museum. The exhibition features a collection of old as well as modern items of various uses of both townspeople and villagers such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen and household utensils, forming a legacy of the past to be inherited by the present. The modern 3½-storey building of 3 chambers covers a total area of 232 square metres. The first floor lends an old atmosphere of shop houses before 1957 including a café, drugstore, barber's, etc. There are rooms displaying alternate exhibitions on various topics, as well. The House of Museums is open during 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends only. Admission fees are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
Open : Sat - Sun
Admission : Adult 30 baht, Child 10 baht
Tel : 0 2869 6281, 0 1257 4508, 0 9200 2803
District Thon Buri
King Taksin the Great Monument
This is an equestrian statue situated at Wongwian Yai Circle on Prachathipok Road . The king is portrayed with his right hand holding a sword, measuring approximately 9 metres in height from his horse's feet to the spire of his hat. The statue rests on a reinforced concrete pedestal of 8.90 x 1.80 x 3.90 metres. There are four frames of stucco relief on the two sides of the pedestal. The opening ceremony of this monument was held on 17 April, 1954 and a homage-paying fair takes place annually on 28 December.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free
District Wattana
Kamthieng House
The Kamthieng House is of great interest to all who have an interest in Thai society. It is the center-piece at the Siam Society, which promotes the preservation of heritage, culture, arts and the environment.
This superb example of Northern Thai architecture is more than 160 years old and has been preserved in excellent condition. It has been handed down through generations of the Nimmanahaeminda family before being generously donated to the Siam Society by Nang Kinhaw Nimmanahaeminda. With the financial support of the Asia Foundation, the house was relocated from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in 1964.
The house is built on wooden stilts with the underneath area used to display a rich assortment of agricultural implements such as plough and harvesting equipment made of wood, reeds and bamboo.
The Kamthieng House is stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life. There are beautiful hand-woven fabrics, ornate wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and religious items. This outstanding collection serves as an ethnological museum. This has fulfilled on of the goals of the Siam Society which had it written into the rules when it was formed in 1904.
The Siam Society occasionally grants permission for small receptions for 25 to 30 people to be held in the gardens with the house as a backdrop.
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station. Subway to Sukhumvit Station
Opening times : Tuesday to Saturday (except public holidays) 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
Admission fee : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht.
Tel : 0 2661 6470-7
Website : www.siam-society.org
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