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Attractions
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District Bang Bon
Wat Ratchaburana
This temple is located at the foot of the Rama I Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side. Built in the late Ayutthaya period by a Chinese merchant, it is otherwise known as Wat Liap and is one of the 3 principal temples of the capital which include Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Ratchapradit and Wat Mahathat. It had been regularly restored since the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama VII, except in the sixth reign. Some of the temple's principal buildings, especially Phra Ubosot - the ordination hall - which houses mural paintings by Khrua In Khong, were badly damaged by bombing during World War II. The buildings were later restored to their good condition as they appear today.
Open : Daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2225 1595
District Bang Rak
Chao Phraya River Cruise
"The River of Kings "
The Chao Phraya River is the most important waterway in Thailand . Boats of all sizes ply this river ranging from huge container ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. Its most recognized water transporters are the rice barges and the long-tail boats. Then there are cross river ferries and the river express boats serving as water-born buses bringing commuters to the city from as far up-river as Nonthaburi.
A cruise on the Chao Phraya River gives you a new perspective on Bangkok as you pass by the imposing Prangs of Wat Arun, the majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha .
You'll see a different side of commerce as huge lines of rice barges is towed by a small tugboat and other barges carrying cargo as diverse as sand and gravel, even soft drinks and beer.
There are a number of ways you can experience life on the river. You can take a voyage on a luxuriously converted rice barge leaving from Bangkok on a leisurely journey all the way up to the ancient capital at Ayutthaya . There are also purpose-built luxury cruisers making the same trip. Or you can see the river life the same way the locals do by catching a river express boat.
There are converted rice barges and Chinese junks that offer lunch and dinner cruises. The evening dinner cruise can be particularly romantic, sipping fine wine at a candle-lit table.
For those who want a more budget-priced journey, there are small river boats that are available for hire by the hour.
Rare Ston Museum
Located on Charoenkrung Road between Soi 26 and Soi 28 in Bang Rak area, the museum features a fascinating display of over ten thousand rare stones from Thailand and all over the world. Exhibits include precious stones, fossils, crystals, stalactites and more. Collections of ashtrays and cigarette labels are also on display.
Open : Daily from 10 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : 100 baht
Tel : 0 2236 5666, 0 2236 5655, 0 2236 5712 www.rarestonemuseum.com
Silom Road
The business heart of the country
Like so much of Bangkok , Silom Road is a street of contrasts. The glass-clad office towers are populated by bankers, investors, corporate lawyers and the like, while on the kerbside there are young people selling cheap clothing and trinkets.
Starting at the southern end, you'll find the "The Gem Capital of The World" where there are many jewellery shops and out of sight in the offices, gem traders from around the world are negotiating with their Thai counterparts.
In this area there is also a Indian temple where devotees stage colourful festivals according to their Hindu gods.
The mid-section of Silom Road is mainly office buildings with some more jewellery shops, handicrafts and bronzeware shops.
There is a small lane beside the Bangkok Bank headquarters building called Soi La Lai Sap which becomes very crowded at lunchtime as the female office workers shop for inexpensive cosmetics and clothes. There are also stall where they have their midday meal.
On the northern end there are more office blocks and some department stores as well as many international fast food restaurants. And of course more kerbside vendors selling fried bananas.
The last side street on the northern end is Soi Thaniya which is like a "Little Tokyo" with its many bars and restaurants catering to an exclusive Japanese clientele.
How to get there: Skytrain to Saladaeng Station. Subway to Silom Station. Bus routes 15, 76, 77, 163, 164, 177, 504, 514, 547
District Bangkok Noi
Canal Tours
A voyage through time
Bangkok 's history is so closely connected to the waterways. It used to have so many canals that it was often called "The Venice of The East". Rattanakosin Island came into existence when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong constructed to fortify Bangkok.
Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras and up to modern Bangkok.
The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi side to venture up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. These journeys take you to fascinating places such as The Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station.
On the way you will see a different side of life as you pass the homes of the klong-dwellers. Each home seems to have its own boat, be it a small canoe or a "hang yao" the long-tailed boats powered by car or truck engines and a propeller on a long shaft that acts as both propulsion and steerage.
The contrast continues as you pass into idyllic rural pockets where villagers grow fruit, vegetables and orchids which are sent to markets on the long-tailed boats. You'll see children on there way to or from school and saffron robed monks travelling to their klong-side temples. You may even come across Thai women in boats selling "boat noodles", drinks, snacks and fruit.
Most organized canal tours take you to a floating market at Taling Chan in Thonburi that operates from 8.30 a.m. until noon . It is usually crowded with other tourists.
How to get there: Tour boats depart from the pier beside the Oriental Hotel, at River City and Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.
Royal Barge National Museum
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 King's 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 proplelled 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 Arun ( Temple of Dawn )
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark diagonally opposite the Grand Palace , is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.
Open : Daily from 7.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Admission : 20 baht
Tel : 0 2465 5640
District Bangkok Yai
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." Meaning " 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.watarun.org
District Chatuchak
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Situated in the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park ( Railway Park ), the garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises an activity ground, exhibition area, feed breeding room, embryo breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering an area of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high, built from an open framework for good ventilation. The garden area connects to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park . It is a natural study room ideal for learning and being a source of information as well as exchange of knowledge about butterflies and insects, their life cycles and being. The garden is open daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Open : Tue - Sun and public holidays
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2272 4359-60, 0 2272 4680
Chatuchak Park
This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.
Open : Daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission : Free
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is paradise for bargain hunters. Every Saturday and Sunday, 9,000 individual booths are open selling an infinite variety of goods.
It is just about impossible to go to Chatuchak Weekend Market and not buy anything. There is just about everything that bargain hunters, home makers, pet lovers or just browsers can imagine.
Handicrafts are every where including pottery, hand-made glass models of the Royal Barges, fluffy toys, colourful tropical fish, singing birds puppies of many breeds, furniture and lots of new and second hand clothing, shoes, handbags, belts. There is so much on offer that even international home decor wholesales come here to shop.
Music lovers can find unique traditional Thai musical instruments being sold direct by the artisans who have crafted them to make the pleasing sounds.
One rule for all shoppers to observe is "bargain, bargain, bargain". This is part of the fun and also gets you the best prices.
Chatuchak Weekend Market has interesting products from all over Thailand as well as things from far off lands.
You should allow the best part of a whole day to explore the many stalls. You never know what you will find. But this is work that will make you thirsty and puckish, so take a break here and there to cool off with a fresh fruit juice or feast on delicious Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, barbecue chicken, noodles and sweets.
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Mochit Station or Metro to Kamphaeng Phet Station
Bus Routes 3, 26, 27, 29, 34, 59, 77, 96, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145, 502, 503, 510, 512, 513
Open : Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Free
Children's Discovery Museum
The museum is located inside Queen Sirikit Park and was established under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, in her realizing the significance of creating a pleasurable learning process for Thai children. Based on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's children and family activities, the Children's Discovery Museum took shape in the form of 3 exhibition buildings and an open-air activity ground covering a total area of 5 rai. The construction was completed in 2001 and undertaken under the project to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen.
The museum offers exhibitions as well as funny activities for children to enjoy and learn about human life, sciences, culture and society, nature and the environment, including an exhibition in honour of Her Majesty the Queen. It is open during 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekends.
Open : Daily (Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Sat-Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. )
Admission : Adult 70 baht, Child 50 baht
Tel : 0 2615 7333 ext. 102, 134, 148 www.bkkchildrenmuseum.com
Queen Sirikit Park
This is situated east of Chatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road . It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. A big pool in the park contains three fountains and a fine collection of both Thai and foreign lotuses.
Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission : Free
The State Railway Hall of Fame
This is a train museum where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. It is located on the western side of Chatuchak Park adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet Road .
Open : Sat. - Sun. from 5 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 1615 5776
District Din Daeng
Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park
The park is on Phra Athit Road on the bank of the Chao Phraya River . It was constructed near Phra Sumen Fort under the cooperation between the Royal Thai Government and the general public to mark the auspicious occasion of the sixth cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King on 5 December, 1999 . The spacious area provides a pleasant atmosphere as well as a scenic view of the Chao Phraya River and the Rama VIII Bridge . It is popular among both Thais and foreigners, especially from the nearby Bang Lamphu community.
Open : Daily
Admission : Free
District Don Muang
Don Mueang International Airport
Our gateway to the world
The Bangkok International Airport at Don Mueang is one of the busiest in Asia handling more than 80 international airlines.
The airport is divided into two sections, namely International and Domestic. The International section has two terminals, Terminal One and Terminal Two. There are signs as you approach both terminals listing the airlines using each terminal.
For international flights, check-in time is at least 2 hours before scheduled departure time. Once inside the terminals, you will find all the facilities you need including restaurants, drink kiosks, foreign currency exchanges, postal services, magazine, newspaper and book sellers, florists and tourist police booths.
After passing through Check-In and Immigration, you enter the Departure Concourse where there are many more facilities as in the public area. Here you will find an amazing selection of duty free items at very reasonable prices.
The airport authority operates a free shuttle bus service between the International and Domestic Terminals.
The Domestic Terminal is equally well appointed with the exception of duty free shopping. Check in time for domestic flights is one hour before the scheduled departure.
Smoking is prohibited within all the terminals except in the designated "Smoking Rooms".
How to get there: There are many ways to get to and from the airport. There are the special airport buses that travel four routes, one to the Silom Road , second to Sanam Luang area close to Khao San Road , third to Sukhumvit Road and the fourth to Hua Lumphong Railway Station.
The State Railways of Thailand has a railway station across the road from the airport. This can be reached via the pedestrian overhead bridges.
Most hotels operate a limousine service to the airport and of course you can use a taxi.
There are public buses, both air conditioned and non-air conditioned to and from the airport
Bus Routes 29, 59, 95, 510, 513.
National Memorial
It is located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road slightly beyond Bangkok International Airport . Covering an area of 38 rai, the National Memorial is under the responsibility of the Armed Force Education Department, Supreme Command Headquarters. There are wall paintings depicting historic events in Thai history from the Sukhothai period to Rattanakosin period, replicas of royal decorations, bas-reliefs of the establishment of the city and models recounting historic battles in Thai history.
Open : Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2532 1021
A speaker is available for a group visit but advance contact in writing is required.
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