Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square kilometres. It is situated 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. For the new millennuim, Bangkok is being promoted as the City of Culture under the project of Bangkok 2000 originated by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The objectives of this project are to attract a larger number of tourists to Thailand, to offer new opportunities for people in Bangkok and all over the country to seek additional income and to preserve its cultural heritages for future generations.

The Grand Palace

This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. It was built in 1782 when King Rama I succeeded to the throne and Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand. The architectural plan is almost identical to that of the Royal Palace in the former capital of Ayuthaya. In the same compound located the royal chapel or Wat Phra Kaeo. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 125 baht.   

Vimanmek Palace
Or Vimanmek Mansion Museum, located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, is the world's largest golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante- chambers. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht.

Suan Pakkad Palace
Located on Si Ayuthaya Road, this complex of five Thai style houses occupies a beautiful garden and houses an important collection of Asian antiques. A lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthayan period (1350-1767) gold-leaf murals. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht.

Anandhasmakhom Palace
Built in the reign of King Rama V, Anandhasmakhom Palace was used to hold important state ceremonies and for parliamentarian meetings. The palace was constructed in Italian architectural style with the beautiful fresco paintings on the ceiling. Though it is open to public only once a year on Children Day (the second Saturday of January), the grandeur of the palace with the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V in front can still be seen from the distance on tree-lined Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.

Wat or Temple

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Tel. 465-5640
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 meter central pagoda (phra prang) which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho.

Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) Tel. 281-2501
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, near Chitralada Palace, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.

Wat Bowon Niwet
This temple is located on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in about 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV 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 Indravihan
Located in the Bang Khun Phrom area on Wisutkasat Road, this temple is well known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. The image, built in the reign of King Rama IV, is 32 metres tall and 10 metres wide. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.

Wat Mahathat Tel. 222-6011, 222-8004
This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. It is located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University. The temple houses Mhachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. The temple complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Wat Pho Tel. 222-0933
This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace enclave on Thai Wang Road and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha some 46 metres long and 15 metres high with inlaid mother of pearl soles. The temple is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called "Thailand's first university". It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht.

Wat Phra Kaeo Tel. 222-0094, 222-6889, 222-2208
This is the most revered statue in Thailand as it is the resting place of the Emerald Buddha. So that the other name is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Exquisitely carved from a block of jade, the Emerald Buddha is the protector of the kingdom. The palace complex is open every day from 8.30 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.
A word of warning - visitors should be properly dressed : no shorts or sleeveless tops.

Wat Ratchabophit
The 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 ideas and a desire to experiment with them. The exterior of the chapel is in the Thai style, but the interior is decorated in the European style.

Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat, the temple's main attraction, standing 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world. Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important foreign guest and a memorial statue of King Rama III.

Wat Saket
Wat Saket's major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800s, which overlooks Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The golden chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha and offers a panoramic view of historic Bangkok.

Wat Suthat
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 shop stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.

Wat Thepthidaram
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailands greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monkhood from 1840-1842. His residence is now open to the public.

Wat Trai Mit
Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road near Hualamphong Railway Station, this temple houses an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of the Sukhothai Period, three metres in height and weighing five and a half tons.

River & Canals Travelling

Trip along The Chao Phraya River

Boat services on the Chao Phraya River which connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co. Ltd., and Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.Ltd.

Chao Phya Express Boat's run daily from Wat Ratsingkhon (a riverside temple in the Yannawa area) to Nonthaburi during 5.30 a.m.-6.00 p.m., the fares range from 4 to 9 baht. During rush hours (6.00-9.00 a.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at main piers. The fare is 10 baht throughout the route. For more information please call 222-5330.
Visitors wishing to travel to Pak Kret are able to connect Laem Thong's boat at Nonthaburi Pier. The service is operated daily during 5.45 a.m.-5.45 p.m.

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

When arriving at Pak Kret, tourists can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A river ferry leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within a short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier during 6.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. The fare is 2 baht. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island for 5 baht. The atmosphere surrounding the pier is very calm. Attractions on Ko Kret are as follows:

Pottery Village is located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of earthen products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flowerpots. This is the oldest and biggest source of earthenware in Nonthaburi province. In the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Centre where pottery in various style is exhibited.
Wat Paramai Yikawat was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called "Wat Mon" (Mon Temple).

Wat Phai Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.

Wat Sao Thong Thong houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.

Besides, There are many other interesting ancient monasteries most of which were constructed in the Mon and the Ayutthaya styles.

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

Muay Thai, a style of boxing unique to Thailand in which combatants use elbows, knees and bare feet as well as gloved fists. A martial art before it was a sport, Muai Thai has a long tradition and is still surrounded by much ritual.The fights are commonly fierce and furious, though the best boxers display remarkable skills, as well as great fitness, and a good contest is decided by application of technique rather than brute force. Often as entertaining as the action in the ring is the reaction of the spectators who yell and shout encouragement to the boxers as the excitement mounts.

There are two boxing stadiums in Bangkok and between them they offer professional bouts virtually every night of the week.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium Tel. 281-4205, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open every Monday and Wednesday at 6.00 p.m. Thursday at 5.00 and 9.00 p.m. and Sunday at 4.00 and 8.00 p.m.

Lumphini Stadium Tel. 251-4303, Rama IV Road, every Tuesday and Friday at 6.00 p.m. and Saturday at 5.00 p.m.

International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact the Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel. 992-0096-9 www.muaythai.th.net

Ayutthaya

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace Tel.(035) 261-044
The palace is about 1 hour drive from Bangkok. Built in the reign of King Rama V, the palace consists of various styled buildings. Thai, chinese, Italian, and Victorian styles predominate. A Thai pavilion in the center of the small lake is regarded as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. Visitors can take either a bus or a train from Bangkok to the palace. The ground is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m..

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center Tel. (035) 366-092, 366-252
Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other rural areas undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. Visitors can have a glimpse of how farmers in different regions of Thailand live and work, and how their products of art and craft are produced. These handicrafts including weaving basketry, carving wood, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, and miniature Thai dolls are on display and on sale. The compound is open daily (except Mondays) from 8.30 a.m.- 4.00 p.m..

Baan Thai Tel. 533-1152
This is a cultural theme park where visitors will expenrience the traditional Thai culture and lifestyles as well as enjoy typical food and spectacular cultural show. Its is located at Km. 7 of Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road and is open daily from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Showtimes are 12 noon and 1 p.m. Admission fee (including lunch & show) is 400 baht per person.

Nonthaburi

Ko Kret
This is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, not far from Pak Kret District Office. On it live a community of craftmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Ko Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. The islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. To get there, take the express boat to Pak Kret in Nonthaburi. From Pakkret pier take a short walk to Wat Sanam Nua where a river ferry leaves for Ko Kret during 6.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m..

To the East of Bangkok

Bangkok

Prasart Museum Tel. 379-3601, 379-3607
This museum located on 9 Soi 4 A, Krungthep Kritha Road off Srinakarintara Road, Bang Kapi, Bangkok. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from the prehistoric to Bangkok periods. The imitation of some beautiful Thai architecture is scattered within the museum complex. Prasart Museum is open everyday except Mondays from 10.30 a.m.-3.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht each. Please contact the museum prior to a visit.

King Rama IX Royal Park Tel. 328-1385-7
The 200-acre botanical garden-cum-public park is located deep inside Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udomsuk) and was opened in 1987 to commemorate the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission fee is 10 baht.

Safari World
It is located at 99 Ramindra 1, Min Buri, covers an area of some 430 rai and is divided into 2 parts. The first, the Safari Park, houses a large variety of animals like zebra, deers, giraffe, birds, tigers, lion, bears, etc.in natural habitat. Visitors can drive their own cars or have a good look from one of the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches . The second, the Marine Park, exhibits marine and some rare animals. Visitors can enjoy performances by trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals, and monkeys Restaurants and game shops are also scattered within the area and tram service is provided for those wishing to have a look around.

Safari World is open daily between 9.00 a.m. Admission fee is 400 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. For more information please call 5181000-19 Bus services: No. 26 from Victory Monument goes to Minburi, from where a mini bus service serves Safari World.

To the South of Bangkok

Samut Prakan

Crocodile Farm Tel. 703-4891-5, 703-5144-8
This large farm with over 60,000 fresh and saltwater crocodiles is some 30 kilometers from Bangkok. Daily shows featuring crocodiles are staged at hourly intervals. There is also a Dinosaur Museum where various species of life-size creatures of dinosaurs and their skeletons are on display. The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.

The Ancient City Tel.224-1057, 226-1936
Essentially an open-air museum, this more than 200-acre complex contains scale replicas of religious complexes, monuments and buildings found throughout Thailand. The complex is located at Km 33 on Sukhumvit Highway and is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.. The Ancient City's office in town also organizes day tour to the museum. Contact (02) 2241057, 2261936 for further information.

To the West of Bangkok

Nakhon Pathom

Thai Human Imagery Museum Tel.(034) 332-109, 332-607, 332-061
Located at Km.31 on Borom Ratchonnani Road on the way to Nakhon Pathom, the museum houses life-sized fiberglass sculptures of former monarchs, ecclesiastics and rural folk, created by a group of Thai artists after 10 years of their intensive study and hard work. The museum is open from 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m..

Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo Tel. 284-1873, 284-0273
Located just one kilometer from the Rose Garden, this 60 acre farm is another interesting attraction housing many different wild animals and thousands of crocodiles. Fascinating performances such as crocodile wresting, magic show, and elephant theme show commence everyday. The farm is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

Rose Garden Country Resort Tel.295-3261-4
This popular tourist attraction is 32 kilometers west of Bangkok on Phetkasem Road. It boasts large, beautiful, and well-maintained gardens. In the resort, there is a Thai Cultural Village where an attractive show commences daily. There is for instance, Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting demonstrations, and an elephant show. The resort is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m..

Phra Pathom Chedi
This bell-shaped, orange tiled chedi, located some 56 kilometers west of Bangkok, is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and marks the spot where Buddhism was introduced to the Thailand-to-be some 2,300 years ago.

Ratchaburi

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This popular floating market is located some 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok via Samut Songkhram province, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon. Visitors can also travel around by boat to see local villages, and local way of life in the countryside.

At least three to five days should be allowed for Bangkok. Clearly it is not possible to see all the city has to offer in that time, but it will give a good introduction. The best way to experience and appreciate what can seem an overpowering city is to be selective, both in what to see and how to see it, sparing time for the modern as well as the ancient. A day of temple sightseeing could be followed by a relaxing cruise on the Chao Phraya river, or a round of golf at any one of several splendid courses on Bangkok's green outskirts. Museum treasures can be complemented by a wealth of shopping, while traditional entertainments, from kick boxing to classical dance, are balanced by discos and jazz pubs.Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi can be visited on full-day excursions, although with the latter a stay of one or two nights is recommended for a full appreciation of the scenic beauty of the countryside.The beach resorts of Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin can be similarly visited on full-day trips, but again most visitors prefer overnight stays. Shopping, dining out and sampling Bangkok's legendary nightlife provide ample evening options.