Visit Thailand - Bangkok

<body>  <h1>Bangkok</h1> <p><strong>Bangkok</strong> is the capital of <a title="Thailand" href="/thailand/">Thailand</a> and by far its largest city with an estimated population of over 11 million. </p> <p>Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre. </p> <h2>Districts</h2> <p>Bangkok is a large city, modern and Westernised and humming with nightlife and fervour. Administratively, it is split up into 50 <em>khet</em> (districts), which are further split into 154 <em>khwaen</em>, but these are more often used in official business and for addresses. Visitors will find the conceptual division below of the main areas more useful for getting around. </p> <ol> <li><strong>Sukhumvit</strong> – The long <strong>Sukhumvit Road</strong>, which changes its name to <strong>Ploenchit Road</strong> and <strong>Rama I Road</strong> going west, is Bangkok's modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at <strong>Siam Square</strong> is the closest thing Bangkok has to a centre. </li> <li><strong>Silom</strong> – To the south of Sukhumvit, the area around <strong>Silom Road</strong> and <strong>Sathorn Road</strong> is Thailand's sober financial center by day, but Bangkok's primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous <strong>Patpong</strong> come alive. </li> <li><strong>Rattanakosin</strong> – Between the river and Sukhumvit lies the densely packed "Old Bangkok", home to Bangkok's best-known wats. <strong>Yaowarat</strong> (Chinatown) and sights around the <strong>Chao Phraya River</strong> are also included here. Bangkok's backpacker mecca <strong>Khao San Road</strong> and the surrounding district of <strong>Banglamphu</strong> are located on the northern part of Rattanakosin. </li> <li><strong>Thonburi</strong> – The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with many small canals and some offbeat attractions, such as the <strong>Taling Chan Floating Market</strong>. </li> <li><strong>Phahonyothin</strong> – The area around <strong>Phahonyothin Road</strong> and <strong>Viphavadi Rangsit Road</strong> is best known for the <strong>Chatuchak Weekend Market</strong> and <strong>Don Muang Airport</strong>. </li> <li><strong>Ratchadaphisek</strong> – The district north of Sukhumvit centered around <strong>Ratchadaphisek Road</strong> (part of which is called <strong>Asoke</strong>) and reaching from <strong>Phetchaburi Road</strong> to <strong>Lat Phrao</strong>. This area has really opened up recently as the new metro line follows Ratchadaphisek Road. </li> </ol> <h2>Museums </h2> <p><strong>Anantasamakhom Throne Hall </strong>This Renaissance building was constructed of marble from Italy under the instruction of King Rama V, with an intention to be used as a royal reception – assembly hall. The construction was completed in the next reign. The dome of the throne hall houses picturesque frescoes of royal activities undertaken during the reigns of King Rama I – King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri. The building serves as a venue for royal and state ceremonies and was once used as the National Assembly before it was moved to the new building behind. 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 </p> <p><strong>Ancient City </strong>Situated in Bang Pu Mai Sub-district on Sukhumvit Road (old route) towards Bang Pu, at Kilometre 33, the Ancient City is on the left and 8 kilometres from Samut Prakan town. It is a centre of replicas of important historical sites in the country. It covers an area of approximately 800 rai and was first constructed at the end of 1963. Major historical sites in the Ancient City are Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear), Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai, Phra Phutthabat Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Prathat Chaiya, etc. The replicas were elaborately constructed in both smaller-scaled sizes, while some are in the actual size. Besides, it is a source of local Thai arts and culture which is disappearing from modern society. Those who wish to conduct research on the history of Thailand can study this at the Ancient City. Open: Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adult 300 baht, Child 200 baht Tel: 0 2323 9253, 0 2709 1644 </p> <p><strong>Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium </strong> Situated in the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park), Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, the garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises of 4 main sections; namely, 1) a touch screen computer area introducing the garden, 2) a mini-theatre for the VDO presentation on insects and the ecological system, 3) an exhibition area and feed breeding room of the embryo of butterflies and insects, 4) a cage covering an area of 1,168 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high, built from an open framework for good ventilation. It displays 20 kinds of more than 500 butterflies. The garden, which connects to the Chatuchak and Queen Sirikit Parks, is an appropriate natural classroom for learning, conducting research, as well as, collecting and exchanging knowledge on butterfly species and insects, their life cycles and ways of living. The garden is open daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Open: Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission: Free. Tel: 0 2272 4359-60, 0 2272 4680. </p> <p><strong>Bangkok Dolls & Museum </strong> Located at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road. It was established by Khunying Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after having completed a course on doll making from the Osawa Doll School in Tokyo, Japan. Her intention was to make as well as publicise Thai dolls. Bangkok Doll's products are well recognised internationally and renowned among doll collectors. They won the first prize and the Honorary Gold Peacock Feather Award from the 3rd International Folklore Dolls Biennial 1978 in Poland. The place serves as both a museum and workshop where various kinds of dolls are displayed and made totally by hand, using mainly locally available materials. There are several categories of dolls such as Khon dolls, hill tribes, Thai rural lifestyles as well as Khon mask miniatures. There is also a corner in the workshop where a private collection of some 400 dolls from around the world are displayed. The entrance is free. Open: Mon-Sat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tel: 0 2245 3008 </p> <p><strong>Bank of Thailand Museum </strong> Located on a total area of 30 rai on the Chao Phraya River inside Bang Khun Phrom Palace within the same compound as the Bank of Thailand, Sam Sen Road, Phra Nakhon District. The museum building is one example of the finest architecture of the same art style built by King Rama V to be a royal residence of HRH Prince Boriphat Sukhumphan, his 33rd son born with Queen Sukhuman Marasi. After 1932, the palace was used as a governmental office for a certain period until 1945 when it became the Bank of Thailand. It was turned into the Bank of Thailand Museum in 1982, accommodating 14 rooms on 2 floors. Floor 1 houses rooms of ancient coins, the Phot Duang or Thai bullet coins, modern Thai coins and banknotes, golds and foreign currency. Floor 2 houses rooms of the 60th anniversary of the Bank of Thailand, banknote printing, and several others. Open: Mon-Fri from 9.30 a.m. to 12 a.m., 1.30 p.m.to 4.30 p.m. Admission: Free Tel: 0 2283 5286, 0 2283 6723(Please contact at least 1 week in advance. (Attention: Director of the Bank of Thailand Museum). </p> <p><strong>House of Museums </strong> 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. Open: Sat-Sun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adult 30 baht, Child 10 baht Tel: 08 9666 2008, 08 9200 2803 </p> <p><strong>Jim Thompson Museum </strong>This collection of traditional Thai-style houses, fashioned into one dwelling, belongs to the man who helped restore the Thai silk industry after World War II, and today, preserved as a museum, contains a priceless collection of Asian objects d' art. The canalside museum is located in Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium. Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht. Tel: 0 2216 7368 </p> <p><strong>King Prajadhipok Museum </strong>The museum is located at the preserved building of the Public Works Department at the foot of Phan Fa Lilat Bridge at the corner of Lan Luang Road in Phra Nakhon District. The building is of King Rama VI's – King Rama VII's neo-classic architecture built in 1906. It was renovated by King Prajadhipok's Institute to serve as a museum exhibiting a rare collection of King Rama VII's personal belongings as well as photographs, documents and biography of Thailand's first constitutional monarch. It has become the first perfect monarchic museum, using modern technology in giving explanations and guidance. Significant events and stories relating to King Rama VII are also exhibited including the succession to the throne, the king's biography before his accession to the throne, royal activities, political reform, promulgation of the constitution, royal utensils and memorabilia, as well as his life after abdication and death in the United Kingdom. The demolished Sala Chaloem Krung Theatre which used to stand in the nearby area is imitated with old films being projected. Open: Tue-Sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. including public holidays Admission: 40 baht Tel: 0 2280 3413-4, 0 2280 3445-6 </p> <p><strong>Museum of Thai Pharmacy </strong> 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. (Advance contact in writing is required for a group visit.) Open: Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free Tel: 0 2391 6243, 0 2712 1627 </p> <p><strong>Philatelic Museum and Library </strong> Located on the 2nd floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau (North) (behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office), Phahonyothin Road, Sam Sen Sub-district, it displays the history of the Thai postal service and development of Thai stamps from the past until present time. Moreover, "Solot", the first Thai stamps used in the reign of King Rama V and the foreign ones of the member countries of the Universal Postal Union are on display. Also, there is a library collecting books and knowledge on post both in Thai and foreign languages. In the same area, stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale at the ground floor of the building. Next to the museum, there is also a room imitating the operational site and equipment of the post office in the past, providing services of postal money orders, selling stamps, etc. In front of the building, Thai postal boxes in various periods, as well as, those from foreign countries are exhibited. Open: Wed–Sun from 8.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m., Admission: Free, Tel: 0 2271 2439 </p> <p><strong>Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre </strong> Located on Borom Ratchonnani Road beyond the Southern Bus Terminal, this centre is a national institution responsible for systematic gathering processing and servicing of anthropological data scattered throughout the country. A variety of exhibitions on Social and Cultural Development in Thailand, Ethno-Archaeology, Thai Ceramic Collections, as well as the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Biography can be viewed. Open: Mon- Sat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Admission: Free, Tel: 0 2880 9429 www.sac.or.th </p> <p><strong>Rare Stone Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หินแปลก)</strong> 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 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Admission: 20 baht, Tel: 0 2236 5666, 0 2236 5655, 0 2236 5712 </p> <p><strong>Royal Barge National Museum </strong> Thailand's ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, just off the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side. The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels. Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Admission: 30 baht, Tel: 0 2424 0004 </p> <p><strong>Siriraj Museum </strong> Located on the 2nd floor of the Adulyadej Vikrom Building inside Siriraj Hospital on Phran Nok Road, Thon Buri District (Thailand's first medical institute). The museum comprises the Congdon Anatomical Museum, Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum, Prehistoric Museum, Pathology Museum and Traditional Thai Medicines Museum. Open: Mon–Sat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Admission: 40 baht, Information: Tel. 0 2419 7000 ext. 6363. </p> <p><strong>Suan Pakkad Palace </strong>Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this complex of five Thai-style houses was once the residence of one of Thailand's leading art collectors, Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. It houses an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques, including items from the prehistoric Ban Chiang civilisation, and also an impressive collection of sea-shells. Khon (classical Thai masked dance) Museum and Traditional Thai Music Museum are also established here. Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Admission: 100 baht, Tel: 0 2246 1775-6 ext 229, 0 2245 4934 </p> <p><strong>Sunthorn Museum </strong>Situated at 82/10 Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near Lotus Supermarket), this is a private museum operated by Mr. Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the World War Periods, various types of old clock, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, Raios, Irons, type writers, Fans and sewing machines which are still maintained in good condition. Open: Sat from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m., Admission: 200 baht, Tel: 0 2802 0863-4 </p> <p>Content is available under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0</a>.</p> <script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> _uacct = "UA-119091-1"; urchinTracker(); </script> </body>