BANGKOK

General Information How to get there Festival Activities BANGKOK : General Information             Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty.  It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub.  It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s population.

Special link

• Car Rental Special Rate - รถเช่าราคาพิเศษ
• Hotel Special Rate - ที่พัก โรงแรม ราคาพิเศษ
• Limousine Special Rate -รถเช่าพร้อมคนขับ
• Hot News in Thailand - ข่าวในประเทศไทย
• Telephone Thailand - ค้นหาหมายเลขโทรศัพท์
• Restaurant Thailand - ค้นหาร้านอาหาร ใน ประเทศไทย

    Over the last few decades, Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city.  It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions.  Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis.  This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer.  The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city.  It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com 

BANGKOK : How to get there

BUS

Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 7 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10 and 22 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office. Visit www.bmta.co.th for more information on Bangkok’s public buses.

TAXI

Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.

TUK-TUKS

These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.

BTS Sky Trains

BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkoks leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th


Subway (Metro)
The city’s subway system, or MRT, connects many of the top tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets, and the business district.  Fares range from 14 to 36 baht.  The trains run from 6 a.m. to midnight, daily. For more information, visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Boat
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Car Rental : herebelow are the list of Car Rental .
Avis  Tel: 0 2251 1131-2  www.AVISthailand.com

BANGKOK : Festival & Event

Songkran Festival

Splashing blessings on everyone in sight

While the water splashing will flourish, the traditional values of Songkran are the focus of the 2009 celebrations.
 
Songkran is without doubt the most popular of all Thai festivals and rightly so.
It marks the beginning of a new astrological year and its exact dates are determined by the old lunar calendar of Siam.
This year the three-day festival falls on 13 to 15 April.

While the festival has its roots in Buddhist heritage, the washing of Buddha images, merit making, traditional family values and the sprinkling of water in respect for  elders,  it is best known for the fun and “sanuk” everyone gains from splashing copious quantities of water on all who happen to pass by.
Songkran is celebrated with gusto by young and old, throughout the country. City communities and villages in rural Thailand forget their troubles and concentrate on the serious of business of having fun as well as cooling off, during the height of the summer’s scorching tropical temperatures.
Probably of all the national festivals, this is the one that foreigners love to experience the most. They will come across water splashing festivities wherever they travel giving them an opportunity to share in a festival that is immensely popular, while still retaining a link to its traditional roots and values.
One of the traditional values points to the Thai family and the opportunity for family members to express their respect for their elders. Younger members of the family pour scented water on the hands of their parents, and grandparents. They may present them with gifts or tokens of their love. In return, elders wish youngsters good luck and prosperity.

In temples, elder members of the family gather to make merit, offering alms to the monks. They may help clean the temple courtyard, or perform bathing rites for Buddha images

In by-gone days, the fun of splashing water on friends or strangers had to wait until the late afternoon when the religious duties and ceremonies were over.
Today, the lines are often blurred with the younger generation making the most of the three-day opportunity to splash water on everyone in sight.

Possibly the most famous of the Songkran celebrations takes place in Chiang Mai. It attracts thousands of visitors, from all over Thailand as well as international tourists determined to share in the fun.
Often simply called the Chiang Mai Water Festival, the core of the celebrations will be held, 13 to 15 April, at the city’s main irrigation canal, with parades and cultural performances as well as arts demonstrations.  The actual opening ceremony will be held 12 April, at the Royal Flora complex when the Minister of Tourism and Sports will declare the festival open.

In the North:
Chiang Saen Water Festival runs from 13 to 21 April, in Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai province. In the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a ceremony, during the day, will pay homage to the town’s Buddha image. In the evening, the visitors can join a Lanna-style dinner, known as Khan Tok, or shop for handicrafts on a street closed to traffic, also the venue for folk dance performances.

Si Satchanalai Water Festival, from 13 to 15 April, at Si Satchanalai district, Sukhothai province, features parades and water splashing in the Si Satchanalai Historical Park.  The town is 67 km north of Sukhothai and is a popular stop on Around North Thailand tours.

Northeast
Thai-Lao Water Festival, from 13 to 17 April, plays out on the banks of the Mekong River in Nong Khai town that faces Laos and its capital, Vientiane. Sports competitions will be organised in the week preceding the festival.

Koon Flower and Sticky Rice Road and Water Festival  in Khon Kaen province, features parades, performances and water splashing on Si Chan Road, known as sticky rice road for its profusion of vendors selling this staple northeast food.
 
Ubon Ratchathani Water Festival, in the city centre, will feature a Thai-Indochina Food Festival at Thung Si Mueang Park, which will sell speciality dishes and food items representative of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Nakhon Phanom Water Festival has an unusual theme of noodles.  The main event will be held on Sinthorn Vichit Road or Khao Pun Road (rice flour noodle road) where booths will sell products and dishes made of rice flour noodles, the speciality of this province.

Central
Bangkok Water Festival gets underway,12 April, with a sound and light show at  Arun Ratchawararam Temple, from 1800 to 2100. This year, the city will focus on a traditional style Songkran Festival by supporting and inviting people to make merit at temples and return to their villages up-country to be with their families. Water splashing on streets in the business district will be discouraged.
However, the city is promoting its “Passport to nine royal temples” for those who visit temples during the festival, with an incentive to win prizes. Water splashing will be encouraged only in specific areas such as Khao Sarn Road.

Phrapadaeng Water Festival, which follows different dates than most of the celebrations, will be hosted, 18 to 20 April, in front of Phrapradaeng district office, Samut Prakarn province. There will be parades, Thai-Mon traditional sports and performances.

Eastern seaboard
Bangsaen Water Festival, 16 to 17 April, is held a week after national celebrations at Bangsaen beach in Chonburi province. A competition to determine the most artistic sand pagoda takes centre stage with more than 100 miniature pagodas sculptured from the sand. 

Pattaya Water Festival follows on from Bangsaen, 17 to 20 April. The water splashing celebration first moves to Na-Klua, a  village just north of Pattaya, 18 April, Pattaya beach, 19 April and finally moving, 20 April, to  Sattahip, a fishing and Naval town on the eastern seaboard.

South
Ranong Mineral Water Festival runs from 12 to 15 April, at Raksawarin Public Park in the centre of Ranong town, located on the Andaman Sea coast, some 300 km north of Phuket.
Here, people will enjoy the luxury of splashing mineral water on one another following the style witnessed in Myanmar’s traditional festivities. Also, during the four days, there will be booths selling tourism products and packages to Ranong province and other Andaman coast destinations.

Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, will be hosted 12 to 14 April, at Nipat Uthit Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. The water splashing will start from 2200, 12 April to midnight on 13 April. Ceremonies to sprinkle water on the town’s Buddha images will be conducted on the mornings of 13 and 14 April. 

For more information : TAT Call Center 1672

Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Songkran Festival in Bangkok
Date : 10 - 15 April, 2009
Venue : At The 9 Sacred Places and Rattanakosin Square, Bangkok

Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions at Wat Pho as well as enjoy demonstrstions of Thai food and local desserts, feast your eyes on cultural performances.

Moreover, in the Songkran Festival, TAT would like to invite you to dress Thai attire, visit and participate in the event of "the 9 Sacred Places ". the 9 royal temples in the Rattanakosin Square. To experience the wonderful treasure and enjoy the Songkran Festival in authentic Thai syle.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Motto : Endless Wealth and Prosperity
Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and pay homage to the Emerald Buddha as well as experience the wonderful Royal Palace.

Wat Pho
Motto : Calmness is Happiness
Experince the demonstration of Songkran Festival in 4 regions, enjoy folk plays Thai food and local dessert. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.

Wat Bowonniwet
Motto : Receive the Good Things in Life
Featuring Songkran Festival in Central Region, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, splash cooling water with elephants and experience ancient Thai bazaar.

Wat Saket
Motto : Create Auspicious Vision
Pour some Thai scented water on Buddha relics, Buddha image and monks. Create a sand pagoda and splash!

Wat Suthat
Motto : Enlarge Your Visions and Charm the People
Experience Songkran Festival in Southern style, and its rituals, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks as well as enjoy cultural performances.

Wat Chanasongkram
Motto : Conquer All Obstacles
Featuring Songkran Festival in the Raman style, feast your eyes on the demonstation of Raman culture and hoe to play Songkran in its way. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image, and monks as well.

Wat Kanlayanamit
Motto : Bon Voyage and Have Good Company
Let's enjoy Songkran along the river, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and experience cultural performances.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Motto : Have a Prosperous Life
Featuring Songkran at Bangkok, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.

Wat Rakhang
Motto : To Be Admired and Loved
Offering alms to monks, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks and experience cultural performances.

Songkran at Sanam Luang, Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sumeru Fortress) Bang Lumphu Square and Khaosan Road.
Date : 11 - 15 April 2009
Featuring the Light and Sound Presentation at Sanum Luang, the Beauty Pageant, Miss Songkran Wisut Krasat and Miss Songkran International on Khaosan Road.
11 April, 2009
08.30 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image procession from Wisut Krasat Junction to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan. (Phra Sumeru Fortress)
12 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. - Experience the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing from National Museum to Sanam Luang.
10.00 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image Procession from Wat Bawonniwet to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sueru Fortress) and pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.
13 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. - Experience the wonderful procession of Buddha image and beautiful float in Bang Lamphu Square.

For more information :
Bangkokn Tourist Division, Tel. 0 2225 7612-4
TAT CAll Center 1672
www.songkran.net

Bangkok Triathlon 2009

Bangkok Triathlon 2009
Date : 5 April 2009
Venue : The New Industrial Ring Road Bridge Area on Rama 3 Road, Bangkok

Individual Triathlon
The Olympic distance course will be set at 1500m swim, 40km bike and a 10km run. Competitors can choose to register in an age group or in the open competition. Awards are given to the top three finishers of each division.
Those who register as open competitors will not be counted in any age groups.

                                      Age Group Divisions  

Race entry fees (All benefits go to the Raj Pracha Samasai Foundation)
Olympic Distance Triathlon Individual THB 1,500 per participant (There is no refund.)
Olympic Distance Triathlon Relay THB 1,500 per participant (3,000 for 2 persons  : 4,500 for 3 persons) (There is no refund.)

Race entry includes the following:
- Invitation to Pasta Party dinner at Montien Riverside hotel
- Swimming Cap
- Race pack
- BIB
- Bangkok Triathlon T-shirt

* Details might be changed as appropriate. Please check with organisers before the competition for specifics.

For More Information
www.bangkokthailand.org

BANGKOK : Activities

sra Hun Lakon Lek at Aksra Theatre อักษราหุ่นละครเล็ก ( โรงละครอักษรา)

Aksra Theatre is situated on 3rd floor of King Power Complex Building, Rangnam Road, Khet Ratchathewi.  Aksra Theatre is a medium size theatre with 600 seats It is embellished with the majestic decoration that draws its essence from Thai traditional art and interior. It provides a fully and advanced equipped stage that can host spectacular performances and events. Attached to Aksra Theatre are Scene Shop, a souvenir shop and Scene Bar, a bar with a panoramic terrace. 
          At the present, Aksra Theatre organises the various performances of Thai Puppets together with Thai Orchestra Band. Combined with stage technique and classical dance, the elaborated scenes that tell diverse stories taken from Ramakien epic. 
            The show time: Tuesday- Friday: 19.00 hrs  Saturday-Sunday: 13.00, 19.00 hrs. Closed on Monday  The admission fee is  800 baht/ person    
            More information please contact tel. 02 677 8888 ext. 5678     www.Aksratheatre.com
   
          How to get there: Taking  BTS Skytrain and  getting off at Vuctory Monument Station and then walking  to Rang Nam Road  within  10 mins or Taking Bus no. 73, 204 and  getting off near by Rang Nam Road

Gemopolis

Gemopolis  is located on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, Prawet District which is near Wat King Kaeo , King Kaeo Road  in the eastern part of Bangkok and only 4 kilometres away from Suvarnabhumi International  Airport . It is the first and only fully integrated industrial estate for diamond, gems and jewelry in Thailand, occupying 800 rai of land (approx.  300 acres) and it is a complete international centre for gems and jewelry manufacturing and trading . Within its large production base for export, Gemopolis Outlet is a naturally the perfect source for a wide selections of Bangkok  cut diamond at hightly competitive prices. Visitors are welcome to see for the manufacturing process of diamond polishing in Gemopolis. 
           The outlet is open for the public who is  interested in purchasing some jewelry . It opens on Monday - Friday from 9.00 am- 4.00 pm. and on Saturday from 10.00 am.-4.00 pm.  For those interested in observing the manufacturing process or visiting the factory, please write a  letter to ask permission in advance to Gemopolis. For more details, please call.  0 2727 0000   www.gemopolis.com

Museum Siam Discovery Museum (มิวเซียมสยาม พิพิธภัณฑ์การเรียนรู้)

It is located on Sanam Chai Road in Phra Nakhon District, in the former building of the Ministry of Commerce. This building won an outstanding award of art and architecture preservation in 2006 from the committee on art and architecture preservation of the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King (ASA). 
        The museum serves as a learning centre on ethnology, anthropology, and other fields related to Thai society and Southeast Asia, in order to instil consciousness and understanding of the Thai people in their history, nation, culture, and localities, as well as connect relative ties with neighbouring countries. New methods of a display with modern media have been applied to enable participation of visitors in learning and understanding historical stories of the Thai nation. The contents on display in the form of the ‘Essays on Thailand’ have been divided into 16 rooms in the three-storey building. The first floor exhibits rooms of ‘Immersive Theater’ and ‘Typically Thai.’ The second floor displays rooms of the ‘Map Room,’ ‘Bangkok, New Ayutthaya,’ ‘Village Life,’ ‘Change,’ ‘Politics and Communications,’ ‘Thailand and the World,’ ‘Thailand Today,’ and ‘Thailand Tomorrow.’ The third floor includes rooms of ‘Introduction to Suvarnabhumi,’ ‘Suvarnabhumi,’ ‘Buddhism,’ ‘Founding of Ayutthaya,’ ‘Siam,’ and the ‘War Room.’ Visitors will gain knowledge and enjoy themselves from visiting each exhibition room. In addition, learning activities are organised for youth and aficionados of museums. 
         The museum is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. For further details, call Tel. 0 2622 2599, Fax: 0 2225 2775, or visit the website: www.ndmi.or.th    
         Location: on Sanam Chai Road, near Wat Pho (500 metre walking distance) and Phra Nakorn Police Station.
        How to get there: taking public bus no. 3, 6, 9, 12, 47, 53, 82, 524    or taking taxi boat toTha Tien Pier then continue walking for 500 metres.

Joe Louis, Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre

Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, the last of the kingdom’s traditional Thai small puppets troupe, was awarded the ‘Best Traditional Performance Award’ in recognition of the troupe’s presentation of The Myth of Rahu and the Lunar Eclipse at the 10th World Festival of Puppet Art held in Prague, Czech Republic, during June 1-10, 2006.

At the present, the small puppets troupe  perform " The Birth of  Ganesha"  until May 23,2008.  " The Birth of Ganesha" is the latest performance which will join  the World Festival of Puppet this year.  The theatre is located in Suan Lum Night Barzar, Rama 4 Road.

The showtime is 08.00 p.m.-09.15 p.m. daily. The tickets cost Bt 900 for adult, Bt 300 for child.   For more details please call 02 252 9683-4  www.thaipuppet.com 

Note: Before or after the show, please visit the puppet gallery to learn more about the history of puppets in Thailand.

Queen Sirikit Park

Situated between Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, near Chatuchak Weekend Market, Queen Sirikit Park was established on August 12,1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM the Queen.

The Park covers an area of 200 rai (120,000sq m), and was intended as a plantation following the concept of the diversity of plants in a forest. The park is also designated as one of Thailand's ideal botanical gardens, where more than 2,000 species of local and foreign plants are preserved.

This "Little Forest in a Big City" is nothing short of an oasis of ponds, pavilions, fresh breezes, and gentle birdsong.  It is a perfect escape from Bangkok's never-ending bustle, a place for leisurely strolls and photos with friends and loved ones.  It is also right next to Chatuchak Park (Suan Chatuchak) and Rotfai Park (Suan Rotfai).

Sirikit Park offers many attractions:

The Winding Pool - This beautiful pool winds through the Park, its shape a combination of an 's' with the Thai letter 'sah seua', the first letter in the Queen's name.  The pool is decorated with flowers and three fountains, which entertain visitors three times a day, at 7am, 12pm and 5pm. Come enjoy a relaxing atmosphere together with the movement and the splashing sound of dancing fountains accompanied by light music.  

Botanical Gardens - Along the trail, visitors will see various kinds of plants grouped according to their botanical families, such as:

The Banana Garden - Over 70 species are on display.

The Lotus Garden - Geometrically shaped pools are filled with colourful lotuses of many types, both local and foreign.  The pools themselves are arranged as petals around a central circular pool.  Various kinds of lotuses are planted in ancient jars which rest on granite platforms encircling the garden. The best time to enjoy the lotus garden is in the morning, from 6am to 8am when the lotuses are in bloom.

Visitors will be amazed by the beautiful flowers on display, including the Siam Ruby Lotus - both pink and white varieties - and the Victoria Waterlily, which changes colour according to its life cycle from white, when it is young, to purple at maturity.  The landscaped beds along the walkway to the lotus garden are presented in European garden style.

The Hibiscus Yard - Brightly coloured hibiscus are presented.

The Asok Tree Yard - Each kind has different young / newborn branches which look like bunches of blossoms.

The Frangipani Yard - A large yard is filled with different kinds of charming frangipani, located along a canal near a fountain.  In late afternoon, the flowers send sweet scent to permeate the garden air.

Along the Trails - Benches are placed under trellis roofs covered by climbing vines, creating deliciously shady spots for relaxation. The most special vine is the rare Yan Da-o or 'Golden Leaf Vine'.  It has butterfly-shaped leaves, which are light green when young, and turn  deep velvety red-brown when mature.  These gorgeous leaves reflect the sunlight in shimmers of gold, giving the plant its name. This plant was found in 1970 by HM the Queen at Bayo Waterfall in a national park in the southern province of Narathiwat.  It was brought to the park in 1996.  Three years later it first gave golden leaves in Bangkok.

Another special favorite is Yan Lipao, a vine with little light green leaves.  The Queen found this plant in a mangrove in Narathiwat.  Her insightful projects have encouraged the revival of traditional skills as a means of increasing rural income.  For instance, she encourages craftsmanship such as the making of distinctive handbags from Yan Lipao vines.

The Provincial Tree Garden - This garden is in the shape of a map of Thailand.  Each province is represented by a tree local to that province.

Building Commemorating HM the Queen's 72 birthday - There are displays of HM the Queen's work and projects concerning the conservation of our natural environment.  Names and pictures of interesting plants in the garden are included.  Currently the information is only in Thai, but park staffs are working to update it in English.

The building is open Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 - 17:00, weekends and public holidays from 10:00 - 18:00. It is closed on Monday.   

Three Buildings for Thai plants - Central and West; South and East; North and Northeast.
Trails inside each building are designated for local plants from each region.  Lush greenery is scattered with colorful orchids and flowers.

Garden for The Blind - This is the first garden for the sight-impaired in Thailand.  Visitors will enjoy nature and acquaint themselves with various species of aromatic plants by sense of touch and smell.  The garden is equipped with Braille information signs, iron bars leading visitors along the trails, as well as speakers which automatically give information when visitors pass by.

Other attractions in the Park include Garden of Aromatic Plants and Plants from Thai Literature and Garden of Plants Concerned with the Thai Monarchy.
 
Queen Sirikit Park is a perfect venue for recreation as well as a learning centre about the flora of Thailand aw well as foreign lands.

Getting There:

By Taxi:
Visitors are suggested to mention the Thai name of the Park as ‘Suan Satharana Sirikit’, as well as describe to taxi drivers that it is located near Chatuchak Park and Rotfai Park. Otherwise, the drivers might think of Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre instead.

By Car:
Enter the park via the main entrance on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. Parking is provided. 

By Train:
The park is easy to reach from the Mo Chit BTS station or the Chatuchak Park MRT station. From either of these stations, walk along Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd. to one of the park entrances.

By Bus:
Bus numbers 77, 122, 136, 145 and Air-con 145 stop at the park entrance on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road.

The Grand Palace

Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.

Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.

The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area for the royal women and children.

Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.

How to go there:The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.  

Admission Fee: ***Baht 250. This also includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100. for rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.  ( Please be informed that  from July 1,2008 the admission fee will be Baht 300 and including admission to visit "the exhibition of Art of Kingdom" at Anantasamakom Throne Hall and from Jan 1,2009 the admission fee will be Baht 350)
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn.  

Contacts: Tel : 0 2623 5500 ext.3100, 0 2224 3273
Website : www.palaces.thai.net
Nearby Places/Attractions: Tha Chang Pier , Wat Pho, Wat Arun, National Museum

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. It means "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 67 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 
Nearby Places/Attractions: Wat Pho,  National Museum ,Museum Siam

Wat Pho

This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.

Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.

Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.

For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.

** In  2008, the historic marble inscriptions in Wat Pho have been registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as MOW documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region  

How to get there : Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Admission : 50 baht
Tel : 0 2222 1969 ; Thai Massage School : 0 2221 3686  
Website:www.watpho.com
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace,Wat Arun, National Museum, Museum Siam

The National Museum

A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand And how people lived during the different periods. It gives you a view through the windows of the past.

The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The foundation collection was previously stored at The Grand Palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.

King Rama VII placed it under the administration of the Royal Institute of Literature, Archeology and Fine Arts which has evolved to be the Fine Arts Department.

New buildings were constructed in 1967 and other historical buildings relocated to the museum grounds.

The Buddhaisawan Chapel was built in 1787 to enshrine a revered northern Buddha image called Phra Buddha Si Hing. The interior has exceptional murals, while the building itself is a fine example of Rattanakosin religious architecture.

Tamnak Daeng is another building that has been moved to the Museum. This Red House was originally the residence of an elder sister of King Rama I. Furniture and other items from early Bangkok times.

The National Museum collection encompasses a wide range of religious and secular art found throughout the country. Items from pre-historic times, through the Srivijaya, Dvaravati, Khmer Kingdoms and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods of Thai history.

These include Neolithic tools, painted pots and bronze objects unearthed in the northeast. Thai Buddhist art exhibits feature images in stone, bronze and terracotta as well as illustrated scripture books manuscript cabinets and votive plaques.

The Museum also has a large collection of miscellaneous items such as Thai and Chinese ceramics, theatrical costumes, palanquins, weapons and assorted items used in royal households.

Guided tours are given free by volunteers in English and French starting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tours are also given in German on Thursdays and in Japanese on Wednesdays of the first & the third week of each month. Guided tours in some other languages can be arranged.

How to get there : The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Phrachan Pier. Walk straight from the pier to Sanam Luang Park and turn left past Thammasat University to the museum. By Bus No. 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 32, 33, 43, 53, 59, 64, 65, 70, 80, 84 Air Condition Bus No. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91 Airport Bus No. A2

Opening hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Admission fee : 40 baht
Contact : The National Museum Bangkok Na Phrthat Rd., Phra Borommaharachawang Sub-district, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok 10200 
Tel : 0 2224 1333, 0 2224 1370 www.thailandmuseum.com
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew), Phra Athit Road, Khaosan Road

The City Pillar Shrine

According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the citys horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si.

Open : Daily from 07.00-18.00 hrs.
Admission : Free
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Museum Siam, National Museum, Wat Suthat

Vimanmek Palace

An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftsmanship 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.

Location: Ratchawithi Road, Dusit District, Bangkok
How to get there : taking the bus Routes no. 12, 18, 28,56,70, 108,  515  and get off on Ratchawithi Road. or Ratchasima Road  
Opening Hours : Open everyday from 9.30 am. to 3.30 pm. ( close on Public Hoildays)
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 : Tel. 0 2628 6300-9
Website :   www.vimanmek.com
Nearby Places/Attractions: Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Dusit Zoo, Anantasamakom Thron Hall, King Rama V Statue

Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing

A visit to Wat Suthat Thep Wararam, situated almost in the center of old Bangkok, gives you an opportunity to see both the Giant Swing and one of the first-class Royal temples. The surrounding area is also worth exploring as there are many shops selling religious items.

The building of the temple was commissioned by King Rama I, the founder of Bangkok, in 1807. Its location in the center of Rattanakosin Island. This was in keeping with the Buddhist belief that it is like Mount Phra Sumeru being the center of the universe. Phra Sri Sakayamunee, the principal Buddha image, was moved from Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai to be placed in Phra Wihan Luang in Wat Suthat in 1808.

Wat Suthat is surrounded by an impressive wall 1.94 metres high and 0.85 metres thick. There are a total of 15 doorways leading into the temple compound. Within the temple grounds the most important building is the Phra Wihan Luang which is the Royal Temple. The mural paintings, covering all the interior walls are some of the finest to be seen anywhere. Each has stone inscriptions describing the pictures.

Surrounding the Royal Temple is Phra Wihan Khot terrace which is really impressive with 156 Buddha statues, mostly in the seated meditative attitude called Smathi.

The chapel, Phra Ubosot at Wat Suthat is possibly the most beautiful in Thailand and is also the largest measuring 72.25 metres in length and 22.60 metres in width.

There are four pavilions (sala) within the compound that are elevated to the height of the temples walls. These are used for various royal functions and for viewing the previous functions at the Giant Swing in front of the temple.

The annual ceremony was held up until the 1930s but was discontinued to the high fatality rate as young men tried to swing high enough to grab a sack of gold on a pole about 25 metres in the air. 

How to get there : Bus routes 12, 15, 42, 73, 96, 508
Open daily : 8.30 am. to 9.00 pm.
Admission fee : Baht 20
Contact : Tel: 02 224 9845
Website : www.watsuthat.org
Nearby Places/Attractions: Democracy Monument, Golden Mountain

Giant Swing

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 Thailand’s greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monkshood from 1840 - 1842. 

Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2222 5067 
Nearby Places/Attractions; Wat Ratchanatdaram, Golden Mountain

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 Kings 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 propelled 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 
Website : www.thailandmuseum.com

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846.  Loha Prasat, the temples 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.

Open : Daily from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2224 8807, 0 2225 5749
Nearby Places/Attractions: Democracy Monument, Golden Mountain

Canal Tours Canal Tours

A voyage through time
Bangkoks 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. Youll 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.

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
Nearby Places/Attractions: Wat Ratchanatdaram, Democracy Mounment, Wat Suthat

กรุงเทพมหานคร : ข้อมูลทั่วไป

       กรุงเทพฯ หรือ บางกอก เมืองหลวงของประเทศไทย เริ่มก่อตั้งภายหลังจากที่พระบาทสมเด็จพระพุทธยอดฟ้าจุฬาโลกทรงครองราชย์ปราบดาภิเษกเป็นปฐมกษัตริย์แห่งราชจักรีวงศ์ เมื่อวันเสาร์ที่ 6 เมษายน เดือนห้า แรม 9 ค่ำ ปีขาล พ.ศ. 2325 พระองค์ได้โปรดเกล้าฯ ให้สร้างพระราชวังทางคุ้งแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาฟากตะวันออก เนื่องจากเป็นชัยภูมิที่ดีกว่ากรุงธนบุรีเพราะมีแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาเป็นแนวคูเมืองทางด้านตะวันตก และด้านใต้

     อาณาเขตของกรุงเทพฯ ในขั้นแรกถือเอาแนวคูเมืองเดิมฝั่งตะวันออกของกรุงธนบุรี คือ แนวคลองหลอด ตั้งแต่ปากคลองตลาดจนออกสู่แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยาบริเวณสะพานพระปิ่นเกล้า เป็นบริเวณเกาะรัตนโกสินทร์ มีพื้นที่ประมาณ 1.8 ตารางกิโลเมตร

     บริเวณที่สร้างพระราชวังนั้นเดิมเป็นที่อยู่อาศัยของพระยาราชเศรษฐีและชาวจีน ซึ่งได้โปรดเกล้าฯ ให้ย้ายไปอยู่ที่สำเพ็ง ในการก่อสร้างพระราชวังโปรดเกล้าฯ ให้พระยาธรรมาธิบดี กับพระยาวิจิตรนาวีเป็นแม่กองคุมการก่อสร้าง ได้ตั้งพิธียกเสาหลักเมือง เมื่อวันอาทิตย์ เดือน 6 ขึ้น 10 ค่ำ ย่ำรุ่งแล้ว 54 นาที (21 เมษายน 2325) พระราชวังแล้วเสร็จ เมื่อ พ.ศ. 2328 จึงได้จัดให้มีพิธีบรมราชาภิเษกตามแบบแผน รวมทั้งงานฉลองพระนคร โดยพระราชทานนามพระนครใหม่ว่า “กรุงเทพมหานคร บวรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยา มหาดิลกภพ นพรัตน์ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์มหาสถาน อมรพิมานอวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยวิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์” ต่อมาในสมัยพระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัวทรงเปลี่ยน คำว่า “บวรรัตนโกสินทร์” เป็น “อมรรัตนโกสินทร์” และในสมัยจอมพลถนอม กิตติขจร เป็นนายกรัฐมนตรีได้รวมจังหวัด ธนบุรีเข้าไว้ด้วยกันกับกรุงเทพฯ แล้วเปลี่ยนชื่อเป็น “กรุงเทพมหานคร” เมื่อวันที่ 14 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2515
 
อาณาเขต 

ทิศเหนือ ติดต่อกับจังหวัดนนทบุรี
ทิศใต้ ติดต่อกับจังหวัดสมุทรปราการ
ทิศตะวันออก  ติดต่อกับจังหวัดฉะเชิงเทรา
ทิศตะวันตก ติดต่อกับจังหวัดนครปฐม

หมายเลขโทรศัพท์ที่สำคัญ  

1. สายด่วนกรุงเทพมหานคร โทร. 1555
2. โทรศัพท์ฉุกเฉิน โทร. 191
3. ศูนย์บริการผู้ใช้ทางพิเศษ โทร. 1543

Link ที่น่าสนใจ  

ททท.สำนักงานกรุงเทพฯ (สมุทรปราการ,กรุงเทพมหานคร,ฉะเชิงเทรา,นนทบุรี,ปทุมธานี )
http://www.tourismthailand.org/bangkok  
เว็บไซต์ท่องเที่ยวกรุงเทพมหานคร
http://www.bangkok.go.th 

กรุงเทพมหานคร : ข้อมูลการเดินทาง

กรุงเทพมหานคร : วัฒนธรรมประเพณี

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