Bangkok Thailand 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.

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.

Accommodation in Bangkok

Bangkok Thailand

Bangkok Thailand 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 Thailand is a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center.

Bangkok Thailand exceeds 1,500 square kilometers in area and is home to one-tenth of the country’s population.

Transportation

Buses

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) provides a regular bus service and its contracted operators throughout Bangkok as well as to its outskirts during 4 a.m.-11 p.m. and around the clock on certain routes. Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 7 Baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 25 Baht all routes. A bus Route Map is available at bookshops. For more information, please call 184.

Taxis

Taxis cruising city streets are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 Baht for the first 3 kilometers thereafter. Make sure you have changed, as taxi drivers often don’t Passengers must pay tools in the case of using an expressway.

Tuk-Tuk

These three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorized taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys o up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 Baht.

BTS Sky Trains

BTS sky trains ply routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak. The fare ranges from 15-40 Baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at Tel: 0 2617 7340,0 2617 6000 or visit.

BangkokMetro

A metro service is now available from Bang Sue via Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ratchadaphisek Road, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Lumphini Park, and Silom, Sam Yan to its terminal at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The fare ranges from 15-39 Baht according to the distance. Call 0 2624 5200 

River Taxis

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 the northern suburb of Nonthaburi. Call 0 2225 3003, 0 2623 6001 to 3, 0 2222 5330 or visit www.chaophrayaboat.co.th for further information.

 

Attractions in and around Bangkok Royal Palace

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or Wat Phra Karo (พระบรมมหาราชวังและวัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดารามหรือวัดพระแก้ว)

The Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง)

Constructed simultaneously with the establishment of Bangkok or Krung Rattanakosin by King Rama I the Great, the complex covers a total area of 132 rai and comprise 3 major quarters; namely, Phra Maha Prasat – the throne halls, Phra Ratchamonthian Sathan – royal residences and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram – Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Formerly, the Grand Palace served as a residential palace for the royal family, with a similar floor plan to that of the Palace in the Kingdom of Ayuttaya. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a palace temple just as Wat Phra Si Sanphet used to be in the Ayuttaya Period. A blend of Western architecture prevailed during the regions of King Rama IV and King Rama V. Major throne halls include:

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 Sky train 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

Nearby Places/Attractions: Tha Chang Pier, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and National Museum

Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat (พระที่นั่งดุสิตมหาปราสาท)

Formerly named as Phra Thinang Inthraphisek Maha Prasat, is the first throne hall to have been construed within the Grand Palace to house royal remains of the kings, queens and members of the royal family. It is also for use in major royal ceremonies such as auspicious rites and merit making.

Phra Thinang Aphonphimok Prasat (พระที่นั่งอาภรณ์พิโมกข์ปราสาท)

Located near Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat served as the king’s mounting platform as well as dressing area for a royal procession.

Phra Thinang Phiman Rattaya (พระที่นั่งพิมานรัตยา)

Established in 1789 and served at the king’s royal chamber as well as assembly hall for members of the royal family and audience hall for ladies of the court to receive royal decoration and title’s paraphernalia in the reign of King Rama VI. It was also where the bathing ceremony for royal remains of the members of the royal family before the urn would be places inside the Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat (พระที่นั่งจักรีมหาปราสาท)

Built in the reign of King Rama V in 1876 to received royal Guests who were monarchs or heads of state. There are also several other principle throne halls such as Phra Thinang Ratchakaranyasapha, Phra Thinang Munlasathan Boromma-at, Phra Thinang Sommutithewarat Upbat, Phra Thinang Borommaratchasathit Mahoran, Phra Thinang Chakraphatdi Phiman, Phra Thinang Phaisan Thaksin, etc.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or Wat Phra Kaeo (วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม หรือ วัดพระแก้ว)

Known among foreigners as Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaeo is a royal temple situated on the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace compound. It is where the image of the Emerald Buddha is enshrined as well as royal religious ceremonies having been performed. The construction of the temple was completed in 1784, and it has consistently undergone several times of restoration from the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama IX. The temple’s ordination hall – Phra Ubosot - and enclosing cloister house fine murals. Other interesting structures include a group of 8 Prang towers, Phra Si Rattana Chedi, model of Angkor Wat, Prasat Phra Thepbidon, etc.

Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. (except during special royal ceremonies)

Admission: 250 Baht. (Including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion or Anantasamakhom Throne Hall or Sanam Chandra Palace (Nakhon Pathom Province). Proper Attire is essential Personal Audio Guide in Thai, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, and Mandarin: 200 Baht. Tel: 0 2623 5500 ext 3100, 0 2224 3273,

Sanam Luang or Thung Phra Men (สนามหลวงหรือ ทุ่งพระเมรุ)

A vast open ground situated near the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the grand was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus, otherwise called as ‘Thung Phra Men’ which means the crematorium ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground renamed as ‘Thong Sanam Luang’, or the Royal Ground, and the rice farming there cancelled. Later King Rama V had the Wang Na’s eastern wall demolished and the area of Sanam Luang enlarged to cover a total of 78 Rai as it does nowadays. The place has been used as the crematorium ground for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition, to being a royal sporting ground. The king also had 365 tamarind trees planed around it.

Open: Daily

Admission: Free

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 cities 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, and Wat Suthat.

Museum Siam Discovery Museum (มัวเชี่ยมสยาม 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 instill consciousness and understanding of the Thai people in their history, nation, culture, and localities, as well as connect relative ties with neighboring 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 organized 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 meters 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 to Tha Tien Pier then continue walking for 500 meters.

The Museums Anantasamakom Throne Hall (พระที่นั่งอนันตสมาคม)

This Renaissance building was constructed of marble 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. – 4 p.m. (Except public holidays)

Admission: 50 Baht (Proper attire is essential)

Tel: 0 2 628 6300 ext 5119-5121

Ancient City (เมืองโบราณ)

Situated in Bang Pu Mai Sub-district on Sukhumvit Road (old route) towards Bang Pu, at Kilometer 33, the Ancient City is on the left and 8 kilometers from Samut Prakan town. It is a center 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 Para Wiham (Preah Vihear), Prasat Hin Phanom Run, Wat MahathatSukhothai, Phra PhutthabaT Saraburi, Phrathat Mueang Nakhon, Phrathat Chaiya, etc. The replicas were elaborately constructed in bath 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. – 5 p.m.

Admission: Adult 300 Baht, child 200 Baht

Tel: 0 2323 9253, 0 2709 1644

Bangkok Butterfly Gardenand Insectariums (อุทยานผีเสื้อและแมลงกรุงเทพฯ)

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-theater 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 meters with a large dome of 15 meters 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 the knowledge on butterfly species and insects, their life cycles and their 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. – 4.30 p.m.

Admission: Free. Tel: 0 2272 4359-60, 0 2272 4680.

BangkokDolls & Museum (บ้านบางกอกดอลส์และตุ๊กตานานาชาติ)