Bangkok Sightseeing

Grand Palace

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. Wat Phra Kaeo within the same compound, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.(except during special royal ceremonies)
Admission: 200 baht. (including a ticket to Vimanmek Royal Mansion)
Proper attire is essential Personal Audio Guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2623-5500,0-2222-0094, 0-2222-6889
www.palaces.thai.net

Jim Thompson Museum

Jim Thompson Museum 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.- 5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht.
Tel: 0 2216 7368, 0 2612 3744, 0 2215 0122
www.jimthompson.com

Bangkok Dolls & Museum Bangkok Dolls

Bangkok Dolls & Museum Bangkok Dolls have won several awards for their creations. A single-storey workshop and Doll Museum in the Chandavimol family compound at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) in Bangkok's Makkasan district is the magnet for several visitors who wish to inspect these miniature creations in all their wondrous variety.

Open: Mon to Sat from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2245-3008

King Prajadhipok Museum

King Prajadhipok Museum The King Prajadhipok Museum was formerly called the Parliamentary Museum. It was under the care of the Secretariat of the National Assembly and was housed in the basement beneath the King's Monument in front of the National Assembly Building. The museum enjoyed the blessing and patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rambhai barni during the reign of King Prajadhipok, the seventh king of the Chaki dynasty. In 1980 Her Majesty kindly donated personal articles belonging to King Prajadhipok, for public exhibition.

On 7 December 2002, the museum was reopened at its new home, in The elegant building of a National Heritage Site, is very close to Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue. The main purpose of opening this museum was to exhibit the biography and lifework of His Majesty King Prajadhipok, Rama Vll, who agreed to a constitutional monarchy for the People of Thailand and became the first king in Thai history to rule under A legal constitution.

Open : Tuesday - Sunday (including public holidays)
9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Admission fee : 40 Bahts
Address : King Prajadhipok Museum Registered Heritage Building, Phanfalilat Bridge 2 Lanluang Road, Sommanat Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100 Thailand
Tel: (+662) 280-3445-6
Fax: (+662) 281-6820
E-mail: kpm@kpi.ac.th
www.kpi.ac.th/museum

Services

Guided tour every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Wheelchairs available for disabled and senior citizens (contact Public Relations)
King Prajadhipok Studies Center and Archives
Educational activities
Museum Shop

Transportation

Bus no.2, 15, 44, 47, 60
Air-conditioned Bus no.39, 44, 79, 511, 512
Saensaep Canal Express Boat service at the Phanfa pierÂ

Khamthieng House

Khamthieng House Located in the garden of the Siam Society on Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok), this 200-year-old northern Lanna style wooden house contains a collection of traditional implements used by northern people.

Open: Tue to Sat from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.(except public holidays)
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2661-6470-7
www.siam-society.org


Kurit's House

Kukrit's House At 19 Soi Phra Pinit, South Sathon Road, stands the home of M.R. Kukrit Pramoj (1911-1995). M.R. Kukrit was born and raised in a family of royal descent. His career included military service, finance, lecturing, writing, and politics. He was Prime Minister in 1974 and 1975. His house is antique Thai structures assembled in Bangkok and contains a fine art collection. The gardens are noted for their Thai bonsai trees and for eastern and western-style sections.

Open: Sat -Sun and official holidays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 50 baht
Tel: 0-2286-8185

Museum of Imaging Technology

Museum of Imaging Technology The first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia, is located at the same building as the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University on Phaya Thai Road. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are collected and displayed. Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited.

Open: Mon-Fri from 9 a.m.to3 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht.
Tel: 0-2218-5583
www.chula.ac.th

The Museum of Buddhist Art

The Museum of Buddhist Art The Palace of the Bodhisattava Kuan Yin and other well known Chinese Gods and Goddesses. The only Kuan Yin Museum in the world, displaying the rarest Kuan Yin sculptures dating back as far as 1,500 years ago, from various countries in Asia.

Open : 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on monday-friday
Please call for appointment and come in group at least 3 persons
Open for everyone : Saturday
Closed : Sunday
Address : 104 Solid Group Building Pattanakarn 40 Pattanakarn Rd, Suanluang Bangkok 10250
Tel : 0 2321 0048-50, 0 2322 2451-4 Fax : 0 2322 2412
E-mail : solidgroup@hotmail.com

National Gallery Museum

National Gallery Museum Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists.

Open: Wed-Sun from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: 30 baht.
Tel: 0-2281-2224
www.thailandmuseum.com

National Museum

National Museum Within the walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok's National Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts found in all parts of the country ranging from neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. The complex, once used as a palace, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colourful Thai architectural design.

Open: Wed to Sun from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: 40 baht
Guided tours in English, French, German, and Japanese are provided on certain days of the week.
Tel: 0-2224-1333
www.thailandmuseum.com

Philatelic Museum

Philatelic Museum The museum is on the 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office, Saphan Khwai area. Thai and foreign stamps of the past are on display. The collections of post books in both Thai and foreign languages are available at the library. Stamps and accessories for stamp collection are on sale.

Open: Tue - Sat from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2271-2439

Prasart Museum

Prasart Museum This museum is located at 9 Soi 4 A, Krungthep Kritha Road off Srinakarintara Road, Bang Kapi District. It houses a vast collection of artefacts from the prehistoric to Rattanakosin (Bangkok) periods. The imitation of some beautiful Thai architecture is scattered within the museum complex.

Open:Tue - Sun from 10.30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Reservation is required.
Admission: 500 baht
Tel: 0 2379 3601, 0 2379 3607

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre Located on Borom Ratchonnani Road beyond the Southern Bus Termninal, 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 to Fri from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht
Tel: 0-2880-9429
www.sac.or.th

Rare Stone Museum

Rare Stone Museum Located on Charoenkrung Road between Soi 26 and Soi 28 in Bang Rak area, the museum features thousands of queer stones found in Thailand and various countries as well as displays collections of ashtrays and cigarette labels.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2236-5666, 0-2236-5655, 0-2236-5712

Royal Barge National Museum

Royal Barge National Museum 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
www.thailandmuseum.com

Royal Thai Army Museum

Royal Thai Army Museum The Royal Thai Army has the pleasure to invite you to join us in our effort to promote Thailand tourism industry. Visit our Headquarters and be a witness to a spectacular Changing of the Cavalry Guards procedure in full uniform. Children will have a chance to closely inspect tanks and other amoured vehicles on display.

Visitors will be able to visit the Royal Thai Army Museum to learn about the history of the Royal Thai Army as well as view various weapons, military insignia and uniforms which were used in the past. And for your enjoyment, the Royal Thai Army Band will provide beautiful music throughout the event. We guarantee that it will be an exceptional and memorable experience for all.

Please join us at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road (opposite Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium)

Open: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission: free

Science Centre for Education

Science Centre for Education Situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this is an exhibition centre on a variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as permanent exhibitions of sports science, communication technology and natural environment.

Open: Exhibition: Tue to Sun (except public holidays) from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Planetariam: 1-hour shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Additional shows on Sat & Sun at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Admission: Exhibition and Planetariam- Adult 30 baht, Child 15 baht
Tel: 0-2392-1773, 0-2392-5951-9

Suan Pakkad Palace

Suan Pakkad Palace Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, this complex of five Thai-style houses has an important colloction of Asian antiques. An exquisite lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthaya period gold leaf mural. There is also a Khon Museum where masks and costumes of the classical play are on display.

Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
Tel: 0-2245-4934

Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall

Thai Life Permanent Exhibition Hall Located in the Thailand Cultural Centre on Ratchadaphisek Road, this is a venue for displaying the history of the Thai people and different aspects of Thai culture, as developed from pre-historic times up to the present. The exhibition is presented under five topics: The Evolution of the Thai Nation, Rice and Thai Way of Life, Thai Language and Literature, Thailand and the World, and Important Achievements and Events in Thai Society.

Open: Mon to Sat from 9.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2247-0028 ext. 154, 167

The State Railway Hall of Fame

The State Railway Hall of Fame This is a train museum where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. It is located on the western side of Chatuchak Park adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet Road.

Open: Every Sunday from 5 to12 a.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2243-2037-9

Vimanmek Mansion Museum

Vimanmek Mansion Museum This is the world's largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in English is provided to visitors.
Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol's photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.

Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thai dancing shows: Daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
Proper attire is required
Tel: 0 2628 6300-9
www.palaces.thai.net

Wat Arun

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

Open: Daily from 7.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2465-5640
www.watarun.org

Wat Benchamabophit

Wat Benchamabophit Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, 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.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2281-2501, 0-2628-7947

Wat Bowon Niwet

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. This is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej had resided here during their monkhood.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel: 0-2281-2831-3

Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan Located 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.

Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2628-5550-2

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.

Open: Daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2222-6011, 0-2222-8004; Meditation Centre Tel: 0-2623- 6326

Wat Pho

Wat Pho 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'.

Open: Daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2222-0933
www.watpho.com

Wat Ratchabophit

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.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2222-3930, 0-2221-0904

Wat Trai Mit

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.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2225-9775

Wat Saket and The Golden Mount

Wat Saket and The Golden Mount Wat Saket's major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800s. A Lanka-style chedi on the top contains relics of Lord Buddha and offers a panoramic view of historic Bangkok.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht
Tel: 0-2621-0576

Wat Ratchanatdaram

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.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2224-8807, 0-2225-5749

Wat Thepthidaram

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 monkhood from 1840-1842.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0 2222 5067

Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing

Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing 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 shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.

Open: Daily from 8.30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: 20 baht
Tel: 0-2224-9845, 0-2222-9632
www.watsuthat.org

Rama IX Royal Park

Rama IX Royal Park 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.

Open: Daily from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Admission: 10 baht.
Tel: 0-2328-1385-7

Benchasiri Park

Benchasiri Park This compact park on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24 was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992. It features a huge sculpture of commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including children's works.

Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.

Open: Daily from 5 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park This was a huge open space once belonging to King Rama VI, who issued a royal command to turn the area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok residents. It is located on Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri and Witthayu (Wireless) roads, with entrance gates on all sides.

Open: Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Princess Mother Memorial Park

Princess Mother Memorial Park This beautiful park is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San District. It was built near the Wat Anongkharam community where Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani, HRH the Princess Mother had resided during her childhood. The park comprises a full scale model of the Princess Mother's house and the old buildings renovated as exhibition halls displaying the life story of Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother as well as the history of the Wat Anongkharam community.

Open: Garden - Daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m./ Museum - Daily from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Tel: 0-2437-7799, 0-2439-0902

Queen Sirikit Park

Queen Sirikit Park This is situated east of Chatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road. It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. A big pool in the park contains three fountains and a fine collection of both Thai and foreign lotuses.

Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Rommaninat Park

Rommaninat Park This is a public park built on the old prison grounds on Mahachai Road near Wat Suthat. The Corrections Museum inside the park displays instruments of punishment and evolution of punishment in Thailand.

Open: Park - Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m./ Museum - Thu to Sat from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
Admission: Free

Saranrom Park

Saranrom Park Located near the Grand Palace between Rachini and Charoenkrung roads, this park was originally a royal garden in the Saranrom Palace. At the south end of the park is a marble monument dedicated to HM Queen Sunantha Kumareerat and HRH Prince Kannaporn Phetcharat, who died in a boating accident in the reign of King Rama V.

Open: Daily from 5 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free

Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo Located beside the Royal Plaza, Bangkok's oldest zoo contains a collection of popular African and Asian mammals and birds in an ornamental garden.

Open: Daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adult 30 baht; Child 5 baht
Tel: 0-2281-2000, 0-2282-7111-3
www.zoothailand.org

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm)

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm) Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital on the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, this institute contains a collection of poisonous snakes which are milked daily for their venom in order to produce invaluable anti-snakebite serum.

Open: Mon - Fri from 8.30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 8.30 a.m.-12 noon)
Venom extraction: Mon-Fri at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.; holidays at 11.00 a.m.
Slide presentation in English: 30 minutes before venom extraction. Admission: 70 baht
Tel: 0-2252-0161-4

Safari World

Safari World Bangkok's greatest open zoo and leisure park is located in Min Buri, via Km. 9 on Raminthra Road. The 300-acre complex comprises a Safari Park populated by African and Asian mammals, a Marine Park with amusing performances of well-trained dolphins and seals, a Bird Park and a Games Corner.

Open: Daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
Admission: Adult 700 baht; Child 450 baht
Tel: 0-2518-1000-19
www.safariworld.com

Siam Park City

Siam Park City Located in suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, this water amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Satellite attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden.

Open: Mon to Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat-Sun and Public Holidays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: Adult 400 baht; Child 300 baht
Tel: 0-2919-7200-19
www.siamparkcity.com