Sukhumvit Road runs all the way from the railway crossing at Ploenchit to the Cambodian Border in Trat. But the section from the first soi to Soi 55 is the one relevant to this presentation as it has much to offer visitors and locals alike.
There are restaurants all the way along Sukhumvit Road and in just about every side street. These cover just about every cuisine known to man. The area around Soi Nana at the beginning of Sukhumvit Road has many restaurants, particularly those serving Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. This area is also well-known for its lively bar scene.
There are many hotels ranging from 5-star to cheaper establishment in the area from Soi Nana to Asoke Road. There are also a variety of international fast food restaurants as well as those serving French, Italian, Japanese and Korean in addition to Thai and Thai-Chinese meals. Another street of bars, Soi Cowboy, is just past Asoke Road.
The restaurants and hotels continue up Sukhumvit Road and all the side streets. There is a beautiful park, Benchasiri Park, just before you reach The Emporium, yet another high class shopping center. The condominiums in this area have a high number of expatriate Japanese families residing here, so there are more Japanese restaurants and bars in this locale. Some call it Little Tokyo.
Soi 55, also known as Soi Thonglor, is another street of restaurants and shops catering to the well-to-do. Opposite the entrance to Soi Thonglor on Sukhumvit Road, is a small soi that fills up at night with a multitude of food vendors and their carts serving supper into the early morning.
How to get there : BTS Skytrain has many stations. Subway Sukhumvit Station Bus routes 2, 23, 25, 38, 40, 48, 71, 98, 501, 508, 511, 513
Suan Pakkad Palace, Bangkok
A visit to this exquisite collection of traditional Thai homes, set in beautiful gardens, gives you an insight into the appreciation of art and gardening by members of the Royal Family.
Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip. They took up permanent residence there after World War II.
The compound contains seven traditional houses that display the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs. Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and religious artifacts are displayed in House 1.
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics.
Princess Chumbhots extensive mineral collection is on show in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery. The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils and figurines in House 6.
The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes, accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban Chiang art and culture.
How to get there : Bus routes 14, 17, 38, 77, 29,39,36 BTS Skytrain : Phaya Thai BTS station. Open : Daily from 9 am. - 4 pm. Admission : 100 baht Tel : 0 2245 4934, 0 2246 1775-6 Website :www.suanpakkad.com Nearby places/attractions: Pratunam Shopping area, Siam Square Area , BTS Phaya Thai Station
King Taksin the Great Monument, Bangkok
This is an equestrian statue situated at Wongwian Yai Circle on Prachathipok Road. The king is portrayed with his right hand holding a sword, measuring approximately 9 metres in height from his horse's feet to the spire of his hat. The statue rests on a reinforced concrete pedestal of 8.90 x 1.80 x 3.90 metres. There are four frames of stucco relief on the two sides of the pedestal. The opening ceremony of this monument was held on 17 April, 1954 and a homage-paying fair takes place annually on 28 December.
Open : Daily Admission : Free
Pratunam, Bangkok
Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok that has a highly-deserved reputation among bargain shoppers.
Passing through the area, you will see many shops on the main roads. But the real activity is in the market hidden behind the stalls and shops. Here youll find a huge variety of low cost clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, watches, electronic gadgets and all sorts of souvenirs. It is usually very congested as there are many eager shoppers looking for their bargains.
Pratunam is the location for Thailand's tallest building, the Baiyok Tower. This is the major wholesale center for the garment trade. It is very popular with minor and major international traders, particularly those from Africa. There is even an African restaurant nearby.
Bargain hunters looking for good deals on computers, accessories and software flock to Pantip Plaza, which is now known throughout the world for its low prices.
How to get there : Bus routes 2, 11, 23, 60, 62, 72, 93, 140, 511, 512
Kamthieng House, Bangkok
The Kamthieng House is of great interest to all who have an interest in Thai society. It is the center-piece at the Siam Society, which promotes the preservation of heritage, culture, arts and the environment.
This superb example of Northern Thai architecture is more than 160 years old and has been preserved in excellent condition. It has been handed down through generations of the Nimmanahaeminda family before being generously donated to the Siam Society by Nang Kinhaw Nimmanahaeminda. With the financial support of the Asia Foundation, the house was relocated from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in 1964.
The house is built on wooden stilts with the underneath area used to display a rich assortment of agricultural implements such as plough and harvesting equipment made of wood, reeds and bamboo.
The Kamthieng House is stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life. There are beautiful hand-woven fabrics, ornate wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and religious items. This outstanding collection serves as an ethnological museum. This has fulfilled on of the goals of the Siam Society which had it written into the rules when it was formed in 1904.
The Siam Society occasionally grants permission for small receptions for 25 to 30 people to be held in the gardens with the house as a backdrop.
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station. Subway to Sukhumvit Station Opening time : Tuesday to Saturday (except public holidays) 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission fee : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht. Tel : 0 2661 6470-7 Website :www.siam-society.org
Kukrit House, Bangkok It is difficult to describe the many achievements and talents of Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Promoj, a great grandson of King Rama II, in a limited space. A visit to his home will give you an insight into the life, tastes and achievements of the man who was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand.
M.R. Kukrit was one of Thailands most interesting characters . He was a former Prime Minister who contributed significantly to the country’s politics as well as arts. He was a noted performer and choreographer of the traditional Thai Khon dance drama, writer of stories that have become Thai classics such as Phai Dang, founder, publisher and editor of the influential Siam Rath newspaper, actor with Marlon Brando in The Ugly American and founder of the Social Action political party, of which he was the leader when he served as Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975. He was a man of impeccable taste which is mirrored in Baan Kukrit his Bangkok home.
The house is set in beautiful tropical gardens with ponds. The architecture is in the Ayutthaya style constructed of teak wood. The main residence building is furnished with antiques such as a lion-leg bed that was used by King Rama II . The library holds books on many subjects, ranging from fiction to philosophy.
The residential complex comprises a group of 5 teakwood buildings of different sizes as well as a sitting-hall (Ho Nok) and Buddha image hall (Ho Phra), all built on posts with a connected balcony. There is a large traditional Thai stle pavilion situated separately from the living compound for various activities
There is a smaller house called Ho Kwang, which he used as a private retreat for relaxing and a Thai-style pavilion, with solid teak pillars and furnished in his impeccable taste.
How to get there: Located at 19 Soi Phra Phinit, Sathon Tai Road , also with access through Soi Narathiwat 7. Taking bus No.67, 22, get off at Soi Sathon 3 or take a bus no.77, get off at Narathiwatratjanakharin Road Soi 7, walk on for 150 meters. The nearest public transport is BTS Skytrain at Chong Nonsi Station. Open Times : Weekends and public holidays from 10.00 am.-05.00 pm. Admission fee : Adult 50 Baht (For those visiting in groups during weekdays, please write to Khun Atthaya Wongwichit at least 1 week in advance)
This is the place to come to buy fabrics and to enjoy Indian cuisine. Phahurat Market is a small Indian community on the fringe of Chinatown. Most of the merchants are Indian Sikhs who are involved in the textile trade.
They have a unique way of greeting female shoppers, calling each one Khunying which is a Thai royal title similar to the English Lady. Their selection of fabrics is the best in Bangkok, particularly the Indian cottons and silk.
There are many vendors selling ready made goods including shoulder bags which are at unbelievable low prices.
The Indian community in Thailand shops here for the essential wedding gowns and wedding souvenirs.
In every nook and cranny there is someone doing business. This may be selling trinkets, tour packages to India, household items, spices and delicious Indian desserts.
Wander off the main streets and into the many alleyways, you could come across surprisingly good Indian food.
The Thai Sikh community has a major temple, Siri Guru Singh Sabha close to the Phahurat area.
How to get there : Bus routes 7,25,40, 53, 56, 507
House of Museums, Bangkok
House of Museums 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.
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.
The Museum of Buddhism Art, Bangkok
Located at 104 Soi 40, Phatthanakan Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, the museum features a large private collection of Buddha images and is operated by The Foundation of Thais Arts Preservation. The exhibition focuses on the art of Buddha images in accordance with Thai history, with an international standard presentation comprising light, sound (chanting), scent (incense) in an air-conditioned atmosphere. Besides Buddha images and artifacts of different periods, there is also an area allocated to be a shrine as well as museum of Kuan Yin and other major gods of various beliefs in Asia.
Open : Tue. - Fri. and Sun. (Advance contact is required.), Sat. from 10 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Admission : 250 baht Tel : 0 2321 0048-50, 0 2322 2434 Fax : 0 2322 2412
Bangkok Dolls & Museum, Bangkok
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 Bangkoks Makkasan district is the magnet for several visitors who wish to inspect these miniature creations in all their wondrous variety.
Open : Mon - Sat from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission : Free Tel : 0 2245 3008
King Prajadhipok Museum, Bangkok
It was during the reign of King Prajadipok as King Rama VII that Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This museum presents the life and tumultuous times of The Kings reign.
The building, constructed in 1906, was initially an imported clothing store called John Simpson Store designed in the Neo-classical style by Charles Beguelin, a French-Swiss architect. It later became a hardware store and then headquarters of the Public Works Department.
The museum has nine permanent exhibition halls covering various subjects in a sequence.The first hall introduces you to the line of succession under the Chakri Dynasty from King Rama I up to H.M. King Rama IX, the current King.
King Prajadipoks life before his accession to the throne in the second hall, informs about his youth, education, ordination, marriage and government service.
His coronation is shown in photographs and royal activities in areas of national development and foreign relations are shown in the next exhibits.
The preparations for and the celebrations marking the 1932 150th anniversary of the founding of the Chakri Dynasty are next. 1932 was the year of the turning point in Thailands political history when under pressure from a political party,the King consented to the change from an absolute monarchy to a democratic constitutional monarchy.
The Conferment of The Constitution exhibit hall informs you about the Kings prior intent to bestow upon the nation a constitution. King Prajadipoks personal effects are displayed including items on films, music, sports and writings, revealing his personal tastes. The final exhibition shows his life after abdication and his final years in England. The King Prajadipok Museum is a very informative source of information on Thailand during this significant period.
How to get there : Bus routes 2, 15, 39, 44, 47, 60, 79, 511, 512. Saensaep Canal Express Boat service to Phanfa pier. Opening times : Tuesday to Sunday and public Holidays from 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm. Admission fee : 40 baht Tel : 0 2280 3413-14, 0 2280 3445-6 Email :kpm@kpi.ac.th Website :www.kpi.ac.th/museum
Philatelic Museum, Bangkok
Remember the days before fax, internet and sms messages when all correspondence was placed in an envelop and taken to the post office where you bought stamps and stuck them in the top right hand corner of the envelopω If it was urgent, you paid a little bit more and the man put an Airmail sticker in the top left hand corner.
The Philatelic Museum takes you through the history of the postal service in Thailand and the world. There are displays of all the Thai stamps and First Day Covers up until today. There is also a collection of stamps from around the world.
The postal service keeps evolving as new technology and logistics systems emerge. But for most of the people of Thailand and the world, it is still an essential service. Who doesn't look forward to opening the mailω And who is not intrigued when they see a stamp from a foreign landω
The Philatelic Museum is the place to visit for stamp collectors and all who have an interest in postal services.
How to get there : Bus routes 8, 26, 27, 29, 34, 38, 96, 97 BTS Skytrain to Saphan Khwai station. Opening times : Tuesday to Saturday 9 am. - 4 pm. Admission fee : Free Tel : 0 2271 2439
Shopping Street - Siam Square to Chidlom..., Bangkok
This is the major shopping area of Bangkok. It is very popular with tourists and Thais, particularly young, fashion-conscious Thai girls. The area started to develop around Siam Square in the late sixties when Chulalongkorn University utilized its land bank adjacent to the university.
Since then, it has continued to progress with new shopping centers being built even now. Starting from the Pathumwan junction it stretches all the way to Wireless Road. The original development, Siam Square, is particularly popular with university students and young Thais who have just started their business careers. There is a well-used phrase on mobile phone calls Meet you at Siam. Opposite Siam Square is Siam Center which was the first western-style air-conditioned shopping complex in Thailand. Now this area has many other shopping complexes.
The next section in this area is around the Ratchadamri and Ratchaprasong intersection where there are a selection of 5-star hotels and major shopping complexes catering for the more up-market shoppers. Many of the worlds leading fashion designers have boutiques in this locale.
The Central World Plaza is the largest complex in this area and the site for Bangkoks New Year Countdown celebrations. During the cooler months of November to January, the major breweries sponsor the setting up of beer gardens on the plaza in front. The last point on this Fashion City map is Central Chidlom, another upmarket department store. This is at the Chidlom and Lang Suan intersection. Soi Lang Suan has many condominiums and a variety of restaurants and bars catering to the more affluent members of society.
How to get there : Skytrain to Siam or Chidlom Stations Bus routes 2, 15, 16, 21, 25, 29, 34, 40, 45, 47, 50, 54, 73, 79, 93, 141, 163, 204, 508, 511, 513
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake..., Bangkok
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is a popular attraction for both tourists and scientists, right in the heart of Bangkok. Here you can see some very venomous snakes actually doing good for the community.
Thailand is the habitat for many varieties of venomous snakes as well as harmless species. Under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society, the snake farm was established and officially opened on November 22, 1923 to extract venom from the snakes in order to study and develop anti-venom serum to treat snake bite victims.
The poisonous snakes that are indigenous to Thailand are cobra, king cobra, banded krait, Russell’s viper, some pit vipers and sea snakes. These venomous snakes are provided by Thai farmers who are also snake catchers by profession. The snake farm pays them according to species and size.
The normal procedure for extracting the venom is through the use of a glass receptacle with a membrane cover. The snake handler holds the snake just behind the head and places the glass receptacle for the snake to bite into the membrane. The venom flows into the glass receptacle. The venom is then used to make the vaccines.
Visitors can see the extraction of the venom at scheduled times and wander through the breeding and holding areas to see the venomous snakes close at hand. The demonstration of snake handling start at 11 a.m. at the weekend and a second show at 2.30 p.m. only on weekdays. The venom-milking start at 11 a.m.
How to get there : taking Skytrain to Saladaeng BTS Station or taking Subway to Samyan MRT Station Bus routes 4, 45, 47, 50, 67, 74, 76, 141, 501 Open : Mon. - Fri. from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., Sat., Sun. and Public Holidays from 8.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. Venom extraction : Mon. - Fri. at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. holidays at 11 a.m. Slide presentation in English : 30 minutes before venom extraction. Admission : Adults 200 Baht, Children 50 baht Contact : Tel. 0 2252 0161-4, 0 2252 0167 Fax: 0 2254 0212, www.redcross.or.th, E-mail: qsmi@webmail.redcross.or.th
Lumphini Park, Bangkok
The green zone in the city This is where businessmen, tourists and Bangkok residents come to jog. Older folks practice their Tai Chi while others just relax in the fresh environment.
Lumphini Park was originally an open field called Sala Field, the private property of King Rama VI. In 1925 he donated it to the nation as the first public park. The name Lumphini comes from the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The park was used as a fair ground and as the site for The Siamrath Phiphithapan Trade Fair held to promote Thai products. Covering an area of 58 hectares, Lumphini Park has so much to offer visitors right in the center of the city. The lush, green lawns are ideal for family picnics, while the two lakes have paddle and rowing boats for rent. Throughout the park there are vendors selling cool drinks and snacks. For the literary minded, there is a public library located within the park. Another way to exercise the brain is to sit at one of the many tables that are used for playing oriental board games such as checkers and Chinese chess.
During the cooler months of the year, December and January, there are free concerts titled Sundays in the park. These concerts feature a whole range of musical entertainment from The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra to rock bands, traditional ensembles and Thai country music called Luk Tung. The performances start at 5.00 p.m. and seating is on mats on the grass. The early bird gets the best position.
How to get there : BTS Sky Train to Saladaeng Station, Subway to Lumphini Station. Bus routes 4,13, 22, 45, 47, 141 Open : Daily 5 am. - 8 pm. Admission : Free
King Rama VI Statue, Bangkok
Located in front of Lumphini Park, the statue was sculpted by Professor Corado Feroci, or Silpa Bhirasri as he was called by his Thai name, who gave it a final touch on 7 June, 1941. It was open on 27 March, 1942.
Open : Daily Admission : Free
Siam Ocean World, Bangkok
A new attractions in downtown Bangkok. Open in December 2005, Siam Ocean World will be the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With world-standard exhibits and features, the aqaruim comprises a 270-degree acrylic under ocean tunnel, a panoramic oceanarium with a 360-degree view through a 10.5 metre diametre fishbowl, an 8-metre deep reef tank and a rainforest display. More than 400 species or 30,000 marine animals including Penguins, Blue Ring Octopus, Gray Nurse Sharks, Elephant Nose Sharks, Leafy Sea Dragons and Giant Spider Crab can be seen.
open : daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission : 450 baht for adults and 280 baht fro children (80-120 cm.height). How to get there : taking sky train to Siam BTS Station or taking bus 73,16, 15, 79, 40, 54, 204 Contact : Siam Ocean World Tel: 0 2687 2000 Fax: 0 2687 2001 Website :www.siamoceanworld.com
Sunthorn Museum, Bangkok
Situated at 82/10 Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near Lotus Supermarket), this is an private museum operated by Mr. Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the World War Periods, various kinds and types of old clock, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, Raios, Irons, type writers, Fans and sewing machines which are still being maintained in good condition. Open : Sat. from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission : 200 baht Tel : 0 2802 0863-4 Website :www.sunthornmuseum.com
Bangkok Dolls & Museum
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