bangkok attractions

Nakhon Pathom
Nakhon Pathom, 60km west of Bangkok, is regarded as the oldest city in Thailand and is host to the 127m, orange-tiled Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. The original monument, now buried within the massive orange-glazed dome, was erected in the 6th century by Theravada Buddhists. The Chedi has endured various incarnations at the hands of Khmer, Burmese and Chinese refurbishers. There is a floating market nearby at Khlong Damnoen Saduak.

Ayuthaya
Located 76 km north of Bangkok, the 16th-18th century temple ruins at Ayuthaya date from the most flourishing period of Thai history. Ayuthaya was the Thai capital from 1350, and 33 kings of various Siamese dynasties reigned here until the city was conquered by the Burmese in 1767. The old capital was, by all accounts, a splendid city which was courted by Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, Chinese and Japanese merchants. By the end of the 17th century, Ayuthaya's population had reached one million and virtually all visiting foreigners claimed it to be the most illustrious city they had ever seen.  Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Ayuthaya's scattered temples and ruins have been declared a World Heritage Site. The list includes the 14th century Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest in Ayuthaya in its time, which once contained a 16m standing Buddha that was covered in 250kg of gold. Unfortunately the Burmese conquerors felt obliged to melt it down. The 16th-century, fortress-like Wat Phra Meru escaped destruction in 1767 and boasts an impressive carved wooden ceiling, a splendid Ayuthaya-era 6m high crowned sitting Buddha, and a 1,300-year-old green-stone Buddha from Ceylon, posed European-style in a chair. Wat Phra Chao Phanan Choeng was built in the early 14th century, possibly by Khmers, before Ayuthaya became the Siamese capital. It contains a highly revered 19m Buddha image from which the Wat derives its name. A restored Elephant Kraal brings relief for those tired of temple-trudging. The huge wooden stockade, built from teak logs planted in the ground at 45 degree angles, was once used during the annual round-up of wild elephants. The king had a special raised pavilion built so that he could watch the thrilling event.  Other attractions in Ayuthaya include: Chao Sam Phraya National Museum; the very large Buddha image called "Phra Mongkhon Bophit"; ruins of the former Royal palace which was a complex with many buildings.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
This city landmark should be the first place on any visitor's itinerary. As an inner-city riverine landmark, it  contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. It is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang, surrounded by high white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile. The palace, begun in 1782, consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The Royal Chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same compound is a treasure house of Thai arts, and, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Photography inside the building housing the Emerald Buddha is forbidden. To help tourists enjoy their tour of the Grand Palace, Personal Audio Guides can be rented in seven languages-English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin. The complex is open daily from 08:30 -15:30. Proper dress is required.

Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion
This is located within the Grand Palace compound on the right hand side before entering the palace's inner gate. The pavilion displays exotically designed coins and other monetary exchange units used in Thailand since the early 11th Century AD. In the same building, adjacent to the coin collection, is a display room for Royal regalia, decorations and medals. Most of the items seen were used in former royal courts. Some are made of gold and are elaborately pattered. The pavilion is open every day from 09:00 - 15:30.

Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
Vimanmek Palace is located behind Bangkok's National Assembly and is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. The 3-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, excluding terraces and verandahs. Near the entrance to Vimanmek Palace is the Royal Carriage Museum where 13 royal horse-drawn carriages once used during the reign of King Rama V are collected. The collection is so splendid and regarded to be of great historical value. Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall (The Support Museum), a one storey teak building built in the reign of King Rama V is situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Throne Hall. Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is now Thailand's first handicraft museum where Her Majesty The Queen collects handicraft masterpieces created by members of Support Foundation. In the museum, visitors find such handicrafts as niellowares, Thai silk with various unique designs, ''Lipao" basketry like beautiful trays, handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetle. The compound is open daily from 09:00 - 16.00.

Suan Pakkad Palace
On Si Ayuthaya Road not far from the intersection of Phaya Thai Road, used to be the residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga, one of Thailand's leading art collectors. There is a complex of five traditional Thai houses, overlooking a beautifully kept garden. They house a large collection of Asian art and antiques. One building exhibits a collection of seashells, mineral crystal and painted pottery from Ban Chiang. Suan Pakkad Palace is open everyday except Sunday from 09:00 - 16:00.

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
This beautiful palace is some 30km. south of Ayuthaya. It was built in the reign of King Rama V. The palace consists of many Royal Buildings built in contrasting architectural styles. Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian styles predominate. The most well-known building is a Thai pavilion in the centre of a small lake. It is regarded by many as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. The only building in the palace open to visitors is the Chinese style Wehat Chamrun Palace. The grounds are open every day, from 08:30 - 16:00.

The National Museum
Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, across the Pramane Ground, is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses over one thousand artifacts ranging from Neolithic times to the present Bangkok period. The complex, also begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful Thai architectural design. The museum is open every day, except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays from 09:00 - 16:00.

Royal Barges National Museum
This shed, where several royal barges are displayed, is located on Khlong Bangkok Noi off the Chao Praya River not far from Phra Pin Klao Bridge. These barges were used on Royal and government occasions and formerly served war vessels. The most beautiful and well-known barge is "Suphanahong'' used by the King only when he made his Royal river procession for the Kathin ceremony a Buddhist tradition of offering robes to monks, usually during October or November. The Royal barges proceeded during the Rattankosin Bicentennial celebrations. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors. The shed is open to the public every day from 08:30 - 16:30.

The National Gallery Museum
This is on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre. It exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art by Thai artists. The gallery is open to the public everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays from 09:00 - 16:00.

Geological Museum

Located in the Department of Mineral Resources on Rama VI Road, opposite to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minerals, rocks, artifacts of the old ages are on exhibition. The exhibition is divided into 2 categories; geology and mineral resources. There are usually other exhibitions held on special occasions. The museum is open daily from Monday to Friday from 09:00 - 16:00.

Philatelic Museum
The museum is on 1st floor of the metropolitan Postal Bureau (North) behind Sam Sen Nai Post Office, Saphan Khwai. Thai and foreign stamps of the old ages 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 daily from Tuesday to Sunday during 09:00 - 16:00.

Ban Kamthieng
Ban Kamthieng is an old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago and donated to the Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house, which is at 131 Soi Asok (Soi 21) Sukhumvit Road. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open daily except Sunday and national holidays from 09:00 -17:00.

Museum of Imaging Technology
The first camera and photograph museum to be established in Thailand and Asia, is located at same building as the Department of Photographic Science and Printing Technology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Historic photographs and imaging equipment as well as its technological evolution are collected and displayed in the form of camera and imaging technology museum. Modern photographic arts and techniques as well as advanced technology of three dimensional photographs, electronic photography, and printing technology are also exhibited. The museum is open on Thursday from 10:00 - 16:00.

Hall of Railways Heritage
It is located on Kamphaeng Phet Road, to the North of Chatuchak Park near a multi-purposes parking lot. It is where railway information is collected for publicity. Steam engines, train models, and miniature trains of various sizes are exhibited there along with photographs and paintings depicting development of world railway systems and several other related objects. The Hall of Railways Heritage is open every Sunday between 05:00 - 12:00.

Prasart Museum
It is located at 9 Krungthep Kritha Road Soi 4, Bang Kapi. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from pre-historic through Rattanakosin periods. Various styles of architecture, for example, a baroque building, a smaller version of the Red Palace in Bangkok National Museum, and an imitation of Ho Phra of Wat Yai Suwannaram, are scattered within the museum complex. Prasart Museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 - 15:00.

Bangkok Planetarium & Scientific Museum
The scientific museum situated next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) is an exhibition center on scientific knowledge and astronomy. At the planetarium, daily performances on the solar system are presented for the public from Tuesday to Sunday. Open from 08.00 - 14:30.

Bangkok Dolls & Museum
All kinds of Thai dolls are made in this factory which is on Sol Ratchataphan (Sol Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop, in the Pratunam area. It is open to visitors who may inspect and buy dolls, every day except Sundays and public holidays from 08:00 - 17:00.

Jim Thompson's Thai House
This remarkable Thai-style house, was the work of Jim Thomson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai Silk industry. His later disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts, such as blue-while China ware, Cambodian stone figures, benjarong (a multi-coloured porcelain made in China), wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques. Jim Thompson's House is open everyday from 09:00 - 16:30. Volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors.

Thai Human Imagery Museum
Located at Km.31, Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road, the museum houses life-like sculptures created by groups of Thai artists, after 10 years of intensive study and hard work. These breathtaking figures are displayed in four sections: ''The Great Buddhist Monks", ''Former Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, One Side of Thai Life" and "Playing Chess."  The museum is open to public from 09:00 17:30 on weekdays and 08:30 - 18:00 on Saturday, Sunday and National Holidays.

The National Theatre
Thailand's National Theatre is on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum. Thai Classical dramas and other types of international arts are periodically staged here. Current programmer can be checked by telephoning the theatre (2241342) on weekdays between 08:30 and 16:30. Special exhibition shows of Thai classical dancing and music are held on the last Friday and Saturday of each month.

Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre
Located on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. Thai musical dance drama or Khon is an annual event to be on stage during winter season. Plays occupy the rest of the time around the year.

Music Art Center
Shares the same building with the Bangkok Bank Ltd., Phan Fa Branch. There are performances, discussions and activities on Fridays.

Bangkok Playhouse
Located on Phetchaburi Road. Modern plays are presented on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For further information, contact The Bangkok Playhouse, Tel. 31976414

Thailand Cultural Centre
Located on Ratchadaphisek Road, the Thailand Cultural centre was first opened December 1987, celebrating the 60th birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. The main buildings include the MAIN HALL, a 2,000 seat auditorium fully equipped for stage presentations, concerts and international conferences, the SMALL HALL, a 500 seat multi-purpose auditorium integrated with a 1,000 seat amphitheatre, and the SOCIAL EDUCATION AND EXHIBITION BUILDING which houses a cultural library and Thai Life Permanent Exhibition. The exhibition hall is open on weekdays.

Thai Boxing
Thai boxing is both a sport and a means of self-defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, shoulders are all ''weapons". The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement. There are three venues for this type of sport. Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue every Monday, Wednesday at 18:00, Thursday at 17:00, 21:00 and Sunday at 16:00 and 20:00.  Lumphini Stadium  on Rama IV Road, every Tuesday, Friday at 18:00 and Saturday at 17:00. Samrong Stadium in Samut Prakan every Tuesday at 20:30 and Friday at 20:15.

The City Pillar Shrine
Located at the southeast comer of Sanam Luang, this graceful, temple like structure houses "Lak Muang" a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty, as the foundation stone for his new capital city of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed by many people to have the power of granting wishes.

Wat Pho
This world famous temple is located right next to the Grand Palace, on the south side. It is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples. Wat Pho was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago and houses the gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha. This unique image is 46m in length and 15m high with beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ''Thailand's First University". The building housing the Reclining Buddha is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00.

Wat Ratchabophit
The temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Rd. 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 Thai style but the interior is decorated in European style.
Wat Ratchabophit
 

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by crossing the river by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure in this temple is the porcelain encrusted 79m central pagoda (Phra Prang) which sparkles in the sun. Wat Arun was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. Despite its name ''Temple of the Dawns", the most beautiful view of it is from the Bangkok side of the river at sunset. The building is open daily from 07:00 - 17:00.
 

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
At the end of Yaowarat Road, near Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station, is a temple situated on Traimit Road. This temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha, constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image, of solid gold, is 3m high and weighs five and a half tons. The building holding this image is open to the public everyday from 09:00 - 17:00.
 

Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
The Marble Temple is on Si Ayuttbaya Road near Chitralada Palace. The temple is well-known because its main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The best time to visit this temple is early in the morning when Buddhist monks are chanting inside the chapel. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images. The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of Bronze Buddhas lines the walls of the spacious, inner courtyard. The main building is open to visitors until 17:00.

Wat Bowon Niwet
The building is located on Phra Sumen Road, in Bang Lamphu area. Built in 1829, it is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinasri, a very beautiful Buddha image molded in about 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most important temples of Bangkok, whose one-time chief abbot was King Rama IV before he ascended the throne. Other Chakri Kings who had resided here during their monkhood include King Rama IV and King Rama VII, as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
 

Wat Suthat (The Giant Swing)
Located on Bamrung Muang Road, this temple took 27 years to build. It is famous for the excellent murals in the main building from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851). The viharn should be seen for its collection of gilded Buddha images. The temple complex is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00. In front of the temple is the famous Giant Swing that was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies long since discontinued. Many shops surrounding Wat Suthat stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist ecclesiastic supplies.
 

Wat Saket (The Golden Mountain)
Wat Saket or the Golden Mountain, was begun during the reign of King Rama 1 (1782-1800). The golden Chedi houses relics of Lord Buddha, and affords visitors a panoramic view of Bangkok.
 

Wat Indravihan
Located in Bang Khun Phrom area on Wisutkrasat Road, Wat Indravihan is well-known for a huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To. This Thai image of ''Buddhasiariyametriya'', is 32m tall (109 ft) and 10m and 24 inches wide (40 ft). This Buddhist monument was built during the reign of King Rama IV. The topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The temple is open to the public every day.
 

Wat Thammamongkhon
Located on Sukhumvit Sol 101, this is the highest pagoda in Bangkok. The pagoda, 94.78m high, has 14 stories and an elevator to enable visitors, particularly elderly people, to go to the top of the building. Relics and a hair of the Lord Buddha, kept in the pagoda, were presented by the Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh.

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 monk hood from 1840-1842. His residence is now open to the public.
 

Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Mahachai Road. This royal temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat (Metal Palace), one of its tourist attractions, standing on its 36m high with 37 surrounding spires is the only one of its kind left in the world. Situated in the nearby area are a royal pavilion for a guest welcome and the memorial statue of King Rama III.

Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic)
This is a very old temple on Na Phrathat Road between Silpakorn University and Thammasat University. The back of the temple faces the Pramane Ground, or Sanam Luang. Wat Mahathat was built during the reign of King Rama I and houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in the country. Those interested in Buddhist meditation should visit the head-quarters of Wipassana (insight) meditation in Thailand. Information and practice in English can usually be arranged according to the availability of suitable monks. The temple complex is open from 09:00 - 17:00.
 

Phra Pathom Chedi
This Chedi or pagoda is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world. It is located in Nakhon Pathom, 56km west of Bangkok. It towers almost 380 ft into the air. The golden-tiled dome of the Chedi looks like an inverted bell and can be seen from miles away.

Wat Phailom
This temple is a sanctuary for the open-billed stork. It is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River in Changwat Pathumthani. From December to June, thousands of these storks come to nest in the temple area. Those interested in ornithology, should they be in Thailand during these months, should not miss the opportunity of a visit to this temple.

Dusit Zoo
Located near Vimanmek Palace, Dusit Zoo is opened to the public everyday from 08:00 -18:00. Tropical animals to be found include great grey kangaroos, Sumatran rhinoceros, Siamese crocodiles, gaurs, lesser mouse deer, American bison, etc.

Crocodile Farm
A very large farm with over 30,000 crocodiles can be seen in Changwat Samut Prakam about 30km from Bangkok. Both fresh and saltwater crocodiles are fed here, as well as a large number of other creatures, including elephants, gibbons, lions and snakes. It is open daily from 07:00 - 18:00. Show-times: every hour from 09:00 - 11.00 and 13:00 - 16:00 daily, with additional shows at 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.  In addition, you will enjoy dinosaur museum, where more than 13 species of life-size creatures of dinosaurs and skeletons are on display, and a slide multivision presenting stories on extinct animals and human beings.

Pasteur Institute (Snake Farm)
This interesting spot is located at the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road west of Chulalongkorn Hospital. It is a section of the Thai Red Cross, where one can have cholera, smallpox and typhoid inoculations as well as rabies treatment. The institute has become a popular tourist attraction because of its large collection of live poisonous snakes. The Snake Farm is open to the public every day between 08:30 and 16:30 on weekdays and 08:30 and 12:00 on public holidays. The extraction of venom from the snakes is demonstrated daily at 10.30 and 14:00 on weekdays and at 10:30 on public holidays.

Labor Museum

Located near Makkasan Railway Station, Nikhom Makkasan Road, Phayathai. Here, labor history of Thailand from the past to present is put on exhibition. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 except for Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays.

Safari World
It is located at Km. 9, Ram Indra Road, Min Buri, covers an area of some 170 acres and is divided into 2 parts. The first, the Safari Park, houses a large variety of animals like zebra, Jeers, giraffe, birds, tigers, lion, bears, etc. in natural habitat, Visitors can drive their own cars or have a good look from one of the Safari World's air-conditioned coaches. The second, the Marine Park, exhibits marine and some rare animals. Visitors can enjoy performances by trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals, and monkeys. Restaurants and game shops are also scattered within the area and tram service is provided for those wishing to have a look around.  Safari World is open daily between 09:00 and 16:30. 
 

Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
Only 1km before reaching the Rose Garden you can visit another crocodile farm in Thailand called "Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo". The 60-acre farm comprises a beautiful environment where many different wild animals and 10, 000 crocodiles can be seen. Fascinating performances such as Crocodile Wrestling, Magic Show, and Elephant Theme Show.  The farm is open daily from 08:300 - 17:30.
 

Democracy Monument
Located on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue. It was conceived and constructed during the administration of the late Field Marshal Plaek Phibulsongkhram to commemorate the peaceful change-over from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy on June 24, 1932. It was officially dedicated on June 24, 1940.
Democracy Monument

Floating Markets
These are very important commercial centers for those living on the banks of the many canals and away from road. Every day, from about 6.00-11.00 am small boats laden with all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables and other produce from the orchards or nearby communities assemble for business.  There are 4 floating markets visitors can enjoy:  Taling Chan Floating Market is a weekend market in front of Taling Chan District Office, starling from 09:00 to 16:00. Boat trip service is available for sight-seeing along the canal where gardens and the village lifestyle are still to be seen. Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market is located in Nonthaburi Province. It is accessible by boat. The market operates in the early morning from 04:00 -07:00.  Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi Province is a popular attraction some 80km west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon. Visitors can also travel around by boat to see local villages, and the way of life of the people in the countryside. Tha Kha Floating Market is some 10km beyond Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The market operates on weekend between 06:00 and 12.00.

Narayanaphand
This is handicraft centre, under government supervision, located on Ratchadamri Rd. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available include Thai silk, ceramics, wood canning, lacquer ware, bronze objects and Khon masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00.

Thailand Duty Free Shops
Located on the 7th floor of the World Trade Center, Ratchadamri Road, Thailand Duty Free shops (TDFS) is the only government operator of downtown Duty Free shops in Thailand. Open everyday from 10:00 - 21:00.

Flower and Plant Markets
Visitors interested in horticulture are recommended to visit the following markets: Pak Khlong Talat is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The colourful flowers and the bustling atmosphere is the charm of this market, especially when the market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening. Thewet is found off Samsen Road, on Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem bank. It is a market for potted plants. It has very large selection of plants suitable for the garden, the verandah and indoors.  Suan Chatuchak is Bangkok's newest and largest plant market and is located on Phahonyothin Road diagonally opposite the Northern Bus Terminal. The area consists of rows of small shops offering a variety of decorative potted plants. There are many species of orchids available.
 

China Town
Bangkok's China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowarat Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods. The area is always lively, and market stalls abound. It has been the main centre for trading by the Chinese since they were moved from their old site some 200 years ago to make way for the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex. Nearby is Phahurat Market, one of the city's renowned cloth centers.

Bang Lamphu
A shopping area once frequented solely by local people has become a popular place for tourists. This area offers various inexpensive items, especially ready made clothes, handbags, men's and lady's shoes, cosmetics and curios. Bargaining is recommended.

Lang Krasuang and Woeng Nakhon Kasem
For moderately priced, second-hand goods, no other is better than the two markets in Bangkok. The first is Lang Krasuang, which is on Atsadang Road. The other is Woeng Nakhon Kasem, located around some of the smaller alleys off New Road, near China Town. Visitors will get a better bargain if he takes along a Thai friend to haggle over prices! Both markets have goods from pawn shops: musical instruments, electrical goods, uniforms and camping equipment.

King Rama IX Royal Park
The 200-acre park on Si Nakharin Road commemorates His Majesty King Rama IX's 60th birthday in 1987, and comprises a public park, a water park and extensive botanical gardens. A central building displays the works and life of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is open to the public every day from 06:00 - 18:00.

Princess Mother Memorial Park
This beautiful park is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khiong San District. It was built near the Wat Anongkharam community where Somdej Phra Srinaganndra Boromarajajonani, Her Royal Highness 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.
 

Other public parks in Bangkok include Romaniyanat Park on Mahachai Road, Lumphini Park on Rama IV Road, Saranrom Park at the crossroads of New Road-Rachini, Chatuchak Park on Kamphaeng Phet Road (opposite to the Northern Bus Terminal), and Benjasffi Park on Sukhumvit Road.

Siam Water Park
Siam Water Park in merely a 60-minute drive from the Lard Prao flyover, and is located in suburban Amphoe Minburi. The park features an extensive man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools, fountains and waterfalls, and towering water slides amid carefully landscaped gardens. Satellite attractions include children's playgrounds, aviaries, and open zoo and botanical gardens. The complex is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (weekdays) and 09:00 to 19:00 (weekends).

Magicland
A large scale amusement park is located on Phaholyotin Road on the way to Don Muang Airport. Within its beautifully decorated area, there are linked paths, pools, legendary castles and more than 30 funny toys. Opening time is from 10:00 - 17:00 on weekdays and 10:00 - 19:00 on weekends.

Dream World
This amusement park is situated on km. 7 of Rangsit-Ong Kharak Road, a 10 minute drive from Don Muang Airport. It is a beautiful land designed in classic style and decorated with European style plaza, miniature land of the major world legend and exciting playing machines. Open daily from 10:00 - 17:00.  except on weekends from 10:00 - 19:00. 

The Rose Garden Country Resort
This popular tourist attraction is 32km west of Bangkok on the bank of the Thachin river. It boasts large, beautiful and well- maintained gardens and is ideal for a picnic. In the resort there is a Thai cultural village where daily at 14:45 an attractive show comences. There are for instance, Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting demonstrations and elephant show. It is open daily from 08:00 - 18:00.
 

Royal Fold Arts and Crafts Centre at Bang Sai
With an area of 114 acres, the Centre is located in Tambon Bung Yai, Amphoe Bang Sail Fammers from Ayutthaya as well as from other provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. At this centre you will have a glimpse of how farmers in the four Regions live and work, how their products of arts and crafts are produced. The centre is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Technicques (SUPPORT) which was established under Royal Patronage on the 21st July 1976. Products and activities which can be seen here are; Fern Vien Basketry, Weaving Basketry. Wood Carving, Artificial Flowers, Hand-Woven Silk and Cotton, Silk Dyeing, Miniature Hand-Modeled Thai Dolls, Fumitory Making and Cloth-Made Products etc.
 

Rama IX Bridge
Another bridge across the Chao Phraya River, is part of the express way, the Tha Rua (Port)-Dao Khanong route. It is the world's longest single plane cable-stayed bridge. The overall length is three kilometers. The distance between its two main supporters measured from Bangkok side to Thonburi side is 450 meters.

Sanam Luang
This huge oval public ground is in front of the Grand Palace. Special activities or ceremonies such as the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May, King's Birthday in December and the New Year Festival also take place here. At the northern part of Sanam Luang, opposite the Royal Hotel is a small statue placed in small white pavilion. The Goddess of the Earth was built during King Chulalongkom's reign (1868-1910) to provide public drinking water. On the southeast corner is the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang placed there by King Rama I as the foundation stone for the new capital of Bangkok.

Horse Racing:

The Royal Turf Club of Thailand is situated on Phitsanulok Road. The races are held every two weeks on Sunday from 12:30 - 18:00.  The Royal Bangkok Sports Club is situated on Henri Dunant Road. The races are held every two weeks on Sunday between 12:30 and 18:00. 

The Ancient City
This is the world's largest outdoor museum, and consists of smaller sized replicas of many of the most famous buildings, monuments and temples to be found in all parts of Thailand. The museum, covering some 280 acres, is approximately the geographic shape of Thailand. It is located at Km.33 on the Sukhumvit highway in Changwat Samut Prakan. Visitors may see this unique museum from 08:00 to 17:00 daily. Vehicles are available in the museum to convey visitors over its large area.