BANGKOK

1.  CHAO PHRAYA RIVER & CANAL TOURS

 

Chao Phraya River Cruise

      The Chao Phraya River is the most important waterway in Thailand. Varieties of boats and ships, from huge container ships that berth at Klong Toey Port to small dugouts. We commonly see large barges carrying cargo as diverse as rice, sand and gravel, other heavy goods like soft drinks and beer, towed in lined by large ropes, tugged by one or more small tugboats. In the morning, long-tailed boats tranport colorful flowers and vegetables to the retail market (See Pak Khlong Talat / Riverside Flower Market). There are more much river transportations that you can enjoy her lifely scenery all day.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

      After a fight, King Rama I arrived at this temple at dawn, that comes the name The Temple of Dawn, or in Thai, Wat Arun, after Aruna, the god of the dawn. The location of the temple is closed the palace of King Tarksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after a 3-year fall of Ayuttaya over two hundred years ago. The principle Buddha image is built by King Rama II.

Wat Arun is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok. The imposing Khmer-style main prang or tower is 104 metres high and is surrounded by four smaller prangs. The prangs, constructed in King Rama II reign, were decorated with pieces of broken porcelain coming from China. The central balcony is an ideal spot for looking across the river to The Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha. Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground, a beautiful memoir of Bangkok.
A voyage through time along old canals
      Bangkok’s history is closely connected to the waterways: canals, which were used for tranportation, water drainage, water source for domestic use, as well as for irrigation, therefor, Bangkok used to be called The Venice of The East. Rattanakosin (Bangkok) Island came into existence when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong constructed to fortify Bangkok.

Royal Barge National Museum
      The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed occasionally during the Tod Kathin Buddhist Festival when H.M. The King presents new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. The event was watched by millions of people around the world when it was on television, specially for the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok, and the 60th Anniversary Cerebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne, when Kings, Queen and Royal families from 25 countries all over the world came to this auspicious occasion.

Cruise to Ayutthaya
 

2.  SANAM LUANG, GRAND PALACE, TEMPLE OF EMERAL BUDDHA AND NEARBY AREA

Sanam Luang (The Royal Ground)
        A vast open ground situated north to the Grand Palace and east to the former Viceroy Palace. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the ground was a rice field, then turning into a location for a royal crematorium for kings, certain members of the royal family. In addition it has been used as the religious ceremony ground, royal sporting ground, kite flying & contest ground, Sunday market and many more. There are 365 tamarind trees planted around it.

The City Pillar Shrine
        According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the citys horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. in height. 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. in height 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.

 Wat Phrasrirattana Sasadaram

THE TEMPLE OF EMERALD BUDDHA

The Grand Palace
        Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

NEARBY SANAM LUANG AREA

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.
Wat Po 
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical sciences and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po. Founded during the 16th century, Wat Po is famous mostly for the Golden Reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl, the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Po has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Saranrom Park
The National Museum
National Art Gallery Museum
Bank of Thailand Museum

 

3.  The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall & Vimarnmek Palace

The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
      It is the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) stands. The foundation stone was placed by The King on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne in 1906

Vimarnmek Palace & Museum
       An outstanding example of 19th century architecture, admiring the craftsmanship of the carpenters, you will travel back through time to gain a rare insight into the lifestyle of the royal family. Vimarnmek Mansion, the principal building in the palace compound, was built for King Rama V on the Dusit Garden located between Padung Krungkasem and Samsen canals. The palace celebrated was on March 27, 1901 and was his residence until 1906. The mansion was originally his summer palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang Island. It was dismantled and re-built at the present location under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.

4. DUSIT ZOO with the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V The Great & Wat Benchamabopitra

  Dusit Zoo
        has a vast collection of animals from around the world. It is ideal for a family outing or just for those who would like to know more about animal behavior. Dusit Zoo was established in 1938 and covers an area of 47 acres in the Dusit District of Bangkok, not far from Chitralada Royal Residence. Under the administration of The Zoological Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M.The King, it welcomes more than 2,500,000 visitors a year.
  The Equestrian Statue of King Rama V the Great
      It was established in 1908 in the reign of King Rama V with a fund raised by Thai people. The statue was cast in Paris by French craftsmen. The remaining fund was spent by King Rama VI’s on the establishment of Chulalongkorn University, which was named after King Rama V.
  Wat Benjamaborpitra Dusitvanaram
      is known to foreigners as The Marble Temple   as its exterior is clad in Carrara marble. Very talented The Prince Narisara, a son of King Rama IV, designed the main building which was completed during the reign of King Rama V. To stand at the main gateway and look at the Monastery of Five Kings is a sight to behold. The perfect symmetry and proportions must inspire admiration of this architectural masterpiece. The interior crossbeams are decorated with lacquer and gold. The walls of the spacious inner courtyard are lined with a large collection of bronze Buddha images. The canal in front and to the left hand side has ornate bridges.
  JatuJak Weekend Market
      It is the paradise for bargain hunters, and almost impossible to go to JatuJak Weekend Market and do not buy anything. Every Saturday and Sunday, 9,000 individual booths are open, selling an infinite variety of goods that bargains hunters, home makers, pet lovers or just browsers can imagine. Handicrafts are every where including pottery, hand-made glass models of the Royal Barges, fluffy toys, colourful tropical fish, singing birds puppies of many breeds, furniture and lots of new and second hand clothing, shoes, handbags, belts. There is so much to offer that even international home decor wholesales come here to shop.
  Queen Sirikit Park & Children’s Discovery Museum
     It is situated east of JatuJak 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.
  Children’s Discovery Museum
     The museum is located inside Queen Sirikit Park in a total area of 2 acres and was established under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, in her considerate the significance of creating a pleasurable learning process for Thai children. The Museum took shape in the form of 3 exhibition buildings and an open-air activity ground for children to enjoy and learn about human life, sciences, culture and society, nature and the environment, as well as, an exhibition in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.
  Lumphini Park
      It is the green area of the city, where businessmen, tourists and Bangkok residents come to jog and exercise. Elderly folks may practice their Tai Chi while others may lazily relax in the fresh-air, green 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.
  Pratunam (Water Gate Market)
     Pratunam is one of the older shopping areas in Bangkok, not far away from the Zen and CWP, 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 you’ll 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.
 

Bang Lamphu
Khao Sarn Road
Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park
Khon Masked Dance at Sala Chalermkrung Theatre
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Wat Trai Mit
 

 

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Phuket