Day Trips From Bangkok

Exploring Bangkok alone could take weeks, but because of the short duration of their visit to Thailand tourists like to visit the main places in Bangkok and then go on day-tips to nearby places. Almost all tour operators offer packages to nearby attractions. Among the most popular places are the Floating Market, Ayuthaya, Bang Pa-in and the Crocodile Farm.

CROCODILE FARM

Known as the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo, it lies 30 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. Founded in 1950, the farm has over 40,000 crocodiles of 28 different species, some of them no longer in existence elsewhere. The farm was acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the largest crocodile ever held in captivity. The Estuarine/ Siamese hybrid named 'Yai' measures six metres in length and weighs 2,465 pounds.

The highlight of the visit to the farm is a show in which handlers go into a pond full of crocodiles and handle them by their tails rather roughly. The ferocious reptiles seem to obey the orders quite obediently, except for some stubborn ones.

Besides crocodiles, the farm also has other zoological amusements. There are elephants, which dance to disco music, gibbons, which are now on Thailand's protected species list, a collection of poisonous snakes, lions, tigers, a tame python, a black bear and a host of other birds and animals.

The farm is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is Bht. 200, which includes the crocodile wrestling and elephant show.

ANCIENT CITY

A few kilometres from the Crocodile Farm is the Ancient city, which bills itself as the 11 world's largest outdoor museum." Spread over 81 hectares of what were rice fields, it took three years to construct. The complex has scale replicas, some full size, others one-third the size of the original, of famous monuments and temples from all parts of the kingdom. Some of them are reconstructions of buildings that no longer exist, like the Grand Palace and Royal Chapel of Ayuthaya.

In addition to the monuments, the Ancient City has a model Thai village, in which you can see artisans at work on various native handicrafts like lacquer ware, ceramics and paper umbrellas.

The complex takes an entire day to cover as each building is situated according to its actual geographical location to give an idea of regional variations in architecture. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FLOATING MARKET

One attraction that is almost certainly on any visitor's agenda is the Floating Market at Damnern Saduak. The trip to the market starts very early in the morning from one of the many piers along the Chao Phraya river.

In a comfortable boat, you get to sail along one of the major canals of the city witnessing scenes of Thai life along the banks. Men and women wearing straw hats can be seen transporting their merchandise to the Floating Market in their longtail boats. The market is specially famous for its fruits, particularly large, succulent pomelos.

Early morning is the ideal time for visiting the Floating Market because around 9 a.m. the place is deluged by thousands of tourists and there seems to be a traffic jam even along the waterways.

AYUTHAYA

Situated some 89 kilometres to the north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya is the former capital of Thailand (1350-1767) Itwas completely destroyed by retreating Burmese forces in 1767 but the ruins still bear witness to its former splendour. Archaeological excavation of the site, on which Chao Sam Phraya Museum also stands, is still continuing and some of the ruins have been restored.

During its heyday, Thai culture and commerce flourished there as the English, French, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish held their trading posts in Ayuthaya.

Today Ayuthaya is a bustling country town sprawled along the main street from the Pridi Damrong Bridge to a little beyond the Chandrakasem Palace.

There are two museums in Ayuthaya namely Chao Sam Phraya and Chan Kasem. The former, in the centre of the town on Rajana Road, contains a superb collection of terracotta, bronze and stone statues mostly from the Ayuthaya Period and some belonging to the Lopburi and U-Thong styles.

Probably the best way to reach Ayuthaya is by boat, though bus and train services also are available. Several cruises run daily between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, bookings of which can be made either at the travel agencies or at the travel desk in most of the hotels.

BANG PA-IN PALACE

About 60 kilometres from Bangkok on the river route to Ayuthaya, the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is a charming collection of palaces and pavilions once used by the kings of Thailand as a summer retreat.

Although the Bang Pa-in Palace itself presents some fine examples of Thai architecture, the surrounding palace complex illustrates Thailand's fondness for adaptation, with two buildings in the classical Greek architectural style, a Gothic church and a replica of the Imperial Palace of Beijing.

A Thai-style pavilion called Aisawan Thipaya-art in the middle of the lake is regarded as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture.

The many pools scattered around the complex enhance the graceful lines and bright colours with perfect reflections in their still waters.

The palace complex is open everyday, except Monday, from 8.30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

ROSE GARDEN

Thirty-two kilometres west of Bangkok lies a resort which is very popular both among Thai people and overseas visitors. Known as Suan Samphran, the Rose Garden is a combination of beautifuIly-landscaped gardens, a modern hotel with convention rooms, several classy restaurants, a swimming pool, a golf course, a bowling alley, and a model Thai village. Also available are facilities for boating and water-skiing on the lake.

The highlight of the resort is a traditional Thai cultural performance amidst the Thai cultural village setting. The performance includes Thai folk dances, classical dances, sword fights, Thai boxing, a Buddhist ordination ceremony, and an elephant show.

NAKHON PATHOM

Just 54 kilometres west of Bangkok is the city of Nakhon Pathom where Buddhism is believed to have been introduced to Thais. Its colossal landmark seems to tower over the surrounding countryside. Standing 127 metres high, Phra Paithom Chedi is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world.

In the days of canal travel, a royal visit to Nakhon Pathom involved more than a day's journey. Hence it is not surprising that various palaces and residences were built there.

The Sanam Chandra Palace has a fine sala (formerly a meeting pavilion) and a building in the most unusual Thai interpretation of English Tudor architecture.

KANCHANABURI

One of the most picturesque provinces of Thailand, it was built under the patronage of King Rama III. About 129 kilometres to the west of Bangkok, it is located at the confluence of Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi rivers. The formation of Maeklang River starts from here.

Besides the dense jungles and rugged hills, the area is known for the infamous Death Railway Bridge over the River Kwai constructed by allied prisoners of the Japanese army during World War II. Australian, British, Dutch and Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway lie buried at the Kanchanburi cemetery.

The area achieved archeological distinction during the war when a freak accident led, to the discovery of Neolithic burial sites in the area. From a study of the remains, it was established that a definite cultural link existed at some time between the people who lived in Thailand and those who lived in the Malaysian peninsula.

There are several valleys and waterfalls worth seeing. Notable among them are Erawan Khoo Phang or Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai. The cave temples of the Golden Dragon or Wat Tham Mangkhon Thong, Wat Tham Khoo Laem and Wat Tham Koo Poon are also worth a visit.

LOPBURI

The former summer capital of Thailand, Lopburi lies 155 kilometres north of Bangkok. The journey through the fertile rice bowl of Thailand is a pleasant one. Just 10 kilometres north of Ayuthaya, the hills of Korat plateau appear on the horizon.

Lopburi was an important town during the Dvaravati and Khmer periods. The last scenes of King Narai's life were played out in Lopburi in the Suttha Sawan Pavilion. Of King Narai's buildings, the only one which has substantially survived is the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall. This was built for the audience granted by the king in 1685 to Chevalier de Chaumont, ambassador of King Louis XIV.

Of particular interest in Lopburi are two important relics of the Khmer and pre-Khmer periods. One located just west of the railroad, is a 13th century laterite block shrine with three spires which gave it its Thai name of Phra Prong Sam Yod (Sacred Three Spires). The second is the Hindu Spire (Prong Khaek) in the centre of the town. This monument was probably built during the 11 th century and restored by King Narai in the 17th century.

WANG TAKRAI PARK

Established in 1955 by the late Prince Chumbot of Nagara Svarga and opened to the public by his widow, this 200-acre park is situated in a picturesque valley 106 kilometres from Bangkok. Traversed by a stream, the park has a large variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Nearby attractions include two waterfalls, Nam Rong and Salika.

KHAO YAI PARK

Thailand's most popular wildlife and nature preserve is 205 kilometres from Bangkok. It offers a spectacular view of thickly forested valleys and hillsides and a number of waterfalls. In the vicinity are tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys, deer, porcupines, civets, mongoose and various species of birds and butterflies. A paved road cuts through the park with branch roads leading to Heo Suwat waterfall and the summit of Khoo Khaeo mountain.

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More Information

Bangkok is the Orient's most cosmopolitan city and has attractions to stimulate even the most jaded travellers. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.

Bangkok, Thailand's major gateway, casts an irresistible spell of enchantment. To the Thais it is Krung Thep, "City of Angels", and you'll find it truly a magic place, one that captivates the imagination.

More than anywhere else in the country, Bangkok expresses Thailand's uncanny ability to blend the old with the new. This lends a thrilling sense of discovery to one's sightseeing and adds an element of surprise when exploring what is the Orient's most fabled city.

Joyfully exuberant, Bangkok embraces modern development and presents an initial picture of thrusting office towers; of world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts; of glittering shopping plazas packed with treasures of the East such as silks and gemstones; of restaurants serving Thailand's acclaimed spicy specialities and virtually every other national cuisine worthy of the name; of neon-lit entertainment spots where the fare ranges from classical dance to laser disco.

Incredibly amidst this sybaritic world Bangkok manages to preserve its cultural heritage to an amazing degree. In the rich splendour of the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Dawn and other historic shrines, you see images of medieval Oriental wonder, the very stuff of Eastern fairy tales.

The influence of the past is not limited to major monuments and it continues to colour daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present a scene unaltered in essentials by the passing of time. Today's backdrop of highrise buildings only adds wonder to this and other enduring sights from which the city continues to draw definition.

Ultimately it is from the people that Bangkok derives its unique flavour. Fun-loving and easy going, they possess a rare tolerance which imbues the city with a real sense of freedom. It may appear at times hectic, yet what finally comes across is Bangkok's good natured acceptance of life with all its idiosyncrasies.

Thailand's "City of Angels" is, indeed, a magic place where possibilities are limited only by the imagination. You'll marvel at past glories, delight in present opportunities and love every minute of it.

Back to Top

Entertainment

No other city in Asia rivals Bangkok for thrilling night life, and evening entertainment is both plentiful and inexpensive.

Most famous are the neon-lit bar districts which are both more fun and much safer than their counterparts in other cities around the world. However, there is much more to Bangkok by night than just the glitter of pubs and bars.

Especially popular are the cultural shows staged by various Thai restaurants. Here you'll find the perfect introduction to Thailand's highly stylized classical dance, accompanied by music played on traditional instruments. Dressed in gorgeous costumes, dancers perform the slow, graceful movements that make up the intricate language of classical Thai dance drama. Visually stunning, these shows are a must.

Also not to be missed is Muai Thai, a style of boxing unique to Thailand in which combatants use elbows, knees and bare feet as well as gloved fists. A martial art before it was a sport, Muai Thai has a long tradition and is still surrounded by much ritual.The fights are commonly fierce and furious, though the best boxers display remarkable skills, as well as great fitness, and a good contest is decided by application of technique rather than brute force. Often as entertaining as the action in the ring is the reaction of the spectators who yell and shout encouragement to the boxers as the excitement mounts.

There are two boxing stadiums in Bangkok and between them they offer professional bouts virtually every night of the week.

For either pre dinner aperitifs or late evening drinks, Bangkok boasts many sophisticated bars and cocktail lounges, some of the best being located in the top hotels. Here you can relax in pleasant surroundings and enjoy live musical entertainment by the best local and regional entertainers.

If your looking for something a little more highbrow, you will not be disappointed. Although Bangkok does not have regular offerings of plays, operas or concerts, performances are nonetheless frequently staged by both local and overseas artists and companies. The Thailand Cultural Centre is the main venue, though leading hotels quite often host visiting artists and small theatre groups.

If it's action that you are looking for, Bangkok abounds with discos. Some are small an intimate others are enormous and crowded, but all spin the latest dance music using the most modern sound systems, laser lights, videos and all the other hi-tech equipment that makes today's disco less of a place an more of an event.

The inveterate shopper may spend a happy evening strolling the streets in main entertainment areas browsing around the ranks of kerbside stalls which offer host of good buys. Alternatively, if you are tired after a busy day sightseeing, you can go to the cinema or relax in your hotel room and watch video.

Whatever your preferences, you'll discover Bangkok makes sure there's never a dull moment.

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Attractions

With many interesting attractions and places of interest in and around Bangkok, visitors can have a variety of " do-it-yourself " day trips to keep your holidays fun-filled and enjoyable.

OLD TOWN - CHINATOWN

In the old Bangkok town are located the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, two universities and several ministries. It is from this side of the Chao Phraya River that one takes a boat to visit the Temple of Dawn and the floating market

Chinatown is situated to the southeast of the old town . The gold shop street and the Temple of the Gold Buddha are located here.

PINKLAO

A bridge was built across the Chao Phraya River near the Grand Palace in 1973. It was named Pin Klao in memory of the last but one deputy king, whose palace was nearby. Now the area on the western side of the river has become one of the most newly developed areas in Bangkok with several department stores, many restaurants and nightlife establishments.

RATCHADAPHISEK

Ratchadaphisek is the name of the new sections of the inner ring road of Bangkok but is usually used to refer to the short section between the Lat Phrao intersection and the Rama IX Road intersection. This section is being developed into a new commercial district containing several big department stores, office buildings, hotels and a large number of restaurants, A little way off the road is Thailand Cultural Centre, where shows and exhibitions are held from time to time.

RAMKHAMHAENG

When Ramkhamhaeng University was founded on Bangkok's eastern outskirts as Thailand's first open university in 1970, the area was rather remote and underdeveloped. However, as the university's yearly enrollments increased rapidly to 100,000, the area soon became a new satellite city of Bangkok with ever-increasing shop-houses, apartment buildings, restaurants, cinema houses, department stores, hotels and places of entertainment.

SIAM -RATCHADAMRI

This is one of the biggest and busiest shopping districts in Bangkok. A huge commercial complex, including a 62-storey World Trade Centre opposite Ratchadamri Arcade, is partly completed. Located in the area are several large department stores, shopping arcades, cinema theatres, and countless smaller shops. So you can satisfy all your needs if you stay in one of over a dozen first-class hotels in the area.

The Pratunam Market next to the Indra Arcade, is worth visiting if you want to broaden your field of vision. It is also the market of garments for export.

SUKHUMWIT-NEW PHETBURI

In the section from the Soi Nana crossroads to Soi Sukhumwit 21 (Asok Intersection), there are many shops catering to foreign tourists, where jewellery, leather goods, ready-made garments and souvenirs are sold and tailoring, car rent and other service are offered. Inside the lanes (soi) off the road, there are numerous fashionable residences, hotels, apartment houses, and some really good restaurants.

To the north of Sukhumwit Road is the extension of Phetburi Road which does not have many pedestrians in the daytime. After dark, however, the long street is brightened with colourful neon signs and enlivened by people going out to enjoy themselves in dozens of entertainment Places along the street.

SILOM-SURAWONG

This district has transformed in half a century from paddy fields into the most important business and financial centre of Bangkok . Today, from end to end, these two parallel streets are full of big blocks of multistory buildings, in which are banks, finance firms, insurance companies, export-import houses, hotels, airlines offices, restaurants, shopping arcades, department stores, and entertainment establishments.

A small area in this district known as Patpong, is famous for various kinds of entertainment--wine, beer, music, dancing, etc.

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.

WEEKEND MARKET AT CHATUCHAK PARK

This large open public ground covers approximately 35 acres opposite the Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road. Known as Suan Chatuchak, it hosts the popular Weekend Market where people buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, dress materials, clothing shoes, toys, domestic utensils and pets. There is a particularly fine section for plants.

Weekend Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7.00 a.m. - p.m. 6.00

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Day Trips From Bangkok

Exploring Bangkok alone could take weeks, but because of the short duration of their visit to Thailand tourists like to visit the main places in Bangkok and then go on day-tips to nearby places. Almost all tour operators offer packages to nearby attractions. Among the most popular places are the Floating Market, Ayuthaya, Bang Pa-in and the Crocodile Farm.

CROCODILE FARM

Known as the Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo, it lies 30 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. Founded in 1950, the farm has over 40,000 crocodiles of 28 different species, some of them no longer in existence elsewhere. The farm was acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records for holding the largest crocodile ever held in captivity. The Estuarine/ Siamese hybrid named 'Yai' measures six metres in length and weighs 2,465 pounds.

The highlight of the visit to the farm is a show in which handlers go into a pond full of crocodiles and handle them by their tails rather roughly. The ferocious reptiles seem to obey the orders quite obediently, except for some stubborn ones.

Besides crocodiles, the farm also has other zoological amusements. There are elephants, which dance to disco music, gibbons, which are now on Thailand's protected species list, a collection of poisonous snakes, lions, tigers, a tame python, a black bear and a host of other birds and animals.

The farm is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fee is Bht. 200, which includes the crocodile wrestling and elephant show.

ANCIENT CITY

A few kilometres from the Crocodile Farm is the Ancient city, which bills itself as the 11 world's largest outdoor museum." Spread over 81 hectares of what were rice fields, it took three years to construct. The complex has scale replicas, some full size, others one-third the size of the original, of famous monuments and temples from all parts of the kingdom. Some of them are reconstructions of buildings that no longer exist, like the Grand Palace and Royal Chapel of Ayuthaya.

In addition to the monuments, the Ancient City has a model Thai village, in which you can see artisans at work on various native handicrafts like lacquer ware, ceramics and paper umbrellas.

The complex takes an entire day to cover as each building is situated according to its actual geographical location to give an idea of regional variations in architecture. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

FLOATING MARKET

One attraction that is almost certainly on any visitor's agenda is the Floating Market at Damnern Saduak. The trip to the market starts very early in the morning from one of the many piers along the Chao Phraya river.

In a comfortable boat, you get to sail along one of the major canals of the city witnessing scenes of Thai life along the banks. Men and women wearing straw hats can be seen transporting their merchandise to the Floating Market in their longtail boats. The market is specially famous for its fruits, particularly large, succulent pomelos.

Early morning is the ideal time for visiting the Floating Market because around 9 a.m. the place is deluged by thousands of tourists and there seems to be a traffic jam even along the waterways.

AYUTHAYA

Situated some 89 kilometres to the north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya is the former capital of Thailand (1350-1767) Itwas completely destroyed by retreating Burmese forces in 1767 but the ruins still bear witness to its former splendour. Archaeological excavation of the site, on which Chao Sam Phraya Museum also stands, is still continuing and some of the ruins have been restored.

During its heyday, Thai culture and commerce flourished there as the English, French, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish held their trading posts in Ayuthaya.

Today Ayuthaya is a bustling country town sprawled along the main street from the Pridi Damrong Bridge to a little beyond the Chandrakasem Palace.

There are two museums in Ayuthaya namely Chao Sam Phraya and Chan Kasem. The former, in the centre of the town on Rajana Road, contains a superb collection of terracotta, bronze and stone statues mostly from the Ayuthaya Period and some belonging to the Lopburi and U-Thong styles.

Probably the best way to reach Ayuthaya is by boat, though bus and train services also are available. Several cruises run daily between Bangkok and Ayuthaya, bookings of which can be made either at the travel agencies or at the travel desk in most of the hotels.

BANG PA-IN PALACE

About 60 kilometres from Bangkok on the river route to Ayuthaya, the Bang Pa-in Summer Palace is a charming collection of palaces and pavilions once used by the kings of Thailand as a summer retreat.

Although the Bang Pa-in Palace itself presents some fine examples of Thai architecture, the surrounding palace complex illustrates Thailand's fondness for adaptation, with two buildings in the classical Greek architectural style, a Gothic church and a replica of the Imperial Palace of Beijing.

A Thai-style pavilion called Aisawan Thipaya-art in the middle of the lake is regarded as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture.

The many pools scattered around the complex enhance the graceful lines and bright colours with perfect reflections in their still waters.

The palace complex is open everyday, except Monday, from 8.30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

ROSE GARDEN

Thirty-two kilometres west of Bangkok lies a resort which is very popular both among Thai people and overseas visitors. Known as Suan Samphran, the Rose Garden is a combination of beautifuIly-landscaped gardens, a modern hotel with convention rooms, several classy restaurants, a swimming pool, a golf course, a bowling alley, and a model Thai village. Also available are facilities for boating and water-skiing on the lake.

The highlight of the resort is a traditional Thai cultural performance amidst the Thai cultural village setting. The performance includes Thai folk dances, classical dances, sword fights, Thai boxing, a Buddhist ordination ceremony, and an elephant show.

NAKHON PATHOM

Just 54 kilometres west of Bangkok is the city of Nakhon Pathom where Buddhism is believed to have been introduced to Thais. Its colossal landmark seems to tower over the surrounding countryside. Standing 127 metres high, Phra Paithom Chedi is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world.

In the days of canal travel, a royal visit to Nakhon Pathom involved more than a day's journey. Hence it is not surprising that various palaces and residences were built there.

The Sanam Chandra Palace has a fine sala (formerly a meeting pavilion) and a building in the most unusual Thai interpretation of English Tudor architecture.

KANCHANABURI

One of the most picturesque provinces of Thailand, it was built under the patronage of King Rama III. About 129 kilometres to the west of Bangkok, it is located at the confluence of Kwai Yai and Kwai Noi rivers. The formation of Maeklang River starts from here.

Besides the dense jungles and rugged hills, the area is known for the infamous Death Railway Bridge over the River Kwai constructed by allied prisoners of the Japanese army during World War II. Australian, British, Dutch and Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway lie buried at the Kanchanburi cemetery.

The area achieved archeological distinction during the war when a freak accident led, to the discovery of Neolithic burial sites in the area. From a study of the remains, it was established that a definite cultural link existed at some time between the people who lived in Thailand and those who lived in the Malaysian peninsula.

There are several valleys and waterfalls worth seeing. Notable among them are Erawan Khoo Phang or Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai. The cave temples of the Golden Dragon or Wat Tham Mangkhon Thong, Wat Tham Khoo Laem and Wat Tham Koo Poon are also worth a visit.

LOPBURI

The former summer capital of Thailand, Lopburi lies 155 kilometres north of Bangkok. The journey through the fertile rice bowl of Thailand is a pleasant one. Just 10 kilometres north of Ayuthaya, the hills of Korat plateau appear on the horizon.

Lopburi was an important town during the Dvaravati and Khmer periods. The last scenes of King Narai's life were played out in Lopburi in the Suttha Sawan Pavilion. Of King Narai's buildings, the only one which has substantially survived is the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall. This was built for the audience granted by the king in 1685 to Chevalier de Chaumont, ambassador of King Louis XIV.

Of particular interest in Lopburi are two important relics of the Khmer and pre-Khmer periods. One located just west of the railroad, is a 13th century laterite block shrine with three spires which gave it its Thai name of Phra Prong Sam Yod (Sacred Three Spires). The second is the Hindu Spire (Prong Khaek) in the centre of the town. This monument was probably built during the 11 th century and restored by King Narai in the 17th century.

WANG TAKRAI PARK

Established in 1955 by the late Prince Chumbot of Nagara Svarga and opened to the public by his widow, this 200-acre park is situated in a picturesque valley 106 kilometres from Bangkok. Traversed by a stream, the park has a large variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Nearby attractions include two waterfalls, Nam Rong and Salika.

KHAO YAI PARK

Thailand's most popular wildlife and nature preserve is 205 kilometres from Bangkok. It offers a spectacular view of thickly forested valleys and hillsides and a number of waterfalls. In the vicinity are tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys, deer, porcupines, civets, mongoose and various species of birds and butterflies. A paved road cuts through the park with branch roads leading to Heo Suwat waterfall and the summit of Khoo Khaeo mountain.

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More Information

Bangkok is the Orient's most cosmopolitan city and has attractions to stimulate even the most jaded travellers. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.

Bangkok, Thailand's major gateway, casts an irresistible spell of enchantment. To the Thais it is Krung Thep, "City of Angels", and you'll find it truly a magic place, one that captivates the imagination.

More than anywhere else in the country, Bangkok expresses Thailand's uncanny ability to blend the old with the new. This lends a thrilling sense of discovery to one's sightseeing and adds an element of surprise when exploring what is the Orient's most fabled city.

Joyfully exuberant, Bangkok embraces modern development and presents an initial picture of thrusting office towers; of world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts; of glittering shopping plazas packed with treasures of the East such as silks and gemstones; of restaurants serving Thailand's acclaimed spicy specialities and virtually every other national cuisine worthy of the name; of neon-lit entertainment spots where the fare ranges from classical dance to laser disco.

Incredibly amidst this sybaritic world Bangkok manages to preserve its cultural heritage to an amazing degree. In the rich splendour of the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Dawn and other historic shrines, you see images of medieval Oriental wonder, the very stuff of Eastern fairy tales.

The influence of the past is not limited to major monuments and it continues to colour daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present a scene unaltered in essentials by the passing of time. Today's backdrop of highrise buildings only adds wonder to this and other enduring sights from which the city continues to draw definition.

Ultimately it is from the people that Bangkok derives its unique flavour. Fun-loving and easy going, they possess a rare tolerance which imbues the city with a real sense of freedom. It may appear at times hectic, yet what finally comes across is Bangkok's good natured acceptance of life with all its idiosyncrasies.

Thailand's "City of Angels" is, indeed, a magic place where possibilities are limited only by the imagination. You'll marvel at past glories, delight in present opportunities and love every minute of it.

Back to Top

Entertainment

No other city in Asia rivals Bangkok for thrilling night life, and evening entertainment is both plentiful and inexpensive.

Most famous are the neon-lit bar districts which are both more fun and much safer than their counterparts in other cities around the world. However, there is much more to Bangkok by night than just the glitter of pubs and bars.

Especially popular are the cultural shows staged by various Thai restaurants. Here you'll find the perfect introduction to Thailand's highly stylized classical dance, accompanied by music played on traditional instruments. Dressed in gorgeous costumes, dancers perform the slow, graceful movements that make up the intricate language of classical Thai dance drama. Visually stunning, these shows are a must.

Also not to be missed is Muai Thai, a style of boxing unique to Thailand in which combatants use elbows, knees and bare feet as well as gloved fists. A martial art before it was a sport, Muai Thai has a long tradition and is still surrounded by much ritual.The fights are commonly fierce and furious, though the best boxers display remarkable skills, as well as great fitness, and a good contest is decided by application of technique rather than brute force. Often as entertaining as the action in the ring is the reaction of the spectators who yell and shout encouragement to the boxers as the excitement mounts.

There are two boxing stadiums in Bangkok and between them they offer professional bouts virtually every night of the week.

For either pre dinner aperitifs or late evening drinks, Bangkok boasts many sophisticated bars and cocktail lounges, some of the best being located in the top hotels. Here you can relax in pleasant surroundings and enjoy live musical entertainment by the best local and regional entertainers.

If your looking for something a little more highbrow, you will not be disappointed. Although Bangkok does not have regular offerings of plays, operas or concerts, performances are nonetheless frequently staged by both local and overseas artists and companies. The Thailand Cultural Centre is the main venue, though leading hotels quite often host visiting artists and small theatre groups.

If it's action that you are looking for, Bangkok abounds with discos. Some are small an intimate others are enormous and crowded, but all spin the latest dance music using the most modern sound systems, laser lights, videos and all the other hi-tech equipment that makes today's disco less of a place an more of an event.

The inveterate shopper may spend a happy evening strolling the streets in main entertainment areas browsing around the ranks of kerbside stalls which offer host of good buys. Alternatively, if you are tired after a busy day sightseeing, you can go to the cinema or relax in your hotel room and watch video.

Whatever your preferences, you'll discover Bangkok makes sure there's never a dull moment.

Back to Top

Attractions

With many interesting attractions and places of interest in and around Bangkok, visitors can have a variety of " do-it-yourself " day trips to keep your holidays fun-filled and enjoyable.

OLD TOWN - CHINATOWN

In the old Bangkok town are located the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, two universities and several ministries. It is from this side of the Chao Phraya River that one takes a boat to visit the Temple of Dawn and the floating market

Chinatown is situated to the southeast of the old town . The gold shop street and the Temple of the Gold Buddha are located here.

PINKLAO

A bridge was built across the Chao Phraya River near the Grand Palace in 1973. It was named Pin Klao in memory of the last but one deputy king, whose palace was nearby. Now the area on the western side of the river has become one of the most newly developed areas in Bangkok with several department stores, many restaurants and nightlife establishments.

RATCHADAPHISEK

Ratchadaphisek is the name of the new sections of the inner ring road of Bangkok but is usually used to refer to the short section between the Lat Phrao intersection and the Rama IX Road intersection. This section is being developed into a new commercial district containing several big department stores, office buildings, hotels and a large number of restaurants, A little way off the road is Thailand Cultural Centre, where shows and exhibitions are held from time to time.

RAMKHAMHAENG

When Ramkhamhaeng University was founded on Bangkok's eastern outskirts as Thailand's first open university in 1970, the area was rather remote and underdeveloped. However, as the university's yearly enrollments increased rapidly to 100,000, the area soon became a new satellite city of Bangkok with ever-increasing shop-houses, apartment buildings, restaurants, cinema houses, department stores, hotels and places of entertainment.

SIAM -RATCHADAMRI

This is one of the biggest and busiest shopping districts in Bangkok. A huge commercial complex, including a 62-storey World Trade Centre opposite Ratchadamri Arcade, is partly completed. Located in the area are several large department stores, shopping arcades, cinema theatres, and countless smaller shops. So you can satisfy all your needs if you stay in one of over a dozen first-class hotels in the area.

The Pratunam Market next to the Indra Arcade, is worth visiting if you want to broaden your field of vision. It is also the market of garments for export.

SUKHUMWIT-NEW PHETBURI

In the section from the Soi Nana crossroads to Soi Sukhumwit 21 (Asok Intersection), there are many shops catering to foreign tourists, where jewellery, leather goods, ready-made garments and souvenirs are sold and tailoring, car rent and other service are offered. Inside the lanes (soi) off the road, there are numerous fashionable residences, hotels, apartment houses, and some really good restaurants.

To the north of Sukhumwit Road is the extension of Phetburi Road which does not have many pedestrians in the daytime. After dark, however, the long street is brightened with colourful neon signs and enlivened by people going out to enjoy themselves in dozens of entertainment Places along the street.

SILOM-SURAWONG

This district has transformed in half a century from paddy fields into the most important business and financial centre of Bangkok . Today, from end to end, these two parallel streets are full of big blocks of multistory buildings, in which are banks, finance firms, insurance companies, export-import houses, hotels, airlines offices, restaurants, shopping arcades, department stores, and entertainment establishments.

A small area in this district known as Patpong, is famous for various kinds of entertainment--wine, beer, music, dancing, etc.

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.

WEEKEND MARKET AT CHATUCHAK PARK

This large open public ground covers approximately 35 acres opposite the Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road. Known as Suan Chatuchak, it hosts the popular Weekend Market where people buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, dress materials, clothing shoes, toys, domestic utensils and pets. There is a particularly fine section for plants.

Weekend Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7.00 a.m. - p.m. 6.00

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