Bangkok Travel and tourism information, Thailand

At least three to five days should be allowed for Bangkok. Clearly it is not possible to see all the city has to offer in that time, but it will give a good introduction. The best way to experience and appreciate what can seem an overpowering city is to be selective, both in what to see and how to see it, sparing time for the modern as well as the ancient. A day of temple sightseeing could be followed by a relaxing cruise on the Chao Phraya river, or a round of golf at any one of several splendid courses on Bangkok’s green outskirts. Museum treasures can be complemented by a wealth of shopping, while traditional entertainments, from kick boxing to classical dance, are balanced by discos and jazz pubs.Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi can be visited on full-day excursions, although with the latter a stay of one or two nights is recommended for a full appreciation of the scenic beauty of the countryside.The beach resorts of Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin can be similarly visited on full-day trips, but again most visitors prefer overnight stays. Shopping, dining out and sampling Bangkok’s legendary nightlife provide ample evening options.

Day Trips from Bangkok

Samut Prakan
Crocodile Farm
This large farm with over 60,000 fresh and saltwater crocodiles is some 30 kilometers from Bangkok. Daily shows featuring crocodiles are staged at hourly intervals. There is also a Dinosaur Museum where various species of life-size creatures of dinosaurs and their skeletons are on display. The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m..
Ancient City
Essentially an open-air museum, this more than 200-acre complex contains scale replicas of religious complexes, monuments and buildings found throughout Thailand. The complex is located at Km 33 on Sukhumvit Highway and is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.. The Ancient City’s office in town also organizes day tour to the museum. Contact (02) 2241057, 2261936 for further information.

Nakhon Pathom
Thai Human Imagery Museum
Located at Km.31 on Borom Ratchonnani Road on the way to Nakhon Pathom, the museum houses life-sized fiberglass sculptures of former monarchs, ecclesiastics and rural folk, created by a group of Thai artists after 10 years of their intensive study and hard work. The museum is open from 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m..
Rose Garden Country Resort
This popular tourist attraction is 32 kilometers west of Bangkok on Phetkasem Road. It boasts large, beautiful, and well-maintained gardens. In the resort, there is a Thai Cultural Village where an attractive show commences daily. There is for instance, Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting demonstrations, and an elephant show. The resort is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m..
Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo
Located just one kilometer from the Rose Garden, this 60 acre farm is another interesting attraction housing many different wild animals and thousands of crocodiles. Fascinating performances such as crocodile wresting, magic show, and elephant theme show commence everyday. The farm is open daily from 8.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m..
Phra Pathom Chedi
This bell-shaped, orange tiled chedi, located some 56 kilometers west of Bangkok, is the tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and marks the spot where Buddhism was introduced to the Thailand-to-be some 2,300 years ago.

Ratchaburi
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This popular floating market is located some 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok via Samut Songkhram province, 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 local way of life in the countryside.

Ayutthaya
Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The palace is about 1 hour drive from Bangkok. Built in the reign of King Rama V, the palace consists of various styled buildings. Thai, chinese, Italian, and Victorian styles predominate. A Thai pavilion in the center of the small lake is regarded as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. Visitors can take either a bus or a train from Bangkok to the palace. The ground is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m..
Bang Sai’s Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center
Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from other rural areas undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. Visitors can have a glimpse of how farmers in different regions of Thailand live and work, and how their products of art and craft are produced. These handicrafts including weaving basketry, carving wood, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, and miniature Thai dolls are on display and on sale. The compound is open daily (except Mondays) from 8.30 a.m.- 4.00 p.m..

Nonthaburi
Ko Kret
This is a tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, not far from Pak Kret District Office. On it live a community of craftmen famous for their distinctive style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Ko Kret pots are known for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. The islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to retain the skills of their forefathers. To get there, take the express boat to Pak Kret in Nonthaburi. From Pakkret pier take a short walk to Wat Sanam Nua where a river ferry leaves for Ko Kret during 6.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m..