Bangkok attractions: temples, historical sites, Thailand

Vimanmek Palace
Or Vimanmek Mansion Museum, located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, is the world’s largest golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante- chambers. A guided tour inside the building is provided to visitors. Other buildings in the same compound are also used as museums and display various items and art objects. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht.

The Grand Palace
This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. It was built in 1782 when King Rama I succeeded to the throne and Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand. The architectural plan is almost identical to that of the Royal Palace in the former capital of Ayuthaya. In the same compound located the royal chapel or Wat Phra Kaeo. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 125 baht.

Suan Pakkad Palace
Located on Si Ayuthaya Road, this complex of five Thai style houses occupies a beautiful garden and houses an important collection of Asian antiques. A lacquer pavilion is decorated with sumptuous late Ayutthayan period (1350-1767) gold-leaf murals. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission is 50 baht.

Anandhasmakhom Palace
Built in the reign of King Rama V, Anandhasmakhom Palace was used to hold important state ceremonies and for parliamentarian meetings. The palace was constructed in Italian architectural style with the beautiful fresco paintings on the ceiling. Though it is open to public only once a year on Children Day (the second Saturday of January), the grandeur of the palace with the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V in front can still be seen from the distance on tree-lined Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue.

Museums

National Museum
Within the walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok’s National Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayuttthaya to Bangkok period. The complex, also begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful Thai architectural design. The museum is open everyday, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9.00 a.m. to4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 40 baht.

National Gallery Museum
This museum, located on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Museum, exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. It is open to public everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

Royal Barge National Museum
This shed, where several royal barges are displayed, is located near Phra Pin Klao Bridge. The barges were used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels. The most beautiful barge is “Suphannahong” 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 to November. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors. The shed is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

Jim Thompson’s Thai House
This remarkable Thai-style house, was the work of Mr.Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk industry. His house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi Kasemsan 2 opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr.Thompson’s collection of Asian artifacts and many other fabulous antiques. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Admission costs 100 baht. Volunteer guides explain the collection to visitors.

Science Museum
The Science Museum is part of the National Science Museum's project which aims to be recognized as one of Asia's leading science and technology museums. The six exhibition floors of the museum are each devoted to different aspects of science and technology including the traditional Thai technology. Visitors are encouraged to touch, to try things for themselves and to have fun with the exhibits in line with the 'Hands-on' concept. The museum is located at the Technopolis, Khlong 5, Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road (approximately 10 minutes from Future Park Rangsit Shopping Center). Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9.30 a.m.-5 p.m..Admission fees are 20 baht for children and 50 baht for adults. (Tel.5774172-8) To get there, one can take air-conditioned bus no. 1155 from Rangsit Market or Future Park Shopping Center.

Thai Labour Museum
Located near the Makkasan Railway Station, Nikhom Makkasan Road, this small museum exhibits labour history of Thailand from the pat to present. It is open on Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Prasart Museum
This museum is at 9 Soi 4 A, Krungthep Kritha Road off Srinakarin Road. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Bangkok periods. The imitation of some beautiful Thai architecture is scattered within the museum complex. Prasart Museum is open everyday except Monday from 10.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht. Contact the museum at 3793601 and 3793607 prior to your visit.

Ban Chang Thai
This house is where Thai puppets are made and displayed. It is situated at 38 Soi 10 Ekamai Road off Sukhumvit Road. Thai puppet shows are held occasionally. Call 391-3807 for more information.

Bangkok Doll Museum
Located on Soi Ratchataphan , off Ratchaprarop Road, this museum exhibits dolls from many countries including Thai dolls in both classical and tribal costumes. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.. Call (02) 2453008 for more information.

Rare Stone Museum
The museum features a fascinating display of over ten thousand unique pieces of rare stones from Thailand and various countries around the world. Among the items are precious stones, fossils, mineral crystal objects, stalactites, etc. The museum is located at 1048-1054 New Road, Bangrak and is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.. Admission fee is 100 baht. Tel.(02) 2365666.