Destination Guide : Bangkok

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s population.



Over the last few decades, Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact.

Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com



Bangkok's Highlights
Beguiling and bewildering,subtle and brash,spiritual and sensual,Bangkok is one of Asia's most intriguing cities.Its glittering temples and museums overflow with sumptuousart,
and an exploration of the city's canals and markets reveals the locals'hospitable nature.

Shopping for bargains,dining out,and reveling in the vibrant nightlife should feature high on everyone's iteinerary.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
This dazzling complex is the pinnacle of perfection in thai religious art and architecture.An unmissable sight.

National Museum
One of the largest museums in asia,The National Museum displays priceless exhibits including intricate works of art that clearly document the long and eventful hirtory of Thailand.

Wat Pho
Bangkok's oldest and biggest temple and formerly a center for public education,Wat Pho houses a massive reclining Buddha and a school of Thai massage.

Dusit Park
seeming aworld away from Bangkok's bustle,this tranquil park,studded with royal residences and government offices,is ideal for a peaceful stroll and learning about the Thai monarchy.

Bangkok's Canals
Boats were once the city's main mode of transport.Tour the canals west of the Chao Phraya River to glimpse a vanishing lifestyle.

Thailand has beautiful place very much if you come to tour in thailand , assure that ,you do will not be defeated certainly.Tour in thailand...Must go to...Then know.

Attraction

Aksra Hun Lakon Lek at Aksra Theatre
Aksra Theatre is situated on 3rd floor of King Power Complex Building, Rangnam Road, Khet Ratchathewi. Aksra Theatre is a medium size theatre with 600 seats It is embellished with the majestic decoration that draws its essence from Thai traditional art and interior. It provides a fully and advanced equipped stage that can host spectacular performances and events. Attached to Aksra Theatre are Scene Shop, a souvenir shop and Scene Bar, a bar with a panoramic terrace.

At the present, Aksra Theatre organises the various performances of Thai Puppets together with Thai Orchestra Band. Combined with stage technique and classical dance, the elaborated scenes that tell diverse stories taken from Ramakien epic.
The show time: Tuesday- Friday: 19.00 hrs Saturday-Sunday: 13.00, 19.00 hrs. Closed on Monday The admission fee is 800 baht/ person
More information please contact tel. 02 677 8888 ext. 5678 www.Aksratheatre.com

How to get there: Taking BTS Skytrain and getting off at Vuctory Monument Station and then walking to Rang Nam Road within 10 mins or Taking Bus no. 73, 204 and getting off near by Rang Nam Road

Gemopolis
Gemopolis is located on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, Prawet District which is near Wat King Kaeo , King Kaeo Road in the eastern part of Bangkok and only 4 kilometres away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport . It is the first and only fully integrated industrial estate for diamond, gems and jewelry in Thailand, occupying 800 rai of land (approx. 300 acres) and it is a complete international centre for gems and jewelry manufacturing and trading . Within its large production base for export, Gemopolis Outlet is a naturally the perfect source for a wide selections of Bangkok cut diamond at hightly competitive prices. Visitors are welcome to see for the manufacturing process of diamond polishing in Gemopolis.

The outlet is open for the public who is interested in purchasing some jewelry . It opens on Monday - Friday from 9.00 am- 4.00 pm. and on Saturday from 10.00 am.-4.00 pm. For those interested in observing the manufacturing process or visiting the factory, please write a letter to ask permission in advance to Gemopolis. For more details, please call. 0 2727 0000 www.gemopolis.com

Museum Siam Discovery Museum
It is located on Sanam Chai Road in Phra Nakhon District, in the former building of the Ministry of Commerce. This building won an outstanding award of art and architecture preservation in 2006 from the committee on art and architecture preservation of the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King (ASA).

The museum serves as a learning centre on ethnology, anthropology, and other fields related to Thai society and Southeast Asia, in order to instil consciousness and understanding of the Thai people in their history, nation, culture, and localities, as well as connect relative ties with neighbouring countries. New methods of a display with modern media have been applied to enable participation of visitors in learning and understanding historical stories of the Thai nation. The contents on display in the form of the ‘Essays on Thailand’ have been divided into 16 rooms in the three-storey building.

The first floor exhibits rooms of ‘Immersive Theater’ and ‘Typically Thai.’ The second floor displays rooms of the ‘Map Room,’ ‘Bangkok, New Ayutthaya,’ ‘Village Life,’ ‘Change,’ ‘Politics and Communications,’ ‘Thailand and the World,’ ‘Thailand Today,’ and ‘Thailand Tomorrow.’ The third floor includes rooms of ‘Introduction to Suvarnabhumi,’ ‘Suvarnabhumi,’ ‘Buddhism,’ ‘Founding of Ayutthaya,’ ‘Siam,’ and the ‘War Room.’ Visitors will gain knowledge and enjoy themselves from visiting each exhibition room.

In addition, learning activities are organised for youth and aficionados of museums.
The museum is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. For further details, call Tel. 0 2622 2599, Fax: 0 2225 2775, or visit the website: www.ndmi.or.th
Location: on Sanam Chai Road, near Wat Pho (500 metre walking distance) and Phra Nakorn Police Station.
How to get there: taking public bus no. 3, 6, 9, 12, 47, 53, 82, 524 or taking taxi boat toTha Tien Pier then continue walking for 500 metres.

Joe Louis, Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre
Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, the last of the kingdom’s traditional Thai small puppets troupe, was awarded the ‘Best Traditional Performance Award’ in recognition of the troupe’s presentation of The Myth of Rahu and the Lunar Eclipse at the 10th World Festival of Puppet Art held in Prague, Czech Republic, during June 1-10, 2006.

At the present, the small puppets troupe perform " The Birth of Ganesha" until May 23,2008. " The Birth of Ganesha" is the latest performance which will join the World Festival of Puppet this year. The theatre is located in Suan Lum Night Barzar, Rama 4 Road.

The showtime is 08.00 p.m.-09.15 p.m. daily. The tickets cost Bt 900 for adult, Bt 300 for child. For more details please call 02 252 9683-4 www.thaipuppet.com

Note: Before or after the show, please visit the puppet gallery to learn more about the history of puppets in Thailand.

Queen Sirikit Park
Situated between Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road and Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, near Chatuchak Weekend Market, Queen Sirikit Park was established on August 12,1992 to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM the Queen.

The Park covers an area of 200 rai (120,000sq m), and was intended as a plantation following the concept of the diversity of plants in a forest. The park is also designated as one of Thailand's ideal botanical gardens, where more than 2,000 species of local and foreign plants are preserved.

This "Little Forest in a Big City" is nothing short of an oasis of ponds, pavilions, fresh breezes, and gentle birdsong. It is a perfect escape from Bangkok's never-ending bustle, a place for leisurely strolls and photos with friends and loved ones. It is also right next to Chatuchak Park (Suan Chatuchak) and Rotfai Park (Suan Rotfai).

Sirikit Park offers many attractions:

The Winding Pool - This beautiful pool winds through the Park, its shape a combination of an 's' with the Thai letter 'sah seua', the first letter in the Queen's name. The pool is decorated with flowers and three fountains, which entertain visitors three times a day, at 7am, 12pm and 5pm. Come enjoy a relaxing atmosphere together with the movement and the splashing sound of dancing fountains accompanied by light music.

Botanical Gardens - Along the trail, visitors will see various kinds of plants grouped according to their botanical families, such as:

The Banana Garden - Over 70 species are on display.

The Lotus Garden - Geometrically shaped pools are filled with colourful lotuses of many types, both local and foreign. The pools themselves are arranged as petals around a central circular pool. Various kinds of lotuses are planted in ancient jars which rest on granite platforms encircling the garden. The best time to enjoy the lotus garden is in the morning, from 6am to 8am when the lotuses are in bloom.

Visitors will be amazed by the beautiful flowers on display, including the Siam Ruby Lotus - both pink and white varieties - and the Victoria Waterlily, which changes colour according to its life cycle from white, when it is young, to purple at maturity. The landscaped beds along the walkway to the lotus garden are presented in European garden style.

The Hibiscus Yard - Brightly coloured hibiscus are presented.

The Asok Tree Yard - Each kind has different young / newborn branches which look like bunches of blossoms.

The Frangipani Yard - A large yard is filled with different kinds of charming frangipani, located along a canal near a fountain. In late afternoon, the flowers send sweet scent to permeate the garden air.

Along the Trails - Benches are placed under trellis roofs covered by climbing vines, creating deliciously shady spots for relaxation. The most special vine is the rare Yan Da-o or 'Golden Leaf Vine'. It has butterfly-shaped leaves, which are light green when young, and turn deep velvety red-brown when mature. These gorgeous leaves reflect the sunlight in shimmers of gold, giving the plant its name. This plant was found in 1970 by HM the Queen at Bayo Waterfall in a national park in the southern province of Narathiwat. It was brought to the park in 1996. Three years later it first gave golden leaves in Bangkok.

Another special favorite is Yan Lipao, a vine with little light green leaves. The Queen found this plant in a mangrove in Narathiwat. Her insightful projects have encouraged the revival of traditional skills as a means of increasing rural income. For instance, she encourages craftsmanship such as the making of distinctive handbags from Yan Lipao vines.

The Provincial Tree Garden - This garden is in the shape of a map of Thailand. Each province is represented by a tree local to that province.

Building Commemorating HM the Queen's 72 birthday - There are displays of HM the Queen's work and projects concerning the conservation of our natural environment. Names and pictures of interesting plants in the garden are included. Currently the information is only in Thai, but park staffs are working to update it in English.

The building is open Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 - 17:00, weekends and public holidays from 10:00 - 18:00. It is closed on Monday.

Three Buildings for Thai plants - Central and West; South and East; North and Northeast.
Trails inside each building are designated for local plants from each region. Lush greenery is scattered with colorful orchids and flowers.

Garden for The Blind - This is the first garden for the sight-impaired in Thailand. Visitors will enjoy nature and acquaint themselves with various species of aromatic plants by sense of touch and smell. The garden is equipped with Braille information signs, iron bars leading visitors along the trails, as well as speakers which automatically give information when visitors pass by.

Other attractions in the Park include Garden of Aromatic Plants and Plants from Thai Literature and Garden of Plants Concerned with the Thai Monarchy.

Queen Sirikit Park is a perfect venue for recreation as well as a learning centre about the flora of Thailand aw well as foreign lands.
Getting There:

By Taxi:
Visitors are suggested to mention the Thai name of the Park as ‘Suan Satharana Sirikit’, as well as describe to taxi drivers that it is located near Chatuchak Park and Rotfai Park. Otherwise, the drivers might think of Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre instead.


By Car:
Enter the park via the main entrance on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd. Parking is provided.

By Train:
The park is easy to reach from the Mo Chit BTS station or the Chatuchak Park MRT station. From either of these stations, walk along Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd. to one of the park entrances.

By Bus:
Bus numbers 77, 122, 136, 145 and Air-con 145 stop at the park entrance on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road.

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.

The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.

The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area for the royal women and children.

Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.

How to go there:The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Admission Fee: ***Baht 250. This also includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100. for rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin. ( Please be informed that from July 1,2008 the admission fee will be Baht 300 and including admission to visit "the exhibition of Art of Kingdom" at Anantasamakom Throne Hall and from Jan 1,2009 the admission fee will be Baht 350)
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn.

Contacts: Tel : 0 2623 5500 ext.3100, 0 2224 3273
Website : www.palaces.thai.net
Nearby Places/Attractions: Tha Chang Pier , Wat Pho, Wat Arun, National Museum

Wat Arun
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. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok.

The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok. It means "Village of Olives".

Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.

The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.

Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok. The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 67 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain that was used as ballast by boats coming from China. It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama II.

The central balcony is an ideal spot for looking across the river to The Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha.

Each year at the end of the three-month lent period for Buddhist monks, H. M. The King or his appointed representative travels down river in a Royal Barge Procession to present new robes to the monks. This ceremony is called Royal Tod Kathin.

How to get there : Bus routes 19, 57, 83
Open daily : 7.30 am. to 5.30 pm.
Admission fee : Baht 20
Contact : Tel : 0 2465 5640
Website : www.watarun.org
Nearby Places/Attractions: Wat Pho, National Museum ,Museum Siam

This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science 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 Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.

Bas reliefs around one of the main buildings depict the story of the Ramakian which is the Thai adaption of the Indian Ramayana.

For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.

** In 2008, the historic marble inscriptions in Wat Pho have been registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as MOW documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region

Wat Pho
How to get there : Bus routes 1, 3, 12, 25,44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
Open daily : 8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Admission : 50 baht
Tel : 0 2222 1969 ; Thai Massage School : 0 2221 3686
Website:www.watpho.com
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace,Wat Arun, National Museum, Museum Siam

The National Museum
A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand And how people lived during the different periods. It gives you a view through the windows of the past.

The National Museum, located on the opposite side of Sanam Luang to The Grand Palace, was established in 1887 by King Rama V. The foundation collection was previously stored at The Grand Palace. The original building was formerly the palace of a vice-ruler.

King Rama VII placed it under the administration of the Royal Institute of Literature, Archeology and Fine Arts which has evolved to be the Fine Arts Department.

New buildings were constructed in 1967 and other historical buildings relocated to the museum grounds.

The Buddhaisawan Chapel was built in 1787 to enshrine a revered northern Buddha image called Phra Buddha Si Hing. The interior has exceptional murals, while the building itself is a fine example of Rattanakosin religious architecture.

Tamnak Daeng is another building that has been moved to the Museum. This Red House was originally the residence of an elder sister of King Rama I. Furniture and other items from early Bangkok times.

The National Museum collection encompasses a wide range of religious and secular art found throughout the country. Items from pre-historic times, through the Srivijaya, Dvaravati, Khmer Kingdoms and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods of Thai history.

These include Neolithic tools, painted pots and bronze objects unearthed in the northeast. Thai Buddhist art exhibits feature images in stone, bronze and terracotta as well as illustrated scripture books manuscript cabinets and votive plaques.

The Museum also has a large collection of miscellaneous items such as Thai and Chinese ceramics, theatrical costumes, palanquins, weapons and assorted items used in royal households.

Guided tours are given free by volunteers in English and French starting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tours are also given in German on Thursdays and in Japanese on Wednesdays of the first & the third week of each month. Guided tours in some other languages can be arranged.

How to get there : The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Phrachan Pier. Walk straight from the pier to Sanam Luang Park and turn left past Thammasat University to the museum. By Bus No. 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 32, 33, 43, 53, 59, 64, 65, 70, 80, 84 Air Condition Bus No. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91 Airport Bus No. A2

Opening hours : Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Admission fee : 40 baht
Contact : The National Museum Bangkok Na Phrthat Rd., Phra Borommaharachawang Sub-district, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok 10200
Tel : 0 2224 1333, 0 2224 1370 www.thailandmuseum.com
Nearby Places/Attractions: Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew), Phra Athit Road, Khaosan Road

Giant Swing
The Giant Swing is located in front of Wat Suthat Thepwararam on Bamrung Mueang Road, Phra Nakhon District. This religious structure of Bangkok was originally constructed in 1784 and was proclaimed as the national historical site since 1949. With 21-metre height, painted in red color and the unique structure of wooden pillars it has become one of the symbols of Bangkok.

History has it that in 1784 after the King Rama I had completed the settlement of Bangkok, he ordered the construction of Brahmin church and the Giant Swing on Bamrung Mueang Road, on the way to Dinso Road. Then, during the reign of King Rama V, it was relocated to Bamrung Mueang Road at its present location. There have been two major renovations of the Giant Swing. In 1920 during the reign of King Rama VI, Louis T. Leonowens, the wood trader donated teakwood of reconstruction of new Giant Swing. Then, in 1970, there was another renovation but the architectural style remained the same. The last reconstruction took place in 2006 using the golden teakwood from Phrae Province.

In the past, the Giant Swing was used in the Tri-Yampawai, the Brahmin religious ceremony. The rite was performed as to pay homage to Shiva God as to commemorate the God’s annual visit to the earth. The ceremony was finally cancelled in 1935 during the reign of King Rama VII.

Nearby Places/ Attractions: Wat Suthat, Democracy Monument, Golden Mountain

Wat Sa Ket and The Golden Mount
This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.

The Golden Mount is on a man-made hill with a diameter of 500 metres and soars 100 metres to the sky. There was a small chedi on this site and after it collapsed, King Rama III commissioned the constructed of a much larger one which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.

In 1877, King Rama V brought the Buddha relic in the custody of the Royal Chakri family from the Grand Palace to the Royal Pavilion at Wat Saket. It was then enshrined in the in the pagoda on top of the Golden Mount.

Two decades later, Marquis Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, presented more Buddha relics near the Nepalese border to King Rama V. These were enshrined in a bronze pagoda in 1899 and installed on the top of the Golden Mount.

The temple, Wat Saket, was built during the reign of King Rama I and is the location for a festival each November that includes a climb to the top of the Golden Mount.

How to get there : Bus route 15, 37, 47, 49
Open daily : 7.30 am. - 5.30 pm.
Admission : 10 baht
Tel : 0 2621 0576
Nearby Places/Attractions: Wat Ratchanatdaram, Democracy Mounment, Wat Suthat

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 delivers new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around the world when it was specially staged for the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok and broadcast live to the participating countries.

These ornately decorated boats are maintained by the Royal Thai Navy and docked at The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi canal on the Thonburi side.

The most impressive and important boat is the Kings personal barge, Suphanahong which was built in 1911. It is 46 metres in length hewn from a single tree and covered with intricate gilt carvings and colourful pieces of glass. The design is representative of a mythical swan. The crew consists of 54 oarsmen who paddle in time to the rhythmic beat of a drummer.

The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga.

In formation the fleet travels in rows five abreast and more than one kilometer from the leading barge to those at the rear. These are propelled by 2,082 specially trained naval personnel

A visit to The Royal Barge National Museum will give you an insight into the colourful culture of Thailand.

How to get there : by Chao Phraya Ferry cross the river at Tha Pra Chan Pier near Thammasat University to Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) Train Station Pier or by chartered boat from Tha Chang Pier.
Open daily : 9 am. - 5 pm.
Admission : 30 baht
Tel : 0 2424 0004
Website : www.thailandmuseum.com

Canal Tours
A voyage through time
Bangkoks history is so closely connected to the waterways. It used to have so many canals that it was often called The Venice of The East. Rattanakosin Island came into existence when King Rama I had the Bang Lamphu Klong constructed to fortify Bangkok.

Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras and up to modern Bangkok.
The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi side to venture up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. These journeys take you to fascinating places such as The Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station.

On the way you will see a different side of life as you pass the homes of the klong-dwellers. Each home seems to have its own boat, be it a small canoe or a hang yao the long-tailed boats powered by car or truck engines and a propeller on a long shaft that acts as both propulsion and steerage.

The contrast continues as you pass into idyllic rural pockets where villagers grow fruit, vegetables and orchids which are sent to markets on the long-tailed boats. Youll see children on there way to or from school and saffron robed monks travelling to their klong-side temples. You may even come across Thai women in boats selling boat noodles, drinks, snacks and fruit.
Most organized canal tours take you to a floating market at Taling Chan in Thonburi that operates from 8.30 a.m. until noon. It is usually crowded with other tourists.

How to get there : Tour boats depart from the pier beside the Oriental Hotel, at River City and Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier.

Tourism Authority of Thailand : http://www.tourismthailand.org