Royal Grand Palace After ascending the throne in 1782 King Rama I moved the capitol across the Chao Phaya River from Thonburi to Bangkok. HM ordered the palace built to match the royal palace destroyed in the fall of Ayuttuya. It took three years to complete. The Grand Palace stands close to the river and includes a Royal Chapel which houses the Emerald Buddha and the royal residence. Wat Phra Kaeo
was ordered built along with the Grand Palace. It houses the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the famous Emerald Buddha. HM participates in three ceremonies each year to change the season costume made of gold. The Buddha is Lanna style seated in a position of meditation. King Rama I brought the image to Thailand in 1778.
open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon District Appropriate dress required Admission Bt 200 Wat Phra Kaeo open 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon District Appropriate dress required Admission Bt 200 (included w/Grand Palace) National Museum Bangkok open Wed thru Sun 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Na Phrathat Road, Phra Nakhon Admission Bt 40 Jim Thompson's House open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 6 Kasemsan2 Lane, Rama I Road, Pathumwan Admission Bt 100 Suan Pakkad Palace open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm 352-354 Si Ayutthaya Rd Admission Bt 100 Bangkok Observation M-F 10:30 am to 10pm Holidays 9:30 am to 10:00 pm Baiyoke Sky Hotel 222 Ratchaprarop Road Admission Bt 120 Ban Baat or Monk's Bowl Village Open 10:00 am 8:00 pm Ban Bat Lane , Boribhat Road Admission Free Lumpini Park open 4:30 am to 8:00 pm Rama IV road Admission free Boat Rental Bt 30/half hr |
The national museums of Thailand evolved from a succession of museums and displays of artifacts that was begun by King Rama IV. The museums opened to the public under the reign of King Rama V in 1874. King Rama VII established the Royal Institute of Art, Literature and Archaeology.
Under the supervision of the Royal Institute the Bangkok Museum became a museum of art and archaeology. Collections devoted to cultural heritage were enlarged and the Bangkok National Museum resulted.
Muang Boran
This "ancient city" is describes as the world's largest outdoor museum, but it is much more. Stretched across 360 acres of land in the shape of Thailand, the creation of Mr. Prapai Viriyahbhun allows visitors to see the Thai culture in one day.
Human Imagery Museum
is another very worthwhile day trip from Bangkok. Words can't truly describe how lifelike the images are and some of the figures are set in surroundings that make them surreal. One display includes all nine kings of the Chakri Dynasty, life sized, lifelike and in full regalia.
Jim Thompson's House
Jim Thompson was an American who served in the OSS during WWII and many say the CIA afterward. Trained as an architect, Thompson became interested in the neglected cottage industry of hand woven Thai silk. His attention and efforts revived the industry and gave the material world wide recognition.
His house was reassembled from six teak houses moved to the spot and restored to a rare traditional elegance. The house and art collection became so popular he decided to open it to the public and donate the proceeds to Thai charities and projects preserving Thailand's cultural heritage.
Jim thompson disappeared without a trace in 1967 while visiting the Cameroon Highlands of Malaysia.
Suan Pakkad Palace
Princess Chumbhot who was one of Thailand's leading art collectors once resided here. Fine traditional Thai houses are set among beautifully landscaped gardens. Each house displays antiques and artwork, essentially making the compound a private art museum.
Included are a replica of the Suphannahong Royal Barge, old furniture, ivory boxes, classical Thai musical instruments, porcelains and lacquer ware.
Bangkok Observation
Get an excellent view of Bangkok from the top of Baiyoke Sky, the tallest tower in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Ban Baat
The Monk's Bowl Village. Alms bowls are special in receiving donations of food and money for the Sangha. Only three households still make traditional "baat".
Lumpini Park
Whether jogging or protest rally, Lumpini is the place Bangkokians gather. This large park is bordered by Rama IV Road on the south, Sarasin Road on the north, Witthayu Road eastward and Ratchadamri Road on the west. A large artificial lake surrounded by well tended lawns dominates the center. Wooded areas and walking paths give Bangkokians an outdoor escape from hectic Bangkok life.
Expect to see joggers, weight lifters, Tai Chi groups, boats being rowed or paddled, picnics, readers and curiosity seekers.
