Democracy Monument
This dominates busy Ratchadamnoen Klang road, and was made to commemorate Thailand's 1932 switch from absolute to constitutional monarchy. Equally noteworthy, but for the wrong reasons, is that it was herethat many Thais were killed protesting against a military coup in 1992. The design is of a large copper tray (which weighs 4 tonnes) carrying the constitution, supported by a pedestal. It's a bit of an effort to reach the monument if you want to get close though, as it's in the middle of a traffic circle that always throngs with traffic.
King Rama IX Royal Park
The 200-acre botanical garden-cum-public park is located deep inside Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udomsuki and was opened in 1987 to commemorate the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission fee is 10 Baht.
Tel: 0-2328-1385 to 7
Sanam Luang
This oval public ground in front of the Grand Palace enclave is used for various royal ceremonies, including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony each May, and is edged by several noteworthy institutions.
On the southeast corner is the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang placed there by King Rama I as the foundation stone for the new capital of Bangkok.
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
Located near Chulalongkorn Hospital, on the corner of Henri Dunant Road and Rama IV Road, this institute contains a collection of poisonous snakes which are "milked" daily for their venom in order to produce invaluable anti-snakebite serum.
Venom is extracted from the snakes everyday, at 11.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on weekdays, and 11.00 a.m. on holidays. Admission fee is 70 Baht per person.
Tel: 0-2252-0161 to 4
Bangkok Palaces
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.
Vimanmek Palace
Being the King of Thailand at the turn of the 19th century must have been a fine experience. The entire resources of the realm were at the disposal of a monarch unconstrained by a republic.
At the same time, the King could avail himself of modern science and engineering from Europe, the World economic powerhouse of that era and home of his many allies.
Wang Suan Phakkard
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
Bangkok Temples
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo , situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene arethe Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans. The compound of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.. The admission fee is 200 baht , including the entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.
Wat Pho
The second largest Buddha image in Thailand is housed in this, the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok. Although the wat was built in the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period, it has been rebuilt and modified several times. The 46 meter long Buddha image was created in the 19th century during the reign of Rama III. Built around a brick core and covered with plaster that is finished with gold leaf, the eyes and feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Wat Pho is also the resting place for numerous gilded Buddha images that were brought from temples destroyed during conflicts with the Burmese. The wat has always concerned itself with traditional medicine, including Thai massage. For 250 baht an hour or 150 baht a half-hour, visitors can receive a massage. Those interested in learning the art can enroll in five to 10-day courses.
Wat Pho is open from 08:00-17:00 and costs 20 baht to visit.
Wang Suan Phakkard
Also known as the Marble Temple, this temple is on Sri Ayutthaya Road near the Chitralada Palace. The main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V.
It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and containsa superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.
Wat Arun
One of Bangkok's most famous temples (and the one you will see on all the postcards after the Grand Palace.) It has an imposing spire (prang) over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into ntricate patterns. You can no longer iclimb the steps to the top of the prang for those vertigo inducing views over the river but it's worth visiting.
Although known as the Temple of the Dawn, (will appear to shimmer given the right weather conditions) it's lovely at sunset and particularly stunning when lit up at night.
Location: On the Chao Phraya river, opposite Tha Thien Pier Open: 08:00 -17:30
Wat Saket
Lie on the fringes of Banglamphu, about 5 minutes walk from Wat Ratchanada. The Giant Swing is two high wooden red pillars that were previously the center for an annual ceremony in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. A bench was suspended from the swing, and teams of young men would be swung high to catch a bags of gold or coins with their teeth, which was hung on a nearby 15m high bamboo. This was banned in 1933, due to the high number of injuries and deaths that it resulted in - not really surprising considering how high it is. Wat Suthat is notable for it's huge viharn and bot (both are types of chapels), impressive murals, intricately designed doors, 8 meter tall Buddha image and a large number of statues and pagodas.
Wat Suthat
Located on Bamrung Muang Road, this temple is noted for its superb 19th century murals in the main chapel. The distinctive Giant Swing outside the temple was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies long since discontinued. Nearby shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.
Bangkok Museums
Jim Thompson's House
The former home of Jim Thompson is visited by over 400 people a day and serves as a museum showcasing Thai architecture and art. It's a beautiful teak house with lots of interesting art objects, sculpture and everyday items used 40 years ago.
A prominent businessman generally credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry, he mysteriously disappeared on March 26, 1967 in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and was never seen again, creating an mystery that remains unsolved.
Kamthieng House
A former 19th rice farmer's teak house transplanted from the banks of Chiang Mai's Ping River to Bangkok in 1964, Kamthieng House is now the headquarters of the the Siam Society - dedicated to preserving and promoting Thai culture and heritage.
Inside this beautiful wooden house is a collection of agricultural and domestic items, including woven fish baskets and terra-cotta pots, which show the everyday lives of ordinary people in the past. The spirits of three ladies - previous occupants are said to haunt the house and watch over it. The gardens, Lanna style, are landscaped like a northern Thai garden.
There's an excellent library (Siam Society members can borrow, but the general public can browse) which includes rare books about Thai history, palm-leaf manuscripts and old maps. The Siam Society is dedicated to providing information on all aspects of Thai culture, especially the regions, arranging regular lectures and study trips to historic sites and wildlife sanctuaries.
Royal Barges Museum
Uniquely Thai and quite spectacular. Eight of the Royal barges are on display. These magnificent boats are hand carved from huge pieces of teak with prows carved into mythical creatures,gilded in gold and intricately decorated with tiny shimmering pieces of glass. Used for ceremonial and state occasions and rowed by up to 50 specially trained oarsmen, the boats leave their their dry dock annually at festival times, for a procession along the Chao Phraya river. The boats are also brought out on important state occasions.
Royal Thai Air Museum
For lovers of old planes, or it you're inbetween day flights at Don Muang airport. Includes a Spitfire, several Nieuports and Breguets, and the only Japanese Tachikawa apparently still in existence. Location Phaholyathin Road, near Wing 6 of the airport. Open Mon-Fri 8.30 am-4.30 pm. Admission Free.