Opening Hours - Thailand for Travel Agents

BANGKOK
Table of Content
Intro
2
Shopping
Golden Treasures
of Bangkok
1
3
Culinary Delights
Getting There
and Around
Welcome to
Bangkok, the City of Angels
4
Activities
5
Golden Treasures of Bangkok
Golden Treasures
of Bangkok
Bangkok is endowed with fascinating attractions;
such as, palaces, temples, and museums, for those who want to
explore the cultural heritage and unique identity of Thailand.
Visitors get to discover the golden treasures of Bangkok and
some of the fascinating histories of this kingdom through the
beautiful mural paintings, incredible architecture, and the
magnificent works of art.
Wat Phra Kaeo
The Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaeo & The Grand Palace
(The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
The most highly recognised architectural
landmark of Thailand, the compound of
the Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaeo
or the Temple of Emerald Buddha is a
must-see place for those who want to
explore the wonders of art and culture in
Thailand. The splendid Gland Palace is the
Royal Residence built in 1877 by King Rama
V and its enclosure is home to many ornate
buildings with a variety of architectural styles.
The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo, a
treasure trove of Thai arts was built during
the reign of King Rama I to house the Emerald
Buddha, Thailand’s most valuable and
sacred Buddha image.
The beautiful mural painting on the walls
surrounding the ubosot of Wat Phra Kaeo
depicts the Ramakian, Thailand’s national
story based on the Indian Ramayana epic.
Guarding each of the gates of the balcony
are 12 Yakshas, giant demons measuring
6 metres in height.
Opening Hours :
Everyday from
8.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Location :
Na Phra Lan Road
Website :
www.palaces.thai.net
Wat Pho
(Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Originally called Wat Photharam, Wat Pho is considered
the largest temple in Bangkok. The wihan houses the largest
golden Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, measuring 46 metres, with
mother-of-pearl inlays of 108 auspicious signs of Buddha on his
feet. Those who come to pay homage to the Reclining Buddha
are believed to live with happiness and peace. The construction
of this temple began in the Ayutthaya period and King Rama III
renovated Wat Pho into the centre of education and art, making
it Thailand’s first university. Nowadays, it is an important centre
for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage.
Registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the
World (MOW), the historic marble inscriptions
illustrate literary works on traditional medicine
and herbs, and hermits’ illustrations of
traditional Yoga postures.
Opening Hours :
Everyday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Location :
Sanam Chai Road, behind the Grand Palace,
near the Tha Tien Pier
Website :
www.watpho.com
Museum of Siam
Museum of Siam displays the story of
Thailand, Thai people, and Thai identity through
a series of fascinating exhibition that are divided
into three parts.
These stories are demonstrated through
sixteen different exhibition halls, and one room
that exhibits the history of the Museum of
Siam itself. Visitors will discover the interesting
stories; some are hidden treasures that required
close study at the exhibition through a variety of
exhibition techniques, interactive displays, light and
sound presentation, and modern technology.
The exhibition is divided into 3 series
according to the period of time :
1. The Suvarnabhumi Era (3,000 years
ago) that existed before the
Buddhist Era
2. The Siam Era that explains the
foundation of Ayutthaya and Siam
3. Thailand, which features how the
society and people have
assimilated into the modern state.
Opening Hours : Tuesday – Sunday from 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Location : Sanam Chai Road
Website : www.museumsiam.com
Rattanakosin
Exhibition Hall
Rattanakosin Exhibition
Hall takes visitor to experience
the best of Rattanakosin
in a day through exhibitions
in 9 rooms that spread out on
the 3-floor building.
The exhibition includes
the history of Rattanakosin
since the beginning of the
Rattanakosin period, the
royal culture, the Ratanakosin
communities, traditional
Thai performances and
ceremonies, and the major
tourist attractions in Bangkok.
After finish travelling
b a c k i n t i m e t h ro u g h t h e
interactive self-learning
activities using multi-touch
and multi-media animation
technology, visitors can then
go on the rooftop and enjoy
a cup of coffee while
viewing the panoramic scenery
of Ratchadamnoen Road.
Opening Hours :
Tuesday – Friday from 11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from
10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Location :
Ratchadamnoen Road
Website :
www.nitasrattanakosin.com
Wat Saket
(The Golden Mount)
Located near Ratchadamnoen Avenue,
Wat Saket was built in the Ayutthaya
period, but the construction of the Golden
Mount started during the reign of
King Rama III and was completed in
the reign of King Rama V. An artificial
hill topped by a 100-metre tall gilded
p a g o d a h o u s i n g t h e L o r d B u d d h a ’s
relics, the Golden Mount offers
a panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island.
Opening Hours : Everyday
from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Location : Boriphat Road, not far
from the Democracy Monument
Website : www.watsraket.com
The 344 flights of
stairs leading to the top
of the edifice present
visitor with the golden
c u p o l a e n t i re l y
covered with small
golden squares,
which reflect the
s u n a n d g i ve
the building its
name - the
Golden Mount.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Lo c ated o n the T hon Buri side of the Chao
Phraya River, this spectacular temple is commonly
k n o w n a s ‘ Wa t A r u n ’ o r t h e ‘ Te m p l e o f D a w n . ’
T h i s t e m p l e f e a t u re s a m a g n i f i c e n t 8 1 . 8 5 - m e t re
t a l l K h m e r- s t y l e P r a n g ( t o w e r ) d e c o r a t e d
with porcelain from China and 4 smaller prangs
surrounding it. The ornamentation of the
central pagoda consists of encrusted pieces
o f p o rc e l a i n , w h i c h s p a r k l e i n t h e s u n . D e s p i t e
its name, the best photographic opportunities are
in the late afternoon with the sun setting in the red
sky behind the temple. It is believed that those
who make merit at this temple and pay homage
to the principal Buddha image have a glorious
life like the rising sun.
Opening Hours : Everyday from
8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Location :
Arun Amarin Road, on the west side
of the Chao Phraya River
Website :
www.watarun.org
INTERESTING
FACT
King Taksin promoted this
temple as the royal temple
under the name ‘Wat Chaeng,’
(meaning ‘bright’) as he arrived
at this temple after defeating the
Burmese at dawn.
King Rama II gave this
temple a new name,
‘Wat Arun
Ratchatharam’.
King Rama IV later
renamed it
‘Wat Arun
Ratchawararam’.
Vimanmek Mansion
Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teakwood building
in the world, built in 1900 by King Rama V as a Royal Residence.
The 3-storey mansion features elaborate architectural styles with
western influence, and contains 31 exhibition rooms.
The museum now houses priceless treasures; such as,
King Rama V’s photographs, personal arts and handicraft,
as well as a collection of late 19th and early 20th century
royal memorabilia. Situated on the east wing of Vimanmek
Mansion is Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. The Hall is now Thailand’s
first handicraft museum where H.M. the Queen collects
handicraft masterpieces; such as, nielloware, and Thai silk
with various unique designs.
Opening Hours : Everyday from 9.30 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Thai classical dance performances at 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.
Location : Ratchawithi Road
Website : www.vimanmek.com
Dress code : Ensure that your clothes cover your shoulders and your knees,
and avoid sleeveless and see-through shirts, short pants, and short skirts.
Examples of the masterpieces exhibited at Arts of the Kingdom Museum
Busabok Chatramook
Bhiman Throne
The pavilion throne is crafted
f ro m g o l d e n t e a k w o o d w i t h
replicas of the Royal Seal of
all 9 Kings of the Chakri Dynasty.
Arts of the Kingdom
Museum
Opening Hours :
Tuesday – Sunday from
10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Location :
Ananda Samakhom Throne
Hall, U-thong Road
Dress code :
Avo i d s l e eve l e ss and
see-through shirts, short
pants, and short skirts, and
ensure that your clothes
cover your shoulders and
your knees.
Regulations :
Photography is prohibited
inside the museum.
Exquisite arts and
crafts play an important
role in illustrating the
unique identity of
Thailand; showing the traditions,
ways of life, and history of the Kingdom.
Passed down from generation to
generation, Thai crafts are full of
intricate details, designs, and methods,
re f l e c t i n g t h e c re a t i v i t y a n d i n v e n t i v e n e s s o f
the people. H.M. the Queen recognised the importance
of this invaluable legacy and initiated the SUPPORT
Foundation to maintain the traditional arts of the country,
at the same time providing a better quality of life
for the locals.
Artists from all regions were trained and many of
their works are displayed at the Arts of the
Kingdom Museum.
Gold Nielloware Bowl with the
108 Auspicious Symbol
The bowl is placed on top of a
circular platform that is held
aloft by mythical Nagas.
Sri Suphannahong Royal Barge
The magnificent Sri Suphannahong Royal
Barge is a model of the majestic royal barge
of King Rama I, made of silver and gold
nielloware.
Shopping
Shopping
No holiday is complete without a little shopping activity and Bangkok is a
shopper’s paradise. Featuring numerous shopping opportunities, Bangkok
offers a wide variety of products in which visitors can enjoy shopping almost
anytime and anywhere, ranging from modern shopping malls, to designer
boutiques, outlets, shopping streets, and night markets.
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Fans
Opening hours : Weekends from
9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Location : Kamphaeng Phet Road
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Shopaholics go to
Chatuchak
Chatuchak (Jatujak) Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market,
is a heaven for bargain shoppers. ‘Shop till you drop’ is the best
way to describe how to spend your day here! A journey among the
maze of alleyways reveals almost everything imaginable, including
trendy clothing, fashion accessories, books, souvenirs, handicrafts,
silk, furniture, and even pets at bargain prices. Chatuchak Market
is full of lots of products, but there are also countless eateries and
restaurants offering a wide range of delicious food at reasonably
low prices.
Green Thumbs go to
Chatuchak Flower
and Plant Market
Chatuchak Flower and Plant Market are situated within
the same area as the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is a
popular place on Wednesdays and Thursdays when beautiful
flowers, plants, and trees are brought from all over the country
to sell at reasonably low prices. You can find all kinds of plants,
ranging from small fragrant flowers; such as, jasmine and orchids,
to ornamental plants, exotic fruit trees, and rare palm trees. Walk
around and explore the many fruit trees; such as, mango, pomelo,
jackfruit, and guava. You might have tasted the fruit but never
seen the tree!
Opening hours : Wednesdays-Thursdays
from 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Location : Kamphaeng Phet Road
Textiles and Accessories Artisans go to
Sampheng
and Phahurat
Sampheng is considered to be one of the oldest wholesale markets in
Thailand. It is an alley where you can find good quality fabrics, dress
material, and accessories, as well as jewellery and toys at reasonable
prices. You can also enjoy Chinese-style snacks sold from streetcarts including steamed dumpling and Chinese Chives
Dumpling. Not far away is Phahurat or Little India, a place
where you can find almost anything to do with fabrics and
textiles, as well as an array of aromatic Indian cuisines.
‘ Little
India’
Sampheng
Phahurat
Opening hours :
Everyday from 8.00 a.m.
to 5.00 p.m.
Location : Yaowarat Road
Luxury-crazed Shoppers go to
Ratchaprasong
Shopping Area
Opening hours : Most of the
department stores are open everyday
from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Location : Ratchaprasong Intersection
Ratchaprasong is one of the most
bustling areas in Bangkok, full of
department stores, restaurants, coffee
shops, hotels, cinemas, entertainment
complexes, and sidewalk vendors. Its
strategic location at the heart of the
city coupled with the convenience
of a BTS Skytrain station enables the
Ratchaprasong area to provide shoppers
with an ultimate shopping experience.
Several of the department stores located
in this area are premium shopping
centres that offer luxury products
and designer labels from all over the
world. Not only fashionable clothing
and accessories are available, but you
can also find watches, jewellery, home
decoration products, and spa products,
as well as silk and local handicrafts.
Trendy Crowds go to
Pathumwan
Opening hours : Everyday from 10.00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location : Pathumwan Intersection, Rama I Road
Tips : Even though the shops at Siam Square open around 10.00 a.m. it is advisable
to visit Siam Square in the afternoon when all the activities are in full operation.
Around Pathumwan area is ‘Siam Square,’
a place where teenagers and young adults
hang out. It is the best place to find out what
is in fashion in Thailand. Siam Square is a vast
area of shops, outlets, boutiques, hairdressers,
nail salons, restaurants, and department stores.
Concerts, fashion shows, festivals, events,
and activities are often held around the area,
creating an even more vibrant atmosphere.
There are several department stores in
the Pathumwan area where you can enjoy
shopping for international and local luxury
brands, as well as other products ranging from
cutting-edge fashion and beauty products,
jewellery, electrical devices, books, home
décor items, high-tech gadgets, and even
sports cars. Apart from the department stores,
there are also many entertainment complexes;
such as, cinemas, karaoke places, bowling
alleys, and an aquarium.
Opening hours : Everyday from 10.00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location : Intersection of Ratchaprarop and Phetchaburi Roads.
Fashion Lovers go to
Pratunam
Located in the heart of Bangkok, Pratunam is regarded as Thailand’s largest
clothing market where shoppers can enjoy a shopping spree at reasonable prices.
An open-air market, Pratunam consists of many narrow walking lanes offering an
extensive range of fashion products; such as, clothing, accessories, watches,
and shoes. Located within the area are several air-conditioned shopping malls
packed with small outlets offering fashionable clothing and accessories at
wholesale prices when you buy 3 items or more.
Accessories
Clothing
Shoes
Fans of Flowers go to
Pak Khlong Talat
Pak Khlong Talat was once the biggest fresh
market in Bangkok and has been one of the
most bustling markets for over centuries. The
biggest wholesale market and distribution centre
for flowers, Pak Khlong Talat features all kind of
beautiful flowers imagined. The market welcomes
you with the aromatic smell of different types of
flowers, delivered from all across the country.
Roses, orchids, jasmines, lotuses, carnations and
marigolds are example of what you can find at the
market.
Even though it is a wholesale market, but it is
also open to the public to explore and buy these
flowers in a fraction of the price they can get from
other florists. A great sight to witness is during late
at night until early morning, when the market
is bustling with people delivering
flowers from other provinces and
the florists come to place their
orders.
Opening Hours : 24 hours everyday, but it is best to visit at night.
Location : Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge.
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Culinary Delights
Culinary Delights
Thailand is considered a ‘paradise’ not only for its breathtaking beauty
and inspiring culture but also for its culinary brilliance. Uniquely
crafted to appeal to all tastes, Thai food combines the best of flavours,
textures, colours, and presentation. Bangkok is full of restaurants and
street food that lure visitors to explore the flavours of Thai as well as
international cuisines.
Dining in Paradise
Chao Phraya River
Dinner Cruises
Yaowarat
CHINATOWN
Street Food
in Bangkok
Dining in Paradise
Bangkok is opening a new world of taste to travellers,
with a vast range of world-class restaurants, providing an
array of mouth-watering food.
Visitors who want more than just scrumptious food
are offered a fine dining experience in a sophisticated
setting, ranging from the vibrant restaurants by the
river, to the open-air rooftop restaurants on the
high-rise buildings that offer a spectacular 360-degree
view of Bangkok. There are many choices of dining
options to please all tastes, which are prepared by
the experienced chefs from the dishes’ countries of
origin to ensure that the diners are provided with the
top-notch cuisines.
Chao Phraya River
Dinner Cruises
Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital’s most superb sights, particularly at
night when the weather is cooler and reflections from the water bestow upon Bangkok
a magical effect of flickering lights and shadows. An ideal way of combining dining with
river enchantments is to enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya.
Visitors can indulge in the magnificent scenery of Bangkok while enjoying the
selection of delicious food ranging from fresh seafood to scrumptious Thai and
international buffet. Many riverside hotels offer their own trips along with useful
information on finding suitable cruises.
Contact : Check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand at Hotline 1672 for more
information on the list of Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise operators.
During Chinese New Year,
Yaowarat Road organises
a grand Chinese New Year
Festival that features the
dragon parade, lion danceand
cultural performances,as
well as the selling of delicious
Chinese cuisine along both
sides of the street.
Yaowarat Road, known as Thailand’s Chinatown, is a heaven for those who enjoy
eating. Chinese immigrants settled in this area during the reign of King Rama I, making it
one of the oldest areas in Bangkok. A stroll along Yaowarat Road allows visitors to enjoy
all kinds of food, both Chinese and Thai, fancy restaurant and roadside stalls, as well
as a variety of fruits and snacks, especially the famous roasted chestnut. At night, apart
from several Chinese restaurants lined up along both sides of the main road, Yaowarat
features countless roadside food stalls selling a variety of culinary delights, ranging from
the simple yet delicious noodles to the scrumptious fresh seafood menus.
Opening hours : Everyday from 8.00 a.m. to late at night
Location : Yaowarat Road
Street Food
in Bangkok
Bangkok provides a wide array of gourmet options for travellers from
all walks of life. Dotted around almost every street in Bangkok, ranging from
Chinatown, to Khao San Road, Silom Road, Thong Lo, and Ekkamai, restaurants
and food stalls are open all day, and, in some areas, all night. The round-the-clock
street-side delights offer an amazingly array of food, ranging from rice with curries
to various noodle dishes and from Som Tam and grilled chicken to fresh seafood.
Make no mistake, they are
just as good as those dishes
provided in ‘proper’ restaurants.
The difference is the experiences
when dining at a roadside stall or
shop, where a whole new culinary
adventure awaits.
Kai Thot
(Deep-fried Chicken)
Mu Sate
(Skewered
Barbecued Pork)
Fresh Fruits
Phat Thai
(Stir-fried Thai Noodles)
Lukchin Thot
(A variety of deep-fried meat balls)
Kluai Khaek
(Deep-fried Bananas)
Activities
9 Sacred Places
6 Hindu Shrines
Cultural Shows
Muai Thai
Thai Spas
& Massages
Khao San Road
Siam Ocean
World
Learning
to cook
Thai Food
Exploring the
River-based Way of Life
on the Chao Phraya River
Buddhists in Thailand pay homage at the
temple or ‘wat’ as they believe it is a way to make merit.
They consider paying homage to the principal
Buddha image or to the main Chedi
of the temple as an auspicious activity that
grants them happiness and good luck. The
number nine is considered auspicious because
it is pronounced as ‘kao,’ similar to the word
meaning ‘to progress’ or ‘to stepforward.’
Therefore it is believed that a visit to nine sacred
temples in one day gives the worshippers
prosperity and good luck.
The nine sacred temples in Bangkok are of
significant value as they are royal temples and
convenient for worshippers as they are located close
to each other in the heart of Bangkok.
Wat
Phra Kaeo
(Temple of the
Emerald Buddha)
Wat Suthat
Thepwararam
Wat
Phra Kaeo
(Temple of the
Emerald Buddha)
Wat Pho
(Temple of the
Reclining Buddha)
Wat Chana
Songkhram
Wat Saket
(The Golden Mount)
Wat Rakhang
Kositaram
Wat Suthat
Thepwararam
Wat Arun
(Temple of Dawn)
Wat Pho
(Temple of the
Reclining Buddha)
Wat
Bowonniwet
Wat Saket
(The Golden Mount)
Wat Chana
Songkhram
Wat
Bowonniwet
Wat
Kanlayanamit
Wat Rakhang
Kositaram
Wat Arun
(Temple of Dawn)
Wat
Kanlayanamit
Hindu Shrines
around Ratchaprasong
Many Buddhist rituals in Thai culture are derived from Hindu beliefs.
Despite modernisation, traditional Thai life is still strongly attached
to these beliefs in faith, invisible power, and spirits. Ratchaprasong
Intersection, at the heart of Bangkok, is the main shopping and business
district full of hotels, restaurants, and department stores.
Many of the main commercial buildings within the area have shrines
housing Hindu deities believed to be the businesses’ guardian angels.
The six significant Hindu deities in the Ratchaprasong area are famous for
answering different kind of prayers. The proximity of the shrines to each
other enables tourists to easily visit all of them in a day and cover all their
bases for success, wealth, luck, and love.
Pray for :
Good fortune, successful life,
and happiness.
Remark : There is no dress code when visiting these shrines but to show
respect to the deities as well as Thai culture, it is recommended
that visitors wear shirts with sleeves and avoid
wearing shorts.
Pray for :
Happiness.
Pray for :
Success, accomplishment,
wisdom, and protection from harm.
Pray for :
Well-being of prayers
and businesses.
Pray for :
Wealth, fertility,
luck, and beauty.
Pray for :
Happiness, success,
prosperity, and love.
Venues :
Ratchadamnoen
Stadium and
Lumphini Stadium
Courses :
There are many
schools for Muai Thai
established for those
wishing to learn this
prestigious ancient
Thai sport.
Contact :
Check with the
Tourism Authority
of Thailand at
Hotline 1672 for fight
stadiums and fight
schedules,
as well as Muai Thai
courses.
Muai Thai
Muai Thai or Thai boxing
is the unique form of
self-defense that illustrates
the exquisite heritage of
Thailand and is the most
passionately followed sport in
the country. With feet, arms, fists
and knees used in the fights, the
unique martial art of “Muai Thai”
has caught on in many countries.
As an athletic activity, Muai Thai
strengthens the body and develops
speed, control, and the kicking and
punching skills that are an integral
part of the sport. Muai Thai is fought
i n f i v e t h re e - m i n u t e ro u n d s w i t h
two-minute breaks in-between. A match
is decided by a knockout or by points,
determined by three judges.
Cultural Shows
Theatrical events include traditional Thai dance and puppet performances,
English and Thai-language dramas, musical performances, stage shows and concerts
by Thai and visiting inter national artists are often staged in Bangkok. Details of
c u r r e n t e v e n t s a r e r e g u l a r l y a d v e r t i s e d i n B a n g k o k ’s m a j o r E n g l i s h - l a n g u a g e
newspapers or www.thaiticketmajor.com or www.tourismthailand.org. Visitors can
enjoy a spectacular show about Thailand and its unique culture at two theatrical venues
including Siam Niramit Theatre and Aksra Theatre.
Siam Niramit
Theatre
Siam Niramit
Theatre
Siam Niramit Theater offers a
world-class spectacular show
consisting of an 80 minute
journey through the country’s
history, customs and cultural
treasures. The show is lavish with
ornately designed sets and
costumes, featuring a live
elephant, magical illusions,
aerial performances, and
pyrotechnics, making it a
state-of-the-art production.
Aksra Theatre
Aksra Theatre
Aksra Theatre is a medium-sized
theatre with 600seats.
It is embellished with the majestic
decoration that draws its essence
from Thai traditional art and
interior and provides a fully and
advanced equipped stage that
can host spectacular performances
and events. Various performances
of Thai puppets together with Thai
Orchestra Band with sophisticated
stage technique and brilliant
classical dance, the elaborated
scenes that tell diverse stories
taken from Ramakien epic.
Known as the City of Angels, Bangkok provides
countless spa facilities for visitors to escape from the
city’s hustle and bustle and indulge in the utmost
pampering pleasure. Spas in Bangkok are set in
various kinds of settings; for example, in tropical
and stylish surroundings equipped with
comfortable amenities, on the banks of the Chao
Phraya River, or in the heart of the shopping and
business districts. You can find a spa to suit your
needs in almost any corner of Bangkok.
Apart from receiving treatments, there are
many institutes in Thailand that offer courses
in traditional Thai massage and therapies
using Thai herbs. The best-known school of
Thai traditional massage is located in Wat
Pho, a temple famous as a birthplace for
traditional Thai massage and the stone
figurines of contorted hermits displaying the
techniques of massage. Visitors can get a
massage at the centre or take a two-week course
to learn this distinctive local wisdom.
Thai Spas
& Massages
Spas & massages in Bangkok
Opening Hours :
Most of the spas & massages in Bangkok is open
everyday from 10.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Contact :
Check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand
at Hotline 1672 for the nearby location
of spas & massages.
Hot herbal compress is frequently
in combination with the traditional Thai
massage, and is resulted from the
traditional Thai herbal recipes based on
the healing power of natural ingredients.
The main ingredients of hot herbal
compress are lemongrass, kaffir lime,
camphor, casumunar, turmeric, acacia
concinna, and tamarind.
Siam Ocean World
Animal-lovers and kids can discover the different species of marine animals through
the 270-degree under ocean tunnel and a panoramic oceanarium with a 360-degree
view through a 10.5-metre diameter fishbowl. Over 400 species of marine animals are
displayed; including, Blue Ring Octopus, Gray Nurse Sharks, Leafy Sea Dragons, and
Giant Spider Crabs.
The biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World was awarded the
outstanding recreation tourist site by Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2008.
Opening Hours :
Everyday from 10.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Location :
Siam Paragon Shopping Complex, Rama I Road
Website :
www.siamoceanworld.com
Contact Number :
0 2687 2000
Khao San Road
Khao San Road offers an amusing street shopping
experience for gifts, souvenirs, t-shirts, and watches,
as well as all kinds of food. It is the most popular
tourist centre and a home-away-from-home for
backpackers and budget travellers as it offers more
than just fun-filled activities and reasonable-priced
accommodation to the many tourists who visit Thailand.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Khao San Road
is the stall selling food along both sides of the street.
Known as the coolest hippie hangout, Khao San Road
also offers fun-filled activities; such as, painting henna
tattoos, and hair-braiding.
Khao San Road is
famous among the locals
and tourists for being
a place full of fun activities
on special occasions,
especially Songkran
Festival.
Songkran
is
the
traditional Thai New Year
celebrated on 13 to 15 of
April and Khao San is one of
the most famous venues
where both locals and
foreigners enjoy the water
throwing session together.
Learning to cook
Thai Cuisine
Tom Kha Kai
(Chicken in Coconut Soup)
Som Tam
(Papaya Salad)
Tom Yam Kung
(Prawn in Hot and Sour Soup)
Phat Thai
(Stir-fried Thai Noodles)
Exploring
the river-based
way of life
Operating Hours :
Everyday from 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Major Piers : Tha Chang, Tha Phrachan, Tha Tien
Website :
www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com
Waterways were the arteries of
transport and communication in
Thailand for centuries, with the
greatest being the majestic Chao
Phraya River.
The intriguing water-based way
of life including wooden houses
by the canals earned Bangkok the
epithet of the “Venice of the East”.
Some of Bangkok’s most magnificent
sights can be explored on the Chao
Phraya River Cruise, particularly at
night when the visitors can enjoy
dining on the cruise and viewing
the magical reflections of Bangkok
and flickering lights on the water.
Another great way of sightseeing
the Chao Phraya River is to get on
the Chao Phraya River boat that
is available for a day tour and stop
at the selected attractions.
This bustle-free river journey is
a welcome difference from the
traffic-ridden fumes of the
capital, and offers a different and
refreshing view of the capital
with a fresh river breeze. Major
sights to be seen from the river
include the Temple of Dawn, the
Grand Palace and Thammasat
University.
Getting There
& Around
By Air
Public
Transportation
Getting to
Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand’s major gateway
and it is directly connected to Europe,
Asia, North America, and Australia by daily
flights from the major airlines. Most visitors
arrive at Bangkok’s new international airport,
Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is positioned to
become the future aviation hub of South-East Asia.
For more information, contact Tel. 66 2132 1888 or
visit www.suvarnabhumiairport.com
Skytrain
There are two lines in operation, the
Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. BTS Skytrains
run daily from 6.00 a.m. to midnight with frequent
service throughout the day, particularly during rush hours.
The fare is based on the distance travelled.
For more information, please visit www.bts.co.th
Getting Around
Bangkok
Public buses and air-conditioned buses are
plentiful and inexpensive within metropolitan
Bangkok. The bus regularly runs from
5.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. A bus route map is available
at most hotels, bookshops and the Tourism Authority
of Thailand’s office on Phetchaburi Road, or visit
www.bmta.co.th.
Taxis
Hotel taxis have fixed fares. Public taxis
are air-conditioned and comfortable, but
please ensure that the meter on the taxi is turned
on when the journey starts.
Airport Rail Link
The airport rail link has two services. One is the “Express Line”
that takes travellers from the Bangkok City Air Terminal (Makkasan
Station) to Suvarnabhumi Station in 15 minutes and runs from 6.00
a.m. to midnight everyday. The other service is the “City Line”
which takes travellers from Phayathai Station to Suvarnabhumi
Station and stops at 6 stations along the way. This route
also operates from 6.00 a.m. to midnight everyday and
the fare is based on the distance travelled.
For more information,
visit http://airportraillink.railway.co.th.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks is a three-wheeled taxi and a symbol of Thailand.
They are popular for short journeys but it is important
that fares must be negotiated for before the journey
is undertaken as there is no meter.
www.tourismthailand.org
BANGKOK
The City of Angels