Palace tours
Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is possibly the Thai capitals most famous landmark.Built in 1782 - for 150 years it was the home of the Thai King, his Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a steeped in culture and importance.The Palace is composed of stunning architecture and intricate detail which combine to create a place of much grandeur and splendour. Inside its mighty gold encrusted walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and the Royal mint. In present day the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom and centre of Buddhist beliefs.Inside the palace complex are several impressive buildings and temples including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains a small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha with history dating back to the 14th century. The robes which adorn the Buddha are changed with the seasons by His Majesty The King of Thailand, and form an important ritual in the sacred Buddhist calendar. Thai Royalty stopped living in the palace at the turn of the twentieth century, but the palace complex is still used to celebrate all kinds of other ceremonial and auspicious happenings.The palace complex which is located on Ratanakosin Island on the banks of the Chaophraya River, has a layout similar to the ancient palaces of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam/Thailand. The Outer Court, close to the entrance, previously housed government departments which the King had directl involvement, such as civil administration, the military and the treasury. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is situated in a corner of this outer court. The Central Court is where the residence of the Royal family and halls used for conducting state business were located. Two of the throne halls are still open to viewing by the public.The Inner Court is where the King's royal consorts and daughters lived. The Inner Court was like a small city within the palace which was entirely populated by women and young boys under the age of puberty. The inner court is completely closed off to the public even though no Royalty now resides in this area of the palace. There is a distinct contrast between the architectural styles of the Thai Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the more European inspired design of the Grand Palace with the main exception being the roof . Other places of interest are Boromabiman Hall and Amarinda Hall,which are the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice.These spectacular halls with their impressive interior's are still used for important ceremonial occasions like coronations. It also contains an antique throne which was used before the Western style one presently in use. Visitors are permitted inside the spacious European style Hall or Grand Palace Hall (Chakri Maha Prasat). In addition it is possible to enter the impressive Dusit Hall, which is possibly the finest example of an architectural building in this style, with a museum that has information on the restoration of the Grand Palace, with scale models of the palace and temples and various Buddha images.
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Suan Pakkad
Suan Pakkad Palace is a place to observe Thailand and its architecture from a bygone era. Its name litterally means 'cabbage patch', in reference to when the land was used for agricultral purposes. In present day it is has been unchanged for over 50 years with a well-tended tropical garden and serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses, each of house full of fine arts, antiquities and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot.The Royal couple converted their traditional private residence to a museum in 1952, which is the first instance of a Thai Royal family doing this. The Royal couples rationale was that while treasured and coveted possessions are an individuals private property, they are still a part of the Thai peoples heritage and should be made accessible to all.The Chumbhot - Panthip Centre of Arts is host to prehistoric Ban Chieng artifacts dating back to the , Bronze,Neolithic and Iron Ages. These extremely rare and historically items of painted pottery,tools and bronze weapons, are indicative of a Southeast Asian civilization that equalled Egypt and Stonehenge in terms of technological and social advancements.
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Wangderm Palace
After liberating Siam from the Burmese in 1767, a provincial governor called Taksin was crowned King. He constructed Wangderm palace to mark the creation of the new capital in Thonburi. Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), it stands on a site which was previously of great strategic importance which was located behind the Wichayen Fort and various other fortifications that protected access to the Kingdom's port.When King Rama I later took the throne, following the previous King Taksin's execution after a coup d'etat, the capital was relocated to the east bank of the river. Wangderm Palace then became the residence of various members of the Chakri Dynasty before King Rama V donated it to the Royal Thai Navy. Today it serves as the headquarters of the Royal Thai Navy. Many original buildings and architecture remain, such as the Throne Hall. This traditional Thai structure was constructed when Thonburi was established, and consists of a large open pavilion used by the King to receive guests. There are also two Chinese-style residences, constructed at the beginning of the Rattanakosin period with the smaller residence containing a collection of traditional Thai weapons displayed alongside depictions of King Taksin's military achievements, the larger residence exhibits a collection of antiques and paintings. Other buildings of interest situated at the site include a King Taksin shrine, Whale Head Shrine and King Pinklao's residence. The Wangderm Palace is considered to be the first American architecturally influenced building to be used as a royal residence and now houses an extensive library covering the Thonburi period, antique ceramics, Thai coins and other material depicting the life and works of King Pinklao.
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Vimanmek Mansion
Situated on Ratchawithi Road at the rear of the National Assembly, Vimanmek Royal Mansion is the world's biggest building constructed entirely of golden teak. Moved from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was reconstructed in the Dusit Palace in 1900 under the instruction of King Rama V. It has been recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and turned into a museum paying tribute to the late King.In addition to antique furniture, glassware, porcelain, photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910). Numerous rooms maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is available to visitors. The majority of the buildings in the compound are now used as museums. The best is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which displays HM Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. Various other displays of items are present with art objects including HM King Bhumibol's photography, ancient cloth, clocks,paraphernalia of rank and portraits and royal carriages.Some areas of Vimanmek are still used for state functions and receptions for visiting royalty when the buildings are not open to the public. Traditional Thai dancing takes place daily between 10:30 and 14:00.
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Ananta Mansion
The Amanta Mansion is Bangkok's version of France's Champs D'Elysee, it is an impressive two-storey white marble palace situated at the end of Dusit's long and wide Royal Plaza, a treelined ceremonial boulevard that's often used for ceremonies and during royal celebrations. Ordered by King Rama V in 1907 and completed in the reign of King Rama VI, the mansions neo-classical Renaissance architecture - especially the central dome - dominates the surrounding scenery as its Italian architects Mario Tamango and Annibale Rigotti intended. After the 1932 coup it hosted the first Thai parliament, today it serves as a prestigious location in which to entertain visiting dignitaries in addition to holding state council meetings and hosting royal occasions.Inside a stunningly beautiful central dome greets visitors, where the Royal Throne is situated. The ceilings in the central dome and each of the six additional domes' walls are lined with frescoes depicting Chakri Dynasty monarchs painted by Galileo Chini. The elongated hall situated on the upper floor is decorated with embossed roman and floral patterns depicting Renaissance and Baroque arts. Outside, visitors can find magnifficent views both from the large paved plaza or the manicured gardens which join it with the nearby Vimanmek Mansion. On the second week of January each year,Children's Day, the grounds and interiors are made fully accessible to the public.
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Chitraladarahotarn Palace
Chitraladarahotarn Palace is closed to the public and is His Majesty King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit's official Royal residence. Built by King Rama VI and formerly King Chulalongkorn's summer residence, the palaces one-square kilometre grounds include several lakes which are bordered by Italian-designed walls and a large moat. Situated in each corner is a fountain decorated with Baroque figures drawn from mythology, evidence of the cultured tastes of Thailand's previous monarchs. The palace not only serves as a residence for the monarchy, but is also home to an agricultural research station founded by his H.M. to help solve problems encountered by Thai farmers from all over the country.The Royal Chitralada Projects is a non-profit institute which includes experimental rice fields, fruit juice plant,a beef-rearing unit,a fish farm, dairy farm a candle factory in addition to a mushroom factory. Originally constructed for royal offspring, there is also the Chitralada School which now allows the children of palace staff and and other children to attend after kindergarten age.
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Ladawan Palace
The Ladawan Palace has recently been restored and opened once again to the public. Ladawan Palace situated on Ratchasima Road, was originally built in 1907 as a gift from King Rama V to his son Prince Yugala Bidhamabara. With large lush green gardens and wide corridors and windows the architecture displays the King's penchant for European living concepts and design at the time. Also referred to as the Red Palace due its crimson outer walls, it is a two-storey brick and stone building with a four-storey watchtower which was designed in the style of Victorian and Italian villas by Italian architect G. Bruno, many Western architectural techniques such as arches and wall bearings are in evidence.Ladawan Palace fell into disuse during the greater part of the 20th Century, and in the 1990's fell into a state of disrepair. Today the Palace is home to the Crown Property Bureau - who have been instrumental in its restoration reviving its previous state of splendour and grandeur.
Temple tours
Wat Phra Khaew (The Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram is widely regarded as Thailand's most important Buddhist temple. Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north carved entirely from Jade which dates back to the 15th century AD.Raised high on a series of platforms, the only person allowed near the Buddha is HM the King. A ceremonial cloak which is changed three times a year to correspond to the summer, winter, and raining seasons covers the statue. A highly important ritual, this changing of the robes is performed only by the King to bring good fortune to Thailand during each season. The temple is ornately decorated and has a calming sense of peace surrounding it.The temples construction was started when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) relocated the capital of Thailand from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785.The Temple of the Emerald Buddha does not contain living quarters for monks and is a series of elaborately decorated holy buildings, pagodas, and statues. The main building is the central 'ubosot' (ordination hall), which houses the Emerald Buddha.Other sites of interest in Wat Phra Kaew include a model of Angkor Wat, which was constructed under the direction of King Rama IV when Cambodia was formerly under Thailand's control. Another site of interest is the Balcony which can be compared to the temple wall. The intricate murals inside tell the entire Ramayana epic.The columns of the balcony are adorned with stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals. Each gate of the Balcony is guarded by an imposing five-metre tall 'Yaksa Tavarnbal' (Gate-keeping Giants) which are characters taken from the same epic.
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Wat Arun in Bangkok (Temple of dawn)
Wat Arun,Known locally as Wat Chaeng, is located on the western (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is said that after King Taksin fought his way out of Ayutthaya, which had been besigned by a Burmese army at the time, he had arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking.King Taksin later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During King Taksin's reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the main temple and once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another Buddha image of great importance, the Phra Bang, both of which had been previously removed from Vientiane.The temple flourished throughout the Rattanakosin Period with its beautiful architecture and the fine craftsmanship making it one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok's most well known landmarks. It has an imposing spire (prang) over 70 metres high, beautifully embellished with minute pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed intricately into delicate patterns. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn the temple makes an absolutely stunning sight at sunset, especially when lit up at night.
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Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, or locally as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is situated behind the majestic Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the largest temple in Bangkok and is famous for its huge and imposing reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres long which is covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and elaborately decorated in mother-of-pearl depictions of auspicious characteristics of the Buddha.Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides present who provide interesting information and trivia for around 200 - 400 baht. There are also a few astrologers and palm readers available for consultation.In addition a blessing from a monk can be obtained for a small donation which helps to maintain the temple.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order and the Vipassana Meditation centre, Wat Mahathat is an important cultral centre for the study of Buddhist beliefs and meditation. Although the majority of programmes are in Thai language, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana meditation method.Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation).The temple was originally constructed to house a relic of the Buddha and is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok.It is also possible to have your fortune told inside the temple.
Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha)
Wat Traimit is situated at the end of Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, near Hualampong Railway Station, Wat Traimit is home to the world's largest golden seated Buddha which measures nearly five metres in height and weighs five and a half tons. Previously artisans crafted the Buddhas in gold and disguised them from the plunder by invading armies by a covering of stucco and plaster.The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit was accidentally discovered when it was dropped by accident whilst being moved, revealing, under an outer casing of plaster, a beautiful solid gold Sukhothai style Buddha. Pieces of the plaster are still displayed at the temple.
Wat Sutat (Great Swing)
Wat Sutat is one of the oldest temples with a big oriental sweeping roof and is the site of the original Giant Swing ceremony. A huge teak arch is all that remains of the original Giant Swing which still lies in the grounds at the front of the temple. The swing was used in a ceremony which give thanks for a good rice harvest. In ancient times young men would ride the swing high in the air some eighty feet from the ground when in full swing, and attempt to grasp a bag of silver coins with their teeth. Some extremely severe injuries and a deaths caused the dangerous swing ceremony's discontinuation after 1932. The thanksgiving ceremony is still celebrated in mid-December after the rice harvest season.
Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)
The yellow hill which is crowned with a majestic gold chedi is also known as the Golden Mount, or 'Phu Khao Thong'. It dramatically rises within the compound of Wat Saket which is an unusual temple that houses Buddhist relics within its fifty eight metre high chedi surmounted by a golden cupola.Built by King Rama I on the outskirts of the new city walls, the late-18th century temple served as the Thai capital's crematorium. In the course of the following one hundred years, the temple became the last resting place for some 60,000 plague victims. The Golden Mount was then added to the Wat Saket compound in the beginning of the 19th century, when King Rama III built a huge chedi which unfortunately collapsed into a pile of rubble. Buddhist belief holds that religious buildings cannot be destroyed, and some years later King Rama V topped the debris with another chedi in which he placed relics according to legend by some to be the Buddha's teeth.The temple has 318 steps up to the cupola. Religious visitors place flowers close to the date of the month they find auspicious and light candles. During a climb to the top, visitors will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Bangkok. The cupola is covered with small golden squares which reflect in the sun giving the place its name of Golden Mount.Wat Saket is host to an enormous annual temple fair in the first week of November, when the mount is illuminated with coloured lanterns and the compound turns into a gigantic fun fair.
Crocodile Farm
Located in Samutprakarn, just outside Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm is recognised as Thailand and possibly the world’s largest centre for crocodiles, the Crocodile Farm aims to help conserve crocodiles by breeding them in captivity. The farm also acts as an research and education centre for the conservation of crocodiles and other endangered wildlife.
The main purpose for a visit to the Crocodile Farm is though to see the exciting daily shows where it is possible to witness ‘Crocodile Wrestling’ with the keepers fearlessly putting their heads into crocodile’s mouths. In addition there are various other activities for visitors such as the ‘Acrobatic elephant’ shows, elephant and camel rides, paddle boats on the lake and a visit to the ‘Monkey Playground’ which all help to keep children and adults entertained.
Kantoke Dinner
A Kantoke dinner is possibly the best way to get to know the custom, traditions, the Northern food and culture and traditions of Thailand at the same time. At a Kantoke dinner visitors are seated on the floor around a circular tray with an array of Northern Thai dishes placed on it.Visitors eat whilst watching traditional Thai and Northern dances in addition to hill tribe cultral shows. At a Kantoke Dinner the food is shared giving the diners a sense of intimacy. This feeling of intimacy combined with the sights and sounds of the various dances and music along with the aromas and tastes combine to afford the visiting tourist the ultimate authentic eating and cultral experience.Kantoke Dinner's are available in Bangkok and various Northern Provinces in addition to various other parts of the country.
Chao phraya River Cruise
After boarding the boat visitors are slowly transported upriver affording them spectacular riverside views of the city.The river cruise in Bangkok passes some of the most majestic sights along the Chao Phraya River including the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin in addition to various monuments and riverside communities that live on the banks of this 'River of Kings'.The spectacular city skyline creates a highly romantic backdrop whilst visitors dine on delicious fare and take in some of the spectacular views to be seen in Bangkok.One of the most attractive periods is to visit is during the Loy Krathong Festival when the Chao Phraya becomes transformed into a river of lights by floral floats lit with candles.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the National sport of Thailand wth the premier stadium located at Lumpinee Stadium situated in Bangkok.The best fighters in Thailand and from around the world fight at this venue offering spectators the opportunity to witness the best kick boxing fights anywhere in the world.The fights are steeped in tradition and culture giving visiting tourists and local onlookers a chance to sample an authentic view of this highly charged and demanding form of combat. The stadium is operated by Thailand’s Army Welfare Department of the Royal Thai, all proceeds from the fights go towards supporting the various departments of the army. Lumpinee is one of the few places in Thailand where gambling is permitted and it takes place at the second level. The betting is done by hand-signals, as in a stock exchange trading floor. Often such signs are misunderstood by one side and additional fights may erupt outside the ring between gamblers. The security service at Lumpinee is managed by armed Military police officers. Foreigners usually occupy the expensive ringside seats, while gamblers and locals prefer the second or third ring of seats upstairs.
Muay thai contests are held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays usually starting around 6.00 p.m.
Safari World
Thailand's premier and most popular open zoo and leisure park. Covering over 200 Acres, Safari World is made up of Safari Park and Marine Park, and offers a vast variety of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages from around the world.
Whether it is an exciting Safari drive through a picturesque and authentic African safari setting or an exhilarating fast paced Action Stunt spectacular,Jungle Cruise or the chance to view the spectacular Dolphin Show tourists will be treated to a multitude of wildlife spectaculars from across the globe.
Dream World
Dream World is a theme park located just outside Bangkok a short forty minute journey from the city centre.The theme Park is home to numerous attractions and exciting rides in addition to numerous shows and performances.Dream World is home to Asia's first hanging rollercoaster 'Space Mountain' and continues to draw tourists and locals in search of fun and relaxation in its numerous gardens.Visitors with children will find this location particularily enjoyable with several shows allowing young children to interact with cartoon characters and take part in various activities.
Jim Thompsons House in Bangkok
The Jim Thompson House is the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur who was the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. Jim Thompson's achievements during his twenty-five year stay in the Kingdom of Thailand have won him the tilte of the "Legendary American of Thailand.The house consists of a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses, teak structures that were purchased from several owners and brought to the present location from various parts of Thailand. Construction of the Thai house was completed in 1959. Thompson mysteriously disappeared while going for a walk on Easter Sunday, March 1967 in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia.His disappearance remains one of the unsolved mysteries of Southeast Asia.The house dates back to the 19th century and has been preserved as a museum and is the second most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok after the Grand Palace.
Chinatown in Bangkok
Bangkok's bustling Chinatown district spans the Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle, a huge ceremonial Chinese gate obviously marks the entrance, up to the Ong Ang Canal, which marks the outer edges of the royal district. Yaowarat Road is lined with numerous gold shops, and Chinatown is indeed the best place to shop for gold in Bangkok.A visit to Chinatown in Bangkok affords the visitor a unique glimpse of Thailand's thriving Chinese communities , its various customs and wide range of exquisite cuisines.
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