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Cruising along the Chao Phraya River
A cruise along the legendary Chao Phraya River and some canals
on the Thon Buri side is the most pleasant way to explore the
city once dubbed “Venice of the East”.
The majestic charm of the Chao Phraya adds perspective to
your exploration of the city’s premier attractions.
Tourists can book such a tour through travel agents or rent
a boat at Tha Chang
(Tel: 225-6179)
near the Grand Palace, or Tha Si Phraya
(Tel: 412-0207)
near the River City
Shopping Complex.
Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self
defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their
body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are all weapons.
The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even
greater excitement. There are two venues in Bangkok for this
type of sport.
Ratchadamnoen Stadium (Tel:
281-4205), Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open every Monday and
Wednesday at 6.00 p.m., Thursday at 5.00 and 9.00 p.m., and
Sunday at 4.00 and 8.00 p.m.
Lumphini Stadium (Tel:
251-4303), Rama IV Road, every Tuesday and Friday at 6.00 p.m.
and Saturday at 5.00 p.m.
International
visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact the Muay Thai
Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani
12130, Tel: 992-0096-9
Horse Racing
The races are held on Sunday from 12.30-6.00 p.m. at two
alternate turf clubs:
Royal Turf Club of Thailand,
on Phitsanulok Road, Tel: 280-0020-9.
Royal Bangkok Sports Club, on
Henry Dunant Road, Tel: 251-0181-6.
Shopping
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets.
There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices
and easy access. The principal shopping areas in downtown
Bangkok which boasts many specialist shops, shopping plazas, and
department stores include Silom, Siam Square, Ratchadamn,
Pratunam, Ploenchit, and Bang Lamphu.
Recommended markets and shops which sell Thai handicrafts:
Chatuchak Weekend Market A large open public ground on
Phahonyothin Road. The market is a paradise for browsers and
bargain hunters alike. It operates only on weekends during the
day time
Chitralada Shops, founded by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit, are situated in the Grand Palace, Vimanmek
Mansion, Bangkok International Airport, and some leading hotels.
Narayana Phand Pavilion, located on Ratchadamri Road, is a
handicraft center selling items from all parts of the country.
Amusement Parks
Magic Land (Tel:513-1731) on Phahonyothin Road, houses legendary
castles and more than 30 fun toys. It is open daily from 10.00
a.m. - 5.00 p.m. and on holidays until 7.00 p.m. Admission fee
is 250 baht including some amusement fares.
Siam Park City
(Tel: 919-7200-19)
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Located in suburban Min Burl on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, this
water amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering
slides. Satellite attractions include a children's playground,
aviaries, open zoo and botanical garden.
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It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is
400 Baht for adults and 300 Baht for children.
Dream World (Tel: 533-1152, 533-1147), situated at km.7
of Rangsit-Ongkharak Road, houses a European style plaza,
miniature land of major world legends, and exciting playing
machines.
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It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On holidays it
is open until 7.00 pm.
Admission fee is 450 Baht per person.
The following department stores have
indoor amusement parks
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Future Park Bang Khae, Phetkasem Road, (Tel: 454-8500)
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Seacon Square, Srinakarintara Road, (Tel: 721-9444)
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Central City Bang Na, Km. 3 Bang Na-Trat Road,(Tel:
361-0888)
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The Mall Bang Khae, Phetkasem Road, (Tel: 454-0061)
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Fashion Island, Km. 10 Raminthra Road, (Tel: 947-5000)
Thai Cultural Show & Exhibition
Details of current programmes and events can generally be found
in Bangkok's major English-language newspapers, namely Bangkok
Post and The Nation.
The National Theatre is located on Na Phra That Road next
to the National Museum.
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Call 224-1342 for a current program.
Thailand Cultural Center, on
Ratchadaphisek Road, is a fully integrated venue for social
education and cultural activities.
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Call 247-0028 ext.109 for a current program.
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre is
located on Charoen Krung Road (New Road) near the Old Siam
Plaza. That dramas and plays are usually held while Khon or Thai
musical dance drama is a special event that is staged
occasionally.
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Call 2258757-8, 222-1325 for more information.
Patravadi Theatre, near Wat
Rakhang, Thon Bun. Renowned for its lavish productions, this
outdoor theatre has gained popularity through its modern
adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play
demonstrating an ingenious blend of various theatrical
techniques. Showtime is on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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Call 412-7287-8 for a current program.
Bangkok Playhouse on
Phetchabun Road. The theatre hosts modern dramas.
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Call 679-8548, 319-7641-4 for a current program.
Major exhibition centers in Bangkok are:
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center,
60 New Ratchadaphisek Road, Khiong Toei, Bangkok.
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For more information, call 229-3000-9 or visit
www.qsncc.co.th.
Bangkok International Trade &
Exhibition Center, 8 Km. 1 Bang Na-Trat Road, Phrakhanong.
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For more information, call 749-3939-60 or visit
www.bitec.net.
Meditation Centres
Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism,
practiced regularly by numerous Thais, and laymen as a means of
promoting inner peace and happiness. The following are
meditation centers which offer a class in English for foreign
visitors who wish to find out more about Buddhism and Buddhist
meditation.
The International Buddhist Meditation
Center, Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan, (Tel: 623-6326)
The World Fellowship of Buddhists,
616 Sukhumvit Soi 24, (Tel. 661-1284-7)
Association for the Science of
Creative Intelligence, 18th floor, Rajpark Building,
Sukhumvit Soi 21, (Tel: 258-3257)
Young Buddhist Association of
Thailand, 58/8 Soi 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2), Phetkasem Road,
Phasi Charoen, (Tel: 413-1706)
House of Dhamma, 26/9 Latphrao
Soi 15 (Soi Chomphon), (Tel: 511-0439)
Thai Traditional Massage
This therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage purportedly
evolved from rishis (forest-dwelling Brahmin hermit asetics) who
relieved the physical stress of extended periods of meditation
by adopting certain postures. Wat Pho is the best known center
for massages and massage tuition. Call 221-2974 for more
information.
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