13 March,2010 (Sat)  


 

 
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Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center.

Major Attractions:

  • Sanam Luang (Phramen Ground)

    • 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 bordered by several noteworthy institutions. These include the Fine Arts Department, Thammasat University, and the National Museum, which houses a superb collection of artifacts and objets d'art dating from the Bronze Age.

  • The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

    • This inner-city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. Wat Phra Kaeo, within the same compound, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Also contained with the Grand Palace enclave is the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion, which features a permanent exhibition of royal regalia, decorations, medals and coins and monetary units used in Thailand since the early 11th century.

    Admission fee is 125 baht (which includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion and the Coin Pavilion). The complex is open daily from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm Proper dress is essential.

  • The National Museum

    • It houses a superb collection of artifacts and objects d'art ranging from the Bronze Age to the Bangkok Period. The complex consists of several old but beautiful buildings of Thai architectural design. It is open every day, except Mondays, Tuesday, and annual holidays, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission fee is 40 baht. Tel: (662) 224-1333,(662) 226-3617,(662) 224-1404,(662) 224-1370

  • The National Gallery Museum

    • Located on Chao Fa Road across from the National Museum, it exhibits traditional and contemporary paintings created by leading Thai artists. It is open to the public every day except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission fee is 20 baht Tel: (662) 281-2224,(662) 282-2639

  • Lak Muang (City Pillar Sbrine)

    • It is on the south-east corner of Sanam Luang, and contains a stone pillar placed there by King Rama I as the foundation stone for his new capital of Bangkok. Lak Muang is believed by many to have the power of granting wishes.

  • Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

    • This large and extensive temple neighhours the Grand Palace enclave and contains a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha some 46 metres long and 15 metres high, and with inlaid mother-of-pearl soles. In addition to being the first center of public education, Wat Pho is famous for Thai traditional massage. It is open to the public daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Admission fee is 20 baht. Tel: (662) 222-0933,(662) 221-2974

  • Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

    • This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best known fro a porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda (phraprang) which sparkles in the sun.

  • Vimanmek Mansion (The Celestial Residence)

    • Located behind Bangkok's National Assembly, this is the world's largest golden teak building. The 3-storey palace contains 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabila.

  • Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

    • Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station, this temple houses an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image, three metres in height and weighing five and a half tons. The temple is open every day from 9:00 am - 5:00pm.

  • Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

    • Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, near Chitralada Palace, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkom (1868 - 1910), employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.

  • Wat Sunhat & The Giant Swing

    • Located on Bamrung Muang Raod, this temples is noted for its superb 19th century murals in the main chapel. The temple is open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm. The distinctive Grant Swing outside the temple was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies long since discontinued. Many shops near the Giant Swing stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.

  • Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

    • Wat Saket's major feature is Golden Mount, dating from the 1800's which overlooks Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The golden chedi an artificial hill toppedy by a 260-foot gilded pagoda. Houses relics of Load Buddha and offers a panoramic view of historic Bangkok.

    Other inner city temples that merit visits include Wat Mahathat, a Buddhist university edging Sanam Luang. Wat Ratchabophit, a temple with a mixture of local and western styles on Ban Mo Road, Wat Intharawihan on Wisutkasat Road, with its 32 metre-high standing Buddha image, and Wat Rachanatdaram, behind the Rama III Memorial Park on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, with its pink Loha Prasat.

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