Forum: Bangkok

Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is one of Thailand's leading exhibition and convention venues. The centre offers a range of technologically advanced facilities to accommodate exhibitions, conventions, conferences, and events.

Opened in 1933, Chalermkrung Royal Theatre (Sala Chaloem Krung) specialises in performances of ?Khon? ? traditional Thai dances.

Commemorating the introduction of constitutional monarchy in Thailand, Democracy Monument has witnessed many of the events that have helped shape the nation.

The shrine is visited on a daily basis by hundreds of people who make very specific prayers and offer to service Brahma if their prayer is granted.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the largest floating market in the vicinity and probably the one you?ve seen on the postcards!

The Tha Kha Floating Market probably appears has a more natural surrounding and avoids some of the more commercial aspects of other Floating Markets.

Opens 04:00 and 07:00. Sellers bring natural goods (vegetables, etc.) and it is also possible to see monks rowing boats to collect alms.

The Taling Chan Floating Market takes place at the weekends in front of Taling Chan District Office. Only recently discovered by tourists, the market is entirely authentic and frequented by locals.

Located in Min Buri, just north of Bangkok, Safari World is an 800,000 square metre complex comprising a Safari Park and a Marine Park.

Dream World is the absolute stuff of kids! You won?t get out of here until they are exhausted? and you know how long that takes! This is a big American-style theme park with all the trimmings. Corkscrew, Bumping Cars, Viking Boat, and Rollercoaster!

The closest thing you will get to the real thing around Bangkok, this theme park revolves around a man-made beach and lake. Along the American model for these sorts of thing, the lake has artificially generated waves and sand.

Ancient City is a ?mini-world? focusing on Thailand?s history and culture. Representations of all aspects or eras of Thai culture are displayed here. A site of some 320 acres, the Ancient City is shaped like Thailand.

Although focusing on space as a theme, the Bangkok Planetarium also offers a computer world and a first-class aquarium.

The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew really are places you must visit while you are in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beautiful places to see.

IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre is a 60,000 square meter, international-standard exhibition and convention venue in Muang Thong Thani, just outside Bangkok. The centre consists of 8 halls and provides state-of-the-art facilities.

The International Buddhist Meditation Centre was founded over a decade ago with the objectives of enabling English-speaking people to find out about Buddhist meditation and provide information about Buddhism in Thailand.

Located in Samutprakarn, just outside Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm is the brainchild of Thailand?s highly publicised 'Crocodile King?, Mr. Utai Youngprapakorn. Recognised as the world?s largest centre for crocodiles.

Famed for its weekend market, Chatuchak is also home to the Children's Discovery Museum. The Museum opened in 2001 with an aim of helping children learn about science, nature, culture and society.

Jim Thompson played a major part in the growth of the silk production in Thailand and raising the profile of Thai silk around the world. The site of Jim Thompson?s House comprises six wooden (teak) buildings that were brought to Bangkok.

?Hun Lakhon Lek? is the art of traditional Thai puppetry ? an art being kept alive in Bangkok at the curiously named Joe Louis Theater. The brainchild of a famous Thai comedian, the theater stages dramas entirely acted out by puppets.

An island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, Koh Kret is famous for blood-red, Mon-style pottery called ?Hai? which is still made on the island today.

If you are into shopping then Chatuchak Market will probably be one of the best shopping experiences you have ever had.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar is a recently manufactured market catering to tourist industry, but none the less interesting for that.

Pratunam Market specialises in clothes ? lots of them? All different colours, all different styles and all different sizes! It?s one of the biggest clothing markets you are likely to encounter and there?s that ?new material? smell everywhere you go.

Pratunam Market specialises in clothes ? lots of them? All different colours, all different styles and all different sizes! It?s one of the biggest clothing markets you are likely to encounter and there?s that ?new material? smell everywhere you go.

If you are interested in knowing just how cheap things really are before they get to the shops, go to Bobae. There are two Bobae outlets in the same vicinity.

Although Patpong is historically famous as a Go-Go area, these days it is enjoying increasing fame as a market.

Although probably not immediately recognized as a country of art, a visit to Thailand?s premier art gallery soon explodes this myth. Opened in 1974, the gallery exhibits traditional Thai art (starting around the 17th century) and moves through the ages.

For people interested in getting a good feel for the history of Thailand, the museum is very much a ?must see? destination. Initially established as a palace by King Rama V.

Thailand's National Theatre predominantly shows Thai Classical drama and features performances of Khon - drama where players wear traditional Thai masks.

For those of under the belief the particular country you come from is the pinnacle of high technology, a visit to Pantip Plaza will be a revelation! Pantip Plaza IS 5 floors plus of IT heaven!

Founded by actress Miss Patravadi Mejudhon, Bangkok's first open-air theatre is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite the Grand Palace and next to Wat Rakang - an ideal setting for plays set in the Ratanakosin era.

Named after the current queen of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center is Thailand?s premier exhibition and conference centre.

Royal City Avenue (or just RCA as it is known by locals) is one of the biggest entertainment areas in Bangkok, but as visitors are concerned, probably the least know. RCA is a long road hosting a multitude of different types of bar and clubs.

The Siam Society is a surprisingly little-known outlet for Thai and International culture. Their motto is: "Knowledge gives rise to friendship" which adequately describes the objective of this organisation.

Over the last few years Siam Square has become the zenith of shopping experience in Bangkok.

Silom Village is a centre of authentic Thai classical dance. They do put some effort into being authentic ? authentic costumes, music, etc.

Being so centrally located, the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) is well worth a visit.

Fights at Lumpini are regarded as being slightly better than those at Ratchadamnoen, although for the novice it would be extremely difficult to tell the difference. It is also probably the more famous of Bangkok's two main stadiums.

The Thailand Cultural Centre is Thailand?s bastion of all things cultural and all things Thai.

For those interested in meditation the House of Dhamma offers public classes in Vipassana (Insight) meditation most Sundays.

The Victory Monument commemorates those who died in national service ? policemen, military officers and civilians.

Originally located on Koh Sri Chang, King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V) moved Vimanmek Mansion (Cloud Mansion) to its present location in 1901. The palace has three floors and comprises two buildings at right angles to each other.

Wat Arun (or the Temple of Dawn) is probably one of the most recognisable temples in Bangkok, not least because the image of the temple has been published so often.

Noted for its construction in Carrana marble, Wat Benchamabophit was built during the reign of King Rama V. Its design is different from many temples in that it utilises stained glass and other aspects more common to western religious structures.

Wat Bowon Niwet is regarded as being one of Bangkok?s most important temples, not least because it was here a number of kings (including Thailand?s current king, King Bhumibol) served their time in the monkhood.

Wat Intharawihan houses one of the biggest Buddha images you are likely to see ? at 32 metres tall and 11 metres wide, it totally dominates the skyline.

Wat Pho (or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is known locally) is famed for the massive ?Reclining Buddha? it houses. At 46 meters long and 15 meters high, this gold-plated Buddha image depicts the Buddha?s passing into Nirvana.

Across the street from the Golden Mount, Wat Ratchanadda has probably the most unique temple design in Bangkok.

Wat Saket is famed for its Golden Mount ? a spire that rises some 260 feet into the air from ground level. Nestled on top of a man-made hill, the Golden Mount is a fairly dominant feature in the Rattanakosin area?s skyline.

Built in the early 19th century, Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing are both a little off the beaten track, but well worth a visit if you have the time.

Wat Traimit's Buddha image is made of solid gold!

The World Fellowship of Buddhists is an international organization dedicated to Buddhism and Buddhist teaching.

Located near Sukhumvit Soi 21, ?Cowboy? is a lot less frenzied than the other go-go venues.

Benchasiri Park was opened in 1992 to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen?s 60th birthday. One of a few parks in the Sukumvit area, it is situated next to the Emporium shopping centre.

Baiyoke Tower II is well worth a visit if you have the time ? and of course if you are OK with heights! This 90-storey tower went straight into the record books as the tallest building in Thailand and the world?s tallest hotel.

Better known for being the venue for the Weekend Market, Chatuchak Park is a large park with plenty of open space and shade.

Lumpini Park is the biggest park in the central business district and is a favourite amongst office workers for early morning jogging and early evening aerobics (an instructor leads an aerobics session every evening.

Sometimes known as the ?Royal Park? or ?Royal Field?, Sanam Luang is right in the centre of the Rattanakosin (?Old City?) part of Bangkok.

Built by His Majesty King Bhumibol in 1993 as a tribute to his mother.

Completed in 1904, the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall is situated east of the Vimanmek Mansion. The building saw a number of state occasions when it was part of Dusit Palace.

'Bat? bowls are still made by traditional communities in Thailand. One such community exists in Bangkok and represents a good example of a Thai traditional way of life ? Ban Bat.

Patpong houses more Go-Go bars than you could possibly imagine! These days, though, many people come to Patpong for good shopping rather than visiting bars.

The Nana Plaza Entertainment Complex (usually just referred to as ?Nana?) is a curious construction; as you go through the entrance you move into a courtyard with terraced buildings either side of and in front of you.