Attractions in Bangkok
Museums || Temples ||
Museums
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
The garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises an activity ground, exhibition area, feed breeding room, embryo breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering an area of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high, built from an open framework for good ventilation. The garden area connects to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park. It is a natural study room ideal for learning and being a source of information as well as exchange of knowledge about butterflies and insects, their life cycles and being. The garden is open daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.
* Location : District Chatuchak, the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park)
* Closing Days : Monday
* Opening Hours : 8.30am - 4.30pm
Bangkok Dolls & Museum
Bangkok Dolls have won several awards for their creations. A single-storey workshop and Doll Museum in the Chandavimol family compound at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) in Bangkoks Makkasan district is the magnet for several visitors who wish to inspect these miniature creations in all their wondrous variety.
* Location : Ratchatewi
* Closing Days : Sunday
* Opening Hours : 8am - 5pm
Childrens Discovery Museum
It was established under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, in her realizing the significance of creating a pleasurable learning process for Thai children. Based on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administrations children and family activities, the Childrens Discovery Museum took shape in the form of 3 exhibition buildings and an open-air activity ground covering a total area of 5 rai. The construction was completed in 2001 and undertaken under the project to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen.
The museum offers exhibitions as well as funny activities for children to enjoy and learn about human life, sciences, culture and society, nature and the environment, including an exhibition in honour of Her Majesty the Queen. It is open during 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekends.
* Location : District Chatuchak, inside Queen Sirikit Park
* Opening Hours : 9am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 70 THB, Child 50 THB
Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand
Located at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Pathumwan, the institute was established to help develop and support the gem and jewellery industry of Thailand. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and display of gems, jewellery and gemological equipment. There are also gem identification services and library.
* Location : District Pathum Wan
* Closing Days : Saturday, Sunday
* Opening Hours : 9am- 4.30pm
* Entrance fee : 100 THB
Geological Resource Museum (Minerals and Rocks Mus
It exhibits minerals, rocks, fossils as well as ancient tools made from minerals and rocks in 3 sections: 1. Geology, featuring the Earth, plate movements, earthquakes, minerals and rocks, geological surveys, ground water and fossils; 2. Mineral Resources, displaying specimens of gemstones and precious stones, uses of minerals, mineral fuels, petroleum and minerals from abroad; 3. Special Exhibition, currently showcasing dinosaur fossils in Thailand. The museum is open on weekdays during 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission is free but advance contact in writing addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources is required.
* Location : Ratchatewi, the first floor of the Emerald Building next to the Department of Mineral Resources on Rama VI Road
* Closing Days : Saturday, Sunday
* Opening Hours : 8.30 am - 4.30pm
House of Museum
The exhibition features a collection of old as well as modern items of various uses of both townspeople and villagers such as toys, books, stationery and kitchen and household utensils, forming a legacy of the past to be inherited by the present. The modern 3½-storey building of 3 chambers covers a total area of 232 square metres. The first floor lends an old atmosphere of shop houses before 1957 including a café, drugstore, barbers, etc. There are rooms displaying alternate exhibitions on various topics, as well. The House of Museums is open during 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends only. Admission fees are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
* Location : Thawee Wattana, The House of Museums is located at 170/17 Mu 17, Khlong Pho Land, Soi Khlong Pho 2, Sala Thammasop Road, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170. It is accessible by driving along Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road toward the railway track or Khlong Maha Sa
* Closing Days : weekdays
* Entrance fee : Adult 30 THB, Child 10 THB
Jim Thompson's Museum
This exquisite collection of traditional Thai house stands as a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second World War.
The house sits on approximately a half acre of land on Mahanak Canal. Ban Khrua village where his silk weavers lived and worked. Is just on the other side of the canal. To build the house he gathered 6 original traditional teak structure from different parts of the country and brought carpenter from Ayutthaya who completed the house in 1959.
The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature's haphazard beauty right in the center of the city.
Jim Thompsons connoisseur collection of antiques and artifacts is on permanent exhibition, making this a magnificent museum of the lifestyle of the legend.
* Location : District Pathum Wan
* Opening Hours : 9am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 100 THB, Child 50 THB
Kamthieng House
The Kamthieng House is of great interest to all who have an interest in Thai society. It is the center-piece at the Siam Society, which promotes the preservation of heritage, culture, arts and the environment.
This superb example of Northern Thai architecture is more than 160 years old and has been preserved in excellent condition. It has been handed down through generations of the Nimmanahaeminda family before being generously donated to the Siam Society by Nang Kinhaw Nimmanahaeminda. With the financial support of the Asia Foundation, the house was relocated from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in 1964.
The house is built on wooden stilts with the underneath area used to display a rich assortment of agricultural implements such as plough and harvesting equipment made of wood, reeds and bamboo.
The Kamthieng House is stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life. There are beautiful hand-woven fabrics, ornate wood carvings, traditional musical instruments and religious items. This outstanding collection serves as an ethnological museum. This has fulfilled on of the goals of the Siam Society which had it written into the rules when it was formed in 1904
* Location : Kamthieng House
* Closing Days : Sunday, Monday
* Opening Hours : 9am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 100 THB, Child 50 THB
King Prajadhipok Museum
It was during the reign of King Prajadipok as King Rama VII that Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This museum presents the life and tumultuous times of The Kings reign.
The building, constructed in 1906, was initially an imported clothing store called John Simpson Store designed in the Neo-classical style by Charles Beguelin, a French-Swiss architect. It later became a hardware store and then headquarters of the Public Works Department.
The museum has nine permanent exhibition halls covering various subjects in a sequence.The first hall introduces you to the line of succession under the Chakri Dynasty from King Rama I up to H.M. King Rama IX, the current King.
The Conferment of The Constitution exhibit hall informs you about the Kings prior intent to bestow upon the nation a constitution.
King Prajadipoks personal effects are displayed including items on films, music, sports and writings, revealing his personal tastes. The final exhibition shows his life after abdication and his final years in England.
The King Prajadipok Museum is a very informative source of information on Thailand during this significant period.
* Location : Pom Prap Sattru Phai
* Closing Days : Monday
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
* Entrance fee : 40 THB
Kukrit House
It is difficult to describe the many achievements and talents of Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Promoj, a great grandson of King Rama II, in a limited space. A visit to his home will give you an insight into the life, tastes and achievements of the man who was the 13th Prime Minister of Thailand.
M.R. Kukrit was one of Thailands most interesting characters. He was a noted performer and choreographer of the traditional Thai Khon dance drama, writer of stories that have become Thai classics such as Phai Dang, founder, publisher and editor of the influential Siam Rath newspaper, actor with Marlon Brando in The Ugly American and founder of the Social Action political party, of which he was the leader when he served as Prime Minister from 1974 to 1975. He was a man of impeccable taste which is mirrored in Baan Kukrit his Bangkok home.
The house is set in beautiful tropical gardens with ponds. The architecture is in the Ayutthaya style constructed of teak wood. The main residence building is furnished with antiques such as a lion-leg bed that was used by King Rama II . The library holds books on many subjects, ranging from fiction to philosophy.
There is a smaller house called Ho Kwang, which he used as a private retreat for relaxing and a Thai-style pavilion, with solid teak pillars and furnished in his impeccable taste.
* Location : Sathon
* Closing Days : weekdays
* Opening Hours : 10am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 50 THB, Child 20 THB
Museum of Imaging Technology
The first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia, is located at the same building as the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University on Phaya Thai Road. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are collected and displayed. Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited.
* Location : District Pathum Wan
* Closing Days : Saturday, Sunday
* Opening Hours : 10am - 3pm
* Entrance fee : 100 THB
National Museum
A visit to the National Museum reveals the history of Thailand And how people lived during the different periods. It gives you a view through the windows of the past.
The National Museum collection encompasses a wide range of religious and secular art found throughout the country. Items from pre-historic times, through the Srivijaya, Dvaravati, Khmer Kingdoms and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods of Thai history.
These include Neolithic tools, painted pots and bronze objects unearthed in the northeast. Thai Buddhist art exhibits feature images in stone, bronze and terracotta as well as illustrated scripture books manuscript cabinets and votive plaques.
The Museum also has a large collection of miscellaneous items such as Thai and Chinese ceramics, theatrical costumes, palanquins, weapons and assorted items used in royal households.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Closing Days : Monday, Tuesday
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
* Entrance fee : 40 THB
Philatelic Museum
Remember the days before fax, internet and sms messages when all correspondence was placed in an envelop and taken to the post office where you bought stamps and stuck them in the top right hand corner of the envelop? If it was urgent, you paid a little bit more and the man put an Airmail sticker in the top left hand corner.
The Philatelic Museum takes you through the history of the postal service in Thailand and the world. There are displays of all the Thai stamps and First Day Covers up until today. There is also a collection of stamps from around the world.
The postal service keeps evolving as new technology and logistics systems emerge. But for most of the people of Thailand and the world, it is still an essential service. Who doesn't look forward to opening the mail? And who is not intrigued when they see a stamp from a foreign land?
The Philatelic Museum is the place to visit for stamp collectors and all who have an interest in postal services.
* Location : Phayathai
* Closing Days : Sunday, Monday
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropoloy Centre
The Centre became fully functional in 1999 with the necessary buildings, human resources and modern facilities to fulfill its mission. This is divided into academics and services.
On the academic side, SAC conducts and coordinates research, builds an inventory for study and research, develops the data base and acts as an information exchange for both foreign and local institutes and organizations.
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre has a permanent exhibition open to the public four main subjects:
H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Biographic Exhibition displays photographs and artifacts illustrating her life and works including her numerous contributions to the society and culture of Thailand.
Thai Ceramics Collections exhibits ceramics from prehistoric sites such as Ban Chiang and Ban Kao, stoneware from Northeastern Thailand, pottery from Sukhothai and Buddhist tablets from the various historical periods.
Social and Cultural Development in Thailand is the subject of another exhibition, displaying the results of research in social and cultural development. It covers the various regions in Thailand and highlights the social and cultural relationships between various ethnic groups in Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia.
The Ethno-archaeology Exhibition presents the results of research focused on the comparison of past and present culture.l
* Location : Bangkok Noi
* Closing Days : Sunday
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
Royal Barge National Museum
The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed occasionally during the Tod Kathin Buddhist Festival when H.M. The King delivers new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around the world when it was specially staged for the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok and broadcast live to the participating countries.
These ornately decorated boats are maintained by the Royal Thai Navy and docked at The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi canal on the Thonburi side.
The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga.
In formation the fleet travels in rows five abreast and more than one kilometer from the leading barge to those at the rear. These are propelled by 2,082 specially trained naval personnel
A visit to The Royal Barge National Museum will give you an insight into the colourful culture of Thailand.
* Location : District Bangkok Noi
* Opening Hours : 9am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : 30 THB
Science Centre for Education
This is an exhibition centre on a variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as permanent exhibitions of sports science, communication technology and natural environment.
* Location : District Klong Toey, next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit Road
* Closing Days : Monday and public holidays
* Opening Hours : 8.30 - 4.30pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 40 THB, Child 20 THB
Siam Ocean World
A new attractions in downtown Bangkok. Open in December 2005, Siam Ocean World will be the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With world-standard exhibits and features, the aqaruim comprises a 270-degree acrylic under ocean tunnel, a panoramic oceanarium with a 360-degree view through a 10.5 metre diametre fishbowl, an 8-metre deep reef tank and a rainforest display. More than 400 species or 30,000 marine animals including Penguins, Blue Ring Octopus, Gray Nurse Sharks, Elephant Nose Sharks, Leafy Sea Dragons and Giant Spider Crab can be seen.
* Location : District Pathum Wan
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
* Entrance fee : Adult 450 THB, Child 280 THB (80-120 cm.)
Suan Pakkad Palace
A visit to this exquisite collection of traditional Thai homes, set in beautiful gardens, gives you an insight into the appreciation of art and gardening by members of the Royal Family.
Named after the cabbage patch (Suan Pakkad) which used to occupy this land, it was built as a weekend resort by HRH Prince Chombhotpong Paripatra of Nagor Svarga and his consort, Mom Ratchawong Pantip. They took up permanent residence there after World War II.
The compound contains seven traditional houses that display the diverse art collection assembled by these connoisseurs. Images of the Thai Royal Family, model boats, drums and religious artifacts are displayed in House 1.
The reception area of House 2 exhibits personal items such as ivory boxes and bowls inlaid with mother-of pearl. Lovers of Thai musical instruments will be impressed by the collection in House 3 which also has a palanquin, nielloware and ceramics.
Princess Chumbhots extensive mineral collection is on show in House 4, while House 5 has examples of Ban Chiang pottery. The Sukhothai era is depicted with ceramics, earthenware utensils and figurines in House 6.
The theatrical aspect of Thailand is on display at the Khon Museum is House 7. This exhibit includes Khon masks, costumes, accessories and a model of a troupe performing the Ramakien.
Other displays and exhibitions are in the Lacquer Pavilion and the Marasi Gallery which also has an information system on Ban Chiang art and culture.
* Location : Disctrict Ratchatewi
* Opening Hours : 9am - 4pm
* Entrance fee : 100 THB
Sunthorn Museum
Situated at 82/10 Sukhaphiban 1 (off Phetkasem Road near Lotus Supermarket), this is an private museum operated by Mr. Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses invaluable antiques from different periods such as BMW Motorcycles in the World War Periods, various kinds and types of old clock, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, Raios, Irons, type writers, Fans and sewing machines which are still being maintained in good condition.
* Location : District Nong Klaem
* Closing Days : only open on saturday
* Opening Hours : 11am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : 200 THB
Thai Labour Museum
It exhibits a historical background of Thai labour in 7 rooms: Room 1, slave labour and corvée system the foundation of ancient Thai society presenting the history of Thai labour since ancient times; Room 2, Chinese coolies - early hire workers - featuring their way of life; Room 3, labour and the country's reforms in the reign of King Rama V a major transitional period in Thai history; Room 4, labourers and the 1932 Revolution labourers before and after the revolution; Room 5, from World War to the Cold War Thai labour under critical situations during World War II and the Cold War; Room 6, from the 14 October uprising to the economic crisis life of Thai workers during the pro-democracy period, women and child labour, truck drivers and boxers; Room 7, labour artist Chit Phumisak dedicated to Chit Phumisak, a significant thinker and intellectual. The exhibition in each room is displayed through various media such as television, slides and computer, which make it more interesting and easier to understand. The museum also provides a library service with books and research reports about labourers and computer training for workers.
* Location : Ratchatewi, at the former office of the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union on Nikhom Rotfai Road, Makkasan
* Closing Days : Monday, Tuesday
* Opening Hours : 10am - 4.30pm
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V )stands.
In 1906, His Majesty commissioned the construction of a new Throne Hall within the grounds of the Dusit Palace. The name Ananda Samakhom was taken from a previous building that had deteriorated and was no longer usable. The foundation stone was placed by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne. The design and construction was supervised by Chao Phraya Yommaraj, with a team of Italian architects, engineers and painters. It took nine years to complete the building, which is designed in Italian Renaissance style. The exterior is decorated with marble imported from Carrara in Italy.
As beautiful as the exterior is, it is the exquisite paintings inside that really take your breath away. These paintings, by Mr. C. Riguli and Prof. G. Chini, trace the history of the Chakri Dynasty from Kings Rama I to Rama VI.
The north side dome is painted to depict King Rama I on his return from a battle in a neighbouring country, while the eastern dome has paintings of Kings Rama II and Rama III and their support for the arts.
* Location : District Dusit
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
Bank of Thailand Museum is located in the Bang Khun Phrom Palace, one of the splendid historical sites in Bangkok with artistic beauty in architectural designs and decorative arts. The Palace has a long history tracking back to nearly one hundred years. It was originally a royal residence of H.R.H. Prince Baripatra Sukhumbhand, a son of H.M. King Chulalongkorn and H.M. Queen Sukhumala Marasri, and was a government office for a period of time until 1945, when it became the office premise of the Bank of Thailand and was renovated to house the Bank of Thailand Museum in 1992. The opening ceremony of the Museum was graciously presided over by H.M. the King and the Queen on January 9, 1993.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
The Museum of Buddhism Art
Phatthanakan Road, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, the museum features a large private collection of Buddha images and is operated by The Foundation of Thais Arts Preservation. The exhibition focuses on the art of Buddha images in accordance with Thai history, with an international standard presentation comprising light, sound (chanting), scent (incense) in an air-conditioned atmosphere. Besides Buddha images and artifacts of different periods, there is also an area allocated to be a shrine as well as museum of Kuan Yin and other major gods of various beliefs in Asia.
* Location : Suan Luang
* Closing Days : Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
* Opening Hours : 10am - 5.30pm
* Entrance fee : 250 THB
The Press Museum
This is the first museum to have been established to enhance press occupation and be a source of study and information as well as valuable historical data about the Thai press from past to present. The exhibition is displayed through modern information technology. The first portion presents the press in the past by imitating the working atmosphere of reporters represented by wax models. Next are the political, economic as well as social roles of the press and biographies of outstanding personalities such as Dr. Bradley, Prince Narathipphongpraphan, M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, Kularb Saipradit, Malai Choopinij and Isra Amantakul. There are also images of King Rama IV founder of Thailand's publishing business established to publish declarations and royal gazettes, the first newspaper for Thai people and King Rama VI a press king who granted freedom for newspaper publication. The museum features an exhibition on newspapers and magazines and provides a library service, as well.
* Location : District Dusit, same building as the Press Association of Thailand on Ratchasima Road, opposite Suan Dusit Rajabhat University
* Opening Hours : 9am - 5pm
Vimanmek Mansion Museum
This is the world's largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing fin de siecle royal memorabilia. A guided tour in English is provided to visitors. Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibols photography, H.M. Queen Sirikits collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 9.30am- 4.30pm
* Entrance fee : 100 THB
Vimanmek Palace
An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftsmanship of the carpenters, you will travel back through time to gain a rare insight into the lifestyle of royalty.
Vimanmek Mansion, the principal building in the palace compound, was built for King Rama V on land he named The Dusit Garden located between Padung Krungkasem and Samsen canals. The completion was celebrated on March 27, 1901 and King RamaV took up residence until 1906. The mansion was originally his Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang Island. It was dismantled and re-built at the present location under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse. The three-storey Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teak building in the world, built in an architectural style that reflects European influences. There are two right-angled wings, each 60 metres long and 20 metres high. The section where The King resided is octagonal and has four storeys. The mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers.
Following King Rama V moving to Amporn Satarn Mansion in 1906, Vimanmek Mansion was un-occupied until 1925 when King Rama VI gave permission for his wife, HRH Indharasaksaji to take up residence there. She stayed there until his death.
For the next 50 years it was used as just a storage area for the Bureau of the Royal Household until 1982 when HRH Queen Sirikit initiated its restoration as a museum to commemorate King Rama V.
* Location : District Dusit
* Opening Hours : 9.30am - 3pm
* Entrance fee : 100 THB
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Temples
The City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Muang)
According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the citys horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
The Grand Palace
Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.
Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Closing Days : Royal ceremonies - public holidays
* Opening Hours : 8.30am - 3.30pm
* Entrance fee : 250 THB
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Make sure you set aside one late afternoon to see and photograph this imposing sight at sunset with the Chao Phraya River in the foreground. These photographs will bring back beautiful memories of Bangkok.
The temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and was originally called Wat Makok after the name of the local village Tambol Bangmakok. It means "Village of Olives". Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.
The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.
* Location : District Bangkok Yai
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 7.30am - 5.30pm
* Entrance fee : 20 THB
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is known to foreigners as The Marble Temple as its exterior is clad in Carrara marble. Very talented The Prince Naris, a son of King Rama IV , designed the main building which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.
The interior crossbeams are decorated with lacquer and gold. The walls of the spacious inner courtyard are lined with a large collection of bronze Buddha images. The canal in front and to the left hand side has ornate bridges.
It is advisable to come in the early morning to see local people offering alms to the monks as they do not go outside as monks at other temple do. Stand at the main entrance to the compound and watch the pigeons take flight. If you cant be there at this time, go at sunset when the main doors are illuminated. This is another sight well worth witnessing.
* Location : District Dusit
* Opening Hours : 6am - 6pm
* Entrance fee : 20 THB
Wat Bowon Niwet
It is an awesome feeling to stand before this Buddha image that reaches to the sky at 32 metres tall.
During the reign of King Rama I he suppressed a rebellion in Laos and brought members of the Lao royal family to settle in this area. One of these was Chao Inthawong, who was a devout Buddhist, helped to restore the local temple which is now Wat Intharawihan.
In 1867, Somdej Phra Buddhachan started the construction of this giant Buddha called Luang Pho To, logs and structural steel were used as alternate abutments. After his death in 1872 construction continued until completion in 1927. This spanned the reigns of King Rama IV to King Rama VII.
The Topknot contains relics of The Lord Buddha which were donated by the Government of Sri Lanka and placed there in 1978 by H.R.H The Crown Prince Vachiralongkorn.
Devotees believe that Luang Pho To can bless everyone with success, particularly if they present the head of a mackerel fish, a boiled egg and a lei of flowers.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Opening Hours : 8.30am - 8pm
Wat Mahathat
This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. The temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn, Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University
* Opening Hours : 8.30am - 9pm
* Entrance fee : 20 THB
Wat Pho
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.
Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measues 46 metres and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.
Traditionally, temples were the schools as there was no formal education system, with monks providing basic lesson in both spiritual and secular subjects. King Rama III turned Wat Po into a major centre for learning in botany, geography and history.
For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Opening Hours : 8.30am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : 20 THB
Wat Ratchabophit
Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign. The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new ideas and a desire to experiment with them. The exterior of the chapel is in the Thai style, but the interior is decorated in the European style.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn, on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat Pho
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 8am - 5pm
Wat Ratchaburana
This temple is located at the foot of the Rama I Memorial Bridge on the Bangkok side. Built in the late Ayutthaya period by a Chinese merchant, it is otherwise known as Wat Liap and is one of the 3 principal temples of the capital which include Wat Ratchaburana, Wat Ratchapradit and Wat Mahathat. It had been regularly restored since the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama VII, except in the sixth reign. Some of the temples principal buildings, especially Phra Ubosot the ordination hall which houses mural paintings by Khrua In Khong, were badly damaged by bombing during World War II. The buildings were later restored to their good condition as they appear today.
* Location : District Bang Bon
* Opening Hours : 6am - 6pm
Wat Ratchanatdaram
Located on Mahachai Road, the temple was built in the reign of King Rama III in 1846. Loha Prasat, the temples main attraction, standing 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, is the only one of its kind left in the world. Next to the temple is the area for welcoming an important foreign guest and a memorial statue of King Rama III.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 8am - 5pm
Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram
The temple is relatively small and covers a total area of approximately 2 rai. It was built in the reign of King Rama IV who intended it to be a temple in the Dhammayutika Sect as well as to be one of the 3 major temples as required by an old tradition to be situated within the capital. The place was originally a royal coffee plantation in the reign of King Rama III. With his personal donation, King Rama IV bought the plantation and had a small temple constructed there, naming it Wat Ratchapradit Sathitthammayutikaram. Later, he had the name changed to Wat Ratchapradit Sathitmahasimaram. A place of interest in this temple is Phra Wihan Luang - the royal image hall - which houses mural paintings depicting The Royal Ceremonies over 12 Months and legend of the solar eclipse phenomenon.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn, the north of Saran Rom Park
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 8am - 6pm
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
This landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.
The Golden Mount is on a man-made hill with a diameter of 500 metres and soars 100 metres to the sky. There was a small chedi on this site and after it collapsed, King Rama III commissioned the constructed of a much larger one which was completed during the reign of King Rama V.
In 1877, King Rama V brought the Buddha relic in the custody of the Royal Chakri family from the Grand Palace to the Royal Pavilion at Wat Saket. It was then enshrined in the in the pagoda on top of the Golden Mount.
Two decades later, Marquis Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, presented more Buddha relics near the Nepalese border to King Rama V. These were enshrined in a bronze pagoda in 1899 and installed on the top of the Golden Mount.
The temple, Wat Saket, was built during the reign of King Rama I and is the location for a festival each November that includes a climb to the top of the Golden Mount.
* Location : District Pom Prap Sattru Phai
* Opening Hours : 7.30am - 5.30pm
* Entrance fee : 10 THB
Wat Thepthidaram
The temple was built in the reign of King Rama III with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailand's greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monkshood from 1840 - 1842.
* Location : District Phra Nakorn, Mahachai Road
* Opening Hours : 8am - 5pm
Wat Trai Mit
The Golden Buddha is believed to be 700 to 800 years old as it is in the Mara attitude, typical of the Sukhothai era. It was installed at Wat Phrayakrai in the Yannawa area of Bangkok during the reign of King Rama III where it stayed until 1931.
The temple had fallen out of use and was abandoned so the Ecclesiastical Commission had it relocated at Wat Trai Mit. At this time, no one seemed to know that it was made of pure gold.
Then in 1955, Reverend Phra Visutha-thibordee, the presiding abbot at the temple had supervised the construction of the temple building to house the Buddha. When it was being moved into its new position, the covering plaster was damaged revealing what was inside - Buddha image cast in 18 carat gold.
It is believed that the original Golden Buddha was disguised under the plaster covering to hide it from enemies during the Ayutthaya period. Photographs of different stages of the plaster removal are displayed in the Wihan.
* Location : District Samphan Thawong
* Closing Days : none
* Opening Hours : 8am - 5pm
* Entrance fee : 20 THB
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