Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch if the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers, and it is home to approximately ten million people or over 10% of the country's population.
Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, BAngkok, has changed into a modern exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure house of cultural attractions.
Bangkok takes great pride in a large number of fascinating temples around the capital. The major ones can be found in the Rattanakosin area in the western side of the city. The Rattanakosin are is called an island but in fact is now incorporated into the city. A trip there will allow visitors to see many attractions within a short distance of one another.
The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings with a variety of architectural styles. Gold leaf, reflective tiling and Buddha images are to be seen every where. The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo, a treasure house of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha image, is at the heart of the complex, but there is much else of interest to be seen in the Grand Palace compound, such as the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins, where a permanent exhibition of royal regalia,decorations, medals and coins dating back to the early 11th century is on display.
The complex is open daily form 8.30 am. to 3.30 pm. except on special days designated for royal ceremonies to be announced later. The admission fee is 200 Baht which include entry to Vimanmek Mansion and the Coin Pavillion.
Nowadays, Anantasamakhom Throne Hall is primarily used to hold important royal and state ceremonies. Recently, the hall has welcomed leaders from many countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2003 hosted by the Royal Thai Government.
Wat Mahadhatu
Located across the street from Wat Phra Kaeo on the west dise of Sanam Luang, Wat Mahadhatu, known as the temple of the Great Relic, is the national centre for the Mahanikai monastic sect. The temple houses mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two hihest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and offers meditation instruction in English for interested vititors. The temple is open daily with free admission. For more information on the Meditation Centre : Tel 02-222-6011
Vimanmek Mansion (The Celestial Residence)
This is the largest golden teakwood building in the world, built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) as a royal residence. It is located behind the National Assembly Building. The 3 storey mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and antechambers. It was renovaed and extensivley restored by the order of H.M. Queen Sirikit to house priceless treasures and a collection of late 19th and early 20th century royal memorabilia.
Situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Mansion is Abisek Dusit Throne Hall, a one-storey teak building built in the reign of King Rama V. The hall is not Thailand's first handicraft museum where Her Majesty The Queen collects handicraft masterpieces, created by members of her SUPPORT Foundation. In the museum, visitors will find handicrafts such as nielloware, Thai silk with various unique designs, Liphao basketry made from finely split jungle vines like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs such as green beetle.
Near the entrance to Vimanmek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum with splendid examples of ancient horse drawn carriages.
Vimanmek Mansion is open daily from 9.00 am to 3.15 pm. There are Thai classical dance performances at 10.30 am. and 2.00 pm. Admission is 100 Baht. For visitors holding a ticket to the Grand Palace, admission is free. Polite and modest attire is required. Visit www.vimanmek.com for more information.
The Royal Elephant National Museum
This is the first building on the right when entering the Vimanmek compound, containing a life-like model of the white elephant. The myth and legend of the white elephant began in Southeast Asia - The Land of the White Elephant. In the story of the Lord Buddha, the white elephant is connected to fertility and to knowledge. On the eve of giving birth to the Lord Buddha, his mother dreams that a white elephant comes to present her with a lotus, symbol of purity and knowledge.
The white elephant is something above an ordinary elephant. In Thailand the white elephant is sacred and revered. Indeed, they put the white elephant on their new flag. When elephants were no longer so vital for warfare, elephant hunts had become less common, and fewer of the rare white elephants were found. The Siamese king passed a law demanding that any white elephant found in the kingdom had to be presented to the king. He sent out scouting parties and offered rewards. The discovery of a white elephant bacame a special event, a time for national celebration. In this museum, the visitor can see pictures of elelphants promoted to the title of "Royal Elephants" by past kings. For more information, please contact Tel: 02-282-3336.
Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Neighboring the Grand Palace enclave, this temple was built in 1688 and considered the largest in Bangkok. The famous Reclining Buddha, constructed in 1832, is enshrined in this temple. This 46 metres long and 15 meters high gold-plated Reclining Buddha with the eyes and feet inlaid with mother-of-perl brings to mind the Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana. The sole also shows 108 auspicious characteristics of the true "Buddha".
Wat Pho was also the first center of public education in the Kingdom. Nowadays, it is an important center for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is open daily from 8.00 am. to 5.00 pm. and the entry fee is 20 Baht. Modest atire is required. For more information, contact Tel: 02-222-7831, 02-225-9595 or www.watpho.com
San Lak Mueang (Bangkok City Pillar Shrine)
On the south-east corner of Sanam Luang, this shrine houses a city pillar placed there by King Rama I to mark his new capital, Bagkok. It is reputed by many to have the power of granting wishes. The city pillar is made of the wood of "Javanese Cassia" and contains the city horoscope.
Sanam Luang (Phramen Ground)
Sanam Luang, an oval public are in fron to the Grand Palace, is used for various royal ceremonies including Royal Cremations and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony held each May. Located near its borders are several important institutions such as the Fine Arts Department, Thammasat University, Bangkok National Museum and National Gallery.
Bangkok National Museum
Near the National Theatre and not far from Sanam Luang, One of the largest and most comprehensive museum in Southeast Asia, the National Museum houses an imprtant nad superb collection of artifacts and objects d'art ranging from the Bronze Age to the Bangkok period. The complex consists of several old and beautiful buildings of architectural design once used as a palace. The museum is open daily form 9.00am. to 4.00 pm., except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. The admission fee is 40 Baht. For more information, please contact Tel: 02-224-1370 or
www.thailandmuseum.comThe National Gallery
Located acros the National Museum on Chao Fa Road, this building was once the old Royal Mint and was converted into the National Gallery in 1974. It displays permanent traditional paintings and contemporary paintings by leading Thai artists. There are regular temporary exhibitions. The admission fee is 30 Baht(package ticket 80 Baht).
It opens in Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 am to 4.00 om More information, please contact Tel: 02-281-2224, 02-282-2639 Ext. 14, 17 or www.thailandmuseum.com
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
This famous Bangkok landmark is one the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya river, directly opposite the Grand Palace complex and easily accessible by boat from the Bangkok side. The temple dates back to Ayutthaya period (1782-1809 A.D.) The temple was enlarged by King Rama II and King Rama III. The renovation completed in the reign of King Rama IV. The Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this temple for a brief period before King Rama I built the Grand Palace and
Wat Phra Kaeo on the Bangkok side.
The landmark of this temple is a 79-meter massive central pagoda 'Phra Prang' and four smaller ones at each corner. The decoration of the central pagoda is formed by encrusted pieces of porcelain which sparkles in the sun. Despite its name, the tmple offers best photographic opportunities in the late afternoon with the sun setting in the red sky behind the temple.
To visit the temple, shuttle boats from Tha Tian pier at the southwest side of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo are are provided regularly. There are also services of the Chao Phraya Express Boat which stop by Tha Tian pier and several Thon Buri canal tours, getting around the temple.
Entrance to the temple is from 7.00 am. to 5.00 pm with 20 Baht entrance fee. For more information, please contact Tel : 02-465-1117 or www.watarun.org
Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, this temple houses the extraordinary 700 year-old Golden Buddha image, a seated figure composed entirely of five and a half tons of gold. Previously, it had been covered with plaster and once broken off, the true treasure beneath was suddenly revealed - the figure was found to be composed entirely of gold. It is now an important and sacred Buddha image of unique beauty. The temple is open daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with admission fee is 20 Baht. Modest attire is essential. More information, please contact Tel : 02-222-9015 or www.wattrimit.com
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Situated on Si Ayutthaya Road, near the intersection with Rama V Road, this unique marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (1868 - 1910 A.D.). Its proportions are classically bueatiful, with European influences evident in its stained glass windows and the use of Carrara marble. The temple houses a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images and many reckon the temple to be one of the finest in the world as fas as its craftmanship and architectural splendour are concerned. It attracts a large numbers of visitors every year. Entrance fee is 20 Baht. The temple is open daily from 8.00 am. to 3.30 pm. Modest attire is essential. Please contact Tel : 02-281-5591 for more information.
Wat Suthat
Located on Bamrung Mueng Road, the temple is renowned for its superb murals and elaborate wood carving door panels created during the reign of King Rama II. The preaching hall contains a collection of gilded Buddha images. The temple was constructed in the early 19th century and there are four smaller chapels constructed on each of its corners.
The main Buddha image, Phra Si Sakayamuni was originally cast in the Sukhothai period (1238 - 1438 A.D.) With 8 meters tall on a base of 6.25, the image is the largest bronze-cast and considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand. The cloisters with the complex are pleasantly quiet and contain many Buddha images. Wit hthe admission fee of 20 Baht, the temple is open daily from 9.00 am. to 8.00 pm. For more information, please contact Tel : 02-229-4026 or www.watsuthat.org
The Giant Swing
The unusual 200 year old red construction outside Wat Suthat was once used in Brahmanic ceremonies in honour of the highest God Shiva. Furthermore, it was used competitively in a contest designed to seek the brave man who could swing highest to seize a money bag from a 25 metre-high pole. This, nevertherless, was outlawed many years ago, when accidents and deaths became too common.
Wat Rajbopit
South of Wat Suthat is the impressive Wat Rajbopit, built in the reign of King Rama V (1868 - 1910 A.D.) Its most striking features are the 5-color porcelain mosaics encrusted the main stupa. The architecture of the main chapel is in Thai-style, while its interior decoration reflected European incluence with some Gothic details. Visitors will particularly be impressed with the delicate mother-of-perl inlay decoration and exquisite bas-relief of the window and door panels of the main chapel. The temple is open daily from 8.00 am. to 5.00 pm with free admission. Please contact Tel : 02-222-3930, 02-331-0904 for more information.
