One Day Trip in Bangkok Route 2

This day includes a little bit of everything, visiting a beautiful temple, a throne hall, a palace, a historic house, ending the day with a vigorous shopping spree.

The day begins early at Wat Benchamabophit (วัดเบญจมบพิตร) on Sri Ayutthaya Road. This uniquely beautiful marble temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb cloister collection of bronze Buddha images.
Open: Daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum (พระที่นั่งวิมานเมฆ) 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.
Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects; for example, H.M. King Bhumibol’s photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit’s collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m.to 4 p.m. Proper attire is required

Anantasamakhom Throne Hall. (พระที่นั่งอนันตสมาคม)
Designed by an Italian architect, his Renaissance building was constructed of marble from Italy under the instruction of King Rama V, with an intention to be used as a royal reception – assembly hall. The dome of the throne hall houses picturesque frescoes of royal activities undertaken during the reigns of King Rama I – King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri. The building serves as a venue for royal and state ceremonies and was once used as the National Assembly before it was moved to the new building behind.
Open: Daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except public holidays)
Proper attire is required

Jim Thompson Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์จิม ทอมป์สัน)
This collection of traditional Thai-style houses, fashioned into one dwelling, belongs to the man who helped restore the Thai silk industry after World War II, and today, preserved as a museum, contains a priceless collection of Asian objects d’ art. The canal-side museum is located in Soi Kasemsan 2 on Rama I Road opposite the National Stadium.
Open: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If there is a shopping district in Bangkok, Rachadamri area is it. Several shops and shopping malls are located within walking distance from each other. Added to the convenience is a BTS train and walkways linking many of these elegant complexes. Start from Chit Lom Station and make your way to Siam Square. You can find luxury brand name good, as well as other fashionable local brands at reasonable prices. There is always a sale going on somewhere and hunting for those bargains can be a lot of fun. For a more local flavour, check out Narayana Phand Pavillion which offers a vast collection of local handicraft products, where you can find perfect souvenirs and gifts

One Day Trip in Bangkok Route 1

A cultural sight seeing in Bangkok can be a daunting task considering there are so many places to see all over town and to fight the traffic to reach all the places would require a lot of patience and perseverance. A good way to start off in terms of getting the most Bang(kok) for the Buck would be at the Grand Palace. Constructed simultaneously with the establishment of Bangkok by King Rama I the Great, the complex covers a total area of 132 rai and comprises 3 major quarters– the throne halls, royal residences and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a royal temple situated on the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace compound. It is where the image of the Emerald Buddha is enshrined as well as royal religious ceremonies have been performed. The construction of the temple was completed in 1784, and it has consistently undergone several times of restoration from the reign of King Rama I through to the reign of King Rama IX.

Next to the Grand Palace Complex is Wat Pho, home to the 46 meter long Reclining Buddha. The temple is considered the first centre of public education and is regarded as ‘Thailand’s first university’. Thai traditional massage is taught at this temple. Certified masseuses are available for weary tourists wanting to relax after a long sightseeing day.
Across the Chao Phraya river from the Grand Palace is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), famed for its sparkling porcelain encrusted 79 metre central pagoda. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.

Royal Barge National Museum
Thailand’s ornately carved and decorated Royal Barges are displayed in boatsheds on Khlong (Canal) Bangkok Noi, just off the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pin Klao Bridge on the Thon Buri side. The barges are used on royal occasions and formerly served as war vessels.

Making way across town to Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, it is worthwhile to stop and admire an ancient solid gold seated Buddha image of the Sukhothai Period at Wat Trai Mit at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near Bangkok Railway Station.

China Town was gradually settled up by Chinese traders who came by junks to trade with Siam during the Sukhothai era. By 1891, King Rama V had several more roads cut through the area with Yaowarat Road as its center. The shape of Yaowarat Road is curved like the dragon’s body, making it an ideal location for business. What visitors can find here vary from leading gold shops, textiles, garments, souvenirs, second-hand parts and equipment, electric goods, computer parts, antiques, imported musical instrument and definitely local delicacies.