Bangkok and it's Day Trips

Ayutthaya which is 100km North of Bangkok.
Bangkok
Eastern Beaches includes Chonburi and Pattaya area and is 150kms South West of Bangkok.
Inner West includes Damnoen Saduak and Mae Klong area and is 100km West of Bangkok.
Kanchanaburi which is 150kms West of Bangkok.
Western Beaches includes Cha-am and Hua Hin area and is 200km South West of Bangkok.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat) – If you appreciate fine architecture and love Thai temples then you must visit Loha Prasat

There are plenty of temples to visit in Bangkok and each one has its own unique identity but some temples really stand out for their grandeur and unmistakable individuality. Loha Prasat, also known as the ‘metal castle’ is definitely one temple that you have to check out during your visit to Bangkok.

Reaching 36 meters into the sky, Loha Prasat was built in 1846 and is inspired by similar temples once found in India and Sri Lanka. The roof construction features 37 metal spires, each signifying one of the 37 virtues needed to reach enlightenment. When the spires are illuminated at night, they are said to look like candles on a birthday cake. Multiple concentric square levels are built on aligned pillars. Loha Prasat is an Indian name, dating from the time of Buddha, referring to multi-story and square based construction with metal spires. Loha Prasat was originally used as Monk’s quarters and only three examples of this kind of architecture ever existed. Only this one in Bangkok remains.

Guide Yuut takes you around Loha Prasat

Loha Prasat is so close to the center of town and the Wat Saket and Khao San Road that visiting it is a must when you’re nearby. There’s a small fee to enter this beautiful temple with its spiral staircase and often you will be one of only a few people inside. You can wander among the alleys created by the pillars to learn more about the rich history of this temple. Check out the white temples of Wat Ratchanaddaram that surround Loha Prasat and admire the golden Buddha statues and the beautiful murals and door carvings. There is a market selling religious trinkets, statues and Khon masks behind Loha Prasat where you’l find some excellent keepsakes to remind you of your visit to Loha Prasat.

Of course, this temple is near the center of Bangkok and there are many other temples, museums and attractions nearby that you can visit. Consider adding some of these other exciting locations to your tour itinerary when you talk to us:

The Old City (Rattanakosin)
Khao San Road
Bangkok National Gallery
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Erawan Shrine
The Grand Palace/Wat Phra Keaw / Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Pho ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’

Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat) can be visited every day of the week from 8am until 5pm.

Admission Price: 20 baht.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat):

Respectful attire is required. Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara (Loha Prasat) is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.

Wat Ratchabophit – An ornately tiled temple mixing Thai and western architecture

Bangkok is home to an awe inspiring range of amazingly decorated temples and Wat Ratchabophit is yet another fine example of the wide range of color and architectural styles reflected in these beautiful structures. The colorful tiled rooftops, golden spires, and vaulting structures of Wat Ratchabophit are reminiscent of both traditional Thai architecture and gilded Italian architectural influences. Centrally located in Phra Nakon in the heart of the city, Wat Ratchabophit is easily included in a central Bangkok tour.

Built in 1869, Wat Ratchabophit welcomes you through doors featuring carvings of soldiers. The temple has a unique layout including a circular courtyard at the center, within which stands a 43 meters high gilded chedi built in Sri Lankan style. The outside of the buildings are decorated with hand-painted glazed tiles similar to Thai benjarong enamels, while the doors and window frames are elaborately decorated with gold and mirrors.

South of the temple there are the buildings that house the monks and workers of the temple (known as kuti). At the far end of these are a Chinese-style building that at one time, was used by royalty when they stayed at the temple.

Wat Ratchabophit has two important and unique features worth visiting to see: The Golden Pig statue and The Gothic-style chedi.

The Golden Pig statue

If you cross the canal using the footbridge at the north end of the temple, you’ll find a gilded statue of a pig. The story goes that the footbridge was built by one of the wives of King Rama V, it originally had no name, but since she was born in the year of the pig, the bridge became known by that name. The statue was later erected in her honor.

The Gothic-style chedi in the forecourt of the temple

On the west side of the temple, facing the Lawd canal, is a burial ground containing small monuments in a variety of styles. Most of them are for members of the royal family. It’s here that the occasional Gothic elements of the temple itself become more like mini cathedrals. In addition to the Gothic buildings, there are traditional wiharns featuring gilded pagodas on their roofs.

What is a chedi? What is a wiharn?

Chedi – Sometimes translated as stupa or even pagoda. This generally bell-shaped tower will usually contain a relic of the Buddha, but may also be built to contain the ashes of a king or important monk. Those who can afford it may also build smaller, typically square-shaped, ones for their own final resting place. The bell-shaped chedi evolved during the golden age of Ayutthaya.

Wihara – Which can also be spelled with a “V” instead of a “W” – house important buddha images and are where the laity come to pray. While there will always only be one ubosot in a wat, there can be several Wiharn.

The easiest way to get to Wat Ratchabophit is by boat. Take the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier then walk through the market and up the street.

Wat Ratchabophit is close to many other great Bangkok temples, so you could spend the day exploring the multitude of styles and the wonderful architecture and art of temples like The Grand Palace/Wat Phra Keaw, Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Suthat and The Giant Swing.

Wat Ratchabophit can be visited every day of the week from 8am until 5pm. Ordination Hall at Wat Ratchabophit holds daily prays at 9.00 – 9.30am and 5.30 – 6.00 pm, if you come during these times you might get a peek inside.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Ratchabophit:

Respectful attire is required. Wat Ratchabophit is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.
The Wat Ratchabophit is an important Royal temple, so please dress appropriately (no revealing clothes). Also remember to behave appropriately, be quiet, and be respectful as many locals attend to pray and worship.

Wat Pathum Wanaram – A quiet and relaxing temple set amid the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok

Another central Bangkok temple that should be on your list is Wat Pathum Wanaram. Its complete name is a bit of a mouthful, being ‘Wat Pathum Wanaram Ratcha Wora Viharn’. Despite the name, it’s a simple and beautiful green space reserved for quiet contemplation and worship. Wat Pathum Wanaram is one of the oldest, yet one of the most overlooked temples in the city.

Among the buildings at the temple is a sala (open pavilion for prayer), partially reconstructed from the crematorium of the late Princess Mother of Thailand. One of the most impressive things about it is that it displays beautiful ancient craftsmanship featuring ornate stencils and lacquered sculptures. Known as ‘phra men’, it represents Mount Meru, the ancient home of the gods.

Beautiful and colorful flags containing religious and contemplative messages hang from the branches of the trees that surround the temple. This is just one of the mysteries of this temple that reveal themselves layer by layer as you pass between the outer and inner wall to see the temple itself. A large pond and a parking area are inside the high outer wall of the temple. Once inside, there are beautiful tropical gardens just behind the temple. Monks live here and their living quarters are separated from the main temple by a wall.

The grounds of Wat Pathum Wanaram are where six people were shot and killed during the unrest of 2010 while taking refuge from the violence, but this hasn’t impacted the temple’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere at all.

There is very little English signage inside the temple compound so be sure to take your guide to help explain it all to you.

This temple is right in the middle of a buzzing shopping district of Bangkok. Surrounded by greenery, it makes a nice retreat from the hurried pace of the busy city all around. Considered one of the most authentic temple visits you can make in Bangkok, you can sit in quiet contemplation, talk to monks, and enjoy the authentic surroundings.

As this wat is situated in Central Bangkok, you can also check out these other temples, shopping experiences, galleries and attractions nearby:

Wat Pathum Wanaram can be visited every day of the week from 9am until 5pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Pathum Wanaram:

Respectful attire is required. Wat Pathum Wanaram is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a third-class royal Buddhist temple located in Phasi Charoen district, Bangkok, at the Chao Phraya River

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a 32,000 square meters (7.9 acres) temple complex, with a large number of buildings. The temple’s grounds are shaped like an island, surrounded by canals. The temple has a clear separation of the living areas for monks and mae chi. The temple is popular among mae chi (nuns). One of them, Mae chi Chandra Khonnokyoong, went on to establish another temple which later became widely known as Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

Wat Paknam is well-known for its five-floor grand pagoda, at the top of which you’ll find the very beautiful emerald-glass pagoda. It is a large and popular temple, supported by prosperous community members.

Wat Paknam has many interesting things to see and do:

Gardens and waterfalls – The beautiful gardens within the temple compound lend a peaceful background to the temple buildings.

Museum – Wat Paknam asked people to donate second-hand belongings of educational value to the museum in the stupa. As a result, there’s an eclectic and interesting range on display, from classic cars to Thai artifacts.

Painted dome inside the stupa – This amazingly detailed, neon colored painted dome inspires awe in travelers and locals alike. Spend some time appreciating this amazing work.

Cats and dogs – In Thailand, most temples offer refuge to cats and dogs. Monks feed and care for the cats and dogs and they do what cats and dogs do, which is have kittens and puppies. So if you visit the Temples of Thailand you are going to see some cats and dogs! The Monks feed the animals, or their helpers feed them, and how much food they get depends on the temple.

Somdet Chuang finished building the huge stupa at the temple in 2012. Named ‘Maharatchamongkhon’, it means ‘a blessed, great land’. It refers to Thailand under the reign of the Royal Family, to which the stupa has been dedicated. It also refers to Somdet Chuang’s honorary name. The 80-meters-high stupa has a twelve-sided polygon shape with five floors, including another glass stupa, a room with filled with relics, Buddha images and images of respected monks, including that of Luang Pu Sodh. The structure also contains a meditation hall, a museum, a parking lot, and a lift. The design is partly based on the shape of Luang Pu Sodh’s well-known amulets, and partly on the stupa of Wat Lok Moli in Chiang Mai, showing both Rattanakosin and Lanna style influences. Within the top of the Maharatchamongkhon stupa, Pali phrases have been carved into gold, praising mindfulness, moderation, and the upholding of the five precepts. The halls within are exquisitely decorated with paintings depicting Buddhist cosmology, based on the legend of Phra Malai and the ancient text Traibhumikatha. The life of Luang Pu Sodh and that of Somdet Chuang are also depicted. The stupa was finished in 2012, costing a total of 500 million baht. The top floor of the magnificent stupa features an incredible domed ceiling with neon-colored images. From there, you can step out onto the balcony for a panoramic view of the city.

In March 2017, Wat Paknam began building a bronze Buddha image in honor of the Royal Family. The Buddha image will be 69 meters tall and placed before the stupa.

Wat Paknam isn’t easy to find. It’s located south-east of the center of Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya River. Wat Paknam Temple is accessible by road or by river boat from Tha Chang or Tha Saphan Phut pier. Ask your guide for the best way to incorporate a visit to Wat Paknam into your tour.

With 33,000 temples across the country, no Thailand adventure is complete without a little temple hopping. Wat Paknam is in an area that most travelers never go to and is one of the best places to experience Thai local living.

Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen can be visited every day of the week from 8am until 6pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen:

Respectful attire is required. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.

Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara – An authentic Wat that isn’t on the tourist maps

If you’d like to visit a Thai temple that’s right in the heart of the city, but off the beaten tourist track then consider adding a visit to Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara to your tour itinerary with Your Thai Guide.

This beautiful old temple was founded in 1825 in Thonburi on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It is a calm and very spiritual wat featuring the largest sitting buddha in Bangkok at approximately 16 meters high and 11 meters wide. Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara is also home to the largest bell in Thailand (which brings good luck if rung three times).

After a visit to Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara, head back across the river to visit Wat Arun (popularly known as The Temple of Dawn), the Pak Khlong Flower Market, and all the attractions of Bangkok’s old city and Grand Palace area. If it’s getting late, stay on the Thonburi side of the river and visit Lhong 1919 to experience modern shopping and dining on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara can be visited every day of the week from 7am until 5pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Kalayanamit Varamahavihara:

This wat is not part of the regular tourist trail in order to preserve the focus of the Buddhist university situated at the temple.
The public are warmly welcomed but are asked to keep a low profile so as not to distract the monks praying and studying.
The Thai temple dress code is especially important here. Remember, the basic rule is for men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. Wear long shorts, capri pants, trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt. Wear any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A T-shirt, blouse or polo is fine. A sari or scarf worn around the shoulders over a tank top is ok and you can even use them as a makeshift long skirt.
Visitors may be asked to refrain from taking photographs in some areas of the complex.

Wat Hua Lumphong – The Coffin Temple

There are more than 35,000 temples in Thailand, big and small. Visitors who want a down to earth, compassionate and spiritual experience when visiting a Thai temple would be well advised to add a visit to Wat Hua Lumphong to their itinerary. Wat Hua Lumphong is known locally as the coffin temple.

Often listed among Thailand’s weird and quirky temples, Wat Hua Lumphong is unique in that it offers some different and interesting experiences you can participate in on your visit. You can make candles, feed cattle, and make offerings to help purchase coffins for those who cannot afford them.

The temple is unusual in that the ordination and assembly halls are built one story above ground level. The main attraction inside the ordination hall are the wall murals. Other attractions on display inside the main temple grounds are several shrines dedicated to King Rama V and Ganesha.

Wat Hua Lumphong does not get many foreign tourists but is extremely popular among Thai people. People mainly come to donate money for coffins for those that pass away without having anyone to buy them a coffin.

There’s plenty of ways to interact and make donations at Wat Hua Lumphong. One of the popular activities is melting wax discs to make giant candles. You pick a wax disc that has your birth animal on it and take it to be melted. Drop the wax disc into the big vat and then scoop out some liquid wax and pour it into the large candle mould. You can even make merit by buying food for cattle in the temple and save them from being slaughtered. Lighting and floating candles is also popular, as it is in many Thai temples. You can pay to release caged pigeons, which apparently will bring you prosperity. Keep in mind that they’ll probably be caught again so the next person can set them ‘free’. Wat Hua Lumphong is also famous for its abundance of fortune tellers.

Wat Hua Lumphong is called the coffin temple because of its benevolent practice of providing coffins to those who cannot afford them. Some of the coffins go to homeless people who died alone. Even for non-Buddhists it is considered an act of compassion to donate coffins and plenty of travelers will come to Por Tek Tung foundation at Wat Hua Lumphong to do this. If you want to donate a coffin it will cost you 500 baht (although you can donate less). Tell the staff in attendance how much you want to donate by writing your name on a pink slip. After donating money, you will get the pink slip back and a certificate. Next, pray and then paste the pink paper on a coffin. Next to this is an area that looks a bit like a Chinese temple where many local people come to pray. Here you pray again and burn the certificate in the bowl. The staff at the coffin donation area are very helpful and willing to explain the procedure to first time visitors.

Visit Wat Hua Lumphong to experience the spiritual side of the city. Beliefs aside, you can make a difference for people in need, especially when it comes to the last act of their lives.

Wat Hua Lumphong is a Royal Buddhist temple, third class, in the Bang Rak District of Bangkok, Thailand. It is located on Rama IV Road right in the thick of Bangkok’s central business district, so transport options are plentiful.

Some other wonderful and unique Bangkok attractions nearby include:

Chinatown
Khlong Toei Market (Bangkok’s favorite wet market)
Lumphini Park
Jim Thompson House and Museum
M.R. Kukrit’s House

Wat Hua Lumphong is open twenty-four hours a day and can be visited every day of the week.

Admission Price: 40 baht.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Hua Lumphong:

The dress code is a little less strict at Wat Hua Lumphong, but it is still advised to follow the same advice for how to dress when visiting all temples. The basic rule is for men and women to cover your shoulders and knees, (ideally cover your ankles as well). Wear long shorts, capri pants, trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt. Wear any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A T-shirt, blouse or polo is fine. A sari or scarf worn around the shoulders over a tank top is ok and you can even use them as a makeshift long skirt.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.
Wat Hua Lumphong is an important Royal Buddhist temple, so please remember to behave appropriately, be quiet, and be respectful as many locals attend to pray and worship.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara – a first-class Royal Buddhist monastery of the Dhammayut tradition

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is the main temple complex situated on the northeast side of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin island, just inside the old city wall bordering Banglumpoo canal. The name literally translates as the ‘Excellent Abode Monastery’, but the meaning behind the name is ‘Temple where the Viceroy Resides’.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara has a long and interesting history, rich with symbolism intertwined with Thai royalty. The temple, also known as Wat Bovornives was built during the reign of King Nangklao (Rama III) in the first half of the 19th century, when it was called Wat Mai. Originally there were two temples separated by a canal, Wat Rangsi Sutthawat and Wat Mai. The two temples were merged into the Wat Bowonniwet in 1923.

The Temple Precincts

Buddhist monasteries are typically divided into two sections: Buddhavasa (sanctuary), buildings and structures devoted to the Buddha, such as the Uposatha hall, the Cetiya or Stupa, and Sanghavasa, containing residential dwellings for monks (bhikkhus) and novices (samaneras).

Structures of the Wat Bowonniwet

Chedi

The 50-meter high golden chedi is the most important structure of the temple, since it enshrines sacred relics. The chedi sits on an elevated base with a lower and upper terrace. The lower terrace contains depictions of celestial beings from Hindu mythology. At each of the corners of the terrace is a small prang (Khmer style tower) enshrining an image of the Buddha in the Abhaya (dispelling fear) mudra.

The hollow chedi is closed to the public, except on Wat Khao Phansa day, usually in July. Inside are five small golden chedis that contain sacred relics.

Scripture library

Near the chedi is the temple’s scripture library, the Ho Trai. Ancient boxes store the Tripitaka, the ancient Buddhist texts written on dried palm leaf. The Ho Trai’s walls are adorned with murals.

Ubosot

The ubosot (bot for short) or ordination hall was built during the reign of King Rama III. It is considered the holiest of rooms in the complex and is where ordinations take place. The entrance door is richly decorated with gilded carvings. Murals from the second half of the 19th century depict stories from the Buddhist teachings. The murals on the bot’s interior walls were traditionally light and limited in subject matter and style and were painted to appear three-dimensional. Monk artist Khrua In Khong introduced western style into the murals which depict Buddhist subjects.

The T-shaped bot holds a magnificent Sukhothai-period Buddha, cast in 1257 CE to celebrate freedom from the Khmers. In fact, the bot enshrines two large golden Buddha images. It is rated as a must visit as the statues are so big and impressive.

Viharn Geng and Viharn Phra Sasada

The Viharns, also known as Sermon Halls, can sometimes be busy places within temple grounds. The Viharn Geng features images of the Buddha. The base of one contains some of the ashes of King Mongkut. The Viharn Phra Sasada has two rooms, the front room contains the Phra Sasada Buddha image, after which the Viharn was named, in front of it is an ancient Mon Dvaravati era stone Buddha image. The second room features a reclining Buddha image called Phra Saiya.

Bodhigara – Bodhi tree building

The Bodhigara is a structure built to protect a Bodhi tree. The original tree is believed to be an offspring of the tree under which the Buddha reached enlightenment 2,500 years ago. This original Bodhi tree was planted in the temple grounds by King Mongkut. The original Bodhi tree did not survive so King Bhumibol planted another tree, another offspring of the Bodhi tree in India.

Phra Tamnak residences

The grounds of Wat Bowonniwet contain several Phra Tamnak buildings. They are residences for royalty or high-ranking Buddhist monks.

How to get to the Wat Bowonniwet

The temple is located on Phra Sumen road in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.

The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by taxi. The ride from the Grand Palace should cost between 50 and 100 Baht. The nearest Chao Phraya river boat pier is Phra Athit pier which is about 700 meters away.

Other temples to visit nearby include:

Make a visit to Wat Bowonniwet Vihara part of your tour itinerary. Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri are close by and both are both great places to indulge and refresh yourself to get ready for the next exciting chapter of your Bangkok experience. Just ask your tour guide and they’ll put it all together for you so all you have to do is enjoy your time in Bangkok!

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara can be visited every day of the week from 6am until 6pm. The Ordination Hall is only open for morning prayers from 8am until 8:40am and again for evening prayers from 8pm until 9pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Bowonniwet Vihara:

Respectful attire is required. Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such the management insists that visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee, and also should not wear a top that reveals bare shoulders.
Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.
The Wat Bowonniwet Vihara is an important Royal temple, so please dress appropriately (no revealing clothes). Also remember to behave appropriately, be quiet, and be respectful as many locals attend to pray and worship.

Wang Lang Market – A true Thai street market

For those who come to Bangkok looking for an authentic Thai street food and market experience, Wang Lang Market should be high on your list. Wang Lang Market is on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, next to Siriraj Hospital. The name means ‘rear palace market’ because of its close proximity to the Rear Palace, a palace belonging to the nephew of King Rama I which is no longer standing. The Wang Lang Market is popular with local workers, particularly from the nearby Siriraj Hospital.

As it is a true Thai street market, it can be a little overwhelming at first. Nearest to the river, you will find lots of clothing stalls but you should venture deeper into the alleyways to find the real unique items and bargains. This is where the shopping fun begins, as things get cheaper the deeper you explore into the market.

Street food vendors stretch for quite some way down Phran Nok Road and through all of the surrounding alleyways. Meat skewers are particularly popular, as is the fried teriyaki pork. At the Wang Lang Bakery you can grab some stuffed bread or try the amazing and authentic green papaya salad from the small but legendary ‘Som Tam Sida’ restaurant. You can also get your favorite curries, a wide variety of fruit (whole or in delicious smoothies) and Khao Lam, a sticky rice ball grilled in bamboo. You can get pretty much any kind of Thai food down these alleyways, and then some. Wang Lang market is famous for its desserts. There are plenty of dessert vendors here, with an average price of around 100 baht per treat. You have to try the pancakes stuffed with egg yolk floss, chai tea cake, mango sticky rice and the red molten lava brownie.

Getting to Wang Lang Market

You can easily get to Wang Lang Market via public transportation. From the Saphan Taksin BTS station on the Silom Line you can walk two minutes to a boat taxi pier, where you can catch a boat heading towards Nonthaburi and the Prannok Pier.

If you are staying on Khaosan Road then it is possible to walk to Wang Lang Market within 25 minutes.

Wang Lang Market is a true Bangkok street market. There is very little signage or menus in English at Wang Lang Market so we recommend visiting with Your Thai Guide to make your visit as easy and carefree as possible.

Wang Lang Market can be visited every day of the week from 8am until 6pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Wang Lang Market is a great place to visit when you’re in the Thonburi neighborhood and there is plenty to see and do on the Thonburi side of the river while you’re there, like visiting the Siriraj Medical Museum. The old city is just across the river, so you’re right in the thick of things when it comes to Bangkok adventures.

Train Night Market – The original and most popular Train Night Market

The original Talat Rot Fai (commonly known as Train Night Market) once stood on land owned by the Thai railways near the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This wasn’t a formal arrangement and soon enough the popular night market had to find a new location. After a brief absence, the market found a new home behind the Seacon Square shopping center on Sri Nakharin Road, east of (and a bit further out of) the city. The market has quickly grown in popularity and has spawned two more markets, the second at the Train Night Market Ratchada and the third at Kaset-Nawamin. Train Night Market, at its primary location at Sri Nakharin has been ranked the most popular night market in Bangkok.

People love the Train Night Markets because of their ‘rough-edged’ history. Even though they are much sharper looking and more ‘brand aware’ these days, the original feel has flowed through to today’s markets, creating a casual, laid-back marketplace with a perfect mix of food, shopping and nightlife.

The market focuses on antiques and vintage-style offerings, especially clothing and home accessories. That said, the market has become far more mainstream in recent years. It’s now possible to find all kinds of things here. Everything from cheap street fashion to electronics, home decor, and plenty more. You’ll even find old-fashioned al-fresco barber shops delivering haircuts for as little as a couple of hundred baht. In addition to the main outdoor market area that sits at the very back of the site, there are a number of alleys of brick-and-mortar shops that visitors stream through on their way into the market.

The selection of eating options has grown, both in more conventional settings and outside in the area of the market itself. You’ll find just about every kind of Thai food here, from stir fries and curries to north-eastern papaya salad, southern Thai biryani and meat-filled mataba pancakes. The market also hosts the famous Jompalung noodle soup. They’re famous for serving oversized portions loaded with fresh seafood like tiger prawns and entire lobsters.

Like other night markets, bars feature prominently at Talat Rot Fai too. For many tourists, the bars make the market just as much of a destination as the shopping does. You’re sure to find one you like no matter whether you choose to kick back at one of the ‘proper’ bars with walls along the market’s entrance walkway and around the perimeter (these bars often feature live music), or prefer to pull up a stool alongside an old Volksy camper van that’s been turned into a makeshift cocktail bar that turns out mojitos and other classic cocktails for as little as 100 baht per serve, or 350 baht per pitcher.

Night markets are popular among Bangkok locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of night markets around Bangkok and you can visit them all with Your Thai Guide.

Love markets? Here’s a quick list of some other night markets in Bangkok:

Train Night Market Ratchada
Asiatique The Riverfront
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Khao San Road
Saphan Phut Night Market (Memorial Bridge Market)
Indy Night Market
On Nut Night Market

So next time you are in Thailand, visit one, or all, of these bustling Bangkok night markets for a night of shopping and entertainment served up with a side of salted fish and ice-cold beer. Come join the carnival-like atmosphere of the hottest night market in Bangkok.

Train Night Market can be visited Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm until Midnight.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Train Night Market Ratchada – Bangkok’s second Train Night Market

Have you heard of Thailand’s famous railway markets before? Would you like to experience the glorious carnival of crowded color for yourself? Let Your Thai Guide show you some of the best markets in Bangkok.

These markets are referred to as the ‘Train Markets’ because they were originally located next to Bangkok’s suburban train lines behind the Chatuchak Weekend Market. The original Bangkok train market had to relocate to Si Nakharin Road (Train Night Market Srinakarin) and since then, a second train night market has opened, closer to the city center. Known as the Train Night Market Ratchada, it is smaller but more centrally located.

Some say the range of food and drink options at Train Night Market Ratchada is better than the old market and that’s why it is usually so crowded. Visit this market and decide for yourself. There’s plenty of shopping, food and entertainment options at Train Night Market Ratchada. To make the most of your time, ask your private guide for their local advice on finding the items that interest you the most. This will ensure the best market experience.

SHOPPING

Market shopaholics will love the Train Night Market Ratchada. In addition to fashion, vintage knick-knacks and souvenir items, any self-respecting foodie will enjoy the experiences available at the market’s food stalls. Lucky it’s easy to separate the two, one side of the market is for the wandering shopper, while the other side is for the serious foodie.

If you love home décor and hand-made products you’ll find vintage-style boutiques selling old-fashioned plates and leather goods. There’s plenty of bazaar-style shops such as hairdressers, pedicurists and many more. Feeling brave? You might like to get a new hairstyle in Thailand, the hairdressers in the market have windows overlooking the market action outside.

Train Night Market Ratchada is a shopping paradise. There’s a huge range of clothing available and it’s cheap! A T-shirt will set you back about 100 baht. You can also buy shoes and mobile phone accessories as well as other items that make great gifts or souvenirs.

FOOD

There’s so much food at the Train Night Market Ratchada that you’ll need to visit more than once to try them all. Talk to your guide about what you would really like to try or let them make some suggestions for you.

There are traditional Thai dishes like grilled skewers, tasty fish wrapped in leaves, or even insect dishes. Have a bit of a look around first before you decide. Train Night Market Ratchada has plenty of cuisines from other countries too. From Japan, there’s sashimi, sushi and takoyaki. From Korea, there’s crepe or doraemon donuts. Ratchada train market also has many European style dishes such as fried chicken and fried cheese. Train Night Market Ratchada also has many of the more familiar Thai seafood dishes as well such as fish balls and fried squid.

For seafood lovers, there’s plenty of grilled seafood restaurants and some of them serve their spicy seafood on paper. They provide plastic gloves and a basket for you to eat your meal.

Other foods you might like to try while you are at Train Night Market Ratchada are:

Enoki Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon
Deep Fried Mussels
Noodles with tender duck meat and spicy broth
Don’t miss the watermelon ice cream! The ice cream is served in watermelon peel not just for looks but also for the taste! Watermelon ice cream is 30 to 60 baht, depending on the size of the melon. Dishes like these are interesting and unique and they make for great selfie opportunities.

Train Night Market Ratchada is definitely worth visiting with an empty stomach!

ENTERTAINMENT

Later on, head to the end of the market to find the hip and bustling entertainment area where there’s a wild array of bars and cafes selling cheap drinks and pumping out techno music. They’re made from shipping containers or old cars and lend the market a chaotic and fun feel. Head up to the rooftops of the bars for a great view across the market.

If you prefer live music then try the Frankfurt Bar. Frankfurt won’t let customers bring food in from outside, whereas some of the other bars will let you bring food in to eat as you enjoy the music.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Food is from 5 baht to 500 baht
On weekends, the crowds are so packed that there’s no room to walk past people at the stalls buying things. If you don’t like crowded spaces, consider visiting the market earlier in the evening.
The best time to visit is after 7pm as some of the vendors don’t open straight away.
Sometimes there are long queues for the toilets and they will cost you 3 baht per visit.

Train Night Market Ratchada can be visited Thursday to Sunday from 6pm until Midnight.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Train Night Market Ratchada is one of Bangkok’s top night markets although there are plenty of others you might like to try. Here’s a few nearby that you might like to add to your list:

The Bangkokian Museum – The Bangkok Folk Museum

The Bangkokian Museum is a trio of restored heritage houses standing in the cool shade of surrounding trees. The Bangkokian Museum displays what upper middle-class homes looked like in Bangkok during the early to mid-20th century. Despite being in a very busy area of Bangkok, the gardens are a peaceful haven. The museum was bequeathed to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration by its previous owner.

The houses were donated as a museum to the city in 2004 and the interiors are arranged in the style indicative of the World War II era. Old black-and-white photographs of the original residents, original four-post beds, crystal, big upright pianos and cigar and tin collections all combine to give the Bangkokian an authentic and charming feel that many museums in Bangkok can’t reproduce. Gardens and fountains fill out the site, making this a tranquil place to take a break from the city.

The museum sits quietly down an otherwise normal side street off Charoen Krung Road, in the historic Bang Rak area.

The main house, built in 1937, has original louvered wood shutters and features a broad front stoop. Inside the main house, immaculately varnished wooden floors lead to a living room, dining room, bedrooms and washroom that will transport you to the World War II era.

Every room has the original Bakelite switches, antique clocks, valve radios and cabinets. If it wasn’t for some of the most valuable items being housed in glass boxes, you would almost expect the family to walk in and begin their daily rituals at any moment. Some of the items housed in glass include old Benjarong style jars made from Thai porcelain in five basic colors, from the King Rama V period. Other porcelain pieces are from the early Rattanakosin era.

Head through to the wide deck at the back of the property to reach the second house, built in 1929. Originally the home of an Indian-British doctor who rented from the owners, it features a large open-sided living area on the ground floor, and an office and bedroom upstairs. Also on display here is his cigar collection, and various stoves dating back to the early-20th century. The style of this home is very different. Almost all of the walls, floors and ceilings are made of dark teak wood with more windows and less wall space. The ground floor holds a small dining area and office while the upper floor features a large bedroom with an immaculately waxed floor. Again, everything is set to welcome guests and the bed is made, ready and waiting for its owner.

The third building houses a kitchen and woodworking area on the ground floor, complete with old woks, ceramic stoves and rusty tools. Upstairs, there’s an eclectic display of vintage toys, dishes and advertisements, including many from post-World War II Europe. There are plenty of knick-knacks to keep you interested in discovering the detail and there is also a gallery of historic Bangkok and Thailand photographs.

The Bangkokian Museum is more of a side stop than an attraction you’ll want to spend too much time at. If you happen to explore this part of Bangkok’s riverside, it’s well worth a visit, especially if you’ve been to Bangkok before and are looking for something off the beaten track.

The Bangkokian Museum can be visited Wednesday through Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

Admission Price: Free entry. There is no admission fee but a donation is requested.

The Bangkokian Museum is hard to find and isn’t well known. It’s a simple, discreet museum and a bit of a ‘frozen-in-time’ gem.

We’d love to show you what living in Bangkok used to look like in days gone by. If you’re keen to see some other interesting museums that preserve historical visions of Bangkok then allow Your Thai Guide to show you some or all of the following locations:

Jim Thompson House
M.R. Kukrit’s Heritage Home
Kamthieng House Museum (The Siam Society)
Bang Rak Museum

Tha Maharaj – A modern riverside market in the old city

For a quality market experience set right in the middle of Bangkok’s best attractions in the Old Town, you should consider a visit to Tha Maharaj. What makes Tha Maharaj unique is its location on the riverbank nestled right in amongst the cultural hub of Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island.

Tha Maharaj is in easy walking distance from many of Bangkok’s most famous attractions such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Once again, the Chao Phraya river boats are the best way to get around central Bangkok and Tha Maharaj even has its own pier. Tha Maharaj was built by restoring old shophouses on the riverfront, featuring restaurants, coffee shops, antique shops and a few fashion outlets. The views over the river and the city from the upper levels of Tha Maharaj are amazing, both day and night.

In terms of shopping, the options at Tha Maharaj are a bit limited with only a few fashion, beauty and antique stores. However, the second floor is filled with an excellent array of amulet dealers who have a wide range of styles, with everything from tacky souvenirs to hard-to-find originals.

The real reason to visit Tha Maharaj is to eat. There are over 20 different eating options to choose from including pizza at Peppina, noodles at Ramen Boy, hotpot at Omori Shabu, Thai cuisine at Savoey, and even a Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts.

From the easy and beautiful riverside dining and promenade views, Tha Maharaj’s elegant pavilion-style architecture blends really well with the old buildings and rich cultural heritage of the area.

You should plan to spend around three hours exploring Tha Maharaj but you can ask us at Your Thai Guide as to how to fit a shorter visit into a larger Bangkok tour itinerary.

There are so many attractions nearby that it’s impossible to list them all so talk to us about arranging a tour around the old city that makes time for a stop at Tha Maharaj. It could be the ideal spot to begin your tour of Bangkok’s Old Town or you could stop in at Tha Maharaj for a quick refreshing drink before catching a river boat to your next destination.

Other attractions nearby to Tha Maharaj:

Tha Maharaj is open daily from 10am until 10pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Taling Chan Floating Market – An authentic floating market and a foodies paradise

Floating markets are irresistible to both tourists and Thai people alike. Wherever there is a weekend floating market there is food. Eating by the river is such an integral part of the Thai lifestyle that you simply must try it while you are in Thailand. Taling Chan Floating Market is just a few kilometers outside Bangkok and yet still far enough away to have not been converted into a full scale tourist trap. The market has everything you need to spend a good half day at and is closer to Bangkok than some of the larger and more crowded floating markets, like Amphawa and Damoen Saduak.

At Taling Chan you can enjoy a tasty seafood lunch while sitting on the floor with locals, ride a longtail boat around the nearby canals (khlongs), do a bit of shopping, and feast on an array of foods. You can even get a foot massage under the trees for only 200 baht! Ask us about a trip to Taling Chan Floating Market and enjoy it while it still feels ‘local’ with your very own local guide.

On the riverbank you’ll see wooden boats moored alongside restaurants full of fruit, souvenirs, clothing and food. Most of these small restaurants are cooking huge prawns on small barbecues along with blue crabs and large fish, while others prepare the famous Som Tum (papaya salad) for the diners sitting at the traditional wooden platforms and low tables.

While the cooks are grilling fish on their little boats, hundreds of huge catfish permanently swarm the waters of the canal waiting for visitors to toss colorful food pellets to them. To add to the market’s atmosphere, a group of Thai traditional musicians play during the day.

The constant stream of longtail boats adds a local feel to the market. You can ride on one of these boats for a quick tour around the neighboring canals (khlongs). A longtail boat ride is a fun addition to your day trip as you’ll pass by temples and see local people living by the waterways. These canals are also home to giant monitor lizards that can be spotted swimmingly lazily through the water or sunning themselves on the riverbank.

Things to see and do at Taling Chan Floating Market

The food! – Fresh fish, grilled snacks on sticks, quail eggs (a common street food), grilled shrimp, crabs, cockles, and even salt crusted sea bass with their mouths stuffed full of lemongrass are some of the irresistible snacks you’ll find here. A huge range of delectable desserts are on offer like crispy sweet cream crepes and caramel rice cake desserts. Don’t forget the awesome fruits like rambutan, and of course there is durian. Along with beers and drinks, Taling Chan Floating Market is a foodies paradise.
Massages! – Enjoy an hour long foot massage for just 200 baht.
Plants! – You could begin your own tropical garden paradise from here if only you could take them home.
Longtail boat trips that run all the way here from Saphin Taksin BTS Station.

Important things to remember about Taling Chan Floating Market

It’s mostly a food market, rather than just catering to tourists.
Bring cash as there are not many vendors that accept credit cards.
Get there before 11am. The market begins to get full after then and you might not get a table.
If you don’t want to eat on the floor, you’ll find restaurants with tables and chairs near the railway bridge.
Restaurants usually have an illustrated menu so ordering isn’t too difficult.
Taling Chan Floating Market is closer to central Bangkok so you won’t need to devote the whole day to the trip. You can also take public transport all the way. As a suggestion, if you don’t have your own transportation, you can ride the BTS until the last station ‘Wongwian Yai’ then catch a taxi.

Taling Chan Floating Market is open Saturday and Sunday from 8am until 5pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is nearby and can be done in the same day as Taling Chan Floating Market. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is huge and also isn’t overrun with tourists. It’s also packed with food options and offers boat rides through the canals.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Food Market – Still an Authentic Night Street Food Heaven

Permanently Closed, this article left from reference.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night food Market is situated in Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit district. While not the market it used to be, Sukhumvit Soi 38 still offers an authentic introduction to real Thai street food. In contrast to the fancier restaurants lining Sukhumvit Road, at this night food market you’ll eat on the street at a wobbly table as cars dodge the carts and stalls lining the road and the occasional friendly dog trots by, looking for scraps. The food is tasty, cheap and quick and most menus are in English to make life easier. Unlike some street food markets, the stalls on Soi 38 are fairly clean and the ingredients are fresh.

Just an ordinary road by day, Sukhumvit Soi 38 is transformed into a food street market at night. Around twenty stalls offer a variety of Bangkok street food such as tasty papaya salad, BBQ meat skewers, duck noodles, fruit smoothies, pad thai, mango sticky rice and Thai-style wonton noodle. Steaming bowls of Tom Yum soup and delicious sizzling Pad Thai noodles are dished out with a flavor and authenticity that only locals can provide.

Near the entrance to the street look out for the popular ‘Pad Thai Fire Look’ stall. Every night, this guy fries his noodles for hours. It might not seem like much, but he has a reputation as one of the best Pad Thai cooks in the city, and it is super tasty. A little further back look out for the smoothie and juice stall. For 20-40 baht you can grab a blended iced-drink with a wide variety of Thai fruits including papaya, mango and lime. Sometimes, they’ll also have fresh young coconuts for just 30 baht. Along a small alley near the juice stall you’ll find a noodle cart selling delicious noodle soup served with crab meat, wontons and barbecue pork.

Continuing along the street, you will pass some great food outlets, including one guy frequently burning his fingers while grilling pork satay sticks. Towards the end of the stalls you‘ll find a wood-lined restaurant with a cooking station outside. Here you can try delicious khao soi (rich Thai coconut curry noodle soup), and freshly battered pa thong ko (Thai donuts that come with condensed milk and pandan leaf custard for dipping). Another great stall for dessert is the mango and sticky rice stall on the left hand side of the road. Here you’ll find two smiley ladies serving up generous portions of juicy fruit and rice covered in sweet coconut sauce for only 60 baht.

In a city where the concrete jungle is claiming more and more of the space, it can be difficult to find ‘Ahaan Bolaan’, the old style Thai food. At Sukhumvit Soi 38 though, you’ll always find extra cheap plates filled with food for 30-50 baht.

It’s a simple pleasure to sit and enjoy fresh, flavorsome and authentic Thai street food while taking in the atmosphere. An adventurous evening can be had just by strolling around the stalls and admiring the giant array of food and drink on offer. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s a mouth-watering selection of local desserts and the smiling locals are always eager for you to try their masterpieces.

If you’re looking for a slightly more intimate setting, the nearby Sukhumvit Road and its side streets offer numerous traditional and fine dining options.

For other Thai street food experiences, you should talk to us about visiting Train Night Market Ratchada or the original Train Night Market. For a party atmosphere try Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri, we can advise you of the one (or more) that will suit you best.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Market is on the edge of the city but still so close to so many other Bangkok attractions, like Khlong Toei Market. You might be on your way back from Ancient City or the Erawan Shrine, in which case, Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Food Market will make an excellent stop for dinner. Talk to us at Your Thai Guide about making a visit to a true Thai street food market part of your Bangkok experience.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night food Market can be visited every day of the week from 5pm until 1am.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Permanently Closed, this article left from reference.

Suan Pakkad Palace Museum – The cabbage patch that grew into a fine art museum

Art and history lovers simply must include a visit to Suan Pakkad Museum in Bangkok. Suan Pakkad Palace is a beautiful recreation of a time gone by in Bangkok. The name means ‘cabbage patch’, a reference to when the land was nothing more than a vegetable garden. Today, it’s a beautiful tropical garden with serene ponds dotted around eight traditional Thai houses.

The houses are filled with fine arts, antiques and oddities belonging to the Prince and Princess Chumbhot. Their traditional private home was converted to a museum in 1952. Prince and Princess Chumbot were the first Thai Royals to do this, believing that their treasured possessions constitute a part of Thailand’s heritage and viewing them should be made accessible to everyone.

Having said that, it is somewhat strange that the centerpiece of the museum is the ancient Ban Chiang collection. This rare collection of artifacts dates back to 3,600 BC, placing Ban Chiang in with civilizations like ancient Egypt.

Suan Pakkad Palace Museum’s collection of traditional pavilions is one of the best examples of traditional domestic architecture in Bangkok. The most striking is the Lacquer Pavilion, over 450 years old and painstakingly rebuilt on this location as a gift from the Prince to his wife.

Unlike some other museums, Suan Pakkad is a bit quieter, allowing time for peaceful reflection. It’s a great retreat from the bustling and noisy metropolis of Bangkok. The gardens inside the grounds are a peaceful respite from the busy city beyond the walls. You can wander through the well-kept and lush gardens and just let the sound of birds and flowing water wash over you.

What’s at Suan Pakkad Palace Museum?

The first house contains ancient weaponry such as muskets, swords and spears. Art wise it features examples of 14th – 16th century pottery, paintings from the Ayutthaya period and stone Khmer sculptures.

Inside house two you’ll see mother of pearl trays and containers used in 19th century Bangkok alongside beautifully lacquered cabinets and traditional Thai hand fans.

The third house displays the famous Benjarong porcelain in its traditional five colors, black, white, red, green, and yellow. In Thai, Benjarong is the collective name for these five colors. Benjarong porcelain was popular with Thai royalty in early Bangkok (19th – 20th century).

House four contains a roomy formal dining and reception area. It also features an altar room containing an admirable collection of Buddha statues.

You’ll find the Ban Chiang collection in house five.

The sixth house contains the Khon Museum. On display are elaborately carved figurines and masks of the traditional Thai Khon dance.

House number seven holds a rare collection of ceramics from the Sukhotai era and the Suan, Yuan and Ming dynasties in China.

House number eight displays elegant silver, porcelain and crystal ware used by Prince Chumbhot.

Next is the Lacquer Pavilion, a separate house with exquisite lacquered murals and delicately carved wood panels. It was originally a 17th century house from Ayutthaya which was dismantled, rebuilt and moved to Suan Pakkad Palace to be carefully restored in 1959 as a birthday present from Prince Chumbhot to his wife.

The last stop is the Royal Barge Kao Kung Bayam, a family heirloom used in the royal barge processions during the reign of King Rama V and King Chulalongkorn.

Suan Pakkad is close to many other museums and attractions in Bangkok:

Suan Pakkad Palace Museum is open daily from 9am until 4pm.

Admission Price: 100 Baht.

Sri Mariam Man Temple – A flamboyant South Indian style Hindu temple

Sri Mariam Man temple is a must see for Hindu tourists visiting Bangkok. This temple’s full name is Wat Phra Si Maha Utama Devi. At over 100 years old, the five-tiered Sri Mariam Man temple is a beautiful and striking mix of colors, shapes and deities. Built in the 1860s by Tamil migrants, the temple features a facade of interwoven Hindu deities in full color. Most of the people at the temple are Indian but you’ll see plenty of Thai and Chinese devotees praying here too as the Hindu gods are just as important in their approach to religion.

The architecture is based on the structure of similar temples in south India. Inside, Sri Maha Mariamman or Mother Mari is centrally located as the main Goddess of the temple and is surrounded by Ganesh, Siva, Krishna, Vishnu, Lord Thendayuthapani, Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Kali. A small Hindu temple at the center of the site is where Shiva Lingam is located. The temple used to welcome only Hindus and was closed in the afternoon for praying by reciting Ramayana. Nowadays the temple is more open to the public, worshippers of other gods, and tourists.

Maha Mariamman Temple is situated on the corner of Pan Road and Silom Road and is the most significant Tamil Hindu temple in Thailand. Further down the road and on street corners nearby, there are several kiosks that sell saffron-colored marigold flower garlands for worshippers, Indian food and desserts, as well as some western style cafe and breakfast outlets.

This temple is also known as Wat Khaek or Uma Devi temple after the principal Buddha image of the temple. The temple’s name reflects the founder’s belief of Shakti, which is mainly dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. The Hindu Goddess Mariamman or Mother Mari is God Siva’s queen. As Mother Mari, she is the goddess of mercy and elegance. Many devotees come to worship her and pray for good wishes.

Buddhists see it as good karma to pray and give offerings and donations to Hindu gods and this is where you will see the flowers and the decorations sold at the flower market being put to use.

You can walk in and make an offering if you like. There are flower stalls close to the temple, selling flowers, flower garlands, fruits and foods for offerings. Offerings will cost around 60 baht but are not compulsory.

Silom Road is a busy thoroughfare and there’s lots of tuk tuks waiting outside. Taxis, riverboats and public transport links are all nearby to this temple.

Take care of your belongings as it can get quite crowded. Let Your Thai Guide show you the best and most comfortable way to visit Sri Mariam Man temple.

The Silom Road neighborhood is a favorite among tourists. Your Thai Guide will show you the best things to see and do in the area. Consider adding these nearby attractions to your list:

Lumphini Park – Bangkok’s answer to NYC’s Central Park.
Asiatique, The Riverfront – modern shopping and dining in the Chao Phraya riverfront.
Khlong Toei Market
Wat Traimit – The Temple of Golden Buddha
(Snake Farm) Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute
M.R. Kukrit’s House

Wat Phra Si Maha Utama Devi can be visited every day of the week from 6am until 8pm.

Admission Price: Free entry. There is no admission fee however donations are encouraged.

Things you should be aware of when visiting Wat Phra Si Maha Utama Devi:

You will need to adhere to the usual temple dress codes. Men and women should cover their shoulders and knees (ideally, ankles too). Wear long shorts, capri pants, trousers or a knee-length (or longer) skirt. Wear any shirt that fully covers your shoulders. A t-shirt, blouse or polo is fine. A sari or scarf worn around the shoulders over a tank top is ok. You can even use the Sari or scarf as a makeshift long skirt.
No photography is allowed inside the temple.
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk through Wat Phra Si Maha Utama Devi.
No food is allowed, but you can bring in fruits and milk to worship in the temple. Fun fact: Just next door is a famous bakery that is known for bread with egg custard. Too often people try and carry this local treat into the temple, much to the temple staff’s dismay.

Soi Rambuttri – How Bangkok used to look

Soi Rambuttri sits in the ‘old’ Banglumphu district close to central Bangkok. Some say that Soi Rambuttri resonates with the pre-progress feel that Khao San Road once possessed. It’s a quaint little U-shaped lane that wraps around Wat Chana Songkhram where Banyan trees provide abundant shady cover for strolling around and soaking up the area’s atmosphere. The tourists here are generally not the fly-in-fly-out party animals either, they’ve been around a bit, and they know a good place to stay when they find one.

Now that Khao San Road has grown up and become a mecca for tourists it can get a bit wild. Soi Rambuttri remains a more peaceful stretch. Because of the proliferation of new accommodation and attractions on Khao San Road, Soi Rambuttri is now seen as a more authentic, quieter and cheaper destination for those who love the shopping and the atmosphere but wish to avoid the jam-packed crowds and thumping music noise. Soi Rambuttri is only a five to ten minute walk from Khao San Road but is far enough away to feel more relaxed.

Soi Rambuttri, while peaceful, is full of life. The street is lined with stalls selling clothes, food, knick-knacks, t-shirts, DVD movies and much more. It’s populated by guesthouses, convenience stores, restaurants, tour offices, indoor (and outdoor) massage services and there are the infamous suit tailors for those who’ve come looking for the cheap suits they’ve heard so much about. At night, colorful paper lanterns line the road and later, the neon-lit bars spring to life. Get a massage on the roadside and relax as you watch the world go by.

Soi Rambuttri is much more low-key than Khao San Road. There is a level of sophistication here which will appeal to tourists wearied by the hurried pace of Bangkok. The street lights here are dimmer, there’s no techno music drowning everything out, and some of the restaurants have candle-lit, intimate, and romantic settings. That said, there are plenty of seemingly random ‘hole-in-the wall’ eateries and bars, which all have a more ‘artsy’ feel about them. If you’d still like some entertainment, there are some bars and restaurants that offer live music. There’s plenty of authentic Thai food options but also other cuisines to appeal to all tourists. Western travelers will find many western delights to help ground them during their holiday, like wholemeal bread and a decent latte.

Some of Bangkok’s best and cheapest accommodation is in this area, budget conscious travelers will love the mix of things to do that are so centrally located around reasonably priced accommodation.

As with Khao San Road, it’s easier to arrive in the area by express ferry boat on the Chao Phraya River. It’s so close to central Bangkok that there is plenty more to do and see within a short distance.

If you’re after a more relaxed and bohemian feel along a lane that looks more like the Bangkok of old, then Soi Rambuttri should be on your ‘must visit’ list when you’re in Bangkok.

Things to remember about Soi Rambuttri

Your Thai Guide will be able to show you the sometimes quirky ways of getting in and out of Soi Rambuttri.
If you keep an eye out, you’ll spot squirrels darting about in the trees and on the electricity wires.
There’s no shortage of food and drink along Soi Rambuttri but it isn’t party central like Khao San Road.
On Trok Kasap, an alleyway just off Rambuttri, you can watch some real Muay Thai training at Sor Vorapin gym.

Some of the best attractions in Bangkok are found in the Banglamphu area. Some suggestions of other places you can visit nearby include:

Bangkok National Art Gallery (at the end of the Soi)
Khao San Road
Phra Sumen Fort
Wat Chana Songkhram
Grand Palace and Wat Pho
Chinatown (take the ferry boat to Ratchawong Pier)

Admission Price: Free entry.

Siriraj Medical Museum – Nicknamed the ‘Museum of Death’

This museum is not for the faint hearted! Siriraj Medical Museum houses some confronting and gruesome exhibits. If you’ve had enough of all the pretty temples and shopping malls and are looking for the kind of museum you probably won’t find back home (and you want a story to tell when you get home), then visit this unique museum in the heart of Bangkok.

The Siriraj Medical Museum, appropriately nicknamed the ‘Museum of Death’, is located within the grounds of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok’s oldest hospital.

The museum consists of six small medical museums: a museum of the history of Thai medicine, the Ellis Pathological Museum, the Congdon Anatomical Museum, the Sood Sangvichien Prehistoric Museum and Laboratory, a Parasitology Museum and the Songkran Niyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum. The Siriraj Medical Museum remains a valuable resource for medical professionals and students alike. The most visited museums are obviously the creepier ones, being the pathology, anatomical and forensic museums.

The Pathology Museum

The first pathology room displays babies affected by genetic disorders, each preserved in formaldehyde. It’s disturbing but they look unreal enough to maintain a sense of scientific curiosity.

The Parasitology Museum

A room dedicated to all kinds of parasites, their origin, and how they affect human organs. Not very exciting but for a collection of incredibly long tape worms and a 35kg elephantiasis affected human testicle. You’ll also see some plastic snakes, spiders and parasites in some old vivariums.

The Forensic Museum

Things get intense in the Songkran Nyomsane Forensic Medicine Museum. The forensic room features the preserved bodies of accident victims, murderers and the dried body of Si Ouey, the first known serial killer (and cannibal) in modern Thai history who murdered and ate more than 30 children in the 1950s. Apparently the purpose of displaying the body standing in a booth is to be a deterrent against violent crimes. Si Ouey has become a bit of a Thai bogeyman with his name used to scare misbehaving children. ‘Behave yourself or Si Ouey will come for you!’

The Anatomical Museum

The next building houses the Congdon Anatomical Museum, where a set of creaky old stairs takes you up to the third floor and seemingly back in time. Faded portraits and dark passageways seem to come from another century. There are rows of old glass and wooden cabinets containing skeletons and dissected bodies of adults and children. Body parts and genetic anomalies are preserved in jars of formaldehyde. On display is a masterful dissection of the human body’s entire nervous and arterial system, the one and only exhibit of its kind anywhere.

The Prehistoric Museum

Visitors are taken back to prehistoric civilization by displaying pieces of a Homo Erectus skeleton found in Thailand, known as ‘Lampang man’. He lived approximately 1,000,000 – 400,000 years ago, making him a contemporary of ‘Peking man’. On display are tools from three ancient ages, the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages, as well as beads, colorful stones and painted earthenware.

Things to remember about a visit to Siriraj Medical Museum

Please refrain from eating and drinking inside the museum
Photography inside the museum is prohibited
Ask for the history lesson connected to the case of eight skulls with bullet holes in their foreheads
Many of the displays in this museum may not be appropriate for children
Many of the displays in this museum may not be appropriate for pregnant women
Most of the signage is in Thai and the audio guides can be unreliable. It’s essential you have a guide to make the most of the visit and learn as much as you can

Siriraj Medical Museum can be visited every day of the week (except Tuesdays) from 9:30am until 5pm.

Admission Price: Adults are 200 baht and children are 25 baht.

While there is a lot of historical knowledge to to be gained by visiting the Siriraj Medical Museum, more squeamish history buffs may appreciate some of Bangkok’s other, less morbid, sites:

Safari World – Thailand’s greatest open zoo

At Your Thai Guide we can arrange tours that are suitable for the whole family! Bangkok is home to some world class theme parks and family attractions so let us show you one of our favorites, Safari World. There’re some excellent things to see and do here, and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else!

Take a drive through open savannah on a safari, see a dolphin show, or watch the oh-so-cute orangutan ‘boxing’ show. The different sections of Safari World have something for everyone.

Highlights of Safari World

Safari Park – An eight kilometer drive lasting 45 minutes will take you through this amazing park featuring hundreds of animals like lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes and ostriches. Witness the feeding show and admire the power of the tigers and lions as they are fed. Here you will also see the massive Himalayan black bears lounging around in the sun as if in their natural environment.

Marine Park – The second major section of the park is more like a traditional zoo and theme park and holds most of the remaining attractions.

Sea lion Show – These friendly and funny sea lions turn sleepy Lighthouse Cove into a colorful display. The mischievous sea lions play tricks and wreak havoc in an entertaining and engaging show.
Jungle Cruise – Take a classic log ride down the exciting water flume through a reed-filled land of crocodiles, head-hunters and gorillas with something exciting at every turn.
Hollywood Cowboy Stunt Show – Yeeha cowboy! Stunt performers will wow you with a fun-filled rock-em sock-em show filled with amazing stunts, explosions and a wild goose chase that is sure to please.
Dolphin Show – This exhilarating show demonstrates just how intelligent and graceful dolphins can be. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close with the dolphins and maybe get a dolphin kiss or shake hands.
Bird Show – All kinds of birds put on a choreographed show with talking parrots and macaws performing tricks.
Jungle Walk/Safari Terrace – The giraffe feeding platform is here and you can hand feed bananas to the giraffes. Maybe you’ll even get a friendly lick from their impossibly long tongues! This is definitely a photo opportunity you won’t find in many places.
Orangutan Boxing – Our closest primate cousins demonstrate their intelligent and funny way of life in one of the cutest shows you’ll ever see.
Eggs World – More of an education center, Eggs World features… you guessed it… eggs. Eggs of all kinds of animals are on display here and it makes for a great learning respite. Ask your guide if they think this will suit your visit.
Spy War – this one is a little bit out of place but reflects the theme park aspirations of the zoo. A high-octane spy show plays out amid huge explosions and choreographed action.

In amongst everything to see and do at Safari World there are two restaurant options within the park to curb your hunger. The Jungle Cruise and Safari restaurants offer buffet meal options. There are also two fast food outlets and a range of carts dotted throughout the park for when hunger strikes during the day. This means you can have a self-contained day out at Safari World without worrying about where to eat and drink.

Ask your guide to set you up with an itinerary that will make the most of your day at Safari World. Don’t forget to leave time for a visit to the souvenir shop.

It’s probably best to allow an entire day to explore Safari World so ask us for the best way to include Safari World into a bigger day tour or multi-day tour.

Because of the distance from the city, getting a taxi to Safari World is best, especially if you have kids. We can help you to arrange transport. Plan to arrive early to see the animals at their most active and get the best seats for all the shows. Your Thai Guide can take you there.

Safari World is open every day from 9am until 5pm.

Admission Price: 400 – 900 baht (adults).
Entry prices can be separate or combined.

Safari World: Adults – 400 Baht. Children – 300 Baht
Marine Park: Adults – 700 Baht. Children – 450 Baht
Combined: Adults – 900 Baht. Children – 550 Baht

Royal Thai Air Force Museum – One for the aviation and history buffs alike

The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is relatively small and a bit hidden away behind Bangkok’s older Don Muang Airport. Its collection covers the history of Thai Aviation, from old bi-planes to modern jet fighters. There are approximately thirty airplanes on display, with some outdoors and others protected inside the huge aircraft hangars that have been converted into the museum. It’s a small collection but it is unique to Thailand, some aircraft are very rare and a few are the last of their kind.

Some of the aircraft in the collection date back to the early 1900s and these massive machines are loaded with history. It’s surprising to see just how big these single-propeller war planes are when compared to the tiny leisure planes in service nowadays. They stand proud on red carpets next to fighter jets from the Vietnam war era.

Parked neatly outside like a rag tag fleet ready to take to the skies is an impressive collection of first generation jet fighters. Despite being a bit neglected, the North American F 86L, Republic F 84 Thunder-Jets and Lockheed T33A are still impressive. Further on are the training and rescue planes: Percival Prince IIIA and Beechcraft model 18, even a Fairchild C-123b with a garland of yellow flowers hanging in the cockpit, just like the ones you find hanging in Bangkok taxis. The perfectly restored Curtiss Hawk III is the last aircraft of its kind on the planet and it shares top billing with a Vought Corsair V-93s. A two-seat bomber standing outside the museum is called the Paribatra (pronounced Boripat) and was the first plane designed and built in Thailand, way back in 1927.

There are some really unusual aircraft (including helicopters) on display here, and aviation enthusiasts will have a ball ticking some of them off their list of must see airframes.

Here are just a few aircraft you’ll come across at the Royal Thai Air Force Museum:

Nieuport IIN / IVG – One of the foundation aircraft of the Royal Thai Air Force. Four were brought from France to become part of the newly formed RTAF in 1913, a fifth aircraft was built locally in 1915.
Vought V-93S Corsair – The export version of the Vought O3U, this US Navy aircraft was built during the early 1930s. Twelve were sold to the RTAF in 1934 and they remained in service until 1945. This is the only surviving example of it anywhere in the world. It is an exceedingly special display and considered by some to be a national treasure.
Curtis Hawk III – The Curtis Hawk III is another early design at the museum. Twenty four were shipped to Thailand from 1935 through to 1936. Local production began in 1938 with 25 completed by 1940. The type was retired from RTAF service in 1949. This aircraft is the only survivor of its type in the world.

The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is small and doesn’t compare with other air museums you’ll find in Europe or the USA, but it does offer a unique look into one part of Thailand’s history. The Thai Air Force Museum might not be on the Top 10 most popular attractions in Bangkok, but it definitely goes on the list of offbeat things to do in Bangkok!

The museum is some distance away from the Central Business District of Bangkok but is accessible by taxi. It is advisable to speak to us at Your Thai Guide about putting together a tour that incorporates the sights of the area so you don’t waste too much time just getting from place to place on your visit to Bangkok.

Royal Thai Air Force Museum can be visited every day of the week (except holidays) from 9am until 4pm.

Admission Price: Free entry.

Some other offbeat things to see and do in Bangkok include:

Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium – One of Bangkok’s original Muay Thai stadiums

Price: Ticket prices vary (1000 baht – 2000 baht)

If you’re looking to catch some Thai boxing, then Bangkok is the perfect place to visit. Thai Boxing is a western term for the Thai contact sport known as ‘Muay Thai’ or, ‘the art of eight limbs’. It’s called that because participants use their shins, elbows, knees and fists. Once part of the Thai military training regime, Muay Thai has become a popular sport throughout Thailand. Pretty much every town and city has its own Muay Thai stadium but two of the largest and oldest Muay Thai stadiums are in Bangkok.

Muay Thai or Thai boxing is also a very cultural Thai martial art. Its origins date back several hundred years. It’s said there once was a king who loved boxing so much that whenever he heard there would be a fight, he would disguise himself and join in.

Opened in 1945, Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium is one of the two Muay Thai stadiums in Bangkok. Rajadamnern Stadium operates every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday when doors open from 6pm. The seating is divided into three classes, ringside, second class and third class. Snaring some ringside seats will give you the extreme experience of sitting as close to the fighters as you can get. You’ll be right in the middle of all the action and maybe even end up next to the fighter’s teams and their supporters. Second and third class are still impressive! Sitting in among the locals who are betting on the fighters and getting more and more excited as the night progresses is a truly authentic way to experience a Muay Thai stadium.

Another part of going to either of the Bangkok stadiums is that you’ll be treated to a display of pre-fight rituals. There’s the ‘Wai Khru’ ritual, the fighters’ way of paying respect to their trainers, while ‘Ram Muay’ is the fighters’ chance to show off their agility and talent to the crowd. It’s also how the fighters warm up to be ready for action. Traditional armbands and headbands worn by the fighters during this part of the evening are called ‘mongkhon’.

Rajadamnern Stadium, as opposed to Lumpinee Stadium, is closer to central Bangkok and cheap to reach in a taxi but the downside is there are more tickets touts waiting for you outside Rajadamnern Stadium. Make sure to take a guide with you so you only have to worry about having fun and enjoying the spectacle.

One thing worth noting when you are buying tickets is that the cheapest ones for 500 baht are for an area that’s quite a way back from the ring and behind some netting. It’s unlikely that you will get the best view of the action from this area. The seats closest to the action are obviously those at ringside which, much like at Lumpinee Stadium, are usually taken up by tourists.

An evening at Rajadamnern Stadium usually consists of nine fights and the seventh fight is normally the feature bout. It’s a good idea to check the fight schedule before you visit as some nights feature junior fights that aren’t as exciting or have the same atmosphere as championship fight nights. If you want to experience authentic Muay Thai in Bangkok then don’t miss a championship night at Rajadamnern Stadium. The roar of the crowd and the thumping music compete to drown each other out throughout the night, creating an electric atmosphere.

Things to remember on your visit to Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium

The cheapest tickets are for an area that is some distance from the ring and behind netting. It’s unlikely you’ll get a great view from here. The seats closest to the action are the ringside seats and, much like Lumpinee Stadium, are often filled with other tourists.
The stadium has staff on hand to bring food and drinks to your seat at excellent prices.
It’s best to buy tickets through your hotel, online or inside the stadium itself. Arrange your visit with Your Thai Guide and they’ll help you get the best prices on the best seats in the house.
Fans of Muay Thai might also like to visit Lumpinee Stadium which is a little further out of central Bangkok but very modern.

Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium is situated at 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.

Rajadamnern Stadium isn’t far from central Bangkok so after a night at the stadium you can continue shopping, eating, drinking and partying well into the night on Khao San Road or Soi Rambuttri. Ask Your Thai Guide how we can fit everything in to your personalised tour.

Phra Sumen Fort – Historic Thai fortification completed in 1873

Price: Free

Set amongst the peaceful green patch of Santi Chai Prakan Park, the bright white tower of Phra Sumen Fort is one of the original battlements that once surrounded the old city of Rattanakosin. It now stands sentinel, having watched Thai culture change and grow, in the middle of one of Asia’s most thriving and busy cities. Phra Sumen fort is also called Phra Sumeru fort after Mount Meru in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology and is considered a national monument.

The octagonal stuccoed brick fortification was one of 14 city watchtowers that formerly dotted the old city wall alongside Khlong Rop Krung, now Khlong Banglamphu. Of the 14 original forts, only Phra Sumen Fort and Mahakan Fort now remain.

History of Phra Sumen Fort

When King Rama I ascended to the throne as the first ruler of the Chakri dynasty in 1782, he established Bangkok as the new capital of the Kingdom on the Eastern side of the Chao Phraya river in the Rattanakosin area.

The Burmese had completely destroyed the old capital of Ayutthaya in 1767 so the King had a number of fortifications built and canals dug to protect the new capital. With the Chao Phraya river protecting Rattanakosin in the West, the area was then surrounded by water, hence the name Rattanakosin Island.

Phra Sumen Fort was renovated by the Thai Fine Arts Department in 1982 to celebrate the 200 year anniversary of the founding of Bangkok and a museum was added the top floor.

What to see at Phra Sumen Fort

The octagonal white structure of Phra Sumen fort is three floors high and contains the rooms where weapons and ammunition were once stored. Cannons were deployed over two levels and the still stand guard over the city. There is an observation tower on the top level overlooking the river, the park and the city.

You’ll find a museum on the top floor of the fort where items found in the fort during the renovation are on display.

Santi Chai Prakarn Park is an excellent place to people watch and you will particularly enjoy watching the sometimes comical group exercise sessions held there.

Between the fort and the Chao Phraya river lies Santi Chai Prakarn Park, from which there are superb views of the river and the impressive modern Rama VIII bridge in the distance. After dark the fort is lit up by spotlights making it stand out and look even more striking.

The second fort remaining from the original 14 is Mahakan fort, which is located right next to the Golden Mount or Wat Saket temple. The Burmese invaded Siam again in 1785, but their armies never reached Bangkok so the forts never saw any action.

Once you’ve toured the fort and the park, you can grab a bite to eat at the local eateries lined up and down nearby Phra Arthit Road. It’s just a 15 minute walk you to Khao San Road, or you can hop on a river boat at Phra Arthit pier next to the park and head to your next destination.

Phra Sumen Fort is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by Santi Chai Prakan Park. The fort is open to the public from 5am – 10pm daily.

Phahurat Market (Little India) – A fascinating fusion of Indian and Thai culture and shopping

Price: Free

This one is for those travellers who are after the amazing food and fashion fusion experiences only found in Bangkok. Fashionista’s will also appreciate the market’s reputation as one of Bangkok’s finest textile and jewellery markets. Phahurat Market is located in the Phra Nakhon district. The neighbourhood known as Little India and stretches out along Phahurat Road and is home to a mainly Sikh Thai-Indian community. Just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, the market and its surrounding areas are a feast for the senses.

The market is named after Phahurat Road, where stall and shop owners sell all manner of Indian-style clothing, jewellery, and food amidst a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. The crowded lanes are filled with great swathes of fabrics and ready-to-wear fashion. The market atmosphere extends along Chakrawat Road and nearby Sampeng Lane, where neighbouring restaurants offer a range of Indian snacks, meals and drinks to choose from. The Sampeng market is often described as crowded and jumbled and is packed with stuffed toys and anime models, textiles, gift shops, jewellery, accessories, arts and crafts. Locals often visit Sampeng Market for gifts and party accessories like fake flowers and balloons and of course, reams and reams of colourful fabrics of all kinds.

The Phahurat Market is a popular and often crowded place. Visitors can wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stop to haggle for some of the finest silk or nibble on a delicious Indian snack from a street vendor. This area is also home to the second-largest Sikh temple outside of India. The Siri Guru Singh Saba temple is a bright six-storey white building featuring a huge gold dome that dominates the skyline.

Some practical information about Phahurat Market

It’s often packed with people so it’s a good idea to visit with a tour guide so you have the best experience.
Maybe leave the boys at the hotel or send them off to see something else, this market isn’t for them!
The one restaurant you should try to find amidst the packed chaos of the area is Royal India Restaurant which features north Indian dishes.

The Phahurat Market is situated behind Phahurat Road. The easiest way to get to the market by public transport is to catch the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, and then take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Rajawongse Pier.

Little India is centred on Phahurat Road Talat Noi, Phra Nakon district and is open daily from early in the morning until mid-afternoon.

There’s so much to see and do in the Phra Nakon district, you could have lunch in little India and dinner in Chinatown, or head over to Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri for a unique Thai experience. Fashion and fabric lovers will also appreciate The Platinum Fashion Mall.

Museum of Siam – Explore the theme of ‘What is Thai-ness?’

Price: 200 baht

History and society buffs will appreciate a half day visit to the Museum of Siam. The Museum of Siam is an ideal place for visitors to begin to understand what is to be Thai.

Located on Rattanakosin Island and only a hop, skip and a jump from the world-famous Wat Pho, the Museum of Siam is fast becoming a must-see destination in Bangkok.

The museum’s objective is simple, and it tells visitors of the history of Thailand through the stories of the Thai people. The intuitive and interactive journey through the museum is set up as one path for everyone through the building. Starting on the ground floor, visitors wind around and up through each of the three floors taking in the range of permanent exhibitions and the ever-changing, limited time exhibitions. It’s the learning opportunities and interactive activities that truly make the Museum of Siam a great place to really understand what makes Thailand tick. From video presentations to interactive exercises, museum enthusiasts will love this world class museum.

The Museum of Siam is located near the The Grand Palace, inside the former Thai Ministry of Commerce. The building itself is historic and a prime example of older Thai architecture. The grounds contain beautiful gardens and the museum houses a café to sit and relax with a coffee and snack. Sit inside the café and watch as busloads of teachers and students come to learn about Thailand’s history.

Covering subjects ranging from education to food to architecture to history, the museum is interactive, yet with minimal visible use of computers (testament to Thai creative flair). The museum teaches visitors the ethnology, the anthropology, and other factors related to Thai society and SE Asia, giving them a greater understanding of the Thai people and their history, nation, and culture, tying into Thailand’s interaction with their neighbors. Modern digital media methods have been employed to encourage participation in learning and understanding the stories of the Thailand.

‘The Accounts of Thailand’ is a permanent exhibition describing the long history of Thailand. Visitors will learn about the thousand-year-old riddles of Suvarnabhumi. You will learn contributing factors in the golden era of Siam and the various factors that influenced the nation as it became the Thailand we see today. Visitors will enjoy ‘decoding Thainess,’ and will discover some important answers to the question of ‘What is the meaning of Thainess?’

Top tips for visiting the Museum of Siam

Be prepared for an interactive and multi-sensory experience. This isn’t your usual museum full of old dinosaur bones
Allow 2-3 hours
Later in the day (usually from 4pm), entry is often free

The Museum of Siam is at Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon and is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

The Museum of Siam is so centrally located that it is easy to include it on a day tour of central Bangkok and visit many other attractions nearby, such as:

Whether it’s opulent temples, raucous street markets or peaceful floating markets, fine dining or street food, natural wonders or theme parks, Your Thai Guide has Bangkok covered. We can show you any of the museums in Bangkok you like. Some other museums and galleries nearby you may like to include on a tour of Thai discovery are: