Temple Emarald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Temple

Emarald Buddha

(Wat Phra Kaew)

Actually made of jade instead of emerald, and at 66 cm high not very large, but the Emerald Buddha is inarguably the most sacred relic in all of Buddhism. The image is considered a talisman and holds tremendous significance for Thailand and its people. It is thought to have been made in the 15th century and was the cause of several wars before finally ending up in Bangkok in 1782. The Buddha image is elevated high on a golden pedestal, repesenting an arial chariot, and wears a 'robe' that is changed three times each year by the King or Crown Prince th mark the changing of the seasons. Admission fot foreigners to the Grand Palace is 200THB.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

(Wat Phra Kaew) Na Phra Lan Road,

Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang,

Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Temple Wat Arun

Temple Wat Arun

Onthe Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, one temple stands out as one of the icons of Bangkok's skyline. Wat Arun, named after the Indian god of Dawn, consists of 80-meter-high Khmer-style prangs, ingeniously decorated with bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast bt boats coming ti Bangkok from China, a hallmark of the reign of King Rama lll. The temple ground itself is peaceful, with beautiful murals. Wat Arun is one of the most photographed landmarks of Bangkok, and the highlight of every river cruise.

Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan

(opposite Tha Tien pier)

Tel: +66(0) 2465 5640

Open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Tips: While it is called the Temple of Dawn, the best views are in the evening, with the sun setting behind it.

Temple Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

Temple

(Wat Benchamabophit)

[The Marble Temple]

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in bangkok, the glistening Wat Benchamabophit (or simply The Marble Temple), is con structed of imported Italian Marble and houses a breathtaking collection of Royal relics. Within the temple is a grand Ordination Hall that plays home to a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue known as Phra Buddhajinaraja that was cast in 1920 after the original Located in Wat Mahathat in Phitsanulok. The ashes of King Chulalongkorn are buried beneath the statue, making this temple a sacred place where great respect should be shown at all times. In the gallery surrounding the Ordination Hall are 52 Buddha statues, and the adjacent Benchamabophit National Museum. Admission is only 20THB.

Wat Benchamabophit

69 Rama V Road (on the corner of Sri Ayutthaya

and Rama V Road, opposite Chitralada Palace)

Tel: +66 (0) 2281 2501, +66 (0) 2628 7947

Open 6:00 Am to 6:00 PM Daily

www.watbencha.com/index-e.html

Temple (Wat Mangkornkamalawas)

Temple

(Wat Mangkornkamalawas)

Hidden away in Bangkok's lively Chinatown on Yaowarat Raod, Wat Mangkorn (or Wat Leng Nui Yee as the locals know it), was built during the reign of king Rama V following the principles of Feng Shui. Today, it combines aspects of Chinese and Thai Buddhism with flecks of Taoism and Confucianism. Many visitors seek to cleanse or avoid bad luck during inauspicious years by paying respects to the 58 gods placed around the compound. Poised prominently in the temple are "Tai Sui Ye" or the od of Fate, "Cai Shen Ye" or the God of Fortune as well as the Heng Jia God, Mettraiyabhodisat God, and the Guan Yin Goddess. Often obscured by thick smoke from countless incense sticks, vistors are welcomed to participate in ceremonies, such as obtaining a hardcopy of their Chinese fortune.

Leng Nui Yee

New Charoen Krung Road,

(near Plaeng Nam intersection)

Yaowarat, Bangkok

Open daily from early to very late

Siam Ocean World

Siam Ocean World

Within the depths of Bangkok's premier shopping mail is Siam Ocean World, a world-class aquarium full of amazing animals and simulated ocean habitats. Boasting a reputation as the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, Siam Ocean World includes penguins, grey nurse sharks and giant spider crabs in addition to a variety of native reef fauna found along Thailand's coast. The aquarium offers a "Dive with the Sharks program" where visitors can scuba dive in the Open Ocean Side by side with the scary-looking sharks and rays. The aquarium also features "Sanyo 4D X-venture", a state of the art interactive theatre experience. For trinkets, there is the Shark Shop, with furry fish friends, or a T-shirt designed especially for Siam Ocean World. Entry is 850THB for adults and 650THB for children.

Siam Ocean World

B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon

991 Rama 1 Road,

Pathumwan District, Bangkok

Tel: +66 (0) 2687 2000

Fax: +66 (0) 2687 2001

http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/

Museum Jim Thompson House

Museum Jim Thompson House

American silk mogul Jim Thompson, known for revolutionizing the Thai silk industry, also collected Southeast Asian art and an constructed an ornate home in central Bangkok. The house is now one of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions, due to its beautiful aechitecture and intriguing heritage, along with a boutique selling Jim Thompson's world famous wares. Within the complex is a magnificent compilation of cultural artifacts, including teak wood carved Buddha images, intricate murals, and the House is a popular venue for arts and Crafts exhibitions throughout the year. Admissions to the house are 100THB for adults and 50THB for students.

Jim Thompson House

6 Soi Kasemsant 2,

Rama 1 Road, Bangkok

Tel:+66 (0) 2216 7368

Fax:+66 (0) 2612 3744

http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com/

Open 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM every day

Museum Baan Kamthieng

Museum Baan Kamthieng

Just steps away from one of Bangkok's busiest intersections. the Kamthieng House is an intricate structure that was originally situated on the Ping River in Chiang Mai, and then relocated to central Bangkok in the 1960s. Standing as a prime example of Northern Thai architecture, this antique home is now more than 160years old and has been preserved in excellent condition. Visitors can learn about Thailand's ethnological history througe the display of arts, crafts and everyday working tools of Thailand's Northern ethnic group. The Kamthieng House us stocked with artifacts that represent the traditional rural way of life, with beautiful hand-woven fabrics, elaborate woodcarvings, traditional musical instruments and religious items. Admission is 100THB for adults and 50THB for children.

The house is located directly adjacent to the BTS Skytrain Asoke Station. Take the BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station or the subway to Sukhumvit Station. Open Tuesday to Saturday (except public holidays) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM closed Sunday, Monday & Public Holidays.

Siam Society

131 Soi Asoke 21, Off Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok

Tel:+66 (0) 2661 6470-7

The Giant Swing

The Giant Swing

This interesting 27-meter tall religous structure located in front of Wat Suthat, was formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony after is construction in 1784. The ceremony of Tri-yampawai or the Swing Ceremony was one of 12 royal ceremonies held in each of the months of the Thai lunar calendar in the Sukhothai kingdom. The Swing Ceremony is a re-enactment of an ancient Hindu epic, with the pillars of the Giant Swing representing the mountains, and the circular base representing the earth and the seas. Arguably Thailand's first foray into extreme sports, it is said spirits of those who died on the swing still haunt the area. The swing has been rebuilt many times over the ears, and the latest was presided over by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in September 2007, While you cannot swing on it anymore, the Giant Swing is free to visit and open to the general public.


The Giant Swing
Hindu Sao Chingcha Square near the intersection
of Bamrung Muang Road and Ti Thong Road
Tel: +66(0)2222 0280
Open daily from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Museum The Old Thon Buri Palace

Museum The Old Thon Buri Palace

Phra Ratcha Wang Derm, or The Old Palace, was built in 1768 after Phraya Tak drove out the invading Burmese army and founded a new capital, from where he ruled as King Taksin. After his execution in 1782, it continued to be used by King Rama I of the new Chakri Dynasty until the Grand Palace was constructed across the Chao Phraya River. The architectural style of the palace ia an impressive mixture of Thai and Chinese arts, and these buildings now serve as amuseum holding traditional weapons of the period and information concerning Taksin's war achievements. Additionally there are exhibits of the Taksin period, paintings and antiques. The museum is open for groups only, so permission should be obtained in advance.

Wang Derm Road(Near Wat Arun)

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday

08:30 AM to 04:00PM

Respectful Gods Hindu Shrines

Respectful Gods

(Hindu Shrines)

A visit to the busy Ratchaprasong intersection is a must for any visitor to Bangkok. Day or night, rain or shine, tourists and locals flock to the Erawan Shrine, believed by many to be one of the most auspicious in Thailand. The Shrine holds the Hindo god Brahma, known in Thai as Phra Phrom. There are many who claim their wishes have been granted here, but even if you do not believe in such things, it is still a spectacle worth visiting; the overhead sky bridge connecting Chidlom BTS Station and Centralword shopping center markes an excellent vantage point.

A shrine to Indra, the supreme ruler of all the Hindu Gods is just down the road from Erawan Shrine to the east. Housed in the Indra Shrine, and made of dark jade, the statue is located in front of Amarin Plaza. Indra is regarded as the god of thunder and rain, the god of war, and the deity that looks after mankind. Visitors often notice the abundance of wooden elephants offered the this god, as Load Erawan, the god of elephants, was his celestial vehicle.

Across the road from the Indra shrine in front of the Intercontinental Hotel is the Vishnu Shrine, a remarkable memorial to the Hindu God Vishnu. The protector and preserver of creation, Vishnu is perched on the shoulders of a garuda, the half-man half-bird creature found on the official vrest of Thailand. Princess Sita, his reincarnated consort Lakshmi, is depicted close by on the fourth floor of Gaysorn Plaza. This Lakshim Shrine is for the goddess of good fortune, wealth and prosperity, which is fitting , as Gaysorn is home to very hogh-end brands.

From that vantage point, you can see the Ganesha Shrine in front of CentralWorld Shopping center, honoring the elephant-head Hindu god (known in Thai as Phra Bikanes) who holds a special place in the hearts of many Thais. The god of accomplishment, wisdom and wealth, Ganesha is the preferred deity to visit when seeking success. The worship of Ganesha is another indication of the fusion of Hindu deities in Thai customs and rituals, along with the shrine immediately adjacent to it, the Trimutri Shrine, which has its own special aura. While this classical golden Indian sculpture was also built for those popularly known as The Lover's Shrine, for its apparent effectiveness in helping worshippers find romance.

The proximity of all six Hindu gods means you can easily visit each one in less than a day, covering all you bases for success, wealth, luck, and love, with plenty of time for shopping and dining in the lively Ratchaprasong area.

Pak Klong Talat(Flower market)

Pak Klong Talat

(Flower market)

Thailand is blessed with indexpensive, yet gorgeous flowers that would cost a pretty penny anywhere else in the world. In Bangkok, the best place for alowers is Pak klong Talat flower market, a riot of colors and aromas, with not only multi-hued fresh-cut flowers available, but also fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices. Stay up late or get up early, because the best time to visit is between 2:00 AM and4.:00 AM, when new deliveries arrive and buyers from restaurants, hotels, and market vendors all over Bangkok come to refresh their floral wares. Peruse jasmine, water lilies, orchids, and roses, along with handcrafted garlands, and then snack on a traditional breakfast of fried dough and hot soy milk.



Pak Klong Talat Flower Market

Along Maharat Road, near Memorial Bridge

open every day from around 02:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Exotic Market (Bangkok Noi)

Exotic Market

(Bangkok Noi)

Up to the 19th century, Bangkok Noi was known as Amphoe Amarin, or the District of Indra. The area took its name from the canal running through it, Klong Bangkok Noi. Most visitors start at the former Bangkok Noi Railway Station, now the district's tourist center. From here, take a long-tail boat ride to the Museum of the Royal Bargers as well as two beautiful temples dating back to the Ayutthaya era, Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan and WatRakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan, both reconstructed by King Rama Locals flock to Bangkok Noi to streets named for the famed Thai sweets, Trok Matoom (bael Fruit) and Trok Khao Mao(shredded rice) as well as Ban Chang Lor, Where artisans cast beautiful Buddha images.

Exotic Market (Taling Chan)

Exotic Market

(Taling Chan)

Instead of the retail commotion of a shopping mall, it might bu fun to symbolically paddle back in time. The Taling Chan Floating Market, held every Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) in front of the Taling Chan Municipal Office, is where vendors bring all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in local orchards and gardens. You should also try the Khaolam (glutinous rich roasted in bamboo Joints) and kluay khaek (deep fried sliced banana). Time permitting,taje a boat ride through and see modest residences along the canal that will take you back to simpler, unhurried days.