Jim Thompson House and other Bangkok, Thailand Things to Do Tips

The American silk magnate Jim Thompson built his house from 6 teak houses before disappearing in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia in 1967. The house now hosts one of Thailand`s best collections of Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin period art. The tours are well-organized and interesting.
Admission is 100 BHT, I believe.

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Phone: 215 01 22
Address: Rama I Road, Pathumwan District, Bangkok

This is the must see for every Bangkok traveller. The fantastic temple houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred buddha image in Thailand. King Rama I. built it in 1782 when he moved the capital of Thailand to Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the residence of King Chulalongkorn, today, the reception areas and central throne hall are still used for certain royal ceremonies.
It is the most impressive temple complex in Thailand, with golden chedis, dangerous looking guardians and enticing frescoes from The Ramayana.
Wear long trousers/skirt and a long-sleeved shirt, or entrance will be refused.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Directions: The combined compound is open 8.30am to 3.30pm everyday. Cost is 200B (if you are Thai, it's free), and includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, both in the Dusit area.
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

Many of the old waterways in Bangkok have vanished, but there is still a large area covered with the "khlongs". A tour with a longtail boat is a relaxing way to see the old Bangkok, only after a few minutes you get the feeling of being far away from the big city. Small wooden houses, women washing clothes in the dirty river and children playing and waving at the tourists passing by.
Amazing is also the contrast, simple huts are next to luxurious villas with garden and great temples, poverty and luxury are very close to each other.

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The Snake Farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Thai Red Cross Society) was the second snake farm in the world opened in 1923 by Queen Sawang vadhana, the president of he Thai Red Cross Society. This facility is manufacturing antivenoms effective in treating snake bite victims. You can watch the assistants milking the snakes for venom or feeding them with small animals. Or you may even get to hold a 2-m long Python!
Admission is 70 baht
Open to the public every day from 8.30 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and 8.30 am to 12.00 am on weekends and public holidays

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Phone: +66 2 252-0161-4
Address: Rama IV Road

The Erawan Shrine was built after several workers lost their lives in mysterious accidents during the construction of the Erawan Hotel. No further accident occured after the construction. This place is always crowded with worshippers and Thai dancers.

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Address: Chitlom Station, Bangkok
Directions: Near the Sogo Dept. Store
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com

If you are not on a round trip, Ayutthaya can be done as a day-trip from Bangkok. The city was built by King U Thong in 1350. In the 17th century, it was a commercial and cultural centre. Most of the temples and palaces have been destroyed in 1767 by the conquerors from Burma. This is a fascinating and mysterious place with great atmosphere. Better rent a tuk-tuk, the area is too big to be explored on foot.

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Address: Ayuthaya
Directions: Take a train from Bangkok, the train goes frequently. It is about 90km from Bangkok.
Website: http://www.thaitravel.info/Ayuthaya/