Bangkok Things to Do Tips by templemonkey

In the early Rattanakosin period Bangkok waterways were the main routes of transportation.Alot of the canals have now been filled in to make ways for roads but the Chao Phraya River still runs through many Thai lives.
A trip along the river is a pleasent way to spend the day, as you can get to see Bangkok from a different perspective.Also you can get out of the traffic jams and feel the breeze or maybe the river water on your face.Just don't open your mouth.As you cruise along the river you can see temples,churches ,hotels,new beautiful homes,old wooden houses and maybe children swimming in the murky water.So just get on a boat and see where the river takes you.
The Chao Phraya Express boat runs between Bangkok Bridge and Nonthaburi.There is also the Tourist Boat that connects to the BTS train at Sathone Pier to Bunglumphu pier (Khaosan Road)..

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Address: Saphan Taksin Stn., Bangkok
Directions: There are many different piers on the river.From Sapan Tuksin near The Skytrain station to Nontaburi.

The Anantasamakhom Throne Hall marble building was built in the reign of King Rama V in the Italian Renaissaance architectural style.The ceiling of the dome was highlighted by fresco paintings of important Royal functions during the reign of King Rama I up to King Rama VI.This is also the old parliament building.
The building is still used to hold important royal and state ceremonies.The last one being the 2004 APEX meeting.
The large paved area in front of the building is where the annual Trooping of the Colour is held every December.Also,the annual Red Cross fair during end of March where you can buy cheap goods and watch many activities such as Thai dancing during this fair .The Throne Hall is open to the public only once a year during Children's Day ( 2nd Sat in January ).

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Address: Uthongnai Rd,Dusit District
Directions: Behind King Rama V statue and near the Dusit zoo.Bus 70,72. Air-con 3

King Rama V statue can be seen in a big square in front of the Anantasamakhom Palace.It was the first statue erected for a Thai King from funds raised by Thai citizens..This bronze statue was made by expert French sculptors and cast in Paris in 1907.
Everyday especially on Tuesday (the day of the week the King was born ) you will see many Thai people paying respect in front of the bronze statue.Lighting candles ,incense, offering garlands of flowers and brandy at all hours of the day and night.Some people say that if you make a wish it may be granted.

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Address: Rachadamnern-Nok Rd
Directions: Near the Dusit zoo.

When you are walking around Rachadamnern Avenue one temple that you will notice is the Golden Mount or Wat Saket .This is a temple with a golden Chedi know as the Golden Mount. It is a bit of a climb up the man made hill to the Golden Mount so prepare to sweat alittle if you think it is worth it.The hill offers a nice view of Rattanakosin Island and the roof tops of the surrounding area.At night the mount is lit up and looks especially beautiful.
Every November during Loy Kratong there is a large festival in the grounds of the temple,including a candle procession up the Golden Mount.
This is very popular with the locals with lots of food stalls,games and fireworks.I went once and it was too crowded for my liking .Not a traffic jam but a people jam.However its a good chance to see a real down to earth Thai temple fair.

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Phone: 66-2-233 4561
Address: Bus No. 8, 15, 37, 47, 97 Air Con Bus No. 38, 49
Directions: Off Rachadamnern Avenue go down soi Boriphat and you will see the temple.

Phra Sumen Fort is one of two forts that have survived to give us abit of a glimse of what is still left of "old Siam".You can still see the white washed hexagonal -shape concrete fort ,cannons and part of the broken wall ;which was built in the reign of King Rama I in1783.
The fort is next to Santchaiprakan Park overlooking the Chao Phraya River not far from Phra Artit pier and Khaosan Road. At night Phra Sumen fort looks alot better as it is lit up .

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Address: Banglupo Pier, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Directions: Take a short walk to Phra Athit Road and turn left

The Queen's Gallery is the place to head to if you want to see modren Thai art .the gallery has four floors and in the ground floor gallery you will see a big painting of HRH Queen Sirikit in traditional costume.
Gallery hours are 10:00 am - 7:00 pm daily (Closed Wednesday). The admission fee is 20 baht.The exhibitions change each month and feature some well know Thai artist as well as younger artist.There is also a Gallery shop and Cafe near the entrance.

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Phone: 02 281 5360
Address: 101 Ratchadamnoen Rd,Borwonniwet, Bangkok
Directions: Before Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd across from The Deves Insurance.
Website: www.queengallery.org

Saranrom Park was originally a Royal Park in Saranrom Palace, which King Rama IV ordered to be built as a residence towards the end of his reign.(The old palace is now under restoration )This almost forgotten shady oasis is located diagonally opposite of Wat Po and across from the rear of the Grand Palace .Inside the park you can check out the Chao Mae Takhien Deity.This shrine to the spirit of the Takhien tree in the form of a three-level, octagonal Chinese pavilion.Also there are some good little traditional Thai Houses.In the late afternoon this park is a popular place for locals to exercise .

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Address: Rachini & Charoenkrung Road
Directions: Located near the Wat Pho between Rachini and Charoenkrung roads.

Take a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya river .The Riverside hotel cruise cost about 120 baht per person for the cruise.Even better you can order Thai or Chinese food cooked to order on board and drinks.On the boat there are two sections to sit, the air-con room with a live band or on the deck.
The boat leaves at around 8 pm from the hotel which is located near Krung Thon bridge. The boat heads towards Khrungthep ( Bangkok ) bridge passing many well know landmarks and bridges along the way. As you go along the river begins to really take on another life after dark and when the boat pass the temple of dawn all lit up ,your in for a treat!
We brought our own extra large "duty free"Black label .So a jolly time was had especially when the boat went under one of the many bridges...Whooo.....

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Phone: 028831588,434 0090-3
Address: 195 Ratwithi Rd, Bangkok
Directions: First soi on the left as you come off Krung Thon Bridge.
Website: www.riversidebangkok.com

The Democracy Monument is situated on Rachadamneon Avenue, probably the widest road in Thailand.It is also one of the busiest /polluted roundabout during peak hours .
The monument was built by an Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci better know as" Silpa Bhirasi"(The founding father of modern Thai art ) to commemorate the 1932 revolution that ended absolute monarchy and to celebrate Thailand's first constitution.
Check out the cool "Serpent Heads" sculpturs on each corner and the golden Constitution on the center pedestal.

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Address: Thanon Ratchadamnoen Klang
Directions: Located on the busy Rachadamneon Avenue.

Victory Monument is located at one of the busiest roundabout in Bangkok.It was constructed in 1941 to praise soldier,policemen and civilians who died in a dispute between Thailand and France.
You can get buses or mini vans to any part of Bangkok ,Ayuthaya and even Cha Am.However there are no signs in English ,so you should know the number bus or vans you want .There are four different sides where buses stop and it can get very hectic at peak hour.The mad rush to get on buses to get a seat is intense .Rugby skills can be a big advantage here.
There are also many shops around Victory Monument especially cloths and shoes for the ladies.In the evening here are some very good food stalls and little bars.From the BTS station here you can easilly get to Siam Square ,Sukhumwit Road and Silom Road.

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Address: The roundabout Phayathai sub district.
Directions: Between Din Dang,Phahonyuthin Rd,Phayathai Rd and Rachawithi Rd.