Bangkok Information 

Overview
A visitor's reaction to the Thai capital is often as confused as the city's geography. There is no downtown-the old quarters sprawl along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River-and the traffic-thronged streets seem to veer off in every direction. In the last 30 years, Bangkok's population has mushroomed from 1.5 million to 8 million, and space in which to live and breathe is minimal. And yet this city of palaces and shrines maintains a sense of history and timelessness. Like sparkling temple walls comprised of myriad tiles, Bangkok is the sum of its parts-pungent smells, frenetic energy, exotic architecture, and a culture shaped by centuries of Buddhism and political independence. You may not come to love Bangkok, but neither will you forget it. 
 

Sightseeing and Entertainment
Ferry Ride on the Chao Phraya River. Long-tailed boats and ferries ply the Chao Phraya and the city's klongs (canals), providing a scenic escape from the Bangkok's traffic. One good trip-past waterside temples, traditional houses, the Royal Barge Museum, and Khoo Wiang Floating Market-starts at the Chang Pier near the Grand Palace. Cost: B10. Boats leave every 20 minutes between 6:15 AM and 8 PM. 

Grand Palace. This palace and walled city, which dates from 1782, contains Chakri Maha Prasart, the king's official residence (he actually lives at Chitlada Palace in north Bangkok). Other attractions include Dusit Maha Prasart, a classic example of palace architecture; Amarin Vinichai Hall, used for the presentation of ambassadors' credentials; and the Wat Phra Keo (see below). Admission charged. Open daily 8:30-11:30 and 1-3:30. 

Jim Thompson's House. American Jim Thompson-architect, spy, and expat silk-industry magnate-created this wonderful compound of traditional architecture by importing parts of up-country buildings, some as old as 150 years. Soi Kasemsong 2, tel. 02/215-0122. Admission charged. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4:30. 

National Museum. Trace Thailand's long history, beginning with the 5,000- to 6,000-year-old ceramic utensils and bronzeware of the Ban Chiang civilization, then acquaint yourself with one of the world's best collections of Southeast Asian art. Tel. 02/224-1333. Admission charged. Open Wed.-Fri. and weekends 9-noon and 1-4. 

Royal Barges. These splendid ceremonial barges, carved in the early part of this century, take the form of mythical creatures of the Ramayana. Most impressive is the red-and-gold royal flag barge, Suphannahongse (Golden Swan), carved from a single piece of teak and used by the king on special occasions. Thonburi side of Chao Phraya River. Admission charged. Open daily 8:30-4:30. 

Suan Pakkard Palace. The five houses of this serene palace, built high on teak columns, sit among perfectly kept undulating lawns, shimmering lotus pools, and lush shrubbery. The main attraction, the Lacquer Pavilion, contains gold-covered paneling with scenes from the life of Buddha; other houses display porcelains, Khmer stone heads, old paintings, and statues of Buddha. Tel. 02/245-4934. Admission charged. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4. 

Thai Classical Dance Performance at the Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. A troupe of 170 dancers performs the Khon Masked Dance, with stunning light effects and high-tech sophistication. English translations are printed in the programs and on screens above the stage. 66 New Rd., tel. 02/222-0434. Performances held Tues. and Thurs. at 8 PM. 

Vimarnmek Palace. This is the largest teak structure in the world, built by King Rama V, grandfather of the present king. King Rama's fascination with Western architecture shows in the Victorian style, but the building retains a Thai delicacy. Most of the furnishings were bought in the West or given by European monarchs. Tel. 02/281-1569. Admission charged. Open daily 9:30-4. 

Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple). Bangkok's most photographed wat, built in 1899, is where Thailand's present king came to spend his days as a monk before his coronation. Statues of Buddha line the courtyard, and the magnificent interior has crossbeams of lacquer and gold. Admission charged. Open daily 7-5. 

Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). No building within the Grand Palace compound excites such awe as the adjoining royal chapel, the most sacred temple in the kingdom. This is the most ornate wat in Thailand, embellished with murals, statues, and glittering gold. Inside sits the Emerald Buddha, a venerated image carved from a single piece of jade 3/4 meter (31 inches) high. Grand Palace compound. Admission charged. Open daily 8:30-11:30 and 1-3:30. 

Wat Po, or Wat Phra Jetuphon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). The largest temple in Bangkok, Wat Po is famous for housing the longest reclining Buddha in the country: 46 meters (151 feet) long. Especially noteworthy are his 3-meter (10-ft) feet, inlaid in mother-of-pearl with the 108 auspicious signs of the Lord Buddha. Admission charged. Open daily 7-5. 

Wat Rachanada (The Temple of the Metal Castle). Built of metal, Wat Rachanada is meant to duplicate the mythical castle of the Gods. It is the only wat of its kind remaining. Admission charged. Open daily 8-6. 

Wat Sakret (Temple of the Golden Mount). This notable landmark of the old city was for a long time the tallest building around. To reach the gold-covered chedi, you must climb up 318 steps winding around the mound. On a cool, clear day, the view from the top is worth the effort.Admission charged. Open daily 8-5. 

Wat Traimitr (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Off to the side of Wat Traimitr is a small chapel containing the world's largest solid-gold Buddha, weighing 5 1/2 tons and standing 3 meters (10 feet) high. Some 300 years ago, it was covered in plaster to hide it from invaders. Not until the 1950s, when the plaster cracked in a fall, was its value rediscovered. Admission charged. Open daily 9-5.

Links
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thailand Country and Travel Information
U.S. Embassy in Thailand