"I have seen the elephants"
In the middle of the 19th century, the popular phrase "I have seen the elephant" referred to overcoming the adversities and hardships in one's life. A fable revolved around a farmer who heard that the circus was coming to town. He had never seen an elephant, and headed to town with his produce to see the elephant. One the road, he encountered the elephant. Unfortunately, the farmer's horse had never seen an elephant, either. The horse spooked, upset the cart, and ran off, destroying the farmer's produce. Even so, the farmer declared "I don't care, for I have seen the elephants."
Thailand is a colorful country that has something new around every corner. You will see Exotic Royal Palaces, Buddhist temples and coral islands. The friendliest people I ever met, the spiciest food and the most colorful and flavorful tropical fruits I ever ate. Thailand is a shopper�s paradise with bargains in every area of interest from gold jewelry to surgical procedures.
Orientation:
The first day we will learn our way around our hotel and the neighborhood allowing a little time to adjust to the time change and sample the food. We will review our maps of Bangkok�s main tourist and shopping areas. Learn how to catch and navigate the Sky train the Bangkok taxis. Learn how to order food in restaurants and from the world famous street venders. Buy snacks at the fresh produce markets and look for treasures in the open air markets. The 7-11�s that are on every corner have everything including Johnny Walker Black & Red label. The pharmacies sell almost everything over the counter, no prescriptions are needed.
Boat tour of Thonburi and Nonthaburi on the Bangkok Noi Klong (canal).
Learn how catch the express and tour boats at the King Taksin bridge (Sapan Taksin) pier.
Jatujak Weekend market.
The worlds largest weekend market covers area of 35 acres with more than 5,000 booths selling goods from every part of Thailand. The best way to get here is on the Skytrain get off at the Mo Chit station.
Wat Arun is perhaps better known as the �Temple of Dawn�.
This is one of the best known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok. It dates from the Ayuthaya period.
Phra Ratchawang Doem.
This Palace was built by King Taksin the great(the King of Thonburi) around 1771 before the Chakri Dynasty and the reign of King Rama I. King Taksin moved the Thai capital here from Ayutthaya after defeating the Burmese invaders. (The palace is now the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters).
The Grand Palace.
This palace has an area of 218,400 sq. meters. Within it's these walls are situated government offices, the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha and the royal residences. The Emerald Buddha is in fact carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in 1434 in a stupa in Chiang Rai.
Wat Po (Wat Phra Chetupon).
Wat Po dates from long before Bangkok became the capital, having been founded in the 16th century. It became a particular favorite with the early Chakri kings who, starting with King Rama I, turned it into the country's largest monastery. Wat Po's most celebrated tourist attraction is a massive Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long, the feet of which are decorated with exquisite mother- of-pearl inlay.
City pillar shrine.
When King Rama I ascend the throne on 6th April, A.D. 1782 he moved the capital across the river from Thon Buri. The ceremony of the installation of the City Pillar was held on 21st April, A.D. 1782 at 6.54 a.m. The Pillar was made of the trunk of a Chaiyaphruk tree, in the hollow of which was placed the horoscope of the city. The Pillar stands 79 inches above ground level. It is lacquered and gilded.
The Giant swing.
The swing is in the older part of Bangkok. The Swing Ceremony, entirely Brahmanical (Hindu) in origin was last performed in 1935. Behind the swing stands Wat Suthat, an excellent example of Bangkok period architecture, the construction of which was initiated during the reign of Rama I and completed during reign of Rama III.
The Chinatown district.
China town is one of the oldest areas of Bangkok as Chinese merchants were originally moved to this area in the early 1780's to make way for the Grand Palace when Bangkok was founded. One of the main streets of this area, Charoen Krung (translating as 'Prosperous city'), was actually Bangkok's first paved road, so it's English name is �New Road�. Gold shops here are a major attraction.
Phahurat Market (Indian Market).
Pahurat is easily accessible by a short walk, after alighting from a Chao Phraya River Express boat at Tha (pier) Saphaan Phut, Little India has many gem, jewelry and fabric shops.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha).
The world's largest solid gold Buddha image is more than 700 years old and weighs approximately 5 1/2 tons. The 15-foot tall seated image is worth in the neighborhood of $14 Million. Open everyday from 9.00 am.-5.00 pm. Admission is 20 Baht.
Vimanmek Royal Mansion.
Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, this is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is provided to visitors. The compound is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
The National Museum Bangkok.
The Museum is located on Naphra That road between Thammasart University and the National Theatre, open from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.every day except Monday, Tuesday and National holidays .The admission fee is 40 baht. Be sure to see The Red House is a traditional teak house made of interlocking panels. It was originally built for a sister of King Rama I about 200 years ago. The furnishings, including an impressive Chinese carved bed, date from the early 18th to mid-19th centuries. Many items belonged to the Royal Family.
Suan Pakkad Palace.
Five 100 year old plus traditional Thai houses, overlooking a beautifully kept garden. They house a large collection of Asian art and antiques. Open everyday except Sunday from 9.00 am - 4.00 pm. There is an admission fee of 100 baht and there are student guides.
Jim Thompson House.
http://www.jimthompsonhouse.org/ The Jim Thompson House is located on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Rd. and is made up of a collection of traditional Thai houses. Open 09:00 to 17:00 everyday with the last Guided Tour at 16:30. Admission fee Adult 100 baht
Nakhon Patom (Tallest Buddhist Pagoda).
Kanchanaburi Province clams to be the oldest city in Thailand is very near �The Bridge on the river Kwai�. We should try to travel at least one way by train.
Bang Pa-in summer palace.
Bang Pa-in Palace dates to the 17th century when King Prasat Thong originally constructed a palace on Bang Pain Island in the Chao Phraya River. Most of the palace buildings still standing today date to the period 1872 - 1889.
Wat Na Phra Mane.
This temple was built in 1504. When Ayutthaya was collapsed for the second time, all the Temples, Palaces and most of the City were destroyed, but Wat Na Phra Mane survived. Wat Na Phra Mane contains the most complete Works of Art from the Ayutthaya Period, especially the Image in the main shrine.
Thai blacksmith sword shops.
Blacksmiths' shops in Aranyik village, Nakorn Luang District, are one of few remaining examples of life from ancient Ayutthaya. In the morning, if you follow the sound of hammering, you will see villagers making knives. Vinai Ruaycharoen's shop is the best place.
The Snake farm, Queen Saovapha memorial institute.
Thailand is the home of 163 species of snakes of which 85 are venomous. The farm situated along Rama IV Road, close to the Chulalongkorn Hospital. Open weekdays from 8.30 am - 4.00 pm and 8.30 am - 12 noon on holidays. Venom is extracted at 10.30 am (and 2.00 pm on weekdays). Admission is 70 baht. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and on national holidays.
BangLampoo.
This is the favorite area for budget travelers. There are many inexpensive guesthouses, restaurants and bars in which you can always find a place to stay. Most places are centered on Khao San Road. You can expect to pay $3 to $6 for a single budget room. The international backpackers are as fun to see as the silver shops and the night market.
Diamond eyed Siamese Cat Palace.
Among the famous breeds of Siamese cat, the white pure Maeo Khao Mani, with its diamond eyes, has long been a favorite of Thai royalty and the upper classes. These diamond-eye cats are bred and shown to visitors. Every cat of this kind has one light blue colored eye and one that is amber. Valuable amulets called "Phra Somdet" and antiques are also displayed in this old Thai-style house on Boromarajajonani Road.
The Mae Naak shrine.
A famous shrine in Bangkok (������Ҥ���⢹�) is containing the grave of the dreadful ghost "PHI PHRA KHANONG" (�վ��⢹�). This ghost has frightened Thai people since almost a century. Supposedly her burial place is located at the edge of the Wat Mahabute compound in On Nut, Sukhumwit Soi 77, Bangkok. There is no Thai who does not know of Mae Naak. While mentioning her can make young children run and scream hysterically in the "Nang Naak game", mothers invoke Mae Naak's name to quiet their crying infants; otherwise, the ghost might break their necks and eat their heads with chilly sauce. The gothic tale of Mae Naak Phra Khanong has been filmed more than twenty times and should be seen first.
Thieves market.
This secondhand market or Nakorn Kasem, an area of small streets between Yaowarat and Charoen Krung in Chinatown, is where you can buy anything from hardware to porcelains.
The Bangkokian (Bangkok Folk) Museum
Located in Soi Charoen Krung 43. Exhibits lifestyles of middle-class Bangkokians during World War II (1937-1957). Such as kitchen in the old days, studying equipments, The objetive of the owner of this museum is to show younger generations how hard time their ancestors had back then.. like using of the old style pot to cook rice that needed lot of care and time unlike these days you just push one button on electronic one and wait. Another objective is to make us realise where we came from, know our roots. Doctor Francis who built this house is an Indian gentleman who lived in Thailand and married Thai lady. He planned to turn this house into a clinic for the poor people so they could come to have a decent treatment without paying any fee, he would do it for help. Unfortunately he passed away too soon. But you can still see medical equipments in the house. They kept everything. The Gardens are great and the house is very beautiful. Opening hours: 9:00 am - 3:30 PM Address: Soi Charoen Krung 43 Phone: 0 2233 7027 Directions: If you tell the taxi to turn opposite post office HQ, its in the soi about 1 min. The house will be on the right
King Prajadhipok Rama VII Palace,
To learn about Thailand's rich history, this might be the best place. This museum is somewhat bland, but the informationj it gives is what makes it good. There are no "big attractions" just the good history lesson. Details about the lineage of Thailands monarchy and the subsequent rise of resistance against it, are well laid out for all. While some of the photos are not labeled in English, everything else is. King Prajadhipok was the 76th child and last born son of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Transportation Bus no.2, 15, 44, 47, 60 A/C Bus no.39, 44, 79, 511, 512 Saensaep Canal Express Boat service at the Phanfa pier Opening Hours Tuesday - Sunday (including public holidays) 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission fee 40 Bahts Address: 2 Lanluang Road Phone: (+662) 2280 3413 , 280-3445-6 Directions: Near the Phanfalilat Bridge
Ban Kamthieng.
on 131 Soi Asok (Soi 21), Sukhumvit Road. (Tel: 661-6470-7) This is a very old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago, donated to the Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house. Daily, except Sunday and Monday, 9:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00. Admission fee is 100 Baht.
The Ancient City
This is the worlds largest outdoor museum which consists of gigantic sized replicas of famous buildings, monuments, and temples found in all parts of Thailand. Visitors can travel around by private car in the area of 280 acres, which is approximately the geographic shape of Thailand. The Ancient City is located at Km. 33 on Sukhumvit Road, Samut Prakan Province. (Tel: 224-1057, 226-1936)The compound is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission fee is 50 Baht per person.
The PRASART MUSEUM
Prasat Vongsakul is both a collector and an antique dealer, and his enthusiasm for his country's past has led him to establish a private museum on two acres in a Bangkok suburb. Faithful replicas of several historic buildings - among them the library of a Buddhist temple, a traditional teak palace and a structure in the European style that was popular in the 19th century - have been erected in an attractive tropical garden and filled with antique furniture, paintings and porcelain. The Prasart Museum is located on, 9 Soi Krungthep Kreetha 4-A, Krungthep Kreetha Road, Bangkapi. Visits must be arranged in advance by calling the Prasart Collection in the Peninsula Plaza, 153 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok; 253-9772. Admission 300B per person
Mr Kukrit Pramoj House
Soi 7 (Phra Phinij) Tel: 0 2286 8185 (info)
Author and statesman Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Pramoj resided in this charming complex now open to the public. European-educated but devoutly Thai, MR Kukrit surrounded himself with the best of both worlds: five traditional teak buildings, Thai art, Western books and lots of heady conversations. A guided tour is recommended for an intimate introduction to the former resident, who authored more than 150 books among them "Four Reigns" and served as prime minister of Thailand. 50B entry fee
Hours: Sat & Sun 10:00am-5:00pm
http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/home-of-m-r-kukrit.html
Royal Dragon Restaurant
, Mang Korn Lung , is the seafood restaurant. One of the Greatest in the world. It was in 1992 by Guinness Book World�s Records as the bigest in the world. We have unique style of serving that you have never experienced before, such as serving by walking on water, flying on the sky, and skating for speedy service and save time. There are also Thai cultural shows which are Thai music and dance, Thai boxing and fighting, and so on. Now we have 2 rounds a night, starting from 6.30-7.30 pm. and 8.00-9.00 pm.
http://www.royal-dragon.com/aboutus.htm
Out of town sights:
Chiang Mai. (Chiang Rai?)
Nong Kai, Maekong river
Chantaburi
Phuket beach
Ko Sumui beach
Pattaya beach
Out of the country sights:
Laos
Cambodia
Burma
Vietnam
Here is a short list of things to bring with you:
Bring all the normal stuff that you travel with like camera and comfortable clothes/shoes. �Everything� is available there and cheaper too. In Bangkok anything forgotten can be replaced for a small price. I recommend surfing the Internet just a little and looking over my home page at www.geocities.com/sandoz_1999.
On our last trip I visited the Siam family dental clinic. Among other dental work I had my silver fillings replaced with white ones for about $12.00 each. There are good deals to be had on almost everything.
This site has links for almost everything but strong in Thailand information.
This site has some great air fares.
Vantage Travel 2010 Lehigh Avenue
Glenview IL 60025.
<
Go to Thailand vacation photos
Thai movies list.
Thai novels list.
Family and friends photos
Thailand vacation plans
Weddings
John's other web site.
Go to Motor toys page.
"Dogs and more dogs."
Home
Christmas vacation 2007.
email me!