Place

The Royal Barges

Take a boat along the Chao Phraya River and stop over at the Royal Barges where visitors will be treated to the view of unique sailing vessels elaborately designed and painted with different etchings. These vessels are used by the Royal Family during state ceremonies as well as religious rites and rituals. The Garuda and the Dragon are mythological creatures commonly found etched on these barges.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Timings: 8: 30 A.M - 4: 30 P.M Address: On Klong Bangkok Noi Canal, Thonburi Admission: B 30 Tel: 02424-0004

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Erawan Shrine

Mausoleum

This is an exotic shrine popular amongst locals as well as foreigners. People pay their respects to Brahma and take in the grandeur of this shrine.

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Temple of Dawn

Temple

This is one of Bangkok's most renowned temples. Numerous steps have to be climbed and while the ascent is strenuous the stunning view more than compensates for that. The Grand Palace, the Temple of the Holy Jewel Image and the Chao Phraya River- the main landmarks of the city are visible from 260 feet above the ground.

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Siam Ocean World

Aquarium

This is a fantastic aquarium that is absolutely massive. Children and adults alike will love to watch the sharks and penguins being fed and can gaze for hours on end at the under water creatures through the glass which encloses the deep reef zone.

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Ban Thai Museum

Museum

This is a fantastic museum showcasing Thai culture and living across various time periods. The garden is not to be missed; beautiful native Thai flowers are grown here. This museum was Jim Thompson's House. Thompson who hailed from New York was stationed in Thailand during WW II and later settled in Bangkok where he revived the Thai silk industry. Art pieces collected by Jim Thompson are also exhibited here in addition to his personal belongings. These include porcelain, sculptures, Thai scroll paintings and wood carvings.

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The Golden Buddha

Statue

This is an important site for Thai locals. Dating back to the 1200s the image of Buddha is spectacular. This 10 foot statue weighing in at over 5 tons consists of solid gold. The story of its discovery is a famed legend that when it was found it had been covered with plaster, probably to protect it being sacked by foreign invaders. Beneath the plaster was this fantastic statue of gleaming gold.

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City Pillar Shrine

Mausoleum

When Bangkok became the capital in 1782, King Rama I ordered the construction of this shrine. Inside are the four gods revered by the Thais including Phra Seua Muang, Phra Song Muang, Phra Lak Muang and Phra Siam Devathiraj. All four are thought to be the protectors and guardians of the city of Bangkok.

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Temple of the Holy Jewel Image

Temple

This is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. It is home to a statue of Buddha made of green jasper and referred to as the Emerald Buddha. This is a fantastic image of Buddha passionately revered by the Thais that sits atop a massive 11 meter tall gold altar, protected by a nine-tiered umbrella. The surrounding murals depicting different scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana mythology, the Ramakian and the intricate pearl designs in the doors are beautiful and worth a look. This statue is draped in a cloak that is changed thrice a year in an important religious ritual performed by the King himself. Statues of elephants; symbols of independence and power are also present in this sanctuary and millions of visitors rub it for good luck.

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Temple of the Great Relic & the Amulet Market

Temple

This is arguably the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Next to it is the amulet market where different amulets, talismans, icons and other religious symbolic pieces are available which are said to bring good luck and good fortune to the person using them. It is very interesting to see these.

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Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Temple

This temple dates back to the 1500s and is the oldest in Thailand. The reclining Buddha located in the northern section was made in the 1800s and is almost 150 feet long and 15 feet high. It is made of cement-covered brick and coated with gold leaf. The soles of the feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl with 108 signs, marks and qualities by which a true Buddha is recognized. It is considered good luck to drop coins into the begging bowls that lie by Buddha's spine. There are a vast number of chedis located nearby as well. Visitors can also opt for Thai massages here.

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The National Museum

Museum

This building was originally a palace until it was converted into a museum in the 1880s. It is a treasure house of Thai art and archaeology. The Red House initially home to the sister of King Rama I is a must see in addition to the Phuttaisawan Chapel which reflects the magnificence of Buddhist temple architecture. The Old Transportation Room houses an interesting collection of ivory carvings, palanquins for Thai Royalty and Elephant Chairs. The Museum also displays Thai gold jewelry, ceramic pieces, sculptures, wood carvings, stone carvings, textiles, Thai dress, musical instruments and Buddhist icons.

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Shahrazad Restaurant

This average priced halal eatery serves Arabic and Middle Eastern food. Items on the menu include hummus, kababs, nan bread, lamb and more. The place is known to be quite busy but it is well worth the wait, since the food is highly recommended and the service is exemplary.

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Ibrahim's Shop

Cuisine: Thai Address: Petchaburi Soi 7

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Maha Naga

This restaurant located in probably the busiest district in Bangkok has an absolutely fabulous interior and excellent food. Fusion dishes are the specialty here. Grilled meat and seafood marinated in Thai spices are absolutely divine.

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Sala Rim Nam

The ambience in this restaurant is extravagant and languorous and the dishes on the menu are superb. The décor is distinctly Thai with low tables and cushions and teak furnishing. Guests can enjoy Thai food whilst watching traditional Thai dance performances.

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The Chinese Restaurant

This restaurant serves delicious sea food dishes. The lobster and the crab dishes are especially delectable. This eatery serves Chinese food with a twist and the items listed in the menu are far from the conventional and well known Chinese dishes.

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Spice Market

There is nothing bland about this restaurant, neither the interior, nor the food. The decor of this restaurant is quirky and interesting. Guests are treated to delicious traditional Thai dishes. Excellent quality simple dishes with an eccentric touch here and there sums up what you will find on the menu here. The seafood dishes are divine. All the food is excellently seasoned and quite spicy.

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Le Normandie

The interior of this restaurant is chic and stylish. The view is stunning with guests being able to look out upon the Chao Phraya River. The food is quite simply delicious and of excellent quality. The menu incorporates all traditional French dishes including French cheese and renowned French desserts. The prices are exorbitant but the food and location will be unforgettable.

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Harmonique

This courtyard restaurants specialty is its seafood based dishes. The taste is great and the prices relatively reasonable. For those who are fans of spicy food with strong garlic flavorings, this is the place to go.

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Kuppa

This restaurant serves quality Thai and Western dishes as well as delectable desserts.

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Riverside Terrace

This restaurant is located in the Marriott Resort and Spa and tables are besides the Chao Phraya River. Delicious grilled and barbequed sea food is listed on the menu here.

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Sathorn Heritage Hotels

The Sathorn Heritage Hotel has much to offer guests in terms of luxury and convenience. The hotel is located in the heart of the city - a ten minute walk brings you to Silom shopping area, BTS Chong Nonsi & Surasak Station and MRT Lumpini from Saladang & Silom station - which is a convenience for both leisure and business travellers.

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Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

This is located on the Chao Phraya River and is the ideal choice for those tourists who wish to be inside of Bangkok and at the same time outside of it. The resort is a wonderful area where guests can unwind after a strenuous day of sight-seeing. The hotel landscape is dotted with a number of lily ponds and fountains which have a calming effect. A safe distance away from the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok, this hotel is still close by. Hotel facilities include restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts, room service, babysitting, laundry/ dry cleaning services, a shopping arcade and a spa. In room facilities include satellite TV, an AC, a fridge, mini-bar and safe.

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Amari Boulevard Hotel

This hotel has an excellent location; some of Bangkok's best shops and restaurants are located here within walking distance. Rooms are large and well furnished giving a stunning view of this busy city with its wonderful sights. The service is excellent and hotel facilities include restaurants, a swimming pool, babysitting services and dry cleaning and laundry services. In room facilities include Satellite TV, an AC, a hairdryer, safe, fridge and a mini-bar.

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Grand Hyatt Erawan

This is arguably the most luxurious hotel in town. This beautiful building dates back to 1956. This hotel has been host to a number of political personalities and other celebrities. The service is excellent and efficient. Rooms are spacious with beautiful interiors and sophisticated furnishings. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, spas, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, squash courts, room service, a swimming pool, babysitting, dry cleaning and laundry services as well as a shopping arcade. In room facilities include satellite TV, AC, hairdryer, safe, a mini-bar and internet access.

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The Oriental

This hotel has had quite a colorful history. It dates back to the 1860s and has played host to some of the most prominent names in literature such as Conrad, Maugham, Greene and Le Carre. The service is outstanding and tourists will not leave this hotel disappointed. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars, spas, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, room service, swimming pools, babysitting, dry cleaning and laundry services as well as a shopping arcade and a Thai beauty treatment centre as well as a fitness centre. In room facilities include satellite TV, AC, hairdryer, fridge and a mini-bar.

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The Sukhothai

This hotel is located in the Business District and has its very own distinctive style. The decor is simple, elegant yet sophisticated. The interior is minimalist yet luxurious. The bathrooms are huge and extravagant with excess wardrobe space. The ambience is very calm and serene with the hotel gardens dotted with lotus pools. Hotel facilities are plentiful. In addition to restaurants, bars, spas, Jacuzzis, a swimming pool, tennis court, room service, dry cleaning and laundry services the hotel consists of a fitness centre, massaging service, a salon and also provides babysitting services and aerobics classes. In room facilities include a fax machine, internet access, satellite TV, AC, fridge and safe.

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Baiyoke Sky Hotel

This hotel is unique since it is Bangkok's tallest tower and each of its luxurious 658 suites and rooms provide a stunning view of the surrounding city of Bangkok and its skyline. The hotel is divided into the space, sky and standard zone with rooms varying in size and height across these three zones. The breakfast buffet is absolutely divine and should not be missed. Hotel facilities include restaurants, bars and room service in addition to a rooftop bar and music, fitness and health centre and a beauty salon. Unique features include the revolving roof deck and an observation deck. In room facilities consist of a TV, AC, hairdryer, safe and a mini-bar.

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City Lodge

Moderate Hotels

These twin lodges are extremely reasonably priced. A major benefit is this lodge's affiliation with the Amari Boulevard Hotel which allows for customers to enjoy many of the facilities in the Amari. The rooms are comfortable and simple even if not elegantly furnished. Hotel facilities include a coffee shop, access to Amari's rooftop pool, a fitness centre, babysitting services, dry cleaning and laundry services. In room facilities include a TV, AC, mini-bar and a fridge.

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Siam City Hotel

This hotel has an excellent location within walking distance of major shopping areas, major monuments/ sights of Bangkok and famous restaurants. Rooms are spacious, inviting and elegant. Hotel facilities entail restaurants, a pool, Jacuzzis, spas, sauna, fitness centre, babysitting, laundry and dry cleaning services and a salon. In room facilities entail satellite TV, AC, mini-bar and a fridge.

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Narai Hotel

This is a popular choice amongst tourists. Rooms are not at all luxurious or stylish but are sufficient none the less. Hotel facilities include restaurants, pool, fitness club, dry cleaning and laundry services as well as a shopping arcade. In room facilities include satellite TV and AC in addition to a fridge and mini-bar.