At least three to five days should be allowed for
Bangkok. Clearly it is not possible to see all the city has to offer in
that time, but it will give a good introduction. The best way to
experience and appreciate what can seem an overpowering city is to be
selective, both in what to see and how to see it, sparing time for the
modern as well as the ancient. A day of temple sightseeing could be
followed by a relaxing cruise on the Chao Phraya river, or a round of golf
at any one of several splendid courses on Bangkok’s green outskirts.
Museum treasures can be complemented by a wealth of shopping, while
traditional entertainments, from kick boxing to classical dance, are
balanced by discos and jazz pubs. Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi can be
visited on full-day excursions, although with the latter a stay of one or
two nights is recommended for a full appreciation of the scenic beauty of
the countryside. The beach resorts of Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin can be
similarly visited on full-day trips, but again most visitors prefer
overnight stays. Shopping, dining out and sampling Bangkok’s legendary
nightlife provide ample evening options.
Day Trips from Bangkok
Samut Prakan
Crocodile
Farm
This large farm with over 60,000 fresh and
saltwater crocodiles is some 30 kilometers from Bangkok. Daily shows
featuring crocodiles are staged at hourly intervals. There is also a
Dinosaur Museum where various species of life-size creatures of dinosaurs
and their skeletons are on display. The compound is open daily from 7.00
a.m.-6.00 p.m..
Ancient City
Essentially
an open-air museum, this more than 200-acre complex contains scale
replicas of religious complexes, monuments and buildings found throughout
Thailand. The complex is located at Km 33 on Sukhumvit Highway and is open
daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.. The Ancient City’s office in town also
organizes day tour to the museum. Contact (02) 2241057, 2261936 for
further information.
Nakhon Pathom
Thai Human Imagery
Museum
Located at Km.31 on Borom Ratchonnani Road
on the way to Nakhon Pathom, the museum houses life-sized fiberglass
sculptures of former monarchs, ecclesiastics and rural folk, created by a
group of Thai artists after 10 years of their intensive study and hard
work. The museum is open from 9.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m..
Rose Garden
Country Resort
This popular tourist attraction is
32 kilometers west of Bangkok on Phetkasem Road. It boasts large,
beautiful, and well-maintained gardens. In the resort, there is a Thai
Cultural Village where an attractive show commences daily. There is for
instance, Thai folk dancing, Thai boxing, sword fighting demonstrations,
and an elephant show. The resort is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00
p.m..
Samphran Elephant Ground &
Zoo
Located just one kilometer from the Rose
Garden, this 60 acre farm is another interesting attraction housing many
different wild animals and thousands of crocodiles. Fascinating
performances such as crocodile wresting, magic show, and elephant theme
show commence everyday. The farm is open daily from 8.00 a.m. – 5.30
p.m..
Phra Pathom Chedi
This bell-shaped,
orange tiled chedi, located some 56 kilometers west of Bangkok, is the
tallest Buddhist monument in the world, and marks the spot where Buddhism
was introduced to the Thailand-to-be some 2,300 years ago.
Ratchaburi
Damnoen Saduak Floating
Market
This popular floating market is located
some 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok via Samut Songkhram province,
accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday
hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till
noon. Visitors can also travel around by boat to see local villages, and
local way of life in the countryside.
Ayutthaya
Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
The palace is about 1 hour drive from Bangkok.
Built in the reign of King Rama V, the palace consists of various styled
buildings. Thai, chinese, Italian, and Victorian styles predominate. A
Thai pavilion in the center of the small lake is regarded as one of the
finest examples of Thai architecture. Visitors can take either a bus or a
train from Bangkok to the palace. The ground is open everyday from 8.00
a.m.- 4.00 p.m..
Bang Sai’s Royal Folk Arts and Crafts
Center
Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as from
other rural areas undergo training in folk arts and crafts here. Visitors
can have a glimpse of how farmers in different regions of Thailand live
and work, and how their products of art and craft are produced. These
handicrafts including weaving basketry, carving wood, artificial flowers,
hand-woven silk and cotton, and miniature Thai dolls are on display and on
sale. The compound is open daily (except Mondays) from 8.30 a.m.- 4.00
p.m..
Nonthaburi
Ko Kret
This is a
tiny island in the Chao Phraya River, not far from Pak Kret District
Office. On it live a community of craftmen famous for their distinctive
style of pottery which dates back many centuries. Ko Kret pots are known
for their fine, red-black glazed surface and intricate design. The
islanders are the descendants of the Mon people, and they have managed to
retain the skills of their forefathers. To get there, take the express
boat to Pak Kret in Nonthaburi. From Pakkret pier take a short walk to Wat
Sanam Nua where a river ferry leaves for Ko Kret during 6.00 a.m.-9.00
p.m.
|
|
