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Known formally as Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, today this
palace, composed of four buildings, is only used by the King
for ceremonial occasions. Built in 1882, the largest structure,
Chakri Maha Prasart, or Grand Palace Hall, was designed
by British architects creating a mesmerizing mix of Italian renaissance
and traditional Thai styles. While normally closed
to visitors, the ground floor has a very interesting display of
traditional Thai weaponry. Borombiman Hall, which served as
the residence of King Rama VI, boasts a very French flair. Amarindrha
Hall, originally the Hall of Justice, is now only used for
coronation ceremonies, and Dusit Hall, has been a venue for
both Royal audiences and funeral ceremonies. (Dusit district,
Bangkok) |
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Vimanmek Palace is commonly known as the
Teak Palace because it is wholly built with golden
teaks without the use of nails. The western-inspired
structure was originally constructed on
Ko Si Chang in 1838 and moved to Bangkok in
1901 to serve as a retreat for King Rama V from
the much congested Grand Palace. There are a
total of 81 rooms in the main building which are
surrounded by several other smaller houses built
for the King’s queens and concubines.
This palace was also the first building in Thailand
to have electricity and indoor bathrooms including
showerheads and wash basins.
Vimanmek Palace was left abandoned after
1935 until more than thirty years later when Her
Majesty Queen Sirikit renovated the place and
opened it to the public. (Vimanmek Palace,
Rajavithi Road, Dusit, Bangkok; Hours: 9.30 am.
- 3.15 pm. everyday. Traditional Thai dancing:
Two shows daily at 10.30 am. and at 2 pm.; Fee:
Adults 50 Baht; Proper attire is required.) |
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Probably the biggest museum in
Southeast Asia, the National Museum
exhibits historical artifacts
ranging from the Sukhothai era
to Rattanakosin era. The most important
object on the premises is
King Ramkhamhaeng’s inscribed
stone pillar which illustrates the
first Thai alphabet and writings.
There is also an impressive section
devoted to the styles of Buddha
figures from as old as the
Dvaravati period, while the Royal
wing nearby hosts King Taksin’s
stunning throne and various objects
used by King Rama V.
The museum building was actually
built by King Rama I in 1782 as
a palace for a prince who was the
commander-in-chief of his army;
King Rama V transformed it to a
museum in 1884. (Na Phrathat
Road, Phra Nakorn District, Bangkok.
Located between Thammasat
University and The National
Theatre, Tel. +66 (0) 2224
1333 Fax. +66 (0) 2224 1404).
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Situated near the Phayathai Sky Train Station (BTS) on
Si Ayutthaya Road, the palace was the residence of
the Prince and Princess Chumbhot who were avid art
collectors and gardeners. They were known to enjoy
planting their own vegetables, especially cabbages,
and hence the palace became known as Suan Pakkad
or cabbage patch.
Today, the palace is a museum, showcasing its founders’
private collection, which ranges from paintings to
Khmer sculptures. The most impressive, however, is
undoubtedly the lacquered pavilion which the Prince
had moved from Ayutthaya and reassembled here.
The pavilion’s most striking features are its traditional
designs and murals which depict the history of the ancient
capital Ayutthaya. (Open daily at 9 am. – 4 pm.
Tel: +66 (0) 2245 4934, www.suanpakkad.com)
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The Jim Thompson House on
Rama I road features a group
of reassembled traditional Thai
houses brought down from Ayutthaya
and other provinces. Jim
Thompson, the American art
enthusiast, was instrumental in reviving
the silk weaving industry in
Thailand. The property also exhibits
several interesting Southeast
Asian art artifacts and contains
a gift shop selling top quality silk
products and a Thai restaurant
and caf?.
The Jim Thompson House & Museum
is located at 6/1 Soi Kasemsan
2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok Tel:
+66 (0) 2612 3668 Fax: +66 (0)
2612 3741 E-mail: info@jimthompsonhouse.
com
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Kamthieng House is of great interest to all
who have an interest in Thai society. It is the
centerpiece of the Siam Society, which promotes
the preservation of heritage, culture,
arts and the environment in Thailand. The
Kamthieng House is a 160-year old traditional
teakwood house situated within the
grounds of the Siam Society. It is one of the
best surviving examples of Northern Thai architecture
and provides a superb example
of a traditional Northern Thai house built on
wooden stilts. It also serves as an thnological
museum. The house has been stocked
with artifacts associated with the rural way
of life in traditional gricultural communities.
This includes a fascinating collection
of beautifully hand-woven materials, ornate
woodcarvings, traditional musical instruments
and sacred items. (Siam Society
131 Soi Asoke 21, off Sukhumvit Road,
Bangkok; Tel: +66 (0) 2661 6470 – 7; Take
the BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station or
the subway to Sukhumvit Station; Cost:
Bt100; children Bt50; pening Hours:
Tue-Sat 09:00 am – 05:00 pm; closed Sun,
Mon & Public Holidays.) |
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Sala Chalermkrung is much more than just
a movie theatre. Its history is intimately tied
to the growth of Bangkok, and it is a symbol
of the early blossoming of the local movie industry.
Built more than 70 years ago as a gift
from King Rama VII to the people of Thailand
to commemorate the 150th anniversary
of the founding of Bangkok, Sala Chalermkrung
has always been a popular venue for
a wide range of entertainment, including
Khon (Thai masked dance drama), live theatre,
films and music. The theatre was built
as a royal project and features high-tech
lighting and sound, which add an entirely
new dimension to this classical dance art.
(66 Charoen Krung Road, Wang Burapha
Phirom, Bangkok Tel. +66 (0) 2222 0434,
+66 (0) 2225 8757-8; The theatre is open
10:00 am. - 06:00 pm. daily. |
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Located in an upmarket shopping
mall, The Emporium’s TCDC is
Thailand’s premier design and
exhibition center. The permanent
exhibition includes “What is design?”
which introduces visitors to
the history of design and design
concepts from the world that
have been influenced by several
cultural backgrounds such as that
of France, Italy, United Kingdom,
Japan and the United States.
There is also a large library with
thousands of art and designoriented
books from around the
world, a good-sized conference
room and a performance platform
where jazz musicians often give
concerts. |
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TCDC, 6th Floor
The Emporium Shopping Complex
Sukhumvit 24, Bangkok
Tel : +66 (0) 2664 8448
www.tcdc.or.th
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This quiet gallery is situated in the historical
Tha Phra Athit area in a Rattanakosin era
building. Many traditional and contemporary
artworks are exhibited here. Many
of these are by Thai artists who received
grants from the government to either study
art abroad. (National Gallery, Chao Fa
Road, Phra Nakorn District, Opposite the
National Theater, Bangkok; Tel: +66 (0) 2282
2639, +66 (0) 2281 2224) |
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