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AngloINFO · Contact | Bangkok Local Reference INFOrmation
Information and links for tourists to Bangkok, with details on accommodation, flights and airports, museums, tourist services and must-see sights along the coast.
The staff at all Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) offices are very helpful and will nearly always speak English. They can answer many questions pertaining to travel, shopping and accommodation. Each office stocks a large quantity of brochures on cultural and general sight-seeing activities. Tourist OfficesIn addition to the TAT Head Office, Bangkok has two main tourist counters as well as many additional tourist booths scattered throughout the city.
In Pattaya there is one TAT office:
The AngloINFO Forum can also be an excellent source of local information and tourism advice from fellow AngloINFO users. In Bangkok, the Bangkok Tourist Division also has an excellent office with staff able to answer many questions and supply a large number of brochures with information valid for anyone visiting or living in Thailand. Airports in BangkokThe international airport Suvarnabhumi opened in 2006. At present it is mainly being used for international flights and domestic connections. Because of construction problems, domestic flights (except for Air Asia and international connecting flights) are scheduled at the original airport, Don Muang. Suvarnabhumi is approximately one and a half hours' drive from Pattaya although the road is in the process of being upgraded which reduces the travelling time.
Where to StayThere is a vast range of holiday accommodation in Bangkok ranging from cheap backpackers' accommodation to luxurious five star hotels.
Days out in Bangkok, Pattaya and Hua HinThere is a wealth of places to go, sights to see and foods to taste, from the cultural highlights of Bangkok to the water sports of Pattaya.
Bangkok Region for ChildrenThere are a number of activities for children, including amusement parks, water parks, crocodile parks and zoos.
Tourist Attractions in BangkokThe Jim Thompson House MuseumJames H.W. Thompson of Greenville, Delaware (USA), founded the world-renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in 1967 while on a hike in Malaysia. His former home (which was the social centre of the town) has been turned into The Jim Thompson House Museum. It is a wonderful example of a traditional Thai house with beautiful gardens. The museum is near the National Stadium BTS station. It is open from 09:00-17:00 and Jim Thompson silk is available for sale in the gift shop. A café is attached to the museum.
Royal Grand PalaceThe most famous of all the palaces in Thailand, it has been improved continually and is now an impressive structure. It is also the home of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Situated on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, this complex of buildings was once the official residence of the King of Thailand. One of the main features is the late 18th-century Chakri Throne Hall built in traditional Thai style. The entrance to the complex is via the Gate of Glorious Victory on Thanon Na Phra Lan.
Vimanmek PalaceBuilt by King Rama V in a European style and finished in 1901, the palace has 81 rooms. Built almost entirely of golden teak, it is surrounded by verandas, flower gardens and lotus ponds. The palace houses Rama V's collection of artefacts which includes European furniture and bencharong ceramics. Visitors can also attend free outdoor performances of traditional Thai dance.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)The original home of the Emerald Buddha, the temple was continually added-to by the original Kings of Thailand. Today, even though it no longer holds the Emerald Buddha it is still considered a very impressive Wat.
Wat PhoWat Pho is the home of the famous Reclining Buddha and a school for traditional Thai massage and meditation. The Wat Pho Traditional Massage School offers massages and provides tuition to those wanting to learn the art of traditional Thai massage.
Bangkok Arts and MusicA number of venues host performances of Thai dance, music and puppet theatre. One of the main venues is the National Theatre.
Bangkok also has a vibrant contemporary arts and culture scene supported by a large number of art galleries. The city also has two theatre venues for contemporary Thai theatre.
Bangkok ShoppingBangkok has shops catering to every taste and budget, from world class malls such as the Emporium on Sukhumvit Road, to the Chatuchak Weekend Market with over 15,000 stalls selling just about anything.
Antiques and traditional Thai arts and crafts are also highly sought-after by shoppers in Bangkok. A large number of antiques can be found in OP Place and River City shopping malls. Thai arts and crafts ranging from silk to traditional wooden furniture can be found in shops all over the city.
Tourist Attractions in the Surrounding ProvincesAyutthayaEarly European visitors to Ayutthaya called this city the "Venice of the East". It was built over a period of 400 years until it was ransacked by the Burmese in 1767. Today, the Ayutthaya Historical Park is well worth a visit to see the site of Thailand's original capital city. Places to visit include the Wat Phra Mahathat and the Chao Sam Phraya Museum.
Damnoen Saduak Floating MarketThis famous floating market 65 Km southwest of Bangkok can be reached either by car or bus. Hire a longtail boat (traditional Thai boat) to travel around the many waterways of the market. Death Railway Bridge (Bridge over the River Kwai)130 Km to the west of Bangkok, the Death Railway has been popularised by the film and book, Bridge over the River Kwai. Although not much remains of the railway it is still possible to travel along a small portion of it.
Hua HinA favourite holiday destination for the Thai royal family, Hua Hin has always been popular with Thai families. Many of the major international hotel chains now have a hotel in Hua Hin and restaurants in the area offer a wide variety of international cuisines. There is a long beach and all the normal beach sports are available. It's about a four-hour drive from Bangkok, although there are also daily trains and flights from the city.
Khao Yai National ParkOne of Thailand's largest national parks, Khao Yai is a three-hour drive from the northeast of Bangkok. Home to elephants, monkeys and many other types of tropical animals and birds, there are hiking trails through the park, waterfalls to cool down in and guides are available to make the most of exploration. Several vineyards, golf courses and a range of accommodation and restaurants surround the park.
Ko ChangKo Chang is reached by driving five hours from Bangkok to Laem Ngop, where ferries or "long tail" boats take travellers to to the island. Ko Chang is relatively undeveloped and is part of a national marine park. It has deserted beaches, well-preserved rain forests and excellent seafood restaurants. It's a popular destination with both backpackers and wealthy tourists so there is a range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Ko SametKo Samet, in the Gulf of Thailand, is the closest island to Bangkok and is only accessible by ferry from Ban Phe after a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok. Ko Samet has nice beaches, but because of its proximity to Bangkok is relatively developed - despite being a national park - with all the typical tourist amenities. The south and east sides of the island are the quietest.
Muang Boran Ancient CityThe "world's largest open air museum" highlights the architecture and art of Thailand through the ages. The city features many replicas of Thai monuments and houses more than 115 traditional Thai buildings.
PattayaPattaya is a famous tourist resort about two hours' drive from the southeast of Bangkok. As well as a notorious nightlife, Pattaya has diving, sailing, beach sports, bungee jumps, go-kart tracks and other beach resort activities. There is a good selection of Thai and international cuisine in the many restaurants and a wide range of accommodation available. Recently high-end hotels and condominiums have been built. Jomtien, lies 1 Km south of Pattaya and is a quieter alternative, with its own beach and marina.
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