Further Attractions

Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruises

Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital’s most superb sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and reflections from the water bestow upon Bangkok a magical effect of flickering lights and shadows. An ideal way of combining dining with river enchantments is to enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya.

  • Loy Nava Co., Ltd.,
    Tel. 0 2437 4932, 0 2437 7329
    Website: www.loynava.com
  • Yok Yor Marina
    Tel. 0 2863 0565-6
    Website: www.yokyor.co.th
  • Khanab Nam Restaurant

Khlong Bang Khu Wiang and Khlong Bang Yai

Inexpensive ferries leave Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace every 20 minutes between 6.15 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. Visitors will enjoy various scenic attractions including canal-side temples, the Royal Barge Boat Shed, Thai-style houses and the early morning Khu Wiang Floating Market which operates between 4.00 a.m. and 7.00 a.m.

Khlong Mon

Boats leave every thirty minutes, daily, from 6.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from the Tha Tian Pier behind Wat Pho. The fare is minimal. This trip is very picturesque, allowing the passenger fascinating insights into the Thai way of life, including views of canal-side temples, orchards, orchid farms and fascinating insights into the water-borne life of the inhabitants who live along the canal banks.

Express Boat Service

To connect Bangkok with the neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, the express boat service, with fares depending on the colour of the flag on the boat, is provided from the terminal pier near Krung Thep (Bangkok) Bridge. It stops at various piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River to collect many Bangkokians who take the boat for commuting to and from their places of work.

The Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s Canals (Khlong)

Image of The Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s Canals (Khlong)
In the nineteenth century, Bangkok’s had a complex network of canals that served as the major arteries of transportation. The population drew upon the river not only for transport but also for accommodation and trade, with stilted houses thronging the riverbanks and foreign ships arriving in Bangkok. Hence, Bangkok was once known as “The Venice of the East”. The river and canals can still be conveniently explored and offer the visitor a glimpse of that waterborne life of yesteryear.

Safari World

Image of Safari World

On the perimeter of Bangkok towards Min Buri is this 300-acre complex ideal for a family trip, divided into four sections, Safari Park, with African and Asian mammals, Bird Park, Macaw Island and Games Corner.

The complex is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Dream World

Situated on Rangsit - Ong-kharak Road near the airport, this classic European-style fantasyland, theme park with miniature versions of legendary sites and a huge variety of modern amusements is ideal for the family.

It is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Siam Park

On the outskirts of Bangkok in Min Buri district lies this very popular water and amusement park. Some of its attractions are a man-made sea with artificial surf for swimmers, whirlpools, fountains, waterfalls and towering slides.

Other attractions include a children’s playground, aviaries, an open zoo, a botanical garden and plenty of places where refreshments are available. Opening hours are 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Suan Luang Rama IX Park

Opened in 1987 on the east side of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udomsuk) is this 200-acre botanical garden, Suan Luang Rama IX Park. It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of King Rama IX. Here is a haven of peace and quietness, beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees where you can enjoy some pristine moments.

The admission fee is 10 baht and the park is open from 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Lumphini Park

Image of Lumphini Park

The largest park in Bangkok is considered the “green lung” of the city. It is situated between Wireless and Ratchadamri Roads. Lined with trees and shrubs, many paths run through the park, and an artificial lake lies in the centre, where boats can be rented.

For Thais and visitors, it is an attractive place to visit and relax. In the morning, joggers use its many paths for keeping fit, and many Thai-Chinese people come here to do Tai Chi. There are restaurants within the park and plenty of places to find a cool drink.

Science Centre

Situated near the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road, this exhibition centre houses an interesting aquarium, computer world, a planetarium, as well as many devices created for fun and education. The science centre consists of two sections. The first is the Bangkok Planetarium where you can explore the stars and sky.

National Science Museum

The astonishing geometric architecture of the National Science Museum attracts not only children but also adults for its entertaining combination of science and technology. The museum provides both education and entertainment, along with exhibits of technological advancements in agriculture by local Thais.

The museum is divided into two halls: Hall I is about scientific knowledge, and nature from around the globe is on display in Hall II. Admission for each hall is 50 baht per adult, or two for 60 baht. Children under 12 get in free. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Siriraj Museum

Siriraj is one of Bangkok’s most prestigious hospitals. It has another claim to fame, its Forensics Museum, a little chamber of horrors. Among several other museums, the best ones to see are the Museum of Criminology and the Museum of Anatomy. Here the visitor can meet Si Oui, or rather his embalmed body. This serial killer had the appalling habit of eating a victim’s liver. Now he stands forever in a glass case, defiant to the end. The bodies of various other criminals, the embalmed corpses of suicides, the victims of hideous accidents and murders are also on display.

Museum of Imaging Technology

Located in the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, this is the first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are on display. Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited. Admission fee is 100 baht and the museum is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Bangkok Dolls Museum

Image of Bangkok Dolls Museum

Located at 85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng), off Ratchaprarop Road, the museum houses an interesting collection of handmade Thai and foreign dolls. Bangkok Dolls have also won several awards for their miniature creations.

The museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. with free admission, except for Sunday and national holidays.