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Traditional Thai Massages
 Although
massages in Thailand are often associated with sexual hanky panky,
an authentic Thai massage is something many tourists enjoy. It
involves kneading the muscles, stretching and applying deep pressure
to specific nerves or pressure points. The system has evolved
over the centuries and a massage will differ very little from
one trained practitioner to another. Responsibility for maintaining
and propagating the art is the responsibility of Wat Pho, a place
where many people go for a reasonably priced and authentic massage.
Some of the best massages in Bangkok are given by blind masseuses.
In the last couple of years, massages of the feet have become
popular with tourists. It is amazing how relaxing a foot massage
can be after a day of walking and sightseeing.
Touring Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is located in the area around the intersection
of Yaowarat and Ratchawong Roads. It is a warren of shops selling
jewelry, hardware, food, fabrics, clothing, household goods and
a multitude of other things. Invariably packed with dense crowds
of people, it offers sights and experiences you won’t find
anywhere else in Bangkok. Although much of what is sold isn’t
what tourists want, if you find something that tickles your fancy,
be sure to bargain. The Chinese love bargaining and the initial
price of anything they sell is far higher than what they expect
to receive. Adjacent to Chinatown, centered on the intersection
of Pahurat and Chakkaphet Roads, is a small Indian settlement
usually referred to as “Pahurat.” This is a good place
to shop for fabrics and clothes. If you are seeking authentic
and reasonably priced Chinese or Indian food both of these areas
have some excellent restaurants. The Lonely Planet Thailand guidebook
has devised a walking tour of Chinatown and Pahurat. The walk
is definitely not for those who have trouble handling crowds,
but it offers a trip into a world many don’t even realize
exists. If you take the tour, don’t forget your camera.
Crocodile Farm
The crocodile farm, on Old Sukumvit Road in Samut Prakan, has
masses of crocodiles, a very docile tiger available for photos,
elephants, and a regular show. Feel hungry? There's also a restaurant
where crocodile tail, cooked in a variety of styles, is on the
menu. Easily reached by private car (or taxi - show a map to the
driver) or often included in city tours. Open daily.
Safari World
Covering 170 acres, the Safari Park is populated by giraffes,
lions, rhinos, and the usual "safari" animals. Great
value at only 100 Baht each. Drive your own car, or take one of
the park's air-conditioned buses. There's also a walk-through
marine park and dolphin shows. Other entertainment includes performing
elephants and orangutans. Restaurants and shops are available
throughout the park. Located at 99 Ramindra 1, north of the airport.
Open daily 9.00 - 16:30 - Admission Adults 350 Baht - Children
225 Baht. Call +66 2 518-1000-19 for further information.
Thai Cultural Shows
Many hotels offer dinner and cultural shows which include traditional
Thai dancing from Thailand's other regions. For more serious culture
vultures, Thai classical dramas and other types of international
arts are periodically staged at the National Theatre on
Na Phra That Road (next to the National Museum)
For current programmes call 225-8757-8, 222-1352
Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre located on New Road near the
Old Siam Plaza, stages modern dramas and plays. Khon dramas (classical
mask plays) are staged occasionally as a special event. Call 225-8757-8,
222-1325 for details.
Phattharavadi Theatre An outdoor theatre renowned for
its lavish productions, which has gained popularity over the years
for its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature. Each
play demonstrates an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques.
Located at Soi Wat Rakhang, Thon Buri. Tel. 412-7287-8.
Ban Chang Thai on Soi 10 Ekamai Road (off Sukhumvit) has
Thai puppet shows and ancient Thai boxing shows at certain times
of the year. Call 391-3807 for more information.
Snake Farm
Formerly the the Pasteur Institute, the Snake farm or Queen Saowapha
Memorial Institute was set up to produce anti-venom serum for
snakebite victims. The farm breeds and milks some of the most
venomous snakes in the world including King Cobras, Siamese Cobras,
Russell's Vipers, Banded Kraits, Malayan Pit Vipers, and Green
Pit Vipers. Every day, the snakes are milked for their venom to
produce snakebite antidote. Venom-milking and snake-handling shows
are held daily with lots of information on herpetology and toxicology.
Located on Rama IV Road, near Henri Dunant Avenue, inside the
Thai Red Cross Institute. In addition to treating snake bite victims,
vaccinations are available for cholera, smallpox, typhoid, hepatitis
and rabies.
Open 8:30 - 16:00 weekdays, and 8.30 - 12.00 weekends and public
holidays. Show times 10:00am & 2:00pm. Admission - 70 Baht.
For further information, call +66 2 252-0161-4.
Shopping
Western style shopping or Asian markets. Take your pick form
Bangkok's huge selection. Chinatown with its small streets and
alleys full of shops and vendors selling everything from T shirts
to Chinese medicine. The Indian market in Phahurat, specialising
in cloth, or Chatuchak weekend market which sells just about everything!
For air-conditioning and western goods, there's Central Department
Store or the upmarket Emporium Shopping Centre. Spoilt for choice?
Take a look at our shopping
section for more details.
Off the Wall......
Span's Cultural Gallery near Soi 62, Phahonyothin Road
is a sartorial art centre which exhibits the evolution of both
Thai and international folk costumes. Miniatures of Thai Communities
and some social activities contribute to more understanding of
the Thai traditional culture. Advance reservation is necessary.
Call 532-2733-4, 531-2013 for more information.
The Thai Cat Palace Among the famous breeds of Siamese
cat, the white pure Maeo Khao Mani, with its diamond eyes, has
long been a favourite of Thai royalty and the upper classes. These
diamond-eye cats are bred and shown to visitors. Every cat of
this kind has one light blue coloured eye and one that is amber.
Valuable amulets called "Phra Somdet" and antiques are
also displayed in this old Thai-style house on Boromarajajonani
Road,
Kid's Stuff
Magic Land on Phahonyothin road. Open daily from 10.00
a.m. - 5.00 p.m. and on holidays until 7.00 p.m. Admission fee:
250 Baht
Siam Water Park on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, Minburi. Extensive
pool, towering water slide and fun toys. Open from 10.00 a.m.
- 6.00 p.m. (Weekdays) and 9.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. (weekend) Admission
fee: 200 Baht.
Dream World A new European-style amusement park with miniature
versions of legendary sites, modern amusements and game machines.
A great place for all the family. Located north of the airport.
Open 10.00 - 17:00 weekdays, 10.00 - 19:00 weekends. Admission
270 Baht. Call +66 2 533-1152, 533-1447, 533-1449 for more details.
Dusit Zoo Tropical animals, including 300 mammals, 1,300
birds and 190 reptiles. There is a pond where visitors can paddle
boats. Pleasant, shady, and good for picnics. Open everyday 8:00
- 18:00
Science Museum & Planetarium An exhibition centre
which includes an interesting aquarium, computer world, and planetarium,
as well as many items created for fun and education. Open daily
except Mondays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. - 16:00 p.m.
Admission 40 Baht for adults and 20 Baht for children. Situated
next to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road.
Department Stores - For younger children, most department
stores have amusements and rides on the top floor, usually close
the food courts. In some shopping malls there are also Playstation
facilities for the older kids.
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