#Art & Culture Centres

    Thai culture always interests tourists due to its simplicity. Yet it is full of beauty, making it even more interesting for visitors from all over the world. Thai culture is reflected in traditions and lifestyles which are visible anywhere within the kingdom. Culture dissemination helps foreigners to better understand the identity of regions in Thailand; the people's lifestyles and the way cultural beliefs have been passed down through generations. It also shows how people seek to entertain.

                    Songkran Festival                      

                      Photo Credit: group06pc1127.blogspot.com

#Jim Thompson's Thai House

    This remarkable Thai -style house was the work of Mr.Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and revived the silk industry. His later disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi kasemsan 2 opposite the Jim Thompson's House is open every day from 09:00 to 16:30 hours and admission fee is 100 Baht. Volunteer guides are on hand to explain the collection to visitors.

                                 Jim Thompson's House         

                                 Photo  Credit: h.wikipedia.org

    National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts, such as blue-white Chinaware; Cambodian stone figures; Bencharong (a multicoloured porcelain made in China); wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques. 

Ban Kamthing

    Ban Kamthing is an old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago, that was donated to the Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house, which is at 131 Soi Asok (Soi 21) Sukhumvit Road. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open daily, except Sundays and public holidays, from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. An admission fee of 50 Baht is charged to help maintain the property and grounds.

Narayanaphand

        This is a handicraft centre, under government supervision, located on Thanon Ratchadamri. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available included Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquerware, bronze objects and Khom masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 hours.

Goethe Institute

        Located at 18/1 Soi 1, Sathon Tai Road  Bangkok, the Goethe Institute is one of the 136 branches of German Cultural Institutes. The main activities of the institute are to promote the German language and disseminate its culture while participating in cultural co-operation between Thailand and the Federal Republic of Germany. It also holds art exhibitions, theaters, motion pictures and video shows. For further information on the institute's activities and programs you are invited to call 0-2287-0942.

Pots, Water jars 

Photo Credit: idotravellers.com

Ancient Mon pottery House or Kwan Aman

    This house is located in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Pak Kret has been a settlement location of the Mon community for over two centuries. People in the area have maintained their culture and simple lifestyle, making a living out of their homespun pottery industry. They produce pots for various purposes including water jars and bowls. You can reach this place overland or by river.

Saeng Arun Cultural Centre

    Located on Sathon Nua Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok, the centre organizes various fields of Thai cultural conservation activities, touching on Thai ways of living, For further information call 0-2237-0080 ext. 801-5.

Art Galleries 

    Art is the beauty of lines, colours and spaces. Thai art has its value, beauty and identity in painting, sculpture and other visual arts. They reflect Thai society from past eras. Thai art has been developed in Bangkok which is the centre from where you can appreciate the works of Thai artists. The city also serves as an international cultural exchange centre.

The Japanese Culture Centre

    This centre was established to the disseminate Japanese culture. It is located on the 10th Floor. 159 Serm Mitr Tower, Asok Road, Sukhumvit Soi 21,Bangkok. Activities organised for visitors are The Japanese Tea Ceremony, Art Exhibitions by Japanese and other Asian artists; a library and Japanese motion picture shows. Exhibitions are held from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 hours. For more information please call 0-2267-8560-4.

                        Marasi Art Hall

                                    Photo Credit: suanpakkad.com

Marasi Art Hall

    Located in Suan Pakkad Palace at 352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. This is a venue for various types of art exhibitions. For information on the program please call 0-2245-6368.

The Alliance Francaise

    Located at 29 Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok. The Alliance was set up as a meeting place for French expatriates and is the venue for international culture and art dissemination including technical research. For further information call 0-2213-2122-3.

Kyoko Gallery

    The Kyoko Gallery is at 52/4 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum-wan, Bangkok. This art gallery is run by Kyoko Jirathiwat who exhibits both Thai and International works of art. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday between 10:30 and 19:00 hours and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. For information on the programmes you should call 0-254-1260.

                                 Silpa Bhirasri Gallery               

                               Photo Credit: museumsiam.org

Silpa Bhirasri Gallery, Faculty of Painting Silpakorn University

    The university teaches art of Various fields and is the location of art galleries, such as Faculty of Decorative Art, Silpa Bhirasri Art Gallery, and Faculty of Painting. This places exhibit works of students-mostly Thai, and occasionally foreign artists. The art gallery is in the university campus, next to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo, and is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. For more information on the programmes please call 0-2221-7777 or 221-7760.

Vidhayatas Art Gallery Chulalongkorn University

    The university has an art gallery which exhibits works of Thai and international artists. It is a new art gallery which is currently attracting many art lovers. The gallery is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours.

                                   The National Art Gallery

                                   Photo Credit: foursquare.com

The National Art Gallery

    Located opposite the National Theatre, Thanon Chao Fa, Krung Thon Bridge, Bangkok, the National Art Gallery exhibits works produced by Thai and some foreign artists. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Thursday between 09:00 and 16:00 hours, and closed on Mondays, Fridays and public holidays. For information, call 0-2281-2224.

#Golf

    Golf has become increasingly popular among well-to-do Thai and can be enjoyed year-round. There are several golf courses located in and around Bangkok, many of which compare with the best courses in the world.

                              Photo Credit: th.golf-meets.com

#China Town (Yaowaraj Road)

 China Town (Yaowaraj Road)

        Bangkok's China Town is an old business centre covering a large area around Yaowaraj Road and Charoen Krung Road (New Road). There are many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of goods including Wholesale items such as household goods, stationery, and toys. The area is always lively. and market stalls around. There is a profusion of gold shops as well as traditional Chinese foodstuffs and restaurants.

                      China Town

                                 Photo Credit:en.wikipedia.org

Bo Be Market (Krung Kasem Road)

    This is a wholesale clothing market where everything is sold by the dozen. At its busiest in the morning, the market is nevertheless active throughout the day.

#Chatuchak Weekend Market

 Chatuchak Weekend Market

    This is a large open public ground covering approximately 35 acres on Phahon Yothin Road. Known as Suan Chatuchak, it hostts the popular "Weekend Market" where people buy and sell a thousand local products. Items range from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, painting ceramics, dress materials, furniture, toys, domestic utensils and pets. There is a particularly fine section for plants. Chatuchak Weekend Market is next to Bangkok's Chatuchak Public Park on Phahon Yothin Road, the most popular promenade ground for Bangkok's working class.

                               Chatuchak Weekend Market

                                  Photo Credit: brighttv.co.th

It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 07:00 to 18:00 hours. Bus No. 3, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 39, 44, 52, 55, 59,63, 77, 90, 96, 104, 112, 122, 138, 145. Air -con Bus No. 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, Mb.2

#Flower and Plant Markets

 Flower and Plant Markets

         Plant lovers are recommended to visit the following markets: 1. Pak Khlong Talat: Literally meaning "a market by the mouth of the canal", is the collective name for five adjacent markets, which have altogether been to become the biggest and most important wholesale market and distribution centre for  vegetables, flowers and fruits. (It moved to Charunsnitwong Road-Karnchanaphisek Road, Taling Chan District.) 

                                 Flower and Plant Markets

                                 Photo Credit: mgronline.com

2. Talat Thewet: This can be found off Sam Sen Road, on Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem Bank. It is a riot of color which will delight  enthusiasts of exotic plants and flowers. It has very large selections of plants suitable for the garden, the verandah and indoors. 3. Suan Chatuchak: This is Bangkok's newest and largest plant market located on Phahon  Yothin Road. The area consists of row of small shops offering a variety of decorative potted plants.

There are many species of orchids available.

#Floating Market

 Floating Market

          Despite the emergence of the ubiquitous farm pick-ups, paddy farmers and orchard gardeners still continue to meet and barter their products in age-old trading spots on the canals (Khlong). Early every morning, sampans laden with all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh products, wind their way to the floating markets around Bangkok.

                                   Amphawa Floating Market

                                  Photo Credit: https://travel.mthai.com

    There is one particular floating market in Bangkok that visitors can enjoy: Taling Chan Floating Market is a weekend market in front of Taling Chan District Office, open from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. Boat trip services are available for sight-seeing along the canal where gardens and a village lifestyle are still to be seen. The market is also accessible by bus No.79 and 83 which pass nearby. Contact Taling Chan District Office an telephone 0-2424-1742 for more information.

#Shopping in Bangkok

Shopping Paradise

    Thailand is a paradise for shoppers. Regular visitors to Asia Know that, in many ways, Bangkok beats Hong Kong and Singapore for deals in terms of handicrafts, textiles, gems, jewelry, art and antiques. Nowhere else will you find the same selection, quality and price. Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but a most other places bargaining is a common practice and prices may be reduced by as  much as thirty percent.

Shopping Streets

    Bangkok has many shopping streets, which you can buy just about anything from clothes, souvenirs, all kinds of antiques and electrical goods. Generally, you can obtain a final figure ten-to-thirty percent lower than the original asking price. Much depends upon your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. With patience, and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price. You'll also come to recognize shopping in Bangkok as an art-form! Here is a selection of the many shopping streets visitors can enjoy:

                                   Photo Credit: travel.kapook.com

Phat Phong Night Market (Phat Phong Road)

    Apart from the colorful nightlife, where an amazing variety of bars, clubs, discotheques and other exotic venues exist, there is a pulsating night market to attract all-night revelers. This is where you can buy clothing and souvenirs of all kinds. Phat Phong lively night market spills over on Silom Road in one of the city's main commercial districts.

                                      Photo Credit: tourbk.blogspot.com

Soi "Lalai Sap"

    This is one of Bangkok's most popular lunch-time shopping area, located next to the Bangkok Bank headquarters on Thanon Silom. Starting just before noon, and closing not long after lunch breaks on weekdays only, the market is packed with office workers who shop for clothing, leather goods, food, gifts and knick-knacks. It is almost impossible to walk the through the tiny alley without spending some money, hence the name "Soi lalai Sap."

Siam Square (Thanon  Rama I)

    

    This area is brimming with restaurants, including the  trendy Hard Rock Cafe, Center point; Discovery Center, Siam Center, cinemas, book shops and specialty stores. There is also a street market selling clothes and accessories. This area is most frequently visited by teenagers.

                       Photo Credit:th.wikipedia.org (Baiyok II Tower)

Pratu Nam

    Located on the intersaction of Phetchaburi and Ratchadamri Road, this vast bazaar is jam-packed with stalls and countless peddlers which attract large crowds. This is where you can buy fabrics and ready-to-ware fashions. Also of interest here are open-air restaurants, a shopping complex and the soaring Baiyoke II Tower, the tellest apartment building in Southeast Asia.

                               Photo Credit: smeleader.com (Phatu Nam Market)

Bang Lamphu

 

        A shopping area once frequently visited only by the local people and now a popular place for tourists. This area offer various inexpensive items, especially read-made clothes, handbags, men's and ladies shoes, cosmetics and curious. Bargaining is recommended.

Lang Krasuang and Woeng Nakhon Kasem

    For moderately priced, second-hand goods, no other place is better suited than these two markets in Bangkok. The first is Lang Krasuang which is on Thanon Atsadang. The other is Woeng Nakhon Kasem, located around some of the smaller alleys of  New Road, near Chinatown. Visitors will  get a better bargain by talking along a Thai friend to haggle over prices! Both markets have goods from pawn shops; such as musical instruments, electrical goods, uniforms and camping equipment.

                              

                                    Photo Credit: posttoday.com (Khlog Thom Market)

Khlong Thom

    Located near Chinatown, in the area around Maha Chak  Road and Soi Chong Charoen Phanit, this market specializes in hardware such as wire-cutters, screwdrivers, and other kinds of tools. This area also features a market selling all kinds of antiques and electrical goods. 

                  

                              Icon Siam

                             Photo Credit: chingyunsong /Shutterstock.com and kapook.com

#Department Stores

    

    Bangkok has a number of good quality department store chains such as Central Department Store, Central Worlds, Robinson, The Mall, Icon Siam, The Emporium, Thai Daimaru, and Isetan. These are usually located in major shopping plazas or mega-malls dotted around the city. Bangkok's top shoppers tend to frequent the following:

    Peninsula Plaza (Ratchadamri Road)

        Imported brand name labels, jewelry, top local fashion designers, gourmet shops.  

                            Central World in Bangkok 

                                  Photo Credit:centralpattana.co.th

   Central World (Ratchaprasong Intersection)

        Mega mall where the young and trendy hang out. Zen Isetan Department stores, restaurant, cinemas, ice skating rink, Thailand Duty Free Shop.

    Narayana Phand  (Ratchadamri Road) opposite Central World

        This is a handicraft centre, under government supervision. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available include Thai silk, ceramics,  wood carvings, lacquerware, bronze objects and Khom masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 hours. 

    Gaysorn Plaza (Thanon Ploenchit)

        Import brand neme clothing, trendy restaurants, imported household furnishings.

                        Ma Bun Khrong

                                Photo Credit: mbk-center.co.th                                                                                                                                       

Ma Bun Khrong (MBK) Shopping Centre

        For those shoppers who enjoy a market-style atmosphere, in air-conditioned comfort. Ma Bun Khrong is the place to go. Located on the corner of Phayathai Road, it is packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and leather goods to electronical equipment, furniture, cosmetics and general gift items.

The Galleria Plaza

    Shopping mall specializing in gems and jewelry. Located on Silom Road.

                               Siam Centre

                               Photo Credit: th.wikipedia.org                    

Siam Centre

    Located on Rama I Road. Featuring mainly trendy fashions for the young and young-at-heart.

River City Shopping Centre

    This shopping centre is known mostly for its quality antique stores and regular auctions. Most price are negotiable. Another Thailand Duty Free shop is located here. The shopping centre is next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

Seacon Square

    Located on Srinagarindra Road, this is a mega mall that draws crowds of suburban Bangkokkians each weekend. It has everything for the whole family, including shops, cinemas, amusement park, wholesale supermarket, and restaurants.

Duty Free Shop

    Thailand Duty Free Shop is the only government-operated, downtown duty free shop in Thailand. Located on the 7th floor of the Central World, Ratchadamri Road, it is open everyday from 11:00 until 20:30 hours. Featuring a wide range of quality products, Thailand Duty Free Shop enables tourists, and those going overseas, to choose their purchases at leisure, pay for them and them collect them later at the airport prior to departure.

Floating Market

    Despite the emergence of the ubiquitour farm pick-ups, paddy farmers and orchard gardeners still continue to meet and barter their products in age-old trading spots on the canals (Khlongs). Early every morning, Sampans laden with all kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables and fresh products, wind their way to the floatingmarkets around Bangkok.

                 Photo Credit: เฟซบุ๊ก ตลาดสุขใจ นครปฐม และ travel kapook.com

    There is one particular floating market in Bangkok that visitors can enjoy: Taling Chan Floating Market in front of Taling Chan District Office, open from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. Boat trip services are available for sight-seeing along the canal where gardens and a village lifestyle are still to be seen. The market is also accesible by bus No.79 and 83 Which pass nearby. Contact Taling Chan District Office on telephone 0-2424-1742 for more information.