What to do and where to go when visiting Siam Square and Ratchaprasong area, follow us to attractions in the area that you can visit. I will take you to Siam Square, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Sea Life Bangkok, Ratchaprasong, Erawan Shrine, Phra Trimurti and Phra Phikanet Shrine, and Wat Pathum Wanaram. Siam Square The centre of latest trends in fashion, located on the area from the Pathum Wan Intersection to the Ang Ri Du Nang Intersection. The old emblem of Siam Square is the four-story complex which was built in the same time as the square fifty years ago. Currently, every lane and alley, which is full of vendors and shops are kept up in harmony with newly built surroundings. Photo credit: สำนักงานจัดการทรัพย์สินจุฬา Siam square is also the center of many shopping malls, such as, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Digital Gateway and MBK. It is also the location of two alternative cinemas: Lido and Scala, the classic style cinema which are already closed due to an expired contact. The closing will conincide with the large change in the area by the development project, which will turn Siam Square to the vertical walking street style shopping mall. Photo credit: wongnai Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre was formed by the incorporation of contemporary artists. The show of force by showcasing artwork at the Sirikit National Convention Centre in 1994 pushed for the government to realize that a lot of art could be displayed in the exhibit space. The building has a circular nine-storey white building with an airy design. Garnished with light warm colours you can look down from the middle of the top fifth floor throughout to the first floor, and each floor of the building exhibits varied types of artwork.
What to do and where to go when visiting Siam Square and Ratchaprasong area, follow us to attractions in the area that you can visit. I will take you to Siam Square, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Sea Life Bangkok, Ratchaprasong, Erawan Shrine, Phra Trimurti and Phra Phikanet Shrine, and Wat Pathum Wanaram. Siam Square
Sathorn is one of a busy area in Bangkok that offer both modernity and traditon. The area has a mix of experience that is worth to explore. Let me show you interesting attractons in Sathorn that you should explore. These are Saint Louis Church, Wat Yan Nawa, Yawa Mosque, Chan Alley, Beautiful garen at Tae Chew Association and Kukrit Pramoj's House Museum. Saint Louis Church It was established when Father Louis Chorin was appointed as a bishop of the Bangkok Diocese. He moved the Bishop Conference from Assumption Church to an area that is presently near Saint Louis Hospital, because he thought that many Christians lived in that area. Photo credit: วัดเซนต์หลุย กรุงเทพ Later in 1955, he announced the building of a church on the land of Bishop Louis Way and Father Louis Romier. As for the church architecture, it has a simple gable roof. The outer side of the roof was all built by bricks. Photo credit: วัดเซนต์หลุย กรุงเทพ Saint Louis Church is another religious site that shows the multiplicity of people in the Sathorn District. Wat Yan Nawa Photo credit: bktemple.wordpress.com Wat Yan Nawa was originally named 'Wat Khok Kwai' and then renamed to 'Wat Yan Nawa' which translated into the boat temple. It is an old Buddhist temple from the Ayutthaya period. It has a unique junki-shaped (an ancient Chinese sailing ship) pagoda and monastery built by an order of King Rama III. The idea behind the construction was that the Chinese junk was quickly disapperingand the pagada show show present descendants what it looked like. The replica of a Chinese junk vessel contains two white pagodas. In the Bali room, there are statues of Vessantara, Kanha and Jali which depict the story of Buddha's past life. On the back door of the pagoda, there are the
Sathorn is one of a busy area in Bangkok that offer both modernity and traditon. The area has a mix of experience that is worth to explore. Let me show you interesting attractons in Sathorn that you should explore. These are Saint Louis Church, Wat Yan Nawa, Yawa Mosque, Chan Alley, Beautiful garen at Tae
Bang Rak is another historic district that is full of culture interesting attractions. In this blog, I will show you what the district has to offer for tourists. You will learn about Silom Road, Assumption Cathedral, Bang Rak Market, Wat Sri Mahamariamman, Sulakastan, Bangkok Folk Museum, Grand Postal Building, Wat Suan Phlu, Harun Mosque, Jael Aeng Beal Shrine, the Reading Room, and Neilson Hays Library. Silom Road Silom Road is a fascinating mix between the old-fashioned and the modern look of the area in the heart of Bangkok. In day time, the road is vivacious and full of working life. But for the tourists, this place is the source of countless restaurants, shopping centers, as well as religious places, old community area and learning centre which offer a more relaxed and vibrant mood rather than nearby areas like Sathorn and Siam. In these passing years, Silom Road becomes another fine line to celebrate a great splash every year attracting people from everywhere to gather together for fun activities all day and night. In the nightime, colourful nightlife fills both sides of Silom Road especially at Soi Taniya, Silom and Phatphong which are famous world wide. These small Sois are packed with a great selection of hangout hotspots from pumping pubs to rooftop bar and restaurants where many wild funky shows and live gigs are available for all visitors. Assumption Cathedral The two centuries old Italian-renaissance cathedral, Assumption Cathedral was built by Thai-Portuguese Friar Pascal to be the centre of the Catholic community in Thailand and to serve as the residence for the Bishop of the Mission to Siam. Assumption Cathedral was designed by a French architect and its ornaments such as marble and stained glass were imported from Italy and France. Assumption Cathedral is a red brick building with white mouldings.
Bang Rak is another historic district that is full of culture interesting attractions. In this blog, I will show you what the district has to offer for tourists. You will learn about Silom Road, Assumption Cathedral, Bang Rak Market, Wat Sri Mahamariamman, Sulakastan, Bangkok Folk Museum, Grand Postal Building, Wat Suan Phlu, Harun Mosque, Jael
Attractions in Bang Sue that are interesting to explore include Pracha Naruemit Carpenter Lane, Khon mask making at Saphan Mai Community, Wat Bangpo Oma Wad, and Saphan Rama VI Pracha Naruemit Carpenter Lane Bang Po is renowned for its woodworking, especially the carpenter lane that is occupied by the woodworking shops. Wood products sucha as wood planks, furniture, and wood carvings are available, both ready made and made to order. Photo credit: urbancreature.co According to historical accounts this area was fertile arable land that attracted settlers of various origins; Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese to settle there since the reign of Rama I, including some Chinese from Saphan Khao, Wat Saket, and Bang Lamphu areas who were skilled carpenters. Photo credit: urbancreature.co Its proximity to the river that served as a waterway for timber rafts and sawmills that were situated along the river encouraged people in this area to engage in the woodworking business that has been renowned until now. Khon Mask Making at Saphan Mai Community The Khon mask making know-how is passed from Master Sakhon Yangkhiaosod (Joe Louis), National Artist of 1996 in performance art, who is a master in Khon and puppet play. He and his family had built and repaired puppet themselves and accumulate knowledge in mask and puppet making. Photo credit : oknation.nationtv.tv 1 In the past, there were a number of families in mask making but nowadays there is only Prathip Rodphai's family who remained in the trade they have engaged in for four decades. Most of the masks are made for decoration or collection. Photo credit: oknation.nationtv.tv Moreover, the Prathip family makes partial masks and miniature masks for decorative purposes only but making play masks for Khon is still active. Wat Bangpo Oma Wad Formerly known as 'Wat Po Ka Ram', it is the old
Attractions in Bang Sue that are interesting to explore include Pracha Naruemit Carpenter Lane, Khon mask making at Saphan Mai Community, Wat Bangpo Oma Wad, and Saphan Rama VI Pracha Naruemit Carpenter Lane Bang Po is renowned for its woodworking, especially the carpenter lane that is occupied by the woodworking shops. Wood products sucha as
In this blog, we will explore Bangkok attractions that are less known to tourists such as Ban Krua Nuea Community, Jamiul Khairiah Mosque, Ari Alley, Ministry of Finance's Flea Market and Ban Ari Dharma Library. These attractions are not mainstream. Thus, it will be less touristy and full of local culture and experience. Ban Krua Nuea Community According to historical accounts, Ban Krua Nuea of the Cham Community, migrated to Siam in the reign of Rama I. Originally, they were renowned in fishery and silk-weaving. The latter developed to be-the community's specialty. Photo credit: บ้านครัวผ้าไหมไทย Photo credit: ชมชนบ้านครัวเหนือ Initially, silk products produced here were for everyday use like sarongs. However, the outstanding craftsmanship was spotted by Jim Thompson who helped to modernize products and marketed them aboard. High quality silk products from Ban Krua Nuea were popular among foreigners and were selected to be featured in the film 'Ben Hur' but after Thompson's disappearance, silk-weaving in the community began to decline. Nowadays, there are only two families who remain as silk-weavers with some degree of governmental support. Jamiul Khairiah Mosque Also known as 'Surao Asa Cham' (Cham Volunteer Corps' Mosque), this mosque was built in the early Bangkok period. According to historical accounts it was built by Phraya Ratchabangsaenmaen, a Cham officer. Photo credit: masjidmap.co.th Photo credit: matichon.co.th In Rama VII's reign, the old hipped roof building of the mosque was torn down to make way for the new concert building. The exterior wall is made of stone and was the old building's facade. It's roof is a sky deck with a dome at its centre. The front part's floor is laid with craft ceramic tiles which are well preserved. The mosque was completed in 1957. Its interior is large and decorated gracefully. The mosque has been a part of the Ban Krua Community
In this blog, we will explore Bangkok attractions that are less known to tourists such as Ban Krua Nuea Community, Jamiul Khairiah Mosque, Ari Alley, Ministry of Finance’s Flea Market and Ban Ari Dharma Library. These attractions are not mainstream. Thus, it will be less touristy and full of local culture and experience. Ban Krua Nuea
In this blog, I will take you to Victory Monument, Phaya Thai Palace, Suan Pakkad Museum, and King Power Downtown Complex. These attractions are located in Rathathewi District. Victory Monument Dedicated to military, police, and civilians who lost their lives in the Siam-French Indochina border conflict, it was officially opened on 24th June 1942. The site formerly known as 'Sanam Pao intersection', now is an important transport hub served by bus lines, elevated train, and van services around the clock. There are numerous shops and stalls in this area. Photo credit: nawit Photo credit: EDT Guide Photo credit: EDT Guide Suan Santiphap (Public park) and Soi Phranang Library are also located nearby. Boat Noodle or "Kuay Tiao Ruea" is the Victory Monument area's famous dish. The recommended noodle stall is in the Fashion Mall's section, which has been selling noodles for decades. The noodle is served in a small bowl with meat and thick soup, and always eaten with fried pork skin and fried wonton dough. In the past, boats served as floating noodle stalls. Nowadays boats are often kept in the noodle stalls as a symbol. The Victory Monument is located on Phahonyothin Road. Phaya Thai Palace (Phra Ratcha Wang Phaya Thai) Nearby also you can visit Phaya Thai Palace which is open only on every Saturday with two guided tours at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm. The palace was constructed on Rama V's reign but had served as Royal Residence for a short time. Under Rama VI's reign, it was Queen Saovabha Phongsri of Rama V's residence untill her death. Photo credit: wikipedia.org Later, the palace was converted to serve many proposes such as hotel, radio station, and military hospital which is now Phra Mongkutklao College of Medicine. The palace was built in Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Photo credit: wikipedia.org
In this blog, I will take you to Victory Monument, Phaya Thai Palace, Suan Pakkad Museum, and King Power Downtown Complex. These attractions are located in Rathathewi District. Victory Monument Dedicated to military, police, and civilians who lost their lives in the Siam-French Indochina border conflict, it was officially opened on 24th June 1942. The
In Dusit District which is another area in Bangkok where there are many hidden historic attractons located. The district is not far from the main attractions (Grand Palace and Wat Pho etc.) and less known to foreign tourists. Therefore, the area is off-the-beaten-track. In this blog, let me walk you through these hidden historic attractions which are Wat Rachathiwas, Conception Church, St. Francis Xavier Church, Vietnamese Food at Samsen and Wat Samananaum Borihan. If you're interested in visiting these offbeat attractions on your Bangkok trip, you can contact Explorenique to customize your Bangkok private and custom tour. Let first start off with Wat Rachathiwas. Wat Rachathiwas Woravihara Formerly 'Wat Samorai', after the major renovation under Rama IV, it was renamed to 'Rachathiwas Woravihara' (the temple where the king resides) because it was the King's domain in his monkhood and established the Dharmayukti Order. Photo credit : watraja.org Photo credit : wikimedia.org Another major renovation in Rama V's reign was directed by Prince Narit. The ordination hall was built in Khmer architecture resembling Angkor Wat, inside are frescoes painted by Italian painter Carlo Riguli. There is also the temple's teak wood sermon hall that is the biggest one in Thailand. Photo credit : readthecloud.cowat-rajadhivas Photo credit : Splendour Photo credit : watraja.org Conception Church A short walk from Wat Rachathiwas , you can visit some of the oldest Catholic communities in Bangkok where the oldest church in Bangkok is located, Conception Church. The church was first built in the Ayutthaya era by Bishop Louis Laneau, who moved to Bangkok after he received consecration in Ayutthaya. Photo credit : วัดคริสในสยาม เฟสบุคเพจ The church and a hospital were built on the land donated by King Narai. In 1765, Portuguese and Cambodian Catholics who fled from Cambodia and came to seek refuge in Siam,
In Dusit District which is another area in Bangkok where there are many hidden historic attractons located. The district is not far from the main attractions (Grand Palace and Wat Pho etc.) and less known to foreign tourists. Therefore, the area is off-the-beaten-track. In this blog, let me walk you through these hidden historic attractions
Wat Benchamabophit or Benchamabophit Temple (Wat in Thai means temple) also known as the mable temple is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok, Thailand. Thousand of tourists visit the temple every year. In this blog, I will talk about Wat Benchamabophit and other attractions nearby the temple that you can also visit. These are Vimanmek Mansion, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, Phra Boromrup Song Ma (Equestrian Statue of Rama V), Mud Khana Ratsadon (People's Party Rivet) and Chitralada Royal Project. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram Ratchawora Vihara The temple was known as 'Wat Laem' or 'Wat Saithong.' After Rama V decided to build Dusit Palace, he ordered the temple to be renovated to be the palace's main Buddhist site. Photo credit : freepik.com The renovatoin was planned by Prince Narit which makes it one of the best-planned temples in Thailand. The temple is commonly known among tourists as 'the Marble Temple' due to its white Carrara marble ordination hall. Photo credit: discoverimages.com The ubosot is regarded as 'the perfect form of Thai architecture' as well as the whole site of the temple. It attracts tourists both Thai and foreigners. The ordination hall also houses the full size replica of Phra Phuttha Shinnarat. Vimanmek Mansion Not far From Wat Benchamabophit, there is Vimanmek Mansion located nearby. The mansion is the world's biggest teak wood mansion. It was first built on Si Chang island in Rama V's reign but later it was relocated and completed in the Dusit palace in 1901. The mansion's architecture is based on Victorian architecture with some elements from Thai architecture. Photo credit: naewna.com The mansion is a L-shape building and there are 31 rooms for displaying Rama V and princes and princesses' private collections such as the Green Chamber which is dedicated for silverware from China, Rama V's private study
Wat Benchamabophit or Benchamabophit Temple (Wat in Thai means temple) also known as the mable temple is one of the most visited temples in Bangkok, Thailand. Thousand of tourists visit the temple every year. In this blog, I will talk about Wat Benchamabophit and other attractions nearby the temple that you can also visit. These
Bangkok chinatown is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world. In the community, there are many histtoric attractions to visit and these are the list of attractions that I recommend when you're in Bangkok chinatown; Yaowarat Road, Wat Trimitr Wittayaram, Talad Kao (Old Market), Leng Buay la Alley, Sampeng Market, Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat Wora Maha Vihara, the old buildings on Thanon Song Wad, Luang Kocha Ishak Mosque, Wat Pathumkongka Ratchawora Vihara, Talad Noi, Holy Rosary Church, Siam Commercial Bangk, and Krung Thai Art Galley. Yaowarat Road Yaowarat Road or "The Dragon Road", built in 1891 under King Rama V's reign, is a part of the famed Chinese-Thai community with a very long history. In the past, Yaowarat Road was the main commercial avenue before Silom Road, as you see the evidence of its greatness from the commerical buildings which are regarded as the very first construction of its kind. Photo credit : home.co.th There are two sides of Yaowarat Road, the old Chinese-Thai cultural community, and the centre of wonderful dishese and great restaurants. The dazzling Chinese billboards on each side combined with the crowded atmosphere every night would impress visitors. Especially, in the Chinese New Year Festival, when the road would be filled with people from everywhere and shinging with lights that never go out. At the beginning of Yaowarat Road is "Odeon Circle." Also known as the 'Dragon Head', named after Odeon Cinema, was the recreational space in the past. The great Chinese ceremonial gate is located there, built in 1999 for the 72nd aniversary of the King, and now became the landmark of Yaowarat Road. Photo credit : bkkchina.co.th The gate which was the result of collaboration of Chinese-Thai people in the area, is the emblem of the royalty and the great bond. It is the Chinese style arc with
Bangkok chinatown is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world. In the community, there are many histtoric attractions to visit and these are the list of attractions that I recommend when you’re in Bangkok chinatown; Yaowarat Road, Wat Trimitr Wittayaram, Talad Kao (Old Market), Leng Buay la Alley, Sampeng Market, Wat Chakkrawat Ratchawat Wora
In Bangkok Chinatown ,which is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world, the area has many Chinese shrines and temples scattered around the neighborhood. There are one Chinese shrine and one temple that I recommend to visit for blessing. These are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Tai Hong Kong Shrine. Tai Hong Kong Shrine | The Shrine of Death Body Collector Tai Hong Kong Shrine was constructed in 1910 to house the Tai Hong Kong statue which was transferred from China. Tai Hong Kong was a merciful Buddhist monk who performed funerals for unknown dead in the Song Dynasty period and was the founder of Tai Hong Kong body collector order to collect bodies and perform funerals for poor people. gerryganttphotography.com/ gerryganttphotography.com/ The order is Por Tek Tung Foundations' ancestor. Tai Hong Kong is widely respected among Thai people of Chinese descent for centuries. It is believed that whoever worships Tai Hong Kong will be blessed and protected. Tai Hong Kong Shrine is always crowded during Chinese New Year. gerryganttphotography.com/ Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Nei Yi) Nearby you can also visit another holy and famous Chinese temple; Wat Mangkon Kamalawat or locally known by Chinese name as Wat Leng Nei Yi. The temple was built during the Rama V's reign in 1861. It is a Chinese-Majayana temple with Teochiu-Chinese architecture, modelled after ancient Teochiu Palace. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is Bangkok's first Chinese-Mahayana temple and famous among people of Chinese descent in Thailand and abroad. Waves of people come to worship Buddha, Bodhisattavas, and Chinese gods at the temple, especially on important traditional Chinese holidays. During Covid 19 Photo credit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Fan Page
In Bangkok Chinatown ,which is the largest oversea Chinese community in the world, the area has many Chinese shrines and temples scattered around the neighborhood. There are one Chinese shrine and one temple that I recommend to visit for blessing. These are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Tai Hong Kong Shrine. Tai Hong Kong Shrine
