Best Cultural Attractions

Our Local Expert Says:

Just strides away from Central World, one of Bangkok's largest and most upscale shopping malls, the Erawan Shrine presents the shopaholic tourist with a convenient chance to soak up some culture.

Description:

In the middle of the glitz and traffic of downtown commercial Bangkok stands Erawan Shrine, a very unique place of worship that is a must-see. Devoted to the Hindu god Brahma, Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 to honor the spirits that once resided in trees that were chopped down during construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Nowadays, the shrine is constantly flooded with worshippers praying for good fortune as they burn incense, light candles and place carnation garlands at offering tables. Traditional Thai dancers perform on a stage around the clock, and tourists are welcomed to partake in the spirituality. The open-air fills with pleasant scents and the good vibes are abundant. Erawan Shrine is a Bangkok must.

Our Local Expert Says:

To many travelers this sight may seem boring and unappealing. But apart from the option to buy beautiful, cheap silk, the grounds and museum are a feast for the eyes and tell interesting and mysterious stories that all can enjoy.

Description:

Once the residence of James H.W. Thompson, the "Legendary American of Thailand", the Jim Thompson House is now one of the top tourist destinations in Bangkok. Comprising of six traditional teak houses, the traditional Thai-style complex was completed in 1959 and has been converted to a museum to honor its original owner and his legacy. In the middle part of the 20th Century, Thompson reinvigorated development of the Thai silk industry and collected art and artifacts from all over Thailand and the region, but mysteriously disappeared while on a trip to Malaysia in 1967. Many of his possessions are on display at the Jim Thompson House, and guided tours take guests around the stunning property.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is an element of Thai culture that came one person short of being forgotten. Renewed interest has kept it alive but just barely. This is a commonly overlooked cultural aspect of Thailand.

Description:

SADLY, THE JOE LOUIS THEATER CLOSED ITS DOORS IN 2010.

Joe Louis Theater is the preservation hall of the dying art of Thai puppetry. One man kept it alive with barely any public notice until Thai tourism authorities discovered the lone puppeteer Sakorn Yangkhieosot and made efforts to showcase this impressive talent. Three puppeteers dressed in black are necessary to manipulate the various limbs and facial expressions of the artfully created marionettes. Parts of the Ramayana and regional legends are performed with English subtitles projected on screens to the sides of the stage. The Joe Louis Theater is the only spot in Bangkok where you can see this live puppet show. Masks and other souvenirs can be purchased in the lobby where you can see a wax figure of the late puppeteer himself.

Description:

Ask anyone who has been to Bangkok what their 'must see' list is and without fail they will always include The Grand Palace complex. This half-day sightseeing tour in Bangkok will allow you the opportunity to explore the complex, which houses a number of attractions including Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the company of a local Thai guide.

Built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs, The Grand Palace complex, once the official home for the Kings of Siam, is unquestionably one of the Thailand's major tourist highlights. The King still uses the Grand Palace for certain ceremonial occasions and the regal flavor within its enormous royal grounds is still evident. During the tour you will visit the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.

The main centerpiece of the complex however is the 45 centimeter Emerald Buddha. Carved from just one piece of Jade it is the holiest and most revered religious object in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is housed within Wat Phra Keow, which is a very ornately decorated building whose roof tiles reach up into the sky.

Description:

Dine in a traditional Thai house with a remarkable menu of gourmet Thai dishes. Baan Khanita has a long list of awards and the reputation among Thai and foreigners alike is quite good. Popular dishes include crab with yellow curry, red curry pork and fish cakes, but don't skip dessert with homemade ice cream. Make a reservation for the Thai pavilion for an open-air dining experience.

Description:

Bangkok is well known as one of the world's most vibrant and exotic cities - a unique blend of the traditional and ultra-modern. If you are looking for something more than just the mainstream tourist highlights then a visit to one of Bangkok's cabaret shows, featuring transvestites and transgender performers, provides another, entertaining element of Bangkok's colorful nightlife.

Bangkok's Broadway like cabaret shows will leave you spellbound. The shows are completely unique, well rehearsed and you will be dazzled by the stunning costumes, sequins, larger than life hair and the beauty of the performers in these energetic performances.

Description:

This wonderful evening dinner tour in Bangkok will surround you with a truly Thai ambiance. Sit back and enjoy Thai food and dance.

You will enjoy delicious Thai cuisine whilst your eyes feast on the grace and beauty of the traditional Thai dancers. The performances you will see are mystical dances based on stories from classical Thai literature and folklore. The dancers wear traditional, colorful costumes providing a perfect opportunity for photos.

Group of 2 travellers or more? Upgrade to a private tour for a small additional cost. Search for Product Code: 3685BKK40P

Description:

A global organization of Buddhists, whose Thailand headquarters lie behind Benjasiri Park. On the first Sunday of every month, it holds a Buddhist forum and free meditation instructions and practices for English speakers. On selected Sundays there is also a dhamma talk--a brilliant opportunity to experience Buddhist instructions from world experts. The forum is an open discussion on a topic of spiritual interest.