Off the Beaten Bangkok

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Opened in 1991 to commemorate Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 36th birthday in a response to her wish that Thailand should have a national institution responsible for the systematic gathering, processing and servicing of anthropological data scattered throughout the country. It exhibits the different socio-cultural developments in Thailand, Ethno-Archaeology, Thai ceramic collections, as well as the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn biography. It serves as an inspiration for all people to pursue an understanding of their socio-cultural development and develop their social awareness. Free admission for monks & students with ID cards.

Description:

This museum houses lifelike wax sculptures depicting important people in Thai history. Figures come alive in sets that appear to have been frozen mid-motion. The detail and raw emotion of the characters makes them appear hauntingly real: the result of ten years of intensive study and hard work from local artists. Of particular interest is the portrayal of the harsh living conditions faced by Thai slaves pre-1905, and the comical rendition of the adult male game Bald Head Smashing. Located just 31 kilometers west of Bangkok, the museum is easily accessible by car, bus or taxi.

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Although a trip to the Corrections Museum requires a high threshold for violent images, it is worthwhile for those than can stand it. The prison was built in 1890 and now serves as a reminder of the gruesome treatment of criminals in Bangkok's past. Photographs, wax models, and access to the execution chamber and quarters all paint a picture of the prisoners' lives and how they got along with officers. Weapons are also on display, and they are not for the faint of heart! Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Description:

A full-day guided excursion to the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai, one of Thailand's most beautiful National Parks, is the ideal city escape for those looking to get back to nature on their vacation to Thailand.

Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square miles (2,172 square kilometers) of forests, jungles and grassland the park covers five vegetation zones and is one of the few remaining intact monsoon forests in Asia. The reserve is home to over 153 different species of animals, including 200-300 wild elephants, as well as other rarely seen mammals such as Asiatic black bear, tiger, leopards, barking deer to name a few. Exotic birds such as the great hornbill and the Himalayan ribbed bats also live inside the park and are protected by law. Sightings can never be guaranteed but it is great to wander the park knowing wildlife is out there!

En-route to the park your tour will stop at a local fruit market in the province of Nakhon Nayok so you can enjoy exotic fruits such as mango and rambutans - other wise known as the 'hairy fruit' which is similar to a lychee....

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This Royal Palace dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The buildings within the palace represent a variety of Thai, Chinese and Victorian styles. Climb the spiral staircase to the top floor of the Red Chinese tower for a great view of the grounds. The small lake in the center features a large Thai pavilion, considered a classic example of Thai architecture. Today, the Royal Family sometimes uses the palace as a residence and for receptions or banquets. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company runs tours to the Palace from Bangkok on the weekends.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the temple with the best city view!

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Before Bangkok became a city of skyscrapers and high-rises, this artificial hill, Golden Mount, was its highest point. The view is still great, however, and a visit to the golden chedi at top should be on anyone's itinerary. Wat Saket lies at the bottom of the hill and then a path with over 300 steps curves up to the chedi. The hill Golden Mount stands upon was constructed under King Rama III in the early 19th century when previous chedi construction collapsed. Bangkok's sinking earth was already a problem back then so the hill of mud and brick was constructed first. Rama IV followed up with a chedi and Rama V added the one we see today. Wat Saket was the site of cremations which had to be done outside the city walls. Entry to the temple and the climb to the top of Golden Mount are free but entrance to the chedi area costs about 10 baht.

Description:

Wang Suan Pakkad ("Palace of the Lettuce Garden") is one of Bangkok's most delightful retreats. This peaceful oasis was the home of Princess Chumbhon of Nakhon Sawan, an avid art collector and one of the country's most dedicated archaeologists -- credited with having partly financed the excavations at Ban Chiang I in 1967. In 1952, five 19th-century teak houses were moved from Chiang Mai and rebuilt in a beautifully landscaped garden on a private klong, separated by a high wall from the tumult of Bangkok's streets. The Lacquer Pavilion (moved here in 1958) came from a monastery grounds and was a birthday present from the prince to the princess.

The balance of the collection here is diverse, with Khmer sculpture, ivory boxes, and some marvelous prints by European artists depicting images of Siam before the country opened to the Western world. There is an entire room of objects from the Ban Chiang I site, including pottery and jewelry. Look out for a superb Buddha head from Ayutthaya, and an example of a royal barge outside in a shed in the garden. Be sure to ask to see the pavilion housing the princess's collection of Thai and Chinese ceramics. The gift shop at Wang Suan Pakkad offers...

Description:

Originally called Wat Ban Phrayakrai Suanluang, King Rama III built this temple as a gift to HRH Prince Apsornsudathep. A mixture of Chinese architectural styles, the exquisite design of the four directional stupa was created by court artisans. The throne, where the presiding Buddha's image is enshrined, and the mural paintings in the sanctuary, feature rice balls in a cone-shaped receptacle called Phum Khao Bin. Sunthon Phu, a leading poet during the Rattanakosin Era, resided in this temple during his monkhood from 1840-1842. His Poet House Museum is open daily to the public. Admission: free.