Multimedia Show for HM King's 84th Birthday Anniversary

The Bureau of the Royal Household is planning to put on show a multimedia extravaganza from 17 December 2010 to 28 February 2011 within the Grand Palace compound in Bangkok for the year 2011 which is considered a significant year for Thailand, as it marks the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 84th birthday anniversary.

It will take place every day from 19.00 to 20.20 hr during the period, except on Mondays and between 27 December 2010 and 3 January 2011.

Tickets are 500 baht for all seats and will be available from December 6 onwards at the Public Relations Room in the Grand Palace. Each show can accommodate 2,000 people. Proceeds will be presented to His Majesty the King for charity purposes.

The show will feature each period of the Rattanakosin era, when the kings of the Royal House of Chakri were able to preserve national sovereignty and contribute to the Kingdom in many respects. In particular, the present monarch, the ninth king of the Royal House of Chakri, has worked tirelessly for the happiness of the Thai people.

Loy Kratong Festival

This year the Loy Kratong festival is on Sunday 21th Nov, 2010. This is the day that Thai people release flower floats bearing candles and incense sticks into rivers and canals. The floats are a humble offering to the goddess of river to pay her their respects and seek forgiveness.

In Bangkok and other big cities and hotels, it always appears that Loy Krathong is pretty much a tourist oriented festival. In provinces and less touristy areas of Bangkok however Loy Krathong is a solemn family oriented festival and a great opportunity for prayers.

Here is a brief account of how the festival will be celebrated in various parts of Thailand:

Bangkok
Starting tomorrow, decorative lights will grace major landmarks on the Chao Phraya River, when also on view will be a parade of colorfully illuminated boats plying the river.
On Nov 21 several riverside hotels and restaurants will be offering dining cruises and diners on board can use the opportunity to release flower floats into the river.
At Phra Sumen Fort Park near Khao San Road there will be booths selling choice food and drinks.

Chiang Mai
In Thailand's northern capital flower floats play second fiddle to flying lanterns. The festival here goes by the name "Yi Peng" in which local light lanterns and release then into sky at night. Revellers will be releasing some 10,000 lanterns on the night.
Also planned are cultural performances by the banks of the Ping River where on sale will be flower floats, which visitors can buy and release them into the river.

Sukhothai
The northern province, regarded the birth place of the festival, celebrates the occasion over three days and as many nights _ Nov 19-21_ at Sukhothai Historical Park. The highlight is a light and sound presentation at 7.30pm and, for this weekend, another show has been added, at 9.30pm, to go with cultural performances.

Ayutthaya
The Royal Arts and Crafts Centre at Bang Sai in Ayutthaya will be doing it the traditional way, with people dressed in period costume performing musical hits from yesteryear, along with a contest of flower floats in which the entries would be vying for the King's Cup.

Shopping Places in Bangkok

• Besides the great cultural destinations as well as the exotic and delicious cuisines, shopping in Bangkok is often rated as the most fascinated amusement and unforgettable experience.
  
  I will guide you to only the best places that meet your shopping desires, whether you are looking for luxurious brands or local products. All you have to do is ENJOY! on these Bangkok shopping zones.


• Rajchaprasong Zone


• Pathumwan Zone


• Sukhumvit Zone


• Silom Zone


• Jatujak Zone


• Ratchada Zone


• Old City Zone

Golf courses in Bangkok

Bangkok offers world-class golf courses, superb conditions and magnificent views under dazzling sunlight. Designed by world-renowned golf courses designers or veteran progolfers.

Bangkok and its nearby provinces’s golf courses give a sense of new adventure and are exiting and challenging for players of all skills. Many golf courses also offers special golf packages or one tailor-made on any requirements. All are the best with convenient locations within an hour’s drive from the city center.

List of golf courses in Bangkok and its outskirts.

General Tips
Every golf courses in Thailand has lockers and showering facilities so make sure you bring along clothes to change. Many first-time visitors will find themselves soaked with sweat after 18 holes.

Wear light-colored clothing to deflect the sun, bring sun block – the best available and definitely a cap or umbrella.

Thailand Pavilion : Exhibition Hall 3

The last exhibition in Thailand Pavilion hall features a magnificent theatre of 300 seats, with the theme of “Happiness Through Harmony”. The last section in the pavilion provided visitors a chance to see the defining aspects of being Thai via 4D presentation. Spraying water and jasmin aroma were usded in presentation to fulfill all senses of touch.

Despite the veneer of technological sophistication and the international way of living that we have adopted, deep down in the soul of every Thai, we still value a life of simplicity that follows the idea of “sufficiency” in all things we do; for we believe it is the only true path that will lead to lasting happiness.

See 3D movie in Thailand Pavilion Hall 3. (3D eyeglasses are needed now)

Click following online to visit Thailand Pavilion tour,
Thailand Pavilion : Overall
Thailand Pavilion Plan
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 1
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 2

Thailand Pavilion : Exhibition Hall 2

The second hall of Thailand Pavilion called "Harmony of Different Tones" depicts the long-standing interaction between Thailand and China.

Visitors to this hall can watch on 270 degree video walls as well as another highlight, the telling robot named Intrachit.

See video presentation of Thailand Pavilion Hall 2

Click following online to visit Thailand Pavilion tour,
Thailand Pavilion : Overall
Thailand Pavilion Plan
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 1
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 3

Thailand Pavilion : Exhibition Hall 1

The first exhibition hall called “Journey of Harmony” takes visitors on a journey to experience the life and culture of Thailand via mixed of modern presentation technique such as water curtain and pray along with LED screens.

Click to see video in Thailand Pavilion Hall 1

Click following online to visit Thailand Pavilion tour,

Thailand Pavilion : Overall

Thailand Pavilion Plan

Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 2

Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 3

Thailand Pavilion Building

Thailand Pavilion Building is divided into 3 big halls that have their own good video with modern presentation techniques. Those three exhibition halls called "Journey of Harmony", "Harnony of Different Tones" and "Happiness Through Harmony". They are designed to display every aspect of Thai life and culture.

Click following online to visit Thailand Pavilion tour,
Thailand Pavilion ; Overall
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 1
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 2
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 3

Thailand Pavilion in Expo

For those one could not visit Shanghai Expo or missed a chance to visit Thailand Pavilion, this is a chance to visit Thailand Pavilion through your fingers. Thailand Pavilion is the place for people of all ages for fun and relaxation.

Guided by the concept of "Thai Perspectives", architects have inspired of interesting elements from the Thai lifestyle and the country's visually outstanding artistic and architectural expressions into its spatial arrangement and overall structure.

The result is well worth the effort. Without a doubt, even when viewed from the outside, the pavilion’s elegant form and finesse will do much to impart to the spectators the splendour of things Thai.

Click following online to visit Thailand Pavilion tour,
Thailand Pavilion Plan
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 1
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 2
Thailand Pavilion Exhibition Hall 3

Golden Mount, Bangkok

The Golden Mount ranks as one of Bangkok's most outstanding icons. Located in Wat Saket, it was built in the reign of King Rama III and the construction was completed in the reign of King Rama V.

Standing at around 78 metres high, this man-made mount has a glittering golden pagoda on its summit in which Buddha relics are enshrined. From the top, visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the capital.

Tips
1. At noon, the platform at the top is very hot, visitors can wear shoes to there.
2. Open daily 08.30 - 17.30, admission fee is 10 Baht.

Location
Saket Temple located between Boripat rd. and Chakapatdipong rd.

How to get there
By bus : BTS to Siam station and take bus no.15 at the opposite side of Siam Paragon and get down at Wat Saket entrance gate at Chakapatdipong rd.
By boat : take a Seanseab Canal Boat to Phanfaleelat pier (end of route) then walk along Boripat rd. for 5 minutes.

Restaurants near the Golden Mount
- Princess Cafe : Royal Princess Hotel at Lanluang rd., recommended dishes ; Shrimp Pad Thai_283B, Steam Snapper with Butter_377B.
- The Empress Restaurant : Royal Princess Hotel at Lanluang rd., recommended dishes ; Crispy Shrimp with Cream Salad and Sesame Seeds_450B, Exotic Chinese Dish_600B.
- Nai Sow : Maitri Chit rd., recommended dishes ; Hot Plate Stir Fried Oyster_80B, Red Moon_50B, Pork Satay_100B.
- Burapha Restaurant : Mahadthai rd., recommended dish ; Stir Fried Scallop with Meat Gravy_140B, Stir Fried Sea Cucumber_1,600B.

Nearby destinations
- Metal Castle : opposite side of the canal
- Jetsadabodin Plaza : next to Metal Castle
- Rattanakosin Exhibition : next to Jetsadabodin Plaza
- Chalerm Krung Theatre : cross of Tripet rd. and Chareon Krung rd.

Jim Thompson Restaurant

In the past, Thai food may have been regarded in the West as a budget meal on which people wouldn't spend more than 10 euros or $10 on. But now people would pay the same price as they do at a good French or Japanese restaurant to enjoy Thai dishes, perhaps with wine and champagne, on a special occasion. Thai restaurants are no longer seen as a place for cheap and good fast food but as gourmet dining destinations that offer a memorable experience.

Jim Thompson Restaurant's passion is to bring the best of Thai culture to the world. The menu is a good mix between authentic Thai food and classic western cuisine. It offers the two cuisines separately and never try to follow the fusion fashion.

The Jim Thompson House, the most famous Thailand's craft weaving industry, opened Thompson Bar & Restaurant in 2004. After years of honing their skills and enjoyed a good feedback in Bangkok, Jim Thompson's culinary and hospitality team was ready for the international challenge. In 2005, the company's first foreign restaurant, Mythai, opened in Kuala Lumpur. And three more dining outlets were opened in Tokyo, and another in Singapore.

Jim Thompson's Restaurants in Bangkok
- Thompson Bar & Restaurant : Jim Thompson House, Kasemsan Soi 2, Rama I rd., open daily 09.00 - 18.00
- Jim Thompson Cafe : Isetan department store, 1st Fl. Central World Plaza, Ratchadamri, open daily 10.00 - 21.00
- Saladaeng Cafe : Sala Daeng Soi 1, Silom rd., open daily 11.00 - 23.00
- Cafe 9 : Jim Thompson store, Surawong rd., open daily 09.00 - 21.00

Jim Thompson's Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur
- Mythai : Bukit Bintang, Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur

Jim Thompson's Restaurant in Singapore
- Jim Thompson : Minden rd., Dempsey Hill Distric, Singapore

More details : http://www.jimthompsonrestaurant.com/
Photo by : Anusorn Sakseree

Dusit Palace, Bangkok

Dusit Palace was the brainchild of King Rama V. Inspired by his European tour in 1897. King Rama V envisioned a new palace with a difference. It was actually a huge palace complex consisting of 13 royal residences three throne halls set in wide beautiful gardens. The present Dusit Palace is much smaller though since many buildings were transformed into government buildings. The present residence of the reigning king is Chitralada Royal Villa.

Vimanmek Mansion
The important throne hall of Dusit Palace is Vimanmek Mansion. Built in 1900, this is the world's largest golden teak mansion. With an L-shape, Vimanmek Mansion perfectly combines Western and Thai architectural styles. Today, Vimanmek Mansion serves as a museum and it displays a vast collection of historical and valuable artifacts from the reign of King Rama V.

Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall
The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall was built in the fifth reign and finished in the reign of his successor. Made of white marble from Italy, this building is imbued with awesome grandeur. The imposing throne hall features Renaissance and Neo-classic elements. On its roof are seven domes. The interiors of all these domes are beautifully decorated with fresco paintings portraying the fist six kings of the Chakri Dynasty

Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall
Nearby is the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall built in 1904 to receive high-ranking dignitaries; the hall has an exquisite display of traditional Thai arts and crafts, sponsored by the royal foundation under the patronage of HM Queen Sirikit. It is a single-story ornate building with beautifully carved floral motifs on panels adorning the gables and eaves.

Tips
1. The great exhibition, Arts of the Kingdom, is held at Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall. Don't miss it. Admission fee 150 Baht.
2. Vimanmek Mansion ; daily open 09.30 - 15.00. Admission fee 100 Baht.

Location
Dusit Palace located between the end of Ratchadamneon Nok avenue and Ratchwithi rd. The entrance of Vimanmek Mansion is at Ratchawithi rd. The entrance of Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is at the end of Ratchadamneon Nok avenue.

How to get there
Take BTS to Victory Monument station then take air-condition bus no. 515. The Dusit Palace is next to Dusit Zoo.

Restaurants near Dusit Palace (with approximate price in Baht)
- TT Steak and Thai Food : Amnuai Songkram rd., recommended dishes ; Caesar Salad_190B, Fried Foie Gras with Port Wine_790B, T Bone Steak_790B
- Suan Kulap Terrace : Samsen rd., recommended dish ; Deep Fried Pork Knuckle_290B, Stir Fried Tofu Topped with Assorted Meat Gravy_90B, Steamed Snapper with Lime Sauce_220B
- Thai Charoen : Sri Ayutthaya rd., recommended dishes ; Roasted Duck_200B, Stir Fried Crispy Cat Fish with Chilli_200B, Braised Rib Soup with Bitter Gourd_35B
- Naem Nueang Orawan Inter : Ratchawithi rd., recommended dishes ; Vietnamese Pork Ball with Condiments in Noodle Wrap_50B, Vietnamese Crepe_50B, Fried Minced Shrimp Wrapped on Sugarcane Stick_60B

Nearby destinations
Dusit zoo : adjacent to Dusit Palace
Wat Benjamabopit : 15 minutes walk from Dusit Palace
Rattanakosin Exhibition : another end of Ratchadamneon Nok rd.
Mahakarn Fortress : another end of Ratchadamneon Nok rd.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

Modern it may be today, but Bangkok has never lost its charm as a culture destination for visitors. With its cultural heritage dating back to the establishment in 1782, Bangkok boasts a number of replendent palaces, magnificent throne halls, and eye-catching icons. Bangkok offers culturally enriching experiences as one of the world's most attractive destinations.

The Grand Palace
Visiting the Grand Palace is indeed a great way to become immersed in Thai culture. Built in the year Bangkok was founded, the splendid Grand Palace with its rich cultural heritage spans over 55 acres. With the Emerald Buddha Temple in the same compound, this dazzling complex is the absolute landmark of not just Bangkok but Thailand itself.

Enshrined in the temple is the Emerald Buddha, the country's most sacred image.

In the past, Thai kings resided here. But today, the palace is used for important ceremonies only.

While ornate wood carvings refined murals, and traditional Thai sculptures adorn all corners, some of its most interesting buildings are the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall, Chakri Maha Prasart Throne Hall, Phra Maha Monthien, and glittering pagoda.

Tips
1. There are many scam artists outside, walk pass them and buy the ticket inside the Grand Palace. Admission fee is 350 Baht. Daily open between 8.30-15.30.
2. Hire guide for a good information of the palace and other things you want to know.
3. There are free tour at 10.00, 10.30, 13.30 and 14.00 in English. Just sign your name at the counter inside.
4. Personal audio guide is available for visitors in 8 languages; English French German Japanese Mandarin Russian Spanish and Thai. 200 Baht for 2 hours and passport or credit card require.

Location
The Grand Palace is surrounded by Na Phra Lan rd., Sanamchai rd. Taiwang rd. and Maharat rd. The main entrance is at Na Phra Lan rd.

How to get there
Option 1 : BTS to Siam station and take bus no.508 (Air conition bus) at the opposite side of Siam Paragon and get down at the end of line (Maharat rd.) then walk a few minutes to the main gate at Na phra Lan rd.
Option 2 : BTS to Taksin station and take Chaopraya Boat at central pier under BTS Taksin station and get down at Tha Chang Pier (N 09) that located at the end of Na Phra Lan rd. then walk a few minutes.
From where you stay :
- Khaosan : just 15 minutes walk or take a bus no. 32, 33, 44, 47, 70, 124
- Banglumpoo : take bus no.6, 53, 64 or take Chaopraya Boat at Tha Phra Arthit (N 13) and get down at Tha Chang (N 09)
- Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, Ratchada,... and somewhere else in downtown can choose option 1 or 2

Restaurants near the Grand Palace (with approximate price in Baht)
- Cafeteria beside the Palace : within palace wall adjacent to Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall.
- Na Phra Lan : Phra Chan rd., recommended dishes ; Deep fried German Pork Knuckle_295B, Chinese Wooton_55B, Pork Spicy Salad_59B.
- Silk Bar and Restaurant : Khaosan rd., recommended dishes ; Silk Bar on fire_250B, Deep fried prawn with tamarind sauce_250B.
- Sunset Bar & Garden Restaurant : Khaosan rd., recommended dishes ; Deep fried snapper_300B, Roasted pork red curry_90B, Stir fried shrimp with garlic and Mexican sauce_250B.
- Cafe' de Moc : Ratchadamneon Klang rd. , recommended dishes ; Tom Yam Koong (Shrimps in spicy soup)_150B, Limed pork_130B, Deep fried chicken tendon_100B.

Nearby destinations
Wat Po : behind the Grand Palace(10 minutes walk)
Wat Aroon : Opposite side of the river(10 minutes walk and across the river by shuttle boat)
Museum of Siam : behind Wat Po(15 minutes walk)
National Museum : in front of the Grand Palace (10 minutes walk)