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)