King Rama IX Park ,BANGKOK : Attraction

King Rama IX Park
BANGKOK : Attraction

Enhancing the quality of life King Rama IX Park is an expression of gratitude from the people of Bangkok to H.M. King Bumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of his 60th birthday in 1987.

The 200 acre park is Thailand's first comprehensive botanical garden, providing a relaxing environment. It has six distinct areas, each with its own specific theme.

The Garden of the Great King or Uthayan Maharaj, symbolizes the Sovereign Grace and Majesty is the first and most important area.

Area two is the botanical garden where research is conducted on varies types of flora and the knowledge gained is passed on.

The Reservoir at area three is named Traphang Keo and truly exemplifies His Majestys efforts to mitigate flooding in Bangkok as it adds to the effectiveness of the project he has proposed.

The Rommaniya Garden" in area four is an open garden with miniature reproductions of Thailand's natural heritage including mountains and other geological features.

Area five is an open field for use for entertainment and festival purposes. It is called Sanam Rasdara which means Royal Ground.

There are mixed jungle and wetlands providing habitats for fish and waterfowl in area six.

In addition to these main areas, there are also seven international miniature gardens that were created with the assistance of experts from each of the countries represented.

How to get there : Bus routes 145, 206, 207
Open : Daily 5 am. to 5 pm.
Admission : 10 Baht
Tel : 0 2328 1395

Geological Resource Museum (Minerals and Rocks Museum) ,BANGKOK : Attraction

Geological Resource Museum (Minerals and Rocks Museum)
BANGKOK : Attraction

Located on the first floor of the Emerald Building next to the Department of Mineral Resources on Rama VI Road, the museum is attached to the Bureau of Geological Survey, Department of Mineral Resources, and was established in 1948. It exhibits minerals, rocks, fossils as well as ancient tools made from minerals and rocks in 3 sections: 1. Geology, featuring the Earth, plate movements, earthquakes, minerals and rocks, geological surveys, ground water and fossils; 2. Mineral Resources, displaying specimens of gemstones and precious stones, uses of minerals, mineral fuels, petroleum and minerals from abroad; 3. Special Exhibition, currently showcasing dinosaur fossils in Thailand. The museum is open on weekdays during 9 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Admission is free but advance contact in writing addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources is required.

Open : Mon to Fri from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2202 3669, 0 2202 3670 Fax 0 2202 3754 www.dmr.go.th

Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand, BANGKOK : Attraction

Gem and Jewellery Institute of Thailand

BANGKOK : Attraction

Located at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University Pathumwan, the institute was established to help develop and support the gem and jewellery industry of Thailand. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation, study and display of gems, jewellery and gemological equipment. There are also gem identification services and library.

Museum : open on Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Admission : 100 baht
Contact : Tel. 0 2218 5470-4 ext.24, 0 2652 5252
Website : www.git.or.th
Nearby places/attractions: Siamsquare

Museum of Thai Pharmacy, BANGKOK : Attraction

Museum of Thai Pharmacy
BANGKOK : Attraction

The museum is located on the third floor of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage Building at 40 Soi Santisuk, Sukhumvit 38 Road (diagonally opposite Soi Thong Lo). It was established to publicize traditional Thai medicine from past to present for later generations to learn and treasure. The exhibition is featured by various topics; namely, the Birth of Pharmacy, the Evolution of Oriental Pharmacy and Basic Wisdom, the Evolution of Western Thai Pharmacy and the Evolution of Herbs and Natural Products. The museum is open on weekdays

Open : Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Advance contact in writing is required for a group visit)
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2391 6243, 0 2712 1627

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre, BANGKOK : Attraction

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre
BANGKOK : Attraction

The Centre became fully functional in 1999 with the necessary buildings, human resources and modern facilities to fulfill its mission. This is divided into academics and services.

On the academic side, SAC conducts and coordinates research, builds an inventory for study and research, develops the data base and acts as an information exchange for both foreign and local institutes and organizations.

The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre has a permanent exhibition open to the public four main subjects:

H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Biographic Exhibition displays photographs and artifacts illustrating her life and works including her numerous contributions to the society and culture of Thailand.

Thai Ceramics Collections exhibits ceramics from prehistoric sites such as Ban Chiang and Ban Kao, stoneware from Northeastern Thailand, pottery from Sukhothai and Buddhist tablets from the various historical periods.

Social and Cultural Development in Thailand is the subject of another exhibition, displaying the results of research in social and cultural development. It covers the various regions in Thailand and highlights the social and cultural relationships between various ethnic groups in Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia.

The Ethno-archaeology Exhibition presents the results of research focused on the comparison of past and present culture.

How to get there : Bus routes 79, 515
Open : Mon - Sat from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission : Free
Contact : Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (Public Organization) 20 Boromaratchachonnani Road, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
Tel : 0 2880 9429
Fax : 0 2880 9332 www.sac.or.th

Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium,BANGKOK : Attraction

Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
BANGKOK : Attraction

Situated in the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park), the garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises an activity ground, exhibition area, feed breeding room, embryo breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering an area of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high, built from an open framework for good ventilation. The garden area connects to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park. It is a natural study room ideal for learning and being a source of information as well as exchange of knowledge about butterflies and insects, their life cycles and being. The garden is open daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Location: on Phaholyothin Road, near Railway Park, Chatuchak.
Open : Tue - Sun and public holidays
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2272 4359-60, 0 2272 4680

Bangkok Metropolitan Local Museums,BANGKOK : Attraction

Bangkok Metropolitan Local Museums
BANGKOK : Attraction

The Bangkok Metropolitan aims to operate local community museums for each of its 50 districts. In order to develop Bangkok into a metropolitan cultural centre, each museum contains the cultural knowledge and local wisdom of its district. These museums are peaceful little hideaways: charming as learning centres with warm community vibes standing out against the backdrop of Bangkok’s hectic bustle.

Each museum has displays on its district’s history, background, and important people, as well as the local way of life, specialties and tourist attractions. This interesting information is displayed through models and multi-media. Most of the museums are appropriately located in temple / school areas:

Suan Luang District – its museum is located at the Thai teak pavilion of Wat Tai.
Samphanthawong District – at Wat Tri Mit
Bangkok Noi District – Suwannaram Witthayakhom School

One highlight worth a visit is Phra Nakhon District’s museum. It is situated in a Thai house in front of Phra Nakhon District Office on Samsen Road. This elegant 2-storey house formerly belonged to nobleman Phraya Ammaretsombat. It was built around 1914 and has been well maintained in its ancient and rare beauty. The house itself is valuable heritage and worth admiring.

The museum displays the story of Phra Nakhon District, the inner town on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Covering an area of almost 1400 acres, this is the centre of the Nation’s rich culture. Moreover, many important historical attractions are located in this district, such as the Grand Palace, Rattanakosin Island, 23 temples, Muslim Mosques, and several shrines. In addition, this district is the centre of many important governmental and private organizations.

The museum house building spans an area of 240 sq m, displaying the fine craftsmanship of the district in terms of the history of Thonburi and Rattanakosin. In addition, visitors can admire the charming atmosphere of life in the palace, as well as Bangkok’s quaint old communities. Moreover, visitors will appreciate photos depicting the Phra Nakhon’s timeless ‘Venice of the East’ canal and river scenes, as well as its lively traditional events and fairs. Other exhibits include the background of the district’s renowned highlights such as the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, and the World’s only Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanadda. Furthermore, the museum also provides historical information about the district’s moats, canals, walls, gates and forts. History lovers will be very satisfied.

The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm. Admission is free. For further information, contact Bangkok’s Office of Culture, Sports and Tourism, tel. 0 2640 6423.