Emergency and Useful Numbers

Emergency Calls

Police - 191

Crime - 195

Fire - 199

Traffic Control Center - 199

Highway Police - 197

Tourist Police -1193

Tourist Service Center - 1699

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hotline - 1155

Missing Persons Bureau - 282 1815

Medical Evacuation and Ambulance Service - 255 1133


Useful addresses and calls

Immigration Office
Soi Suanphlu, Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel. +66 2 287 3101

Revenue Department
Chakkapong Road, Bangkok 10200
Tel. +66 2 282 9899

National Museum Division
Na Prathat Road
Tel. +66 2 226 1661

Tourist Information Counter
372 Bamrung Muang Road, Bangkok 10100
Tel. +66 2 226 0060, 226 0072

Tourist Assistance Center
4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 281 5051

Tourism Authority of Thailand Head Office
Le Concorde Building
202 Ratchadapisek Road
Tel. +66 2 694 1222 Fax +66 2 694 1220

Tourist Police
Unico House, Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok
Tel. 1699 or +66 2 652 1721

Bangkok International Airport
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 535 1111

Bangkok Domestic Airport
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 535 2081

Thai Airways International Plc.
89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 513 0121

Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)
Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel. +66 2 223 7010, 223 7020

Northern & Northeastern Bus Terminal
Phahonyothin Road, Bangkok
Tel. +66 2 272 0299

Southern Bus Terminal
Boromrat Chonnani Road, Bangkok 10700
Tel. +66 2 435 1199, 434 5558

Eastern Bus Terminal
Sukhumvit Road (Ekamai), Bangkok 10110
Tel. +66 2 391 2504, 392 2521

Historical Sites - Wat Thammamongkhon

Wat Thammamongkhon

This contemporary temple in eastern Bangkok features a 95-meter pagoda, the tallest in the country. The soaring chedi contains a hair of the Lord Buddha, presented by the Supreme Patriarch of Bangladesh. Visitors can ride to the top of the chedi in a lift to enjoy the panoramic views of the area.

Wat Thammamongkhon is located on Sukhumvit Soi 101 and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Sri Mariammam Temple

Sri Mariammam Temple

Also known as Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi or commonly 'Wat Khaek', the Sri Mariammam Temple is one of few temples in the busy commercial district of Silom. Located on the corner of Pan Road and Silom, Wat Khaek is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Uma Devi, although many other deities are represented. Immigrants from southern India built this colorful temple in the 1860s.

People of all creeds worship at the temple on Friday mornings and at around 11.30 am vegetarian food is offered to the devotees. At around noon, a priest sprinkles holy water on the hands of worshippers, who pass their hands through the flame of an oil lamp for purification. They then dip their fingers in colored powder and daub prayer marks on their foreheads.

Watch out for the brightly colored garlands of marigolds on sale around the temple and at the entrance to Pan Road.

The Sri Mariammam Temple is open daily and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

Wat Saket is built atop Bangkok's only hill-the man-made Golden Mount, not far from Rajadamnoen Road. Construction of the Golden Mount started during the reign of King Rama I and proceeded with the addition of the present golden chedi until the reign of King Rama V. The chedi houses a relic of the Buddha from India, added by King Rama V. The mount's concrete walls were added during the Second World War.

A large festival is held in the grounds of Wat Saket every November with a candlelight procession up the hill.

The footpath up the Golden Mount offers fine views over the city. Admission to the temple is free except for the final stretch to the top, which costs 5 baht.

Historical Sites - Wat Ratchanatdaram

Wat Ratchanatdaram

Dating from the reign of King Rama III, Wat Ratchanatdaram (Wat Ratchanadda) is situated on Mahachai Road not far from the Democracy Monument. One of the principal attractions of this temple is the Loha Prasat or Metal Palace, which stands 36 meters in height with 37 surrounding spires. This unusual multi-layered metal structure, designed to resemble Indian or Sri Lankan themes, was only recently opened after 150 years of sporadic construction. A royal pavilion and a memorial statue of King Rama III are located within the temple compound.

Wat Ratchanatdaram is also well known as a center for amulets and small Buddhist charms. Amulets of all shapes and sizes are available at the small market, including images of the Buddha, Indian deities and well-known Thai monks. Certain amulets are highly sought after and command high prices among Thais who believe in the magical powers of these charms.

Historical Sites - Wat Ratchabophit

Wat Ratchabophit

Built in 1869 by King Rama V, this temple is within walking distance of Wat Pho on Fuang Nakhon Road. Wat Ratchabophit demonstrates the growing influence of new ideas at the end of the 19th century with its blend of local and western styles. This melding of forms is particularly evident in the interior of the main chapel or 'bot', which is strongly reminiscent of a gothic church or cathedral. The western influence can also be felt with the gilded pagoda and courtyard that is enclosed by a circular cloister. Watch out for the windows and doors to the main chapel with their mother-of-pearl inlay and exquisite bas-reliefs.

Wat Ratchabophit is open daily and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located next to the Grand Palace, is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Construction of the present temple started in 1781 on the site of a monastery dating back to the 16th century. Wat Pho is encircled by tall white walls and split into two compounds by Chetupon Road (the temple is also known as Wat Phra Chetupon). The temple grounds house some 400 Buddha images, a very large main chapel, a large 'viharn', which houses the reclining Buddha, four large chedis commemorating the first three kings of the Chakri Dynasty (Rama III has two chedis) and 91 smaller chedis.

The main feature of Wat Pho is a colossal 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, which depicts the Buddha passing into nirvana. The reclining Buddha is modeled from plaster and brick with a gilt covering. The soles of his feet are adorned with the 108 auspicious attributes of the Buddha in mother-of-pearl inlay.

Wat Pho is often considered the first center of public learning, "Thailand's First University", and also serves as the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of Thai massage and medicine. A massage here costs 180 baht for an hour or 100 baht for half an hour. Courses are also available for anyone wishing to study Thai massage.

Wat Pho is open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm with a 10 baht admission fee. English, French, German and Japanese-speaking guides are available for hire.

Historical Sites - Wat Pak Nam

Wat Pak Nam

Wat Pak Nam, in Samut Prakan province southeast of Bangkok, is a very large wat with a sizeable population of monks and nuns. Many foreigners have stayed at this temple over the years.

The temple is perhaps best known for its meditation lessons. The meditation teacher can speak some English or the junior monks are able to interpret.

Getting to this temple is probably easiest by chartered long-tailed boat from Tha Chang or Tha Saphan Phut.

Toed Thai Road, Phasi Charoen, Thonburi

Historical Sites - Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat

Just across the street from Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Mahathat, the so-called Temple of the Great Relic. Built in the 1700s, Wat Mahathat is the national center for the Mahanikaya sect and the Mahathat Rajavidyalaya University, one of Asia's highest seats of Buddhist learning.

This temple also houses the International Buddhist meditation Centre, which offers English instruction in meditation. Those interested in learning 'wipassana' (insight) meditation should visit Section 5 of the temple compound to arrange information and practice with the Buddhist monks.

Wat Mahathat is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Indravihan

Wat Indravihan

Wat Indravihan is well known for its 32-meter-tall standing Buddha image. Built in a modern style during the reign of King Rama IV, the topknot of the Buddha image contains a relic of the Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. Offerings are placed at the feet of the towering image.

Wat Indravihan is located on Wisut Kasat Road off Samsen Road, not far from the Thewet Flower Market. The temple is open to the public every day and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Bowonniwet

Wat Bowonniwet

The seat of the Thammayut monastic sect and Bangkok's second university of Buddhism, Wat Bowonniwet is one of Bangkok's most important temples. Built in 1829, the temple houses the shrine hall of Phutthachinasri, which was molded in the mid 14th century.

King Rama IV, founder of the Thammayut sect resided at the monastery as a monk and abbot for several years. Other kings including King Rama VII and HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and HRH the Crown Prince have been ordained as monks here.

Wat Bowonniwet is located on Phra Sumen Road in Banglamphu District. The temple is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and admission is free.

Historical Sites - Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple

Wat Benchamabophit, The Marble Temple

Prince Narisaranuwatiwongse built Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, at the turn of the century from white Carrara marble. The main Buddha image, a copy of Phitsanulok's Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, contains the ashes of King Rama V. The temple gallery exhibits 53 Buddha images representing the various iconographic styles from around the country. Early morning is a good time to visit the Marble Temple when the Buddhist monks are chanting inside the chapel. The monks receive alms at the temple between 6.00 and 7.00 am instead of the usual practice of going out to receive alms.

Located on the corner of Si Ayutthaya and Rama V Roads near Chitralada Palace, the Marble Temple is open until 5.00 pm with a 10 baht admission charge.

Historical Sites - Victory Monument

Victory Monument

The single spiked Victory Monument (Anutsawari Chaisamoraphum) is located at the center of a traffic roundabout at the intersections of Phahonyothin, Phayathai and Ratchawithi Roads. Currently the BTS elevated rail system loops along the eastern side of the Victory Monument.

The monument was erected in 1941 by the Pibulsongkhram administration in honor of the heroic deeds of soldiers and civilians who died during the border dispute between Thailand and France.

Historical Sites - Suan Pakkard Palace

Suan Pakkard Palace

The "Lettuce Farm Palace" is a veritable oasis of green in the surrounding concrete of the city. Located on Si Ayutthaya Road, Suan Pakkard was once the residence of Princess Chumbot of Nagara Svarga, a leading Thai art collector.

The palace grounds house five traditional Thai houses from Chiang Mai with displays of Thai art, antiques and furniture, and beautifully maintained tropical gardens with many indigenous plant species. One house accommodates an extensive collection of seashells, minerals and painted pottery from Ban Chiang, a bronze-age settlement in northeastern Thailand. At the back of the compound is the Ayutthayan-period Lacquer Pavilion, which features murals of the Ramayana and scenes from daily life in Ayutthaya.

Suan Pakkard is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm except Sundays and national holidays. The admission fee is 150 baht.

Historical Sites - Rama IX Bridge

Rama IX Bridge

With a total length of 3 kilometers, the Rama IX Bridge (Saphan Kwan) is the world's longest single-plane cable-stayed bridge. The distance between the two main supports is 450 meters.

Spanning the Chao Phraya River between the port area to the north and Dao Khanong to the south, the expressway road bridge was completed and opened to the public on December 5, 1987 to coincide with His Majesty the King's 60th birthday. Viewed from the east at sundown, the bridge presents an excellent subject for photographers.

Historical Sites - Democracy Monument

Democracy Monument

Right in the middle of a traffic roundabout on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue is Thailand's Democracy Monument, a 24-metre landmark built in 1939 to commemorate the introduction of the Constitutional Monarchy.

Italian-born Silpa Bhirasi, founder of Thailand's premier institute of the fine arts, Silpakorn University, designed the Democracy Monument. The 75 cannons arranged at the base of the monument symbolize the Buddhist year 2575 (1932 AD), while the revolutionaries are depicted in plaster relief. The four-ton copper tray at the center holds the Constitution.

Historical Sites - The City Pillar Shrine

The City Pillar Shrine

Towards the southern end of Sanam Luang is the 'Lak Muang' or City Pillar. Erected by King Rama I in 1782 to mark the foundation of the new capital, this gilded wooden pillar (made from a Chaiyapruk Tree) represents the official center of Bangkok. It is within this shrine that the city's guardian deity, Phra Sayam Thewathirat, resides and from which the city derives its power.

Many Thais believe their wishes will be granted if they worship at the shrine. It is particularly noted for its powers to grant fertility to those who make offerings of pig heads and incense at the shrine. Lak Muang is open daily and no admission fee is required. The shrine is a good place to see Thai classical dance.

Historical Sites - Ananta Samakom Throne Hall

Ananta Samakom Throne Hall

The Ananta Samakom Throne Hall is the ornate gray-marble Italian renaissance-style building located on the broad avenue off Ayutthaya Road in Dusit district. King Chulalongkorn built the palace in 1907 to receive guests and foreign dignitaries. Upon completion during the reign of King Rama VI, it was used for royal and state ceremonies and parliament meetings. Currently, the Royal Throne Hall is only used for the ceremonial opening of the first session of Parliament, royal receptions and private functions.

The interior of the Ananta Samakom Throne Hall is decorated with marvelous mural paintings. A wonderfully detailed fresco can be seen on the inside of the domed ceiling. The hall is only open to the public once each year on children's day, the second Saturday of January.

Immediately in front of the Royal Throne Hall in the middle of the parade ground is an imposing statue of King Chulalongkorn on horseback. Much of this part of Bangkok was originally built during the great king's reign. Many Thais turn out on October 23, the anniversary of his death, to lay wreaths at the base of the statue.

Historical Sites - Vimanmek Teak Mansion

Vimanmek Teak Mansion

Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek, located behind Bangkok's National Assembly on Uthong Nai Road, is considered to be the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Vimanmek, meaning 'Palace of the Clouds' was originally built in 1868 as a summer house on Si Chang Island and moved to its present site in 1910. The palace was closed in 1935 and reopened in 1982 to coincide with the Rattanakosin bicentennial.

The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, excluding terraces and verandahs. Vimanmek served as King Rama V's residence at the turn of the century and still contains many of his personal effects, antiques and works of art.

Near the entrance to Vimanmek Palace is the Royal Carriage Museum where 13 royal horse-drawn carriages from the reign of King Rama V are housed.

Although not a temple, Vimanmek is within the grounds of Chitralada Palace and visitors should wear respectful clothing.

Vimanmek is open daily from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm with a 50 baht admission fee. Guides are available free of charge.

Beaches - Hat Bang Saen / Bang Saen Beach

Hat Bang Saen / Bang Saen Beach

Bang Saen Beach, 100 km southeast of Bangkok and about 10 km from the provincial capital of Chonburi, is a day trip for residents of Bangkok, and is visited mostly on weekends by Thai tourists looking for a relaxing day on the sand. Eclipsed in recent decades by Pattaya, it was once the favorite getaway for Bangkok's elite. Now it attracts mostly Thai families and teenagers looking for a brief, low budget holiday weekend.

Tall coconut palms shade the promenade which borders the long curving sweep of beach. Ocean World amusement park is located on the road which runs behind the beach and features several swimming pools, slides and a small roller coaster. Local vendors sell fruit, seafood and snacks, such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed fish cakes, and rent chairs, multicolored umbrellas and other beach paraphernalia. Shower facilities are available. Inexpensive guesthouses, bungalows and a small resort cater to those who choose to stay more than one day.

A marine aquarium and museum on the campus of Srinakharinwirot University, on the road between the highway and the beach, has exhibits on the marine environment and the aquatic species native to the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.