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Attractions
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At Four Seasons, you enjoy a unique vantage point from which to explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you. We hope the highlights of local attractions below help simplify your planning. Please let us know how else we can assist you. Attractions on this page Art galleries Exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art by Thai artists.
Attractions As the capital for over four centuries, the city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s major tourist attractions, boasting a number of ancient ruins and works of art. Located 86 kilometres (53 miles) north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U Thong. While it served as the Thai capital, Ayutthaya was ruled by 33 kings of different dynasties until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The city’s magnificent ruins indicate that it was one of Indo-China’s most prosperous cities. Ayutthaya has been included in UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites since 1991, including a vast stretch of historical land in the middle of Ayutthaya, named Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park.
An old business centre with many small streets and alleys full of shops selling all types of wholesale items, such as household goods, stationery and toys. The area is always lively and market stalls abound. There is a profusion of gold shops as well as traditional Chinese foodstuffs and restaurants. Also in the vicinity is the traditional Thieves Market and the Phahurat Cloth Market.
Claiming to have the largest number of crocodile skins for leatherwear production, the farm also features elephants, tigers, chimpanzees and a dinosaur museum.
Erawan Shrine, or Saan Phra Phrom, revered by Thai Buddhists as sacred and powerful to ward off bad luck, is a large shrine with the four-headed deity Brahma (Phra Phrom in Thai) at its centre.
Located next to Wat Phra Kaew, this magnificent royal common area is where important religious and royal ceremonies are conducted.
House of the famous American who revived the Thai silk industry. Jim Thompson Silk is famous for its excellent-quality Thai silk textiles, neckties, handkerchiefs, cosmetic kits and more.
A beautiful 80-hectare (200-acre) park which commemorates His Majesty King Rama IX's 60th birthday in 1987, consisting of a public park, a water park and extensive botanical gardens. A central building displays the life and works of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Examples of buildings in traditional and classical Thai architectural styles are set amidst glorious tropical flora.
Ko Kret is a wonderful escape for a day trip. This small, little-known island is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) north of central Bangkok, in the middle of the Chao Phraya River, where the lifestyle of Thailand's Mon people is preserved. This is an ideal place to lose yourself in a day of exploring, by foot or on rented bicycle. Take in the banana plantations, quiet temple compounds, ceramic craft workshops and a great variety of fresh Thai food specialties. There are several transportation options to and from Ko Kret. You can drive to the town of Pakret in Nonthanburi province, and then take the river ferry across at Wat Sanam Nua. There is also a boat service at the Nonthaburi Pier.
Named after the Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, Lumpini Park is Bangkok's largest and most popular park. Legions of elderly Chinese practice t'ai chi here in the wee hours of the morning. It is also a popular jogging route for the health buff.
It houses important historical books and manuscripts, as well as an extensive music lbrary.
A fully integrated venue for social education activities. The exhibition building houses a permanent exhibition on Thai life and a cultural library.
Said to be the world's largest golden teak building, Vimanmek Palace served as King Rama V's residence in the early 1900s. The interior of the mansion contains various personal effects of the king and a treasure trove of early Ratanakosin art objects and antiques.
This collection of five traditional wooden Thai houses on landscaped grounds contains varied displays of art, antiques and furnishings.
This famous landmark, also known as Temple of Dawn, is superbly located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its impressive 85-metre (280-foot) pagoda is decorated in multi-coloured Chinese porcelain.
Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple (wat) in Bangkok. It features the largest reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.
Thailand's grandest, most intricately designed temple houses exquisite Thai arts and most revered object of worship. Also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace on common ground which was consecrated in 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule. Most of the architecture can be classified as Ratanakosin, or old Bangkok style, with lots of minor variations. The Grand Palace is used today by the king only for certain ceremonial occasions, such as Coronation Day.
Museums A living museum that preserves and displays samples of the 10 fields of traditional Thai arts and crafts all under one roof. There are exhibitions of the different crafts, and visitors can watch demonstrations by top artisans in each field, including a daily puppet show.
Bangkok Dolls Museum is open to visitors who want to see or even buy a large variety of Thai dolls.
An exhibition centre for science and astronomy, mainly in Thai language.
Displays minerals, rocks and other artifacts. The exxhibition is divided into two categories: geology and mineral resources. There are usually other exhibitions held on special occasions.
A large outdoor museum containing large-scale replicas of the country's most famous monuments and temples, as well as reproductions of buildings no longer in existence. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, fountains and statues, it is a favourite of Thai visitors.
The largest museum in southeast Asia, this is an excellent place to learn something about Thai art before heading up-country.
A riverside museum which features a fine collection of porcelain, pottery and Benjarong ceramics.
A dry dock where several royal barges are displayed. The barges are used for special ceremonies such as the Royal Kathin Ceremony. One of the most beautiful and well-known barges is the "Suphannahongse," now replaced by the "Narayana Song Suban rama IX" as the King's Royal Barge. The unique design and decorative details of each barge should be of great interest to all visitors.
Shopping World Trade Centre houses movie theatres, two popular department stores and hundreds of shops offering a variety of local and imported goods. It also has the country's largest duty-free shop.
One of the largest weekend open-air flea markets of its kind in the world. This can't-miss destination offers real bargains on clothing, silver, jewellery, plants, food, antiques and pets, to name but a few.
Gaysorn offers a variety of imported brand names and local products ranging from leather shoes and bags, clothing and accessories to precious gems and jewellery. Planet Hollywood is located there, in addition to other restaurants.
Narayana Phand Pavilion is known for its antiques and local handicrafts. It is the largest such centre in Thailand.
A wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers, including orchids.
Aside from being known for its nightlife, Patpong is likewise famous for sidewalk night shopping.
Peninsula Plaza is right next door to Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. It offers a wide selection of designer products such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bally, Testoni and others. It is a popular landmark for shopping among both locals and foreigners. There are also fine jewellery stores for excellent pieces of jewellery and precious gems, where visiting movie stars are frequent patrons.
The Thai equivalent of Wall Street during the day, Silom Road turns into a bustling market and entertainment venue at night.
Side trips Experience Thailand's diversity and a change of pace to Bangkok's metropolitan environment. Less than an hour's flight in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai opens a world of majestic mountains and emerald-green rice fields. Wander around the city's handicraft centres, centuries-old temples, and you'll discover its many vibrant festivals and warm, captivating people. It is not surprising that Chiang Mai is fondly referred to by Thais as "The Rose of the North".
Minutes from the city,
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