Smiling Albino

Day Trip - Bangkok High Culture

This exploration introduces you to three prime sites, ideal for gaining an appreciation of Thai design, architecture, history and culture. Bangkok is home to many museums, historical sites and a vanishing number of beautiful traditional wooden Thai homes.

Details

This trip is ideally suited to art and cultural buffs and multi-time visitors to the capital. Focusing on traditional Thai archictecture, art and history, you'll explore three primary sites of cultural interest, enjoy a delicious Thai lunch along the way, and be escorted back to your hotel full of knowledge.

Note: For those that prefer not to walk, a private car or van can be arranged for approx $125US per day.

Venues

Home of M.R. Kukrit Pramoj
Considered a cultural magnate of Thailand, M.R. Kukrit, a former Thai Prime Minister, almost single-handedly revived traditional Khon' (masked dance) art and culture. A renaissance man who brought art back into mainstream Thai life, he died in 1995. His home is a treasure trove for students of Thai art, history and a gorgeous testament to traditional aristocratic Thai lifestyle.

Jim Thompson's House
A must for any enthusiast of regional art and classical Thai home design, Jim Thompson's House is a vestibule of artistic treasures and mystery. A pioneer who revolutionized the Thai silk trade, Thompson disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands in the 1960's and has been a source of legend and controversy ever since. His home remains a spectacular artistic tribute to his empire.

National Museum
Thailand's National Museum contains one of the best documented chronologies of prehistoric, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok-era events and figures. Showcasing the kingdom's finest treasures, including the first known stone inscriptions of Thai writing, art and architecture enthusiasts often make the journey for the Buddhaisawan Chapel alone, which houses one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images, Phra Buddhasihing. An Art History Gallery displays sculptures and exhibits from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya and Lopburi and Bangkok periods.

Itinerary

09:00 - Meet you at your hotel
16:00 - Return to hotel or continue exploring

FAQs

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Any dress requirements if we visit temples on this day trip?

When visiting temples it's important to dress respectfully. Be sure to bring: Footwear that has coverage of at least a strap around your heel; A short or long sleeved shirt (nothing sleeveless); and modest shorts or long pants.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

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