Rommaninat Park
This is a public park built on the old prison grounds on Mahachai Road near Wat Suthat. The Corrections Museum inside the park displays instruments of punishment and evolution of punishment in Thailand.

Open : Park - Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.  / Museum - Thu. - Sat from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Sanam Luang or Thung Phra MenA vast open ground situated near the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Viceroy Palace or Wang Na. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the ground was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus, otherwise called as Thung Phra Men which means the crematorium ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground renamed as Thong Sanam Luang, or the Royal Ground, and the rice farming there cancelled. Later, King Rama V had the Wang Nas eastern wall demolished and the area of Sanam Luang enlarged to cover a total of 78 rai as it does nowadays. The place has been used as the crematorium ground for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition, to being a royal sporting ground. The king also had 365 tamarind trees planted around it.

Open : Daily

Saranrom Park
Located near the Grand Palace between Rachini and Charoenkrung roads, this park was originally a royal garden in the Saranrom Palace.  At the south end of the park is a marble monument dedicated to HM Queen Sunantha Kumareerat and HRH Prince Kannaporn Phetcharat, who died in a boating accident in the reign of King Rama V.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Chatuchak Park
This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Queen Sirikit Park
This is situated east of Chatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road.  It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit.  A big pool in the park contains three fountains and a fine collection of both Thai and foreign lotuses.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Princess Mother Memorial Park
A Tribute to Mae Fa Luang, The Mother of us all
When Princess Srinakarin, the mother of King Rama IX, passed away in 1995 it was one of the saddest times in Thailands modern history. This remarkable woman was born a commoner, daughter of a goldsmith in Nonthaburi province and grew up in Thonburi near Wat Anongkharam. Throughout her life, she never forgot her humble beginning and devoted her considerable energy to improving the life of all Thais. The most well-known of her achievements was the establishment of the Doi Tung Foundation to assist the northern hill tribes.

In 1993, King Bumipol Adulyadej expressed his wish to renovate the area around his mother childhood home in Thonburi as thanks to Princess Srinakarin who is still referred to as Mae Fa Luang meaning "The Mother of Us All".

Her original home had no longer existed so owners of some similar buildings in the area gladly donated them to the King for his project.

The Princess Mother Memorial Park has a reproduction of the house where she lived as a child set in open space with beautiful gardens. There are two exhibition halls, the first devoted to her life including signed photographs such as the one of her at the age of 14. The photographs with supporting text chronicle her life and finally her cremation ceremony in 1996.
The second exhibition hall recounts her active life and many achievements in establishing projects. It includes some very personal items such as a Mickey Mouse needlepoint that she made for The King.
A gazebo shelters a statue of the Princess Mother and a small shop nearby sells products manufactured by some of her projects.

Open : Garden - Daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Museum - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Benchasiri Park
This compact park on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 24 was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992.  It features a huge sculpture of commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including childrens works.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Lumpini Park
The green zone in the city
This is where businessmen, tourists and Bangkok residents come to jog. Older folks practice their Tai Chi while others just relax in the fresh environment.

Lumphini Park was originally an open field called Sala Field, the private property of King Rama VI. In 1925 he donated it to the nation as the first public park. The name Lumphini comes from the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The park was used as a fair ground and as the site for The Siamrath Phiphithapan Trade Fair held to promote Thai products.
Covering an area of 58 hectares, Lumphini Park has so much to offer visitors right in the center of the city. The lush, green lawns are ideal for family picnics, while the two lakes have paddle and rowing boats for rent. Throughout the park there are vendors selling cool drinks and snacks. For the literary minded, there is a public library located within the park. Another way to exercise the brain is to sit at one of the many tables that are used for playing oriental board games such as checkers and Chinese chess.

During the cooler months of the year, December and January, there are free concerts titled Sundays in the park. These concerts feature a whole range of musical entertainment from The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra to rock bands, traditional ensembles and Thai country music called Luk Tung. The performances start at 5.00 p.m. and seating is on mats on the grass. The early bird gets the best position.

Open : Daily 5 am. - 8 pm.

Dusit Zoo
Dusit Zoo has a very good collection of animals from around the world. It is ideal for a family outing or just for those who would like to know more about animal behavior.

The Dusit Zoo was established in 1938 and covers an area of 118 rai in the Dusit District of Bangkok. Under the administration of The Zoological Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The King, it welcomes more than 2,500,000 visitors a year. It takes care of over 1,000 birds and nearly 2,000 animals.

Major sections include a Nocturnal Animals Exhibit where you can see how they live in the night- time environment. The Reptiles and Amphibians Center has more than 70 species.

There is a special Childrens Zoo where youngsters can have contact with small animals that are of interest to children.

You can learn about animal behavior at the Animal Presentation area including how they live in their respective environments. Visitors can witness and experience the animals in person.

For more fun, there is Playland where children can really enjoy themselves on amusement rides. There are other more sedate rides available on the lake.

How to get there: Bus routes 18, 28, 70, 108, 510, 515, 539, 542

Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission : Adult 100 baht, Child 50 baht

Safari World
Close encounters with the animal kingdom
This 170 acre park offers many opportunities for fun and excitement as you get close to wild animals roaming free or see others performing tricks.

The main attraction is as the name says traveling through the open spaces where wild animals can be seen in their natural habitat from the windows of a tour coach or your own car. The journey is 8 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. On the way you will have close encounters with rare and endangered species. One highlight you should not miss is feeding time for the lions and tigers. It will send a chill down your spine.
There are many animals in the underwater world too. Some are very playful and mischievous. They will split your sides with laughter as the sea lions and their friends perform in the Sea Lion Show at Lighthouse Cove.

Add more excitement to your visit on a boat ride through the tropical jungle where hungry crocodiles await and head-hunters have their eyes on you. Beware of the gorillas lurking in the forest. You had better hold on to your seat as the boat moves through the mangroves and thick reeds and shoots down a heart-stopping flume.

All this adventure will probably build up an appetite so you head to the restaurants and kiosks spread throughout the park.

Open : Daily from 8 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Admission : Adult 700 baht, Child 450 baht

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm)
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is a popular attraction for both tourists and scientists, right in the heart of Bangkok. Here you can see some very venomous snakes actually doing good for the community.

Thailand is the habitat for many varieties of venomous snakes as well as harmless species. Under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society, the snake farm was established and officially opened on November 22, 1923 to extract venom from the snakes in order to study and develop anti-venom serum to treat snake bite victims.

The poisonous snakes that are indigenous to Thailand are cobra, king cobra, banded krait, Russell's viper, some pit vipers and sea snakes. These venomous snakes are provided by Thai farmers who are also snake catchers by profession. The snake farm pays them according to species and size.

The normal procedure for extracting the venom is through the use of a glass receptacle with a membrane cover. The snake handler holds the snake just behind the head and places the glass receptacle for the snake to bite into the membrane. The venom flows into the glass receptacle. The venom is then used to make the vaccines.

Visitors can see the extraction of the venom at scheduled times and wander through the breeding and holding areas to see the venomous snakes close at hand.

Open : Mon. - Fri. from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., Sat., Sun. and Public Holidays from 8.30 a.m. - 12 noon.

Venom extraction : Mon. - Fri. at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. holidays at 11 a.m.
Slide presentation in English : 30 minutes before venom extraction.

Admission : 70 Baht

Rivers and canals referred to maenam and khlong in Thai have always been vital forms of communication. When the capital of Thailand was moved to Bangkok in 1782 (the beginning of the Rattanakosin period), the capital was laced with canals, so Bangkok was sometimes called the "VENICE OF THE EAST" by European visitors. In the past, Bangkokians usually settled by the Chao Phraya River and gradually spread into the core of the country. As you will see traces of the Early Rattanakosin period such as architecture and traditional ways of life have been left by the river more than in the inland areas. Besides, waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading as well. Nowadays, even though Bangkok has become a modern city, the Chao Phraya River as well as the canals are still charming for whoever wishes to seek the peaceful atmosphere amidst bustling Bangkok.

Trip along The Chao Phraya River
Boat services on the Chao Phraya River which connect Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi are operated by two companies: Laem Thong Co. Ltd., and Chao Phraya Express Boat o.Ltd.

Chao Phya Express Boat's run daily from Wat Ratsingkhon (a riverside temple in the Yannawa area) to Nonthaburi during 5.30 a.m.-6.00 p.m., the fares range from 4 to 9 baht. During rush hours (6.00-9.00 a.m. and 3.00-6.00 p.m.), the express boat with a red and orange striped flag runs along the same route and stops only at main piers. The fare is 10 baht throughout the route. For more information please call 222-5330.

Visitors wishing to travel to Pak Kret are able to connect Laem Thong's boat at Nonthaburi Pier. The service is operated daily during 5.45 a.m.-5.45 p.m.

On both sides of the Chao Phraya River, a tourist can see many magnificent temples and architectural buildings including the First Presbyterian Church, the Royal Thai Navy Dockyard, the Thai Maritime Navigation Company, the Old Customs House, Wat Prayunwong, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Rakhang Kositaram, and the Royal Boat House.

When arriving at Pak Kret, tourists can travel further to Ko Kret, a small island in the Chao Phraya River. A river ferry leaves Wat Sanam Nua, which is located within a short walking distance from Pak Kret Pier during 6.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. The fare is 2 baht. Returning to Pak Kret, visitors are able to catch a small long-tail boat at any pier around the island for 5 baht. The atmosphere surrounding the pier is very calm. Attractions on Ko Kret are as follows

     Pottery Village is located along the pathway around the island. There are some huts where visitors are able to see through the pottery making process. Villagers make various kinds of earthen products for daily use such as pots, mortars, and flowerpots. This is the oldest and biggest source of earthenware in Nonthaburi province. In the village, there is the Ancient Mon Pottery Centre where pottery in various style is exhibited.

     Wat Paramai Yikawat was constructed in Mon style over 200 years ago. King Rama V commanded to renovate the monastery dedicated to his grandmother and to construct Phra Maha Raman Chedi (a chedi in Mon style) to house Buddha relics. The principal Buddha of the monastery is carved with marble in Mon style, so it is also called "Wat Mon" (Mon Temple).

     Wat Phai Lom is well-known for the magnificent bot (ordination hall) in the Ayutthaya style. Some parts have been changed due to renovation. Behind the bot, there is a chedi in Mon style.

     Wat Sao Thong Thong houses an old Ayutthaya style chedi and was the first secondary school in Pak Kret.
     Besides, There are many other interesting ancient monasteries most of which were constructed in the Mon and the Ayutthaya styles.

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