VIMANMEK PALACE

VIMANMEK PALACE

Situated at the rear of the National Assembly, Vimanmek Palace is the world's largest golden teak building. An impressive, three-storey wooden palace with 81 rooms, halls and ante-rooms, it was originally built by King Rama V. In 1982, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit initiated the renovation of Vimanmek to its former glory. On display are masterpieces of handicraft created by the Queen's Support Foundation members. Near the entrance to the Vimanmek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum with its splendid collection of 13 royal horse-drawn carriages once used during the reign of King Rama V.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht.

ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM

ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM

Housed in a dry dock in Bangkok Noi on Thon Buri under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy, these Royal barges are used only for exceptional Royal ceremonies such as the Kathin Ceremony. They are classified according to the figureheads at their helms. The most famous of the royal barge class though, is the majestic "Subanahongsa" or golden hongsa-hongsa being the name of the mythical swan-like creature which is its figurehead.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

NATIONAL MUSEUM & NATIONAL GALLERY

NATIONAL MUSEUM & NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Museum is a few minutes walk from the Grand Palace. Said to be the largest museum in Southeast Asia, it has historical and archaeological objects from the earliest settlements of the Dvaravati era to today's Rattanakosin period, as well as traditional artifacts, musical instruments, woodcarvings, ceramics and weaponry.

The National Gallery on Chao Fah Road is a showcase for Thai contemporary art. The collections in the permanent exhibition wing consit of various periods and styles of modern art, including installations by renowned local artists. Also on permanent display are collections by King Rama VI and His Majesty King Bhumibol, as well as traditional Thai paintings. The National Gallery is also the venue for temporary art exhibitions of all forms by both leading local and foreign artists, which change monthly.

National Museum, open daily (except Mondays, Yuesdays and public holidays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht. Guided tours are provided in the mornings. They commence at 9:30 a.m. from the ticket desk.

National Gallery : Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission fee is 30 baht.

WAT PO

WAT PO Wat Po or Wat Pra Chetupon Wimolmangkalaram, was built in the 17th century during the Ayutthaya period. It contains many superlatives such as the second largest reclining Buddha with mother of pearl inlay ornamenting its eyes and feet. In its compound is the largest collection of Buddha images, and the four Great Stupas, stone figures of hermits demonstrating medical treatments and massage techniques for this was a centre of medical knowledge in the early daysOpen daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht

INTERESTING PLACES YOU CAN SEE

THE GRAND PALACE & TEMPLE OF THE EMERAL BUDDHA

The Grand Palace is at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island on which Old Bangkok stands. Thai magnificent complex of buildings was begun by King Rama I in 1782 following the pattern used during the Ayutthaya period. The Palace contains a number of halls, residences, pavilions and other buildings of historical significance. The temple of the Emerald Buddha adjoining the Grand Palace is a truly dazzling sight with its glittering spires and vivid statuary. The jade Emerald Buddha image stands on an altar 11 metres tall and is protected by a nine-tier umbrella. The Main Chapel is elaborately decorated with triple-tiered roof and with coloured tiles painted with delicate flowers and leaves

Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission fee is 120 baht. Ptoper dress is essential.

YOUTH ACCOMMODATION

YOUTH ACCOMMODATION Thailand has evolved a vast range of pleasant, safe and clean accommodation to meet the needs of young visitors to the country. Finding accommodation to suit your taste and budget is easy, even at the height of the tourist season. At many large destinations, you will be met off the bus, train or ferry by guest house representatives who compete with each other to show you their brochres, quote you their prices and take you personally to inspect their primises. Good guide books contain extensive lists, and tourist offices in almost every town are there to give you up-to-date addresses and advice on all kinds of state-run and private accommodation. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good place to stay. Simply ask people at your destination, Thais or fellow travellers, and they may be able to give you a first-hand recommendation.

Young Travelers in Thailand

One of the things that makes Thailand so attractive to young travelers is the huge diversity of the country and the vast range of things to do and see. Young people can enjoy the relaxed way of life on the white sands and palm-fringed beaches of the southern islands, then go on trekking visits to the North. They can visit the ancient ruined capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and see life in rural Thailand as it has been for generations in the undiscovered northeastern plateau. In Bangkok, they can come back to the energy, the shopping and nightlife of one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Complementing these attractions is a plethora of sports and activities specially suited for the young and energetic to take part in. Scuba-diving, sailing, wakeboarding and jet-skiing are just some of the sports you can do from the beach. In the mountains you can try elephant-trekking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking or rock climbing. Naturally, with this wealth of resources for the young traveler comes a wealth of different types of accommodation. Bangkok and the major’s cities and resorts have some of the best hotels in the world. But just a stone’s throw away you can find a desert island beach hut for just a few dollars. If you’re traveling in the North, staying in a long house in hill tribe village is an experience you won’t forget. You can get back to nature in well-managed and environmentally sound accommodation at Thailand’s many national parks, or soak up the culture by staying as the guest of a Thai family. And in the hostels and guesthouse of Bangkok you can stay with your