BANGKOK
BANGKOKSIGHTSBANGKOKSIGHTSTh Phra Chan, as well as a dense network of
covered market stalls near Tha Phra Chan.
The trade is based around small talismans
carefully prized by collectors, monks, taxi
drivers and people in dangerous profes-
sions. Potential buyers, often already sport-
ing tens of amulets, can be seen bargaining
and fl ipping through magazines dedicated
to the amulets, some of which command as-
tronomical prices.
Also along this strip are handsome shop-
houses overfl owing with family-run herbal-
medicine and traditional-massage shops, and
additional street vendors selling used books,
cassettes and, oddly enough, dentures.
Museum of Siam MUSEUM
(สถาบันพิพธภิ ณฑั การเร์ ยนรี แหู้ ่งชาติ; Map p 60 ;
http://www. museumsiam.com; Th Maha Rat; admission
300B; h10am-6pm Tue-Sun; bus 32, 524, river ferry
Tha Tien) This fun museum employs a variety
of media to explore the origins and culture
of the Thai people. Housed in a Rama III–
era palace, the exhibits are superinteractive,
well balanced and entertaining. Highlights
include the informative and engaging nar-
rated videos in each exhibition room, and an
interactive Ayuthaya-era battle game.National Museum MUSEUM
(พิพิธภณฑสถานแหั งชาต่ ; Map pิ 60 ; 4 Th Na Phra
That; admission 200B; h9am-3.30pm Wed-Sun;
bus 32, 123, 503, river ferry Tha Chang) Often
touted as Southeast Asia’s biggest museum,
the National Museum is home to an impres-
sive collection of religious sculpture, best ap-
preciated on one the museum’s twice-weekly
guided tours (h9.30am Wed & Thu).
Most of the museum’s structures were
built in 1782 as the palace of Rama I’s vice-
roy, Prince Wang Na. Rama V turned it into
a museum in 1874, and the current museum
consists of three permanent exhibitions
spread out over several buildings.45 Praya Palaazzo......................................... D1 69 Roof Bar.................................................... A
46 Rajata Hotel .............................................. F1 70 Taksura ..................................................... E
47 Rikka Inn................................................... B
48 Sam Sen Sam........................................... E1 ý Entertainment
49 Viengtai Hotel.......................................... A6 71 Ad Here the 13th.......................................E
50 Villa Cha-Cha ........................................... B6 Brick Bar ......................................... (see 32)
51 Wild Orchid Villa ...................................... D2 72 Club Culture .............................................G
73 National Theatre......................................D
ú Eating 74 Ratchadamnoen Stadium ......................H
52 Ann's Sweet .............................................. E
53 Arawy.........................................................F4 þ Shopping
54 Chote Chitr ...............................................E5 75 Book Lover ............................................... E
55 Hemlock ................................................... D2 76 RimKhobFah Bookstore ......................... F
56 Jay Fai....................................................... G4 77 Saraban .................................................... B
57 Khunkung................................................. B5 78 Shaman Bookstore ................................. B
58 Krua Apsorn..............................................F4 79 Taekee Taekon ........................................ D
59 May Kaidee ............................................... E1 80 Th Khao San Market ............................... A
60 Poj Spa Kar ...............................................E
61 Ranee’s......................................................A7 ï Information
62 Shoshana ................................................. A6 81 Bangkok Information
63 Thip Samai............................................... G4 Center ....................................................C
82 Tourism Authority of
û Drinking Thailand .................................................H
Amorosa......................................... (see 28) 83 Tourist Information Booth ....................C
64 Center Khao San......................................A7 84 Tourist Information Booth .....................A
65 Gazebo ..................................................... D3 85 Tourist Information Booth .....................B
66 Hippie de Bar ............................................A
67 Molly Bar .................................................. B7 ï Transport
Mulligans.........................................(see 32) 86 Air Asia...................................................... B
68 Phranakorn Bar........................................E3 87 Thai Airways International .....................H
Rolling Bar...................................... (see 38)