Things to Do in and Around Bangkok

Things To Do In And Around Bangkok:

An A to Z of suggestions from BangkokPatanaSchoolparents

This list of activities and places to visit with your children has been compiled from various parent recommendations. Emphasis is given to locations near BangkokPatanaSchool. While this is neither a definitive list nor an official endorsement, you will hopefully find a variety of activities that appeal to your family. For more details, additional suggestions and a useful map of Bangkok, please refer to the Bangkok Guide, available at bookstores. Trip Advisor () also provides useful reviews of things to do in Thailand. Also remember that word-of-mouth is a great way of discovering hidden gems, so talk with other parents and look for reviews in the PTG’s newsletter, The Accord.

Admission Fees

Some attractions, including National Parks and museums for example, charge one rate for locals or Thais and a higher rate for foreigners. Some places will quote you the locals’ rate of you can provide evidence of your Thailand residency (eg. work permit, Thai drivers’ licence).

Amusement Parks

Dream World is a large outdoor amusement park in Thanyaburi, Bangkok. Contact: 02-577-8666. Website:

Siam Ocean World is the biggest indoor aquarium in Southeast Asia at Siam Paragon Shopping Centre (L B1 B2), Bangkok. Contact: 02-687-2000. Website:

Baking Supplies and Equipment

Avid bakers will be glad to know about the location of baking supply stores in Bangkok.

J & P Jasco Products is located onSrinakarin Road, Bangkok; just past Mooban Ladawan. Website:

UFM Food Centreis located at Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, Bangkok. Website:

Bicycling

Bangkok provides some great locations for cycling including LumpiniPark, Rama IX Park and JatujakPark.

Bike Tour Bangkok is a reputable bicycle tour company in Bangkok. Website:

Co van Kessel Bangkok Tours is one of the first cycle tour companies established in Thailand and it comes highly recommended. Website:

Spice Roads Cycling Tours is a very reputable company that hasbeen operating in Bangkok for 10 years. It is located at 45 (Sub Soi Pannee), Soi Pridi Banomyong 26, Sukhumvit Soi 71, Klongteoy. Contact: 02-381-7490. Website:

Bowling

Blu-O Rhythm Bowl Mega Bang Na is located at Bang Na Trad Road, kilometre 8. Contact: 02-511-5427.

Major BowlCentral Bang Naisat Central Bang Na, Bang Na Trad Road. Contact: 0867-765-540.

Major Bowl Paradise Parkisat the Seri Centre (ParadisePark), Srinakarin Road. Contact: 02-325-9101.

Major Bowl Thonglorisat 4th floor, J Avenue, Sukhumvit Soi 55/15, Thonglor. Contact: 02-391-8567.

RCA Bowl at RCA Plaza, 3rd Floor, 31/10 Soi Soonvijai, New Petchburi Road, Bang Kapi. Contact: 02-641-5870.

Canopy Adventure

Flight of the Gibbon offers three kilometres of zip-line adventuring (the highest in Thailand) through jungle ecosystems, only one hour away from Bangkok. Contact: 05-301-0660. Website:

Children’s Indoor Play and Party Centres

Children’s indoor plan and party centres are abundant in Bangkok, including (but not limited to) the following.

Funarium is located at 111/1 Sukhumvit 26. Contact: 02-665-6555. Website:

KidZania is located at Siam Paragon. Website:

LeoLand is a children’s indoor play centre at Central Bang Na, Bangkok. Contact: 02-361-0888.

Molly Fantasy by Aeonislocated at Mega Bang Na Shopping Centre. Website:

PlayTime is located at Park Lane, 18 Sukhumvit Soi 63, Ekamai. Contact: 02-382-0077. Website:

YoYoLand is a children’s indoor play centre in the Seri Centre/Paradise Park, Bangkok. Contact: 02-721-8888.

Chinatown Bangkok

Chinatown is a great place to explore for its market stalls, restaurants and gold shops. It is an experience not to be missed, especially around Chinese New Year. However, it can be very hot and crowded, so young children may find it overwhelming. It is a one kilometre strip located adjacent to Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok.

Cinema

Most major shopping complexes have movie cinemas. Cinema locations and movie times for the Major Cineplex Cinema nearest to youare best searched online. Website: Movie listings are also published in the Bangkok Post and The Nation English language newspapers. Foreign films are shown either in English with Thai subtitles. Sometimes they are dubbed in Thai, but they are usually marked with a “(T)” next to the title if this is the case.

There is also an IMAX Theatre at Siam Paragon on the 5th Floor. Contact: 02-129-4631. Website:

Coffee Shops and Cafés

There are numerous coffee shops and cafes locatedclose toBangkokPatanaSchool.

Au Bon Pain, Anna’s Café and Starbucks (and many others) is located at Central Bang Na.

Fai Cam or Greenfields on Bang Na Trad Road (just before the turnoff to Soi 105) serves Thai food. You may need to ask for “mai phet” (not spicy) or “phet nit noi” (a little bit spicy) if that is your preference.

True Caféis located at the entrance to Bangkok Patana School.

Dance

Dance Centre School of Performing Arts offers ballet, modern dance and Latin American dance lessons and kung fu, aikido, tai chi and yoga lessons at 53/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31. Contact: 02-259-8861. Website:

Dressmakers and Tailors

An endless number of dressmakers and tailors in Bangkok offer a great and reasonably priced alternative to off-the-rack department store clothes, particularly for larger sizes. You may also find them useful for dress up clothes or school costumes for your children. Quality and prices vary considerably. Word of mouth is the best way to find a good dressmaker or tailor.

Fairs and Expos

Three of the most anticipated fairs of the year in Bangkok are the Bangkok International Gift (BIG) and Bangkok International Houseware (BIH) Fairs, and the annual Jim Thompson Sale. All three events are held at BITEC. The BIG and BIH Fairs offerslarge discounts on export quality goods that you won’t see in local shops. The Jim Thompson Saleoffers discounts of up to 90%-off. Websites: and

Impact Arena at Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi is another venue for sales and fairs. Website:

See also Paintball.

Golf

Golf is cheap and golf courses are aplenty in Bangkok.

Bangplee Golf Course- APar 3 golf course and driving range, both providing night lighting, located on the south side of Bang Na Trad Road at 12/4 Moo 7, Bang Na Trad Road. Contact: 02-316-1547;

Muang Kaew Golf Course– This course has newly renovated greens and maintainsreasonable fees; it is located at 52 Moo 8, Bang Na, Trad Road, kilometre 7.7. Contact: 02-740-2693 (Ext. 700). Website:

Thana City Golf and Country Clubis located atMooban Thana City, 100/2 Moo 4, Bang Na Trad Road, kilometre 14. Contact: 02-336-1968 (Ext. 72). Website:

Gymnastics and Gym Programs

Gymboree Bang Na is located at Central City Bang Na, in the OfficeBuilding, on the 7th Floor. Contact: 02-745-7026. Website:

The Little Gymis located at Central Bang Na, on the 21st Floor, Central City Tower, 1093/74 Bang Na Trad, kilometre 3. Contact: 02-745-7190. Website:

Tumble Tots islocated at Central Bang Na, on the 14th Floor, Central City Tower, Bang Na, 1093/74 Bang Na Trad. Contact: 02-745-6452. Website:

Hair and Beauty Salons

Hair and beauty salons in Bangkok vary in price, quality and the range of services offered. Find one that suits your needs and budget. Pay particular attention to hygiene and the staff’s ability to communicate and understand your needs. It can mean the difference between a great haircut and a total disaster.

Panipa Nichada La Salle is popular formanicures, pedicures and hairdressing (including for children) atSukhumvit 105 (next to BangkokPatanaSchool). Contact: 02-744-5070 (Ext-1). Website:

TenTen Hair and Nail Spa is a popular option for manicures, pedicures and hair dressing (including for children) at 593/2 Sukhumvit Road (opposite Emporium). Contact: 02-259-3510 / 02-261-3832. Website: nailspa-bangkok.com/.

Horse Riding

Bangkok Equestrian Centre (BEC)offers horse riding for all levels (since 1989) and is located at 20/1 Moo 2, Soi Chalermprakiet, Rama IX, Soi 48, Sukhumvit Soi 103. Contact: 02-328-0273. Website:

Garden City Polo Club offers riding riding lessons, Pony Club and competitions (since 1993) at 37 Moo 5, Rattanakosin Road, Bangbor, Samut Prakarn. Contact: 02-707-1534.

Horse Lovers Club (HLC) is an equestrian stable dedicated to the disciplines of dressage and show jumping (since 2002). It is also open to those who want to be in close contact with horses. It is located at 555 Pra-Ongjaosai Road, Buangyeetho, Thanyaburi. Contact: 02-577-6801 (Ext. 6). Email: . Website:

Ice Skating

Imperial World Ice Skatingoffers ice skating and other sports on 5thFloor at999 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Samrong Nuea, Muang, Samut Prakan. Contact: 02-380-4230 (Ext: 31). Website:

See also Rollerblading, Scooting, Skateboarding and BMXand Shopping Centres.

Libraries

The Bangkok Patana School Libraries or resource centres allow parents to borrow books and other resources, upon obtaining a library card. Bring a passport-sized photo.

The Neilson Hays Library is a 20,000-volume lending library for children and adults and is located at 195 Surawong Road, Silom (behind the British Club). Membership fees apply. Contact: 02-233-1731. Website:

Markets

Chatuchak Weekend Marketis the largest open-air market in Thailand, and possibly the largest weekend market the world. The MRT and BTS stop near the market. The market gets very hot and crowded. If you are going for the first time or going with young children, it’s best to arrive by 8:30am. Weekends are best but it is open through the week also for certain things. Website:

Pahurat Cloth Market islocated in Chinatownand offers an extensive variety of fabrics and materials for sewing projects, school costumes, etc. If you can think of a fabric, they probably have it.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Ratchadais acooler (temperature wise), albeit smaller and slightly more expensive, version of Chatuchak Market.

Massage and Health Spas

There is an endless supply of massage and health spas in Bangkok. Masseuse training varies so do your research and promptly communicate your likes and dislikes before and during a massage. Bookings are essential.

HealthLand has numerous spas throughout Bangkok offering excellent massage services using well trained staff. Website:

Make Scents offers aromatherapy and other massages at 64 Soi Udomsuk 60, Soi Srinakarin 5 or Soi Bang Na, Srinakarin Road. Contact: 02-361-2781 (Ext. 3). Website:

Urban Retreat has spas at Phrom Phong and Asok, both of which are on the BTS line. Website:

Museums

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is located at 939 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan. Contact: 02-214-6630. Email: . Website:

Children’s Discovery Museum is a great interactive museum for children of all ages and is located at QueenSirikitPark, near Chatuchak Market. Contact: 02-618-6509. Website:

Dialogue-in-the-dark is Bangkok’s most unusual museum. Visitors have the change to experience the unseen. The tour guides are blind people who guide visitors through the museum and share their experiences. This museum is strongly recommended for older children and parents. Website:

Jim Thompson House offers a short and simple tour in multiple languages. Enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea at the coffee shop afterwards. Contact: 02-216-7368. Website:

Museum of Siamor the National Discovery Museum Institute is located at 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Nakhon. Contact: 02-225-2777. Email: . Website: or

The NationalMuseumhas outstanding treasures but lacks explanations and is located next to ThamasatUniversity. Free tours are available on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9am. If you are going on your own, buy the inexpensive Activity Kit for Children of All Ages available in the museum shop, or refer to the Guide to the National Museum prepared by National Museum Volunteers. Contact: 02-224-1370. Website:

The National Science Museum is a hands-on museum north of town, off the eastern side of the Outer Ring Road. Contact: 02-577-9999.

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is located at 100 Ratchadamnoen Road, Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon. Contact: 02-621-0044. Website:

Vimanmek Teak Mansion was built by Kind Rama V and is now a museum open to the public. Please check the dress code before visiting. Website:

Organisations

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Alliance Franchise

American Women’s Club (AWC)

Australian-New Zealand Women’s Group (ANZWG)

Bangkok Mothers and Babies International (BAMBI)

Belgian Club of Thailand

British Women’s Group (BWG)

Club CanadaThailand

Dutch Society Thailand (NVT)

International Women’s Club of Thailand (IWC)

Japanese Association of Thailand

Malaysian Club

Samut Prakarn International Ladies Club (SILC)

Scandanavian Society Siam

Singapore Club of Thailand

South African Club in Thailand (Jubulani)

The British Club Bangkok

Last reviewed April 2013Page 1

Paintball

Paintball is recommended for children ten years old and over. Protective clothing is provided but getting hit can still hurt. It is a popular birthday party or sleepover activity for older children.

Paint Ball Sportsislocated at Sukhumvit Soi 62 (adjacent to the expressway tollgates). Contact: 02-331-2863.

Paintball and Bungee Jumping Centre in Pattaya is also a go-kart speedway circuit. Contact: 03-842-6242.

Parks

Ancient City (Muang Boran) is at kilometre 33 on Sukhumvit Highway near the Suvarnabhumi Airport. The parkis in the same shape of a map of Thailand with reproductions of important monuments and buildings. You can rent bikes or get out and stroll from spot to spot. There are restaurants and snack bars offering local food, or you may wish to pack a picnic lunch. Contact: 02-224-1057. Website:

BenjasiriParkis next to the Emporium near Phrom Phong BTS station. It has a recently updated play area for children; it also has a skateboarding area, although it’s in need of repair.

LumpiniParkis in Silom andhas entry points on Wittahayu (Wireless) Road, Rama IV, Rajdamri and Sarasin Roads. It’s a great place to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller skates. Its also a popular place to exercise.

Rama IX Park is a large park situated not far from BangkokPatanaSchoolat Sukhumvit Soi 103 (Udom Suk), south of Srinakarin. It offers boating in the lake, botanical gardens, flower gardens and a children’s playground. This park also houses the RoyalBuilding, which also displays some of the King’s personal belongings including clothes, musical instruments and paintings.

Rot Fai (Railway) Park isnear Chatuchak Weekend Market.

See also Rollerblading, Scootering, Skating and BMX.

River Trips

You can hire a private long-tail boat which will take you on a tour of the Chao Phraya River, and some of the khlongs that feed into it, by negotiating the time and price from any of the public piers (Saphan Tasksin is a good pier to start and finish a tour which generally costs less than 1,000 baht per boat per trip). A much cheaper option is to take a ride on one of the public water taxis that travel up and down the river. Be warned that they can sometimes be very crowded. It is an interesting tour and a great way to see another side of Bangkok. Life jackets are not provided.

Rock Climbing

Sports World at Imperial World Department Store, Ladprao, Bangkok, is a ten metre vertical and overhang climbing gym offering a climbing course and equipment.

The Rock islocated at the Soi Klang Racquet Club,at 8 Sukhumvit 49-9,Sukhumvit Road. Itfeatures a three meter high climbing wall with bouldering, top rope and lead climbing zones,andcan accomodateten simultaneous climbers. Contact: 0662-714-7200. Website:

Rollerblading, Scootering, Skating and BMX

Red Bull X Park is a new complex for rollerblading, scootering, skating and BMX at 111 South Sathorn (Tai) Road, opposite EvergreenLaurelHotel. Contact: 02-670-8080 Website: