Dusit Thani Bangkok

Bangkok was founded when King Rama I moved the city across the river from Thonburi in 1782.  The city is an intoxicating mix of modern and traditional. Temples and monks share space with wealthy socialites and modern restaurants; luxury apartments stand next to the labyrinthines of old houses along the canals; glittering shopping malls and modern buildings rise in a city the centre of which is still the Grand Palace.  What strikes many upon arrival are the highly developed infrastructure, the fine public transport systems, and the high-end shopping and accommodation. 

The Dusit Thani is within a short distance of many Bangkok attractions and the best of Bangkok's nightlife.

Points of Interest

• The Grand Palace
• Wat Phra Kaew
• Wat Suthat
• The Floating Market
• Wat Pho
• Vinanmek Palace
• The National Museum
• Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Siam Paragon
• The Chao Phraya River

Useful Information

Language – Thai
Currency – Baht (THB)
Visas – Visits longer than15 days will require a visa which is obtainable from Thai Embassies
Electric Voltage – 220 Volts
Climate – Tropical climate with a long rainy season from June to early October
Tourist Information Services

Tourist information is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand head office in Bangkok and the TAT information counter in Bangkok Airport.  They provide maps, brochures and useful information. 

Business hours

Most companies operate on a five-day week basis. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 AM and 4.30 PM with a noon to 1.00 PM lunch break, Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Embassies

Around 50 countries currently maintain embassies or consulates in Bangkok. Most are concentrated around the Sukhumvit, Ploen Chit, Witthayu and Sathon Road areas.  The Concierge will be happy to assist with addresses and telephone numbers.

Bangkok Overview

Bangkok is rich in history and alive with culture. From the Dusit Thani Bangkok's major attractions are all within easy access.

The most spectacular elements of Bangkok are the numerous temples or 'wats.' The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Sraket and the Golden Mount, Wat Pho and Wat Rachanadda are all unique examples of Bangkok's architectural beauty, and all not far from the Dusit Thani. Those interested in the history of Bangkok should also pay a visit to Vinmanek Palace, the National Museum, the Erawan Shrine, and the Anantasamakom Throne Hall.

Dusit Thani Bangkok's location in the Silom district means there are countless opportunities for shopping in Bangkok, whether that means seeking the best in designer goods or exploring the colourful local markets. The night markets of Patpong are also only a short distance away from the hotel, and sell a wide selection of handicrafts, antiques, ceramics and Thai silk.

It's not just the street markets that burst into colour at night. Bangkok's nightlife is near legendary, and the city's bars, restaurants and nightclubs offer a terrific amount of variety for the visitor. All the best spots are just a short walk from the Dusit Thani Bangkok.

If Bangkok's nightlife is a little too heady for your tastes, the city also offers some wonderful ways to relax. Lumpini Park, next to Dusit Thani Bangkok, is a picturesque area of green space with a serene lake and beautiful view of the Bangkok skyline. The Sanam Luang Park, used as a site for royal ceremonies, is also a great place to unwind.

Bangkok Attractions Close to the Hotel

• Lumpini Park
• Bangkok nightlife
• The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• Wat Sraket and the Golden Mount
• Erawan Shrine
• Patpong
• Wat Pho
• Wat Rachanadda
• Vinmanek Palace 

Historical Places of Interest

• Anantasamakom Throne Hall
  The Anantasamakom Throne Hall has played an important role in Thai political history and reflects the bond between royal and political institutions since the day that King Rama VII affixed his signature to give the Thai people their first Constitution. The first meeting of the Thai parliament was convened in this hall.
  
  
• The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)
  The heart and pride of Thailand, the Grand Palace was the former royal residence and features the Dusit Maha Prasad and the Chakri Palace. Wat Phra Kaeo houses the seated Emerald Buddha, which is made of green jade and is regarded as the most important Buddha image in Thailand.
  
  
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
  The temple is best known for its magnificent Khmer-style pagoda, symbolising Mount Meru, the terrestrial representation of the 33 heavens. Built of bricks and stucco, the pagoda is decorated with an elaborate floral design of colourful Chinese porcelain shards, supported by rows of demons and monkeys. From the central balcony, there's a spectacular view of Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho across the river.
  
  
• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
  The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which founded the first school of ancient Thai massage and medicine, is known to the locals as Wat Pho, or Temple of a Bodhi Tree. Restored by King Rama I, Wat Pho is the finest example of Thai-Chinese architectural styles, and you can see many Thai and Chinese statues around the compound. It also houses the biggest and most beautiful 46-metre-long, 15-metre-high Reclining Buddha, shown passing into nirvana.
  
  
• Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
  Wat Suthat Thep Wararamworavihara is one of Thailand's most important temples, featuring Bangkok's tallest preaching halls. It houses an impressive collection of gilded Buddha images, including Phra Si Sakayamuni, one of the largest Sukhothai bronze images. In front of the temple is the Giant Swing, once used in the Brahmanic ceremony called Triyampawai, or the Brahmin's New Year ceremony, in which men used to ride on the Giant Swing and try to grab a bag of silver coins attached to a pole.
  
  
• Vimanmek Mansion
  The first permanent royal residence in the compound of Dusit Palace, Vimanmek is the biggest golden teak building in the world. The mansion is beautifully decorated with Victorian fretwork. It is now used as the museum to commemorate King Chulalongkorn the Great (King Rama V).
  
  
• National Museum
  One of the largest and most comprehensive museums in South-East Asia, providing visitors with a glimpse of Thailand's rich history and culture, the National Museum is located on Na Phrathat Road, between Thammasat University and the National Theatre. It is within walking distance from the Grand Palace.
  
  
• Jim Thompson's Thai House Museum
  The Jim Thompson Museum comprises six teak wood buildings that represent the best of traditional Thai architecture. Most of the houses are at least two centuries old. Determined to preserve Thailand's rich cultural heritage, Jim Thompson followed the customs of the early Thai builders in most respects. The houses were easily 'knocked-down' to move to new sites and were elevated a full storey above the ground to avoid flooding during the rainy season. The roof tiles were burned in Ayuthaya, employing a design common centuries ago. The red paint on exterior walls is a preservative commonly used in many old Thai buildings.
  
  
• Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
  The world's largest marble temple, made from Carrara marble and incorporating a mixture of the region's styles, this is considered to be one of the finest examples of modern Thai architecture.
  
  
• Royal Barge Museum
  Once glittering in pomp and splendour on the Chao Phraya River, the magnificent royal barges formerly served as war vessels and carriers for the royal family. Today, they are seen only during special occasions.
  
  
• Suan Pakkard Palace
  A lovely Thai museum, showcasing a priceless collection of beautiful Asian antiques.
  
  
• Ancient City
  The world's largest outdoor museum, showcasing scaled-down replicas of famous buildings, monuments and temples from all over Thailand.

Cultural Attractions

• Chinatown
  An old business centre, well known as a wholesale market and with numerous small streets and alleys crowded with shops and stalls offering an exotic mix of merchandise and delicious food. Bargain hunters and connoisseurs will find this lively market fascinating. Chinatown is also well known for its gold jewellery shops. Wat Leng Noi Yi temple is the most important Chinese temple in Bangkok, located on Chareon Krung Road.
  
  
• National Theatre
  The main Bangkok venue for traditional Thai theatrical dance performances, considered to be one of the most graceful forms of artistic expression. The theatre is located on the corner between Na Phra That Road and Chao Fa Road near Phra Pinklao Bridge. It is next to the National Museum.
  
  
• Talingchan Floating Market
  Located on the bank of Bangkok's Noi Canal in the old district of Thonburi, this market features the traditional water-borne lifestyle of the Thai people. Every weekend, local merchants gather here to sell home-made products. You can buy freshly picked organic vegetables and fruit.
  
  
• National Gallery Museum
  Particularly interesting due to its collection of traditional and contemporary paintings by leading Thai artists, the National Gallery Museum is located on Chao Fa Road, at the foot of Phra Pin Klao Bridge, opposite the National Theatre.
  
  
• Bang Sai Royal Folk Art and Craft Centre
  The centre is part of the SUPPORT Foundation and offers a glimpse of how farmers in the four regions of Thailand live and work, and how Thai folk arts and crafts are produced. It also offers training to farmers and villagers in folk arts and crafts as a means to keep traditional art forms alive.

Shopping

• Chatuchak Weekend Market
  A must for bargain hunters, Chatuchak Market is the largest weekend market in Thailand, with over 8000 shops and stalls from every corner of the country, offering everything from food, clothing, books, handicrafts, pets, plants and paintings to furniture, home decor and more. Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park on Phaholyothin Road. Visitors can take the BTS SkyTrain to Mo Chit station.
  
  
• Silom-Surawong-Patpong
  Well known as Bangkok's major business centre, Silom and Surawong are popular shopping areas with numerous shops and department stores, ranging from street stalls to luxurious shopping plazas such as Silom Complex, Robinson Department Store, Central Plaza and the Galleria Plaza.
  
  Running between Silom and Surawong Roads is Patpong, where tourists will be amazed by the colourful nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and discotheques. Patpong also has a lively night market, studded with stalls, selling all sorts of goods including antiques, ceramics, leather goods, clothing, handicrafts, Thai silk and cottons, silverware, watches and souvenirs.
  
  
• Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong
  One of the largest shopping promenades in Bangkok, located in the heart of the city, with several leading department stores and shopping malls, selling luxury goods, including Gaysorn Plaza, Sogo, Central Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, Central World Plaza and Narayana Phand Pavilion. Located in the Bangrak District, close to Dusit Thani, Bangkok.
  
  
• Pathumwan District
  One of the busiest shopping areas in Bangkok, located in the city centre, with several leading department stores, stalls, theatres and trendy restaurants. Shopping places include Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Siam Square, Maboonkrong Centre and Tokyu Department Store.
  
  The Siam Centre is one of the very first shopping centres in Bangkok, where local designer fashion and brand name products can be found. On the opposite side is Siam Square, a cluster of alleys dotted with lovely shops and stalls selling clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Opposite to Siam Square, on Phayathai Road, the Maboonkrong Centre (MBK) and Tokyu Department Store present an air-conditioned market, where you can find almost everything, ranging from clothing, cosmetics, cell phones and electrical equipment to home furniture and more.

Sports

Bangkok and its surrounding areas offer plenty of championship-standard golf courses. Whether conveniently located city golf courses, or scenic, fully equipped courses in Bangkok's neighbouring provinces, all are within easy reach for golfers to enjoy.

• Krungthep Kreetha
  516 Krungthep Kreetha Road, Huamark, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
  Tel: +66 2 379 3716 / 3732 | Fax: +66 2 379 3768
  
  Designed by James R Vaughn, the 18-hole Krungthep Kreetha course is one of a few international-standard golf courses located within Bangkok. Challenging, with water hazards and many elevated greens, it is located in eastern Bangkok, off Ramkhamhaeng Road.
  
  
• Navatanee Golf Club
  22 Moo 1, Sukhapibal 2 Road, Kannayao, Bangkok 10230
  Tel: +66 2 376 1034 to 6 | Fax: +66 2 376 1635
  
  Built for the 1975 World Cup Tournament, Navatanee Golf Club is one of the best-maintained and most challenging courses, with a few tough water hazards. The 18-hole course has a beautiful layout with well-protected greens and narrow fairways. From the centre of Bangkok, take Ramkhamhaeng Road towards Minburi, then take Sukhaphibal 2 to reach the entrance of the course.
  
  
• Rose Garden Golf Club
  53 / 1 Moo 4, Petchkasem Highway Road, Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom
  Tel: +66 2 317 0801 to 4 | Fax: +66 2 317 0805
  
  Rated by international golf magazines as one of the top 50 best courses in the world, the Rose Garden Golf Club is one of the best and prettiest in Thailand. The scenic, shady course is rather flat, with narrow, tree-lined fairways and heavily bunkered greens.
  
  
• Bangkok Golf Club
  99 Moo 2, Tiwanon Road, Bangkadi Sub-district, Muang District, Pathumthani 12000
  Tel: +66 2 501 2828 | Fax: +66 2 501 2778
  
  Bangkok Golf Club is one of the most delightful golf courses, offering cleverly designed, yet challenging, fairways and greens, with a luxurious clubhouse, featuring traditional Thai massage and golf pro shop. It is just 30 minutes from the city centre and 20 minutes from Don Muang International Airport.
  
  
• Rajpruek Club
  100 Moo 3, Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Tung Song Hong, Laksi, Bangkok 10210
  Tel: +66 2 955 0055 | Fax: +66 2 955 0096
  
  The international-standard 18-hole Rajpruek Club is one of Bangkok's most elite sports clubs, offering a full range of sports complexes and recreational activities. The club is located off Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.
  
  
• President Country Club
  42 Moo 8, Suwintawong Road, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530
  Tel: +66 2 988 7555 to 63 | Fax: +66 2 988 7564
  
  Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the 27-hole President Country Club is one of Bangkok's finest laid out golf courses. The fairways are wide, and there is a heavy use of water hazards and deep bunkering around the greens. From the Sukhumvit area, take the Ramindra Expressway, and then proceed towards Minburi on Route 304. The entrance to the course is located on the right, off Route 304.
  
  
• Natural Park Ramindra Golf Club
  10 Moo 7, Liabklongsong, Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok 10510
  Tel: +66 2 914 1930 to 60 | Fax: +66 2 914 1970
  
  The Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole Natural Park Ramindra is a challenging course for all classes of golfer. With well-guarded bunker greens and a huge lake, the course is a tough test for professional players. To get to the course, take Ramindra Road towards Minburi and follow signs to Safari World. The entrance is next to Safari World.