The Grand Palace

Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

How to get there
The most enjoyable route to explore Bangkok is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.

Opening Hours:
Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Admission Fee
Baht 250 - includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road

Baht 100 - for rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin
(Please be informed that from July 1,2008 the admission fee will be Baht 300 and including admission to visit "the exhibition of Art of Kingdom" at Anantasamakom Throne Hall and from Jan 1,2009 the admission fee will be Baht 350)

Dress Code
Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:

• Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
• See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
• Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
• Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
• All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
• Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn.

The Giant Swing

The Giant Swing is located in front of Wat Suthat Thepwararam on Bamrung Mueang Road, Phra Nakhon District. This religious structure of Bangkok was originally constructed in 1784 and was proclaimed as the national historical site since 1949. With 21-metre height, painted in red color and the unique structure of wooden pillars it has become one of the symbols of Bangkok.

In the past, the Giant Swing was used in the Tri-Yampawai, the Brahmin religious ceremony. The rite was performed as to pay homage to Shiva God as to commemorate the God’s annual visit to the earth. The ceremony was finally cancelled in 1935 during the reign of King Rama VII.

Royal Barge National Museum

The Royal Barge Procession is one of the most spectacular events in the world. It is performed occasionally during the Tod Kathin Buddhist Festival when H.M. The King delivers new robes to the monks at Wat Arun. It was also seen by millions of viewers around the world when it was specially staged for the 2003 APEC Conference in Bangkok and broadcast live to the participating countries.

These ornately decorated boats are maintained by the Royal Thai Navy and docked at The Royal Barge National Museum on Bangkok Noi canal on the Thonburi side. The Royal Barge fleet consists of 52 vessels. Each is a masterpiece of marine and traditional craftsmanship. They feature a variety of figureheads on their bows, including a sacred Garuda, Hanuman and the seven heads of Naga.

How to get there: By Chao Phraya Ferry cross the river at Tha Pra Chan Pier near Thammasat University to Bangkok Noi (Thonburi) Train Station Pier or by chartered boat from Tha Chang Pier.

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.

Admission: 30 baht

The Vineyards in Muak Lek District, Saraburi

Gemopolis

Gemopolis is the first and only fully integrated industrial estate for diamond, gems and jewelry in Thailand, occupying 800 rai of land (approx. 300 acres) and it is a complete international centre for gems and jewelry manufacturing and trading. Within its large production base for export, Gemopolis Outlet is a naturally the perfect source for a wide selections of Bangkok cut diamond at highly competitive prices. Visitors are welcome to see for the manufacturing process of diamond polishing in Gemopolis.

For those interested in observing the manufacturing process or visiting the factory, please write a letter to ask permission in advance to Gemopolis. For more details, please call 0-2727-0000 www.gemopolis.com.

Golf Courses

Diner Cruise

Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital’s most arresting sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and light reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River with flickering magic and romance. An ideal way of combining dining with riverine enchantment is to enjoy a river dinner cruise. Reservations, current prices, conditions and departure times may be obtained from travel agents or the following organizers –

Spa Directory

Boxing Stadiums

Ratchadamnoen Stadium
Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 6.30 p.m.-10.30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.-12.00 p.m.
Tel: 0 2281 4205, 0 2281 0879, 0 2280 1684-6.

Lumphini Stadium
Rama IV Road, every Tuesday and Friday at 6.30 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.
Tel: 0 2251 4303, 0 2252 8765.

Bangkok Boxing Stadium
Thiam Ruam Mit Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok. Tel: 0 2618 5314 - 6 Website: www.muaythai.co.th , www.bangkokboxingstadium.com

Blue Elephant Cooking School

Located in the heart of Bangkok opposite the Surasak sky train station, the school offers hand-on classes commencing with a visit to the morning market. Accompanied by the instructor, you will learn to select and buyThai ingredients for your personal cooking lesson.

The class will be followed by a meal to sampling your own cooking as well as additional Thai dishes. Every participant, whether expert or novice, is able to graduate with a Blue Elephant Cooking Class Certificate and will receive a basket consisting of Thai herbal tea and packets of curry paste and apron. Private cooking classes can be organised for professional chefs.

Blue Elephant Bangkok Cooking School & Restaurant
233 South Sathon Road, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120
Tel : 0 2673 9353
Fax : 0 2673 9355
Email : cooking.school@BlueElephant.com

Assumption University

Assumption University was initially originated from Assumption Commercial College in 1969 as an autonomous higher education institution under the name of Assumption School of Business. In 1972, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, it was officially established as Assumption Business Administration College or ABAC. In May 1975, it was accredited by the Ministry of University Affairs. In 1990, it was granted new status as "Assumption University" by the Ministry of University Affairs.

The University is a non-profit institution administered by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, a worldwide Catholic religious order, founded in France in 1705 by St. Louis Marie De Montfort, devoted to education and philanthropic activities. The congregation has been operating many educational institutions in Thailand since 1901

The University is an international community of scholars, enlivened by Christian inspiration, engaged in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, serving the human society, especially through the creative use of interdisciplinary approaches and cybertechnology.

Address: 592/3 Ramkhamhaeng 24, Hua Mak,
Bangkok Thailand 10240

Tel : (662) 300-4553 to 62
Fax : (662) 300-4563

Email : abac@au.edu
Website : http://www.au.edu