Bangkok hotels and travel guide. Hotel reservation for Bangkok city, Thailand.

Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are all weapons. The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement. There are two venues in Bangkok for this type of sport.

Ratchadamnoen Stadium Tel: (02) 281-4205, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, open every Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 06.00 pm., Thursdays at 05.00 pm. and 09.00 pm., and Sundays, starting at 04.00 pm. and 08.00 pm.

Lumphini Stadium Tel: (02) 251-4303, Rama IV Road, every Tuesdays and Fridays from 06.30 pm, Saturday afternoons 05.00-08.00 pm., Saturday nights from 8.30 pm. International visitors who wish to learn Thai boxing can contact the Muay Thai Institute, 336/932, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12130, Tel: (02) 992-0096-9

The races are held on Sunday from 12.30-6.00 p.m. at two alternate turf clubs:
Royal Turf Club of Thailand, on Phitsanulok Road, Tel: (02) 280-0020-9.

Royal Bangkok Sports Club, on Henry Dunant Road, Tel: (02) 251-0181-6.

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The principal shopping areas in downtown Bangkok which boasts many specialist shops, shopping plazas, and department stores include Silom, Siam S quare, Ratchadamn, Pratunam, Ploenchit, and Bang Lamphu.

Recommended markets and shops which sell Thai handicrafts:
Chatuchak Weekend Market A large open public ground on Phahonyothin Road. The market is a paradise for browsers and bargain hunters alike. It operates only on weekends during the day time.

Chitralada Shops founded by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, are situated in the Grand Palace, Vimanmek Mansion, Bangkok International Airport, and some leading hotels.

Narayana Phand Pavilion , located on Ratchadamri Road, is a handicraft center selling items from all parts of the country.

Siam Park City Tel: (02) 919-7200-19 # 232
- Located in suburban Min Buri on Sukhaphiban 2 Road, this water amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Satellite attractions include a children's playground, aviaries, open zoo and botanical garden.
- It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 490 Baht for adults and 300 Baht for children.

Dream World Tel: (02) 533-1152, 533-1147, situated at km.7 of Rangsit-Ongkharak Road, houses a European style plaza, miniature land of major world legends, and exciting playing machines.
- It is open daily from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On holidays it is open until 7.00 pm. Admission fee is 450 Baht per person.

Indoor amusement parks are also in some major leading department stores such as:
- Future Park Bang Khae, Phetkasem Road, Tel: (02) 454-8500
- The Mall Bang Khae, Phetkasem Road, Tel: (02) 454-0061
- Seacon Square, Srinakarintara Road, Tel: (02) 721-9444 Central City Bang Na, Km. 3 Bang Na-Trat Road, Tel: (02) 361-0888
- Fashion Island, Km. 10 Raminthra Road, Tel: (02) 947-5000

Details of current programmes and events can generally be found in Bangkok's major English-language newspapers, namely Bangkok Post and The Nation.

The National Theater is located on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum.
- Call (02) 224-1342 for a current program.

Thailand Cultural Center, on Ratchadaphisek Road, is a fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities.
- Call (02) 247-0028 ext.109 for a current program.

Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre is located on Charoen Krung Road (New Road) near the Old Siam Plaza. That dramas and plays are usually held while Khon or Thai musical dance drama is a special event that is staged occasionally.
- Call (02) 2258757-8, 222-1325 for more information.

Patravadi Theatre, near Wat Rakhang, Thon Bun. Renowned for its lavish productions, this outdoor theatre has gained popularity through its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques. Showtime is on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Call (02) 412-7287-8 for a current program

Bangkok Playhouse on Phetchabun Road. The theatre hosts modern dramas.
- Call (02) 679-8548, 319-7641-4 for a current program.

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok.
- For more information, call (02) 229-3000-9 or visit www.qsncc.co.th

Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, 8 Km. 1 Bang Na-Trat Road, Phrakhanong.
- For more information, call (02) 749-3939-60 or visit www.bitec.net

Meditation is one of the most popular aspects of Buddhism, practiced regularly by numerous Thais, and laymen as a means of promoting inner peace and happiness. The following are meditation centers which offer a class in English for foreign visitors who wish to find out more about Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. 

The International Buddhist Meditation Center, Wat Mahathat, Tha Phrachan, Tel: (02) 623-6326

The World Fellowship of Buddhists, 616 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Tel. (02) 661-1284-7

Association for the Science of Creative Intelligence, 18th floor, Rajpark Building, Sukhumvit Soi 21, Tel: (02) 258-3257

Young Buddhist Association of Thailand, 58/8 Soi 54 (Soi Thipniyom 2), Phetkasem Road, Phasi Charoen, Tel: (02) 413-1706

House of Dhamma, 26/9 Ladphrao Soi 15 (Soi Chomphon), Tel: (02) 511-0439

Thai Traditional MassageThis therapeutic and highly soothing form of massage purportedly evolved from rishis (forest-dwelling Brahmin hermit ascetics) who relieved the physical stress of extended periods of meditation by adopting certain postures. Wat Pho is the best known center for massages and massage tuition. Call (02) 221-2974 for more information