Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Cinema

Cinema

Need a break from the Bangkok heat? Try catching a movie at the Bangkok cinema. The VIP seats entitle you to a plush velvet couch, fully equipped with cup holders and trays. They even offer blankets.

VIP Seats at the Major Cineplex

Their snack and beverage options are endless. You can get popcorn and a soda, or shrimp chips with a beer. We went to the Major Cineplex on the mall. VIP tickets were only about 250 baht.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American business man who helped revitalize Thailand's silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The house is filled with Thai artifacts. But if you are just looking to purchase some Thai silk products, you can find them at the night markets in Bangkok for much cheaper. The cost to tour the house is 1,000 baht per person.

Jim Thompson House

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Snake Farm

Snake Farm

The snake farm was not on my agenda, but it was one of the stops on our canal tour. It was an interested show to say the least. When we walked in, we passed a man with a huge snake draped over his arms and shoulders and touching the floor. I mistakingly assumed it was a toy, but in fact, it was real. Only in Thailand.

The snake "arena" was surrounded by tiny cages of snakes with their breed written with a marker on the glass. There was also an area with crocodiles. There was no top to the cage and the walls were only about 4 foot tall. Indeed a strange set-up, and again... only in Thailand. We saw a few birds and a couple mammals, then on to the snake show.

Snake Show... eek!

Here, four men pranced around a small ring holding a large snake, probably over 10 feet in length. Then they proceeded to milk venom and collect it in a small glass jar. It was a little scary just to be so close in proximity to the snakes, but the locals didn't seem to mind. The entrance fee was about 400 baht per person. I am not necessarily recommending the farm, but it was an interesting experience.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Canal Tour & Floating Market

Canal Tour

A canal tour down the Chao Phraya River is another way to spend a few hours of your day in Bangkok. But don't expect a Venetian cruise. We got roped into the cruise because we made the mistake of blindly asking our tuk tuk driver what we should see. Since the tuk tuk drivers are on contract with many of the restaurants, shops, and other vendors, not only did he take us to the "port" but left us there. Needless to say, there was not a lot going on in that area, so we took the overpriced tour. We jetted down a mud-filled waterway.

The sights along the way were children jumping into the water, houses on stilts, a snake show and laundry being dried in the polluted air. Our tour ended by the Grand Palace, but by that time, the Palace was closed for the day. The tour lasted about 30 minutes and was 1,000 baht per person.

Canal Tour - the little boys were doing flips for us!

Though it certainly was not a luxurious cruise across turquoise waters, it was a nice opportunity to experience the Thai culture.

Floating Market

The floating market of Bangkok was on my to-do list and one of the reasons we initially agreed to the canal tour. However, the floating market does not really exist any longer. We saw two women selling drinks and fans on a boat, but that was it. Be cautious of tours that offer to show you the floating market. Though it may sound appealing, it is likely a ploy to get you on the over-priced canal tour.

Bangkok, Thailand - Day Events: Grand Palace

Like every city in Thailand, there are definitely sights to see during the day, and a completely different list of venues for the evening. The next few posts will cover day events for Bangkok.

Grand Palace
During the day, I would recommend visiting the Grand Palace. The Palace dates back to 1782, and was constructed during the reign of Rama I. From the 18th to the mid-20th Century, the Palace served as the official residence for the King. The Palace is surrounded by tall walls and canals in order to protect the royal family.

Grand Palace

Cost for entrance is 700 baht per person and it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don't be surprised if you are hassled by kids before you enter the Palace. This is a huge tourist site, which also means masses of little solicitors.