AATC/a taste of thailand

......................................................A Taste of Thailand.

Crocodile farm and Ancient City

Located 34km southeast of Bangkok near Samut Prakan. This farm houses some 30,000 crocodiles and is the largest farm in the Kingdom. Crocodile wrestling shows can be seen and feeding is also on the agenda. There are other animals and shows to be seen. A must for anyone with children.

The Ancient City is very close to the crocodile farm and is the largest outdoor museum anywhere. It covers an area of 80 hectares. Inside you will find scaled down replicas of some of the most famous buildings of Thailand some of which no longer exist.

Snake Farm

Thailand has some 160 different types of snakes of which over 80 of them are poisonous. These snakes are not just found living in the jungle. They can be found living in the city. To experience what it is like to see them close up you can visit them at the Thonburi snake farm or the Dusit Zoo. The best place to see them is at Queen Saowaba Institute where you can see them being milked for serum. Snakes that can be seen include the King Cobra, which can 'sit up' to 2 metres high.

River Kwai

Some 2 hours to the west of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi, famous for the bridge built by hundreds of thousands of prisoners during WWII many of whom died from beatings, starvation and malaria. The bridge was built so that the Japanese could connect Singapore to the Burmese capital of Rangoon. Victims of the war are remembered in two cemeteries and by a Japanese memorial.

Kanchanaburi is also famous for its tranquil parks and surrounds.

Waterways

There are many rivers and canals (klongs) for you to explore. There are many taxi boats for hire which will take you to all the sites to see.

There are also many boats that take you on night trips while you dine and see the city in its nightime splendour.Most trips take around 2-3 hours.

Floating Markets

In addition to the rivers and klongs are the floating markets of Thonburi and Damnoen Saduk. You will have to rise early to experience these in all their splendour of sight, sounds and smells. Barter for your fruits and spices and enjoy some of the other food on offer. Although this is a large tourist attraction it still largely remains value for money.

Alternative Nightlife

Bangkok is famous for its nightlife and the 'massage' parlours. The girlie bars can be found in the infamous Patpong area but can be too touristy, also be aware of additional charges levied on foreigners at some places. If you do have a problem, there are Tourist Police located at each end of the street who will help you. Areas on Sukhumvit road, Soi Cowboy and Nana plaza have a wider choice of venues and 'shows'.

Tips:

You can go into any of the bars and just enjoy a drink and a show with out having to pay extra even if a hostess joins you. Remember to buy the lady a drink as she gets a part of the extra cost of the drink. If you have enjoyed the company of a charming hostess while you sip your drinks you may tip the lady for her services. It is better to do this discreetly so that she enjoys the tip and not the bar owner. Amount to pay depends on you and the service provided, anything up to 100 Baht tends to be enough for 'most' occasions.

If you accept the hospitality of a hostess, do not then choose someone else in the same bar as this can cause friction between the girls and can get unpleasant.

Always be polite and smile. Never raise your voice.

Other local attractions

China town - Full of narrow streets and markets selling just about anything you could want.

Dusit Zoo - The largest collection of wildlife in the city

Lumphini park - A tranquill park in the heart of the city for those who would like to relax

Jim Thompson's house - The place to buy Thai silk and art work

Chatuchak market - The biggest weekend market around. You can buy anything from animals to furniture to antiques, just about anything you can think of.

Pratunam market - The place to buy all your clothing needs. Many fakes available and most are very good quality. T-shirts cost around 200 Baht and jeans around 400 Baht. All your local football teams kits are also available.

Pantip Plaza - This is the place to go for all your computer needs. It is a multi-storey shopping mall for computer stuff only. Get all your hardware and software here.

National Museum - A vast collection of the nations cultural and artistic history dating back to some 10,000 years.

Siam Square - Abustling place full of shopping centres and fast food outlets. The Hard Rock Cafe is also situated here.

Sukhumvit Road - A long road full of big hotels, shops, markets, restaurants, bars, clubs and alternative night spots.

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......................................................A Taste of Thailand.