Pratunam

Bangkok Dolls Museum
85 Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng)
+66 2 245-3008
Free
M-Sa 08:00-17:00
ARL Ratchaprarop

This museum was established by Khunying Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after completing a course on doll making at the Osawa Doll School in Tokyo. Her intention was to establish a workshop where hand-made dolls could be created using local materials, and to establish a museum that would promote the Thai doll industry. A part of the workshop is devoted to a private collection of about 400 dolls from around the world. These can be grouped in several categories, including Khon dolls, hill tribe dolls, Thai rural dolls and Khon mask miniatures.

Thai Labour Museum
Nikhom Makkasan Rd
+66 2 251-3173
Free
W-Su, hols 10:00-16:30
ARL Ratchaprarop

This museum is located at the former office of the labour union of the State Railway of Thailand. On display are items showing the 300-year history of the Thai labour movement. There is also a library with books and research reports on labour. You must call in advance if you plan on visiting with a group.

Phaya Thai Palace
315 Ratchawithi Rd
+66 2 354-7660(-93698 on Saturdays, -93646 on weekdays)
Free
Sa 09:30 and 13:30, M-F by appointment only
BTS Victory Monument

The Phaya Thai Palace has been built by King Rama VI, who lived here from 1919 for the last years of his reign. After his death, the palace turned into one of the most luxurious hotels in Southeast Asia, a radio station and a military hospital. The palace is worth seeing, as there is a lot to take in. The most important building, the Phiman Chakri Hall, is made in a beautiful Art Nouveau style with silk wallpapers and ornate murals. Every Saturday, volunteers give two free guided tours through the palace that take about two hours. It is also possible to visit the palace on weekdays, but you must call ahead to make an appointment and pay 500 baht.

Suan Pakkad Palace
352-354 Si Ayutthaya Rd
+66 2 246-1775(-6)
100 baht
09:00-16:00 daily
BTS Phaya Thai

This complex of five Thai-style houses was once the residence of one of Thailand's leading art collectors, Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga. It houses an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques, including items from the prehistoric Ban Chiang civilization, and an impressive collection of sea-shells. The Khon Museum, about the traditional Thai masked dance, and the Traditional Thai Music Museum have also been established here.

Baiyoke Tower II Observatory and Revolving Roofdeck
77-84F, Baiyoke Tower II, 222 Ratchaprarop Rd
+66 2 656-3000
200 baht, includes one (alcoholic) drink and popcorn
M-F 10:30-01:00, Sa-Su 09:30-01:00
ARL Ratchaprarop

Currently the tallest tower in Thailand, the 304-metre-tall Baiyoke Tower II is mainly residential. There's an observatory behind a huge window at the 77th floor and a revolving roofdeck outside at the 84th floor. The revolving roofdeck is practical for viewing different parts of the city, but not so handy if you're trying to make some quality pictures of the city's skyline. It is best to visit right before dusk and watch the sun go down from the tower. Afterwards, you can visit the Rooftop Bar at the 83rd floor, which has a very romantic atmosphere and can best be recommended for couples or those in love. You can sit beside a huge window that gives a good view over the city, and professional bands perform nightly. Be early as the seats fill up quickly after dark.