Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [145]
Patravadi is Bangkok’s sole modern-dance venue. A stylish open-air theatre that also includes a gallery and restaurant, it is the brainchild of Patravadi Mejudhon, a famous Thai actor and playwright. The dance-troupe performance is a blend of traditional Thai dance and modern choreography, music and costume. The theatre is also the primary venue for the Bangkok International Fringe Festival, held in January and February.
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SHRINE DANCING
Although scheduled performances are grand, lasting memories are often unscripted and the serendipity of catching a shrine dance is unforgettable, like spotting a rainbow. If you hear the din of drums and percussion from a temple or shrine, follow the sound to see traditional lá·kon gâa bon (shrine dancing). At Lak Meuang and the Erawan Shrine, worshippers commission costumed troupes to perform dance movements that are similar to classical lá·kon, but not as refined, as they are specially choreographed for ritual purposes. Free daily performances are also staged in a pavilion on the side of the Vimanmek Teak Mansion at 10am and 2pm.
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SALA CHALERMKRUNG
Map
0 2222 0434; www.salachalermkrung.com; 66 Th Charoen Krung, Chinatown; tickets 1000-1200B; shows 7.30pm Fri & Sat; air-con 3, 60, 73 & 512, ordinary 3, 53, 60 & 73; Tha Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge, N6)
This art deco Bangkok landmark, a former cinema dating to 1933, is one of the few remaining places kǒhn can be witnessed. The traditional Thai dance-drama is enhanced here by laser graphics, hi-tech audio and English subtitles. Concerts and other events are also held – check the website for details.
SIAM NIRAMIT
Map
0 2649 9222; www.siamniramit.com; 19 Th Thiam Ruammit, Greater Bangkok; tickets 1500-2000B; shows 8pm; Thailand Cultural Centre exit 1 & access by shuttle bus
A cultural theme park, this enchanted kingdom transports visitors to a Disneyfied version of ancient Siam with a technicoloured stage show depicting the Lanna Kingdom, the Buddhist heaven and Thai festivals. Elaborate costumes and sets are guaranteed to be spectacular both in their grandness and their indigenous interpretation.
The show is predominately popular with tour groups, but if you’re visiting independently, a free shuttle-bus service is available at Thailand Cultural Centre Metro station every 15 minutes from 6pm to 7.45pm.
THAILAND CULTURAL CENTRE
Map
0 2247 0028; www.thaiculturalcenter.com; Th Ratchadaphisek btwn Th Thiam Ruammit & Th Din Daeng, Greater Bangkok; Thailand Cultural Centre exit 1 & access by shuttle bus
Bangkok’s primary performing-arts facility, the Thailand Cultural Centre is the home of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and hosts the International Festival of Dance and Music in September. Classical dance performances, and regional Thai concerts like lôok tûng (Thai country music) and Khorat Song also cycle through the yearly calendar.
On performance days a free shuttle bus picks up passengers from the Metro exit 1.
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DINNER THEATRE
Another option for viewing Thai classical dance is through dinner theatre. Most dinner theatres in Bangkok are heavily promoted through hotels to an ever-changing clientele, so standards are poor to fair. They can be tolerably worthwhile if you accept them as cultural tourist traps.
SALA RIM NAM
Map
0 2437 3080; www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok; Oriental Hotel, Soi 38, Th Charoen Krung, Riverside; tickets 2650B; dinner & show 8-10.30pm; Tha Oriental (N1)
The historic Oriental Hotel hosts dinner theatre in a sumptuous Thai pavilion located across the river in Thonburi. Free shuttle boats transfer guests across the river from the hotel’s dock. The price is well above average, reflecting the means of the hotel’s client base.
SAWASDEE
Map
0 2237 6311; www.sawasdeebkk.com; 66 Soi 6, Th Thanon Sathon, Silom; tickets 550B; dinner & show 8pm; Chong Nonsi exit 2
Sawasdee has been doing the Thai dinner show for 20 years and we reckon it’s got it down by now. Shows span five