Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [83]
During the kite-flying season (from mid-February to April), Lumphini is a favoured flight zone, with wôw (kites) for sale in the park.
QUEEN SAOVABHA MEMORIAL INSTITUTE (SNAKE FARM)
Map
0 2252 0161; 1871 Th Phra Ram IV; adult/child 200/50B; 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-1pm Sat & Sun; air-con 507, ordinary 4, 47 & 50; Silom exit 1; Sala Daeng exit 3
Venomous snakes such as the formidable cobra, banded krait and pit viper live a peaceful and – though they probably don’t know it – altruistic existence at this institute affiliated with the Thai Red Cross. Watching them being milked of their venom (daily at 11am) or, in the case of the python, draped around tourist necks (2.30pm Monday to Friday) is such a tourist draw it has helped pay for a new serpentarium, opened in 2008.
Of course, all the fun isn’t just for the amusement of tourists. The institute was founded in 1923, when it was only the second of its kind (the first was in Brazil), and has gone on to become one of the world’s leading centres in the study of snakes. The venom collected during the milkings is used to make snake-bite antivenins, which are distributed throughout the country. The institution is named in honour of Queen Saovabha, wife of Rama V, who championed a wide variety of medical causes and education, including a school for midwives and other modern birthing practices.
It’s best to arrive 30 minutes before the advertised show time to see a video presentation about the institute and its work (usually in Thai with English subtitles). Outside show times you can stroll the small garden complex where the snakes are kept in escape-proof cages. The snakes tend to be camera shy during nonperformance times, though you could get lucky and spot a camouflaged king cobra poised to strike. If you opt to ‘wear’ a python, expect a heavy but remarkably cool and smooth sensation.
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top picks
BANGKOK FOR CHILDREN
Aside from the play centres found on the top floors of several major shopping centres, Bangkok has plenty to keep kids amused (at least until they’re exhausted by the heat). For more on bringing children to Bangkok, see Click here.
Tha Thewet (Map; Th Krung Kasem; 7am-7pm) Join the novice monks and Thai children as they throw food (bought on the pier) to thousands of flapping fish.
Fun-arium (Map; 0 2665 6555; www.funarium.co.th; 111/1 Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; adult/child under 105cm/child 105cm-13yr 90/180/300B; 8.30am-8.30pm; ) Bangkok’s largest indoor playground, with coffee and wi-fi to keep parents happy while the kids play.
Children’s Discovery Museum Fun…and they might learn something too.
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute (Snake Farm; left) Cool snake shows and a chance to touch some cool snake skin.
Museum of Siam Modern interactive museum that’s a hit with kids from ages four to 15.
Longtail Boats A deafening pick-up engine strapped to a surfboard? What kid could resist?
Wat Prayoon (Map; 24 Th Prachathipok, cnr Thetsaban Soi 1; 8am-6pm; Tha Pak Talat/Atsadang) This artificial hill beside the Memorial Bridge is cluttered with miniature shrines and a winding path that encircles a pond full of turtles.
Theme parks There are plenty to choose from.
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KUKRIT PRAMOJ HOUSE
Map
0 2286 8185; Soi 7 (Phra Phinij), Th Narathiwat Ratchankharin; adult/child 50/20B; 9.30am-5pm Sat & Sun; Chong Nonsi exit 2
Author and statesman Mom Ratchawong Kukrit Pramoj (1911–95) once resided in this charming complex now open to the public for tours. Surrounded by a manicured garden famed for its Thai bonsai trees, five teak buildings introduce visitors to traditional Thai architecture, arts and to the former resident, who wrote more than 150 books (including the highly respected Four Reigns), served as prime minister of Thailand in 1974 and ’75 and spent 20 years decorating