Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
normally perform, such as presiding over the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, changing the attire on the Emerald
Buddha and handing out academic degrees at university commencements.
Royal Etiquette
Along with nation and religion, the monarchy is highly regarded in Thai society, and negative comment about
Rama IX or any member of the royal family is a social as well as a legal taboo. For an objective English-language
biography of the king's life and accomplishments,
King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life's Work
(Editions Didier Mil-
let, 2010) is available in many Bangkok bookshops.
10
Saphan Phut Night Bazaar
On the Bangkok side of Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge), this low-key night market has
bucketloads of cheap clothes, late-night snacking and a lot of people-watching.
(
ตลาดนัดสะพานพุทธ
; Th Saphan Phut;
MARKET
8pm-midnight Tue-Sun;
Tha Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge))
11
Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha
SIKH TEMPLE
Just off Th Chakrawat is this gold-domed Sikh temple - allegedly one of the largest out-
side India. Prasada (blessed food offered to Hindu or Sikh temple attendees) is distributed
among devotees every morning around 9am, and if you arrive on a Sikh festival day, you
can partake in the
langar
(communal Sikh meal) served in the temple.
(
พระศาสนสถานคุรุดวารา
; off Th Chakrawat;
9am-5pm;
Tha Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge))
12
Holy Rosary Church
When a Portuguese contingent moved across the river to the present-day Talat Noi area of
Chinatown in 1787, they were given this piece of land and they built the Holy Rosary
Church, known in Thai as Wat Kalawan, from the Portuguese 'Calvario'. The current
structure dates back to 1898.
(
วัดแม่พระลูกประคำกาลหว่าร์
; Th Yotha; admission free;
CHURCH
Mass
7.30pm Mon-Sat, 8am, 10am & 7.30pm Sun;
Tha Marine Department)
