Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(BACC;
www.bacc.or.th
; cnr Th Phayathai & Th Phra Ram I; 10am-9pm Tue-Sat; National Stadium exit 3)
F
This large, modern building in the centre of Bangkok is the most recent and promising ad-
dition to the city's arts scene. As well as its three floors and 3000 sq metres of gallery
space, the centre also contains shops, private galleries and cafes.
SIAM OCEAN WORLD
AQUARIUM
(
www.siamoceanworld.com
;
basement, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Th Phra Ram I; adult/child 900/700B; 10am-9pm;
Siam exits 3 & 5)
More than 400 species of fish, crustaceans and even penguins populate this
vast underground facility. Diving with sharks (for a fee) is also an option if you have your
diving licence, though you'll have almost as much fun timing your trip to coincide with
the shark and penguin feedings; the former are usually at 1pm and 4pm, the latter at
12.30pm and 4.30pm; check the website for details.
JAMJUREE ART GALLERY
ART GALLERY
(Jamjuree Bldg, Chulalongkorn University, Th Phayathai; 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, noon-6pm Sat & Sun; Siam exit
2 & taxi)
F
This gallery, part of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Arts, emphasises
modern spiritual themes and brilliantly coloured abstracts from emerging student artists.
LINGAM SHRINE
MONUMENT
(Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Th Witthayu (Wireless Rd); 24hr; klorng boat to Tha Witthayu, Phloen Chit exit
1)
F
Every village-neighbourhood has a local shrine, either a sacred banyan tree tied up
with coloured scarves or a spirit house. But it isn't every day you see a phallus garden like
this lingam shrine, tucked back behind the staff quarters of the Swissôtel Nai Lert Park.
Clusters of carved stone and wooden shafts surround a spirit house and shrine built by
millionaire businessman Nai Loet to honour Jao Mae Thap Thim, a female deity thought
to reside in the old banyan tree on the site. Someone who made an offering shortly after
the shrine was built had a baby, and the shrine has received a steady stream of worship-
pers - mostly young women seeking fertility - ever since.
If facing the entrance of the hotel, follow the small concrete pathway to the right, which
winds down into the building beside the car park. The shrine is at the end of the building
next to the
klorng
.
100 TONSON GALLERY
ART GALLERY
