“Experience The Best of Rattanakosin in a Day” at Bangkok's Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

[Nicholas Snow]

Nicholas Snow in a self-portrait.

A must-see for locals and tourists alike

After living in Thailand for years I reluctantly admit that I have barely scratched the surface in terms of experiencing everything that Thailand has to offer. However, on August 17, 2010, I really did "experience the best of Rattanakosin" with media colleagues and members of the marketing team of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, after which we went for a great riverside lunch at S&P Restaurant at the Majaraj Pier, followed by a visit to the Arts of the Kingdom V exhibit at the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.

Experience the day vicariously right here at NotesFromThailand.com, and repeat it in the real world at your leisure. Below you'll find my photos of the day along with everything you'll want to know about the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall.

Photos were not allowed inside the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (pictured above), but I have some nice exterior shots for you and I highly recommend a visit to their web site for a tour before you visit in person yourself!

Love reading about and sharing about Thailand? Join our very special fan page at Facebook.com/VisitThailand!

...Nicholas Snow, Publisher


“Experience The Best of Rattanakosin in a Day”

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, located next to Mahajesadabodintr Pavilion Court on Ratchadamneon Klang Road, represents a momentous milestone in which a wide range of invaluable, historical accounts on Rattanakosin era are properly compiled and maintained in such a never-before-seen fashion whilst availing itself of modern, realistic state-of-the-art multimedia technologies that have proven of great service to its museum but for the first time in Kingdom of Thailand. And thanks to the panoramic view technological developments, visitors could afford such an inextirpable, cordial audiovisual experience as if residing in real-life events taking place two centuries ago, as well as an opportunity to interact and benefit from the strategic emphasis of the interactive self learning technique.

Objectives of Establishment

•To serve as learning center and source of knowledge of history, arts and culture in re Rattanakosin era available in such an extensive range, as well as a new tourist attraction on Ratchadamneon Road.

•To inspire a sense of nationalism in the hearts of Thai people, especially the youth, so that Thailand’s national grandeur, national heritage, etc. remain safe en passant from one generation before to another to come, based upon royal patronage of Thai monarchical institute, thus allowing for interminable progression and prosperity to the present days.

•To serve as center for participation by people from all walks of life including students, academicians, as well as the nearby communities.

•To serve as a longstanding threshold to safe and sound development and proliferation among communities, society at large and its environment.

•To serve as a symbol of pride and joy in the heart of the entire Siamese nation before the Eye of the World Commune.

“Krung Rattanakosin,” such a great name of the capital city of Kingdom of Siam (Thailand) ever since its origin circa 1782, is now commonly known as “Bangkok”.

Ever since the dawn of its day, artistic and cultural civilizations have been cultivated and passed on to see no end within the embrace of Krung Rattanakosin so that renowned beauty and elegance resembling the most invaluable Siamese gemstones known to mankind is shining through in its multiple fascinating facets upon this great capital city of Thailand.


Nitas Rattanakosin ( Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall) showcases a variety of Rattanakosin era’s many an account in these following poetic-titled exhibition rooms:

1) Grandeur Rattanakosin Room
2) Prestige of the Kingdom
3) Remarkable Entertainments
4) Renowned Ceremonies
5) Graceful Architectures
6) Impressive Communities
7) Sight-seeing Highlights

Grandeur Rattanakosin

Traveling back through the sands of time to the inaugural occasion of Rattanakosin era, one may well be rejoicing over the pleasure of “four-dimensional” multimedia spectacles, namely audiovisuals, as well as scent and the touch, by which commendably showcase the birth of Krung Rattanakosin, which has proven as majestic as the former capital city of Krung Sri Ayutthaya, thanks to wisdom and ingenuity of His Majesty King Rama I, the fount of House of Chakri.

Prestige of the Kingdom

Prestige of the Kingdom showcases the majestic grandeur of the Grand Palace according to the Thai traditional belief of deity-like monarchy witnessed through the great epitome of several architectures and objects of art, as well as the historical account of the Emerald Buddha image, the Temple of Emerald Buddha, and information on royal court livelihood as following:

Prestige of the Land

In waiting are the most perfect Grand Palace replica in Thailand, the reenactment of many selected episodes of grandeur, proliferation and evolution of the Grand Palace, the symbol of prestige of the land.

Arts in the Grand Palace

Here shines the light of objects of art and architectures showcased in the Grand Palace, Phra Maha Prasart Royal Throne Hall, etc., all these national heritages available for public appreciation and self-education.

The Legend of the Emerald Buddha Image

Enjoy the fullest audiovisual experience in the animation titled “The Legend of the Emerald Buddha,” as well as special techniques, allowing for the pleasure of enjoying all three-season Emerald Buddha images at one similar time, for the first time in Thailand.

Remarkable Entertainments

Here lies the fount of various Thai traditional entertainment forms over the course of earlier Rattanakosin era, as well as their origin, development and evolution into several branches of pleasurable beauty.

Panoramic Entertainment

A touch of Thai traditional entertainment forms reenacted in such a unique panoramic view that is second to none.

Entertainment of the Era

Come and learn about the origin and stories of various kinds of Thai traditional entertainments, especially those originally born of the traditional dance and performing arts and developed into the nation’s pride and joy such as “Khon,” “Lakorn” (Play), and “Hoon” (puppet), while enjoying the opportunity “to do it yourself” in the following:

-Interactive media (to learn the Kohn gestures).
-Watching the special version of “Ramayana” animation, as well as other rare vdo clips.
-Watching the royal-court puppet shows which showcase the Thai traditional wisdom that would otherwise have died down for a gradually fewer number of professional human manipulators.
-Small puppet shows – especially performed “by yourself”!
-Others.

Evolution of Thai Traditional Entertainments

Last but not least, the evolution of Thai traditional entertainments throughout Rattanakosin era commencing from threshold of the Era.

Renowned Ceremonies

Showcasing the origin and historical significance of certain traditional ceremonies, as well as information on major royal events (ceremonies) during Rattanakosin era.
 Meaningful Significance of Royal Ceremonies

Under His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej’s royal command, certain renowned royal ceremonies have been reestablished as part of the long history of Thai traditional wisdom and for the prosperity of the land.

Royal Ceremonies

Several royal images of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej during the royal ceremonies in practice throughout different periods of time to the present days – these royal ceremonies, truth be told, have been put into practice ever since the reign of King Rama I.

Popular Ceremonies

Enjoying the state-of-the-art three-dimensional presentations of royal ceremonies performed under the royal command of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej in light of the benefits of the Thai subjects, namely the Farmer Ceremony, done so as to provide the Thai agriculturists – Backbone of the Nation -- with morale support, as well as the magnificence of the royal watercraft, while appreciating an incessant torrent of HM’s benevolence.

Graceful Architectures

The architectural symbols of Siam – palaces, temple and residences of Rattanakosin – are herewith presented, including the evolution in accordance to the environs, technological development, and cross-cultural factors, all of which make for the present-day Rattanakosin architectural forms.

Impressive Communities

The entire knowledge of the origin and identity of Rattanakosin island communities is but a few steps away! Start walking at one’s own pace and simply learn more of the communities from the beautiful lines in presence along the way while enjoying the sight of communities’ rarities here.

Sight-seeing Highlights

Highlighting herewith many places of interest on Rattanakosin island in several kinds including amazing architectures, popular parks, highly recommended museums, shopping districts and restaurants of choice, as well as famous nightspots, each unique to its own.

Voila! DO NOT miss the following unforgettable experience!

For the first time “you”, too, CAN become the main character in an animation while traveling over this wonderful capital city under the former name: Rattanakosin.

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is open daily except Mondays. Following are the business date and time, as well as services in detail:

•From Tuesdays to Fridays open from 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
•On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and national holidays open from 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
•Entrance Fees.

oAdult: Baht 200 (for both Thai and foreign visitors).
oChildren: Baht 50.
oFree of charge: For Students in uniform or with student card, monks, and/or novices.

•Rattanakosin Library carries rare books and some invaluable publications, as well as an extensive range of Krung Rattanakosin knowledge and information; service is available with the following guideline:

oAnnual membership: Thai Baht 100 (per person) for free entrance and service throughout the membership period.
oDaily Entrance Fee for non-member: Thai Baht 20 (per person).
oFree of charge: For Students in uniform or with student card, monks, and/or novices.

•Additional in-house features and services also include:

oMultipurpose Hall, with 300 sq-m size, good for exhibitions and activities throughout the year.
oObservatory Point, on the 4th floor, good for enjoying the panoramic view of Ratchadamneon Road, as well as surrounding, amazing architectures in such a never-before-seen fashion, while spending one’s quality time over a cup of afternoon tea served by True Coffee.
oFood and drink service, souvenir shops, etc. including those from the Art and Vocational Center, Coffee Bean by Dao, as well as those with souvenir and goods herewith available.

For more information please contact Public Relations and Marketing Division, Nitas Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, is located at 100 Ratchadamneon Klang Road, Bowornnives Sub-district, Phra nakorn District Bangkok 10200. Telephone number: [phone]. Facsimile number: [phone]. Or www.nitasrattanakosin.com

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall
“Experience The Best of Rattanakosin in a Day”