Ramkhamhaeng is a vast district that lies along Ramkhamhaeng Road, a major arterial road in eastern Bangkok. The area could be considered a suburb and is almost completely unknown to foreign travellers.Most of the venues cater to locals that have their own transport, so attractions are spread far out and it is hard to get around.
Hua Mak and Bang Kapi in the southwest are the most interesting neighbourhoods, and also the easiest to navigate through as the Saen Saep Express Boat runs right through them. These are lively areas with shopping malls and restaurants that cater to commuters and students from the universities.
Museum of Buddhism Art (พิพิธภัณฑ์พุทธศิลปะ), 104 Phattanakan Soi 40, ☎ +66 2 321-0048(-50). M-Sa 10:00-17:30. This museum features a large private collection of Buddha images and is operated by the Foundation of Thai Arts Preservation. The exhibition focuses on the art of Buddha images in accordance with Thai history. An international presentation comprising light, sound (chanting) and scent (incense) explains the information to the visitor in an air-conditioned room. Besides Buddha images and artefacts of different periods, there is also an area allocated to be a shrine and a museum dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and other major gods of various beliefs in Asia. Make contact in advance if you want to visit. 250 baht.
Prasart Museum, 9 Soi Krungthep Kritha 8 Yaek 14, ☎ +66 2 379-3601. F-Su 10:00-15:00, must call to RSVP. This eclectic museum sprawls across manicured gardens, pavilions, shrines, chapels, and even an exact replica of the teak Red Palace (built by King Rama I for his sister). On display are art and antiques from all eras of Thai history, as well books and manuscripts, and replicas of various prominent Thai architectural works. Mr. Prasart is usually around, and he and his staff will make sure you have a nice guided tour of the place. 500 baht.
Rama IX Royal Park (สวนหลวง ร. 9), Udom Suk Rd (far south along Srinagarindra Road), ☎ +66 2 328-1395. 06:00-18:00 daily. Built in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of the present HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, this is the largest public park of Bangkok. It consists of six zones: the Homage to His Majesty, the Botanical Garden, the Trapangkaew Resevoir, the Rommaniya Garden, the Sanam Rasdara and the Water Garden. It is very very deep down the sois of Sukhumvit, so its best to stop over a taxi to find it. 10 baht.
Wat Thep Lila (วัดเทพลีลา), Ramkhamhaeng Soi 41 (Wat Thepleela pier; at the end of Soi 41). One of the few temples in the Ramkhamhaeng area, this is a local temple that shows how the local inhabitants practice Buddhism. It is a big compound, which is fairly lively with people praying and showing respect to the Buddha statues. It was built in 1842 during the reign of King Nangklao (King Rama III). At that time, the temple was known as Wat Tuek or Wat Tuek Khlong Ton. Saen Saep Canal was dug for transporting troops and weapons to Cambodia. During digging work, Pang Lila was found at this location, a 1.2 meters tall Sukhothai-style walking Buddha image. The temple was renamed to Wat Theplila during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
Major Cineplex Bangkapi, 3F, Lotus Supercenter, 3109 Lat Phrao Rd (The Mall Bangkapi pier), ☎ +66 2 378-2435(-7). M-F 10:00-00:00, Sa-Su 09:00-00:00. 60-220 baht.
Major Cineplex Ramkhamhaeng, 73 Ramkhamhaeng Rd (Ramkhamhaeng.29 pier), ☎ +66 2 319-3036(-8). 10:30-00:00 daily. One of the Major Cineplex chain of cinemas, this is a fairly modern branch that is close to Ramkhamhaeng University. English movies are shown, and Thai movies have subtitles in English. There are plenty of shops and places to eat around if you want to kill time till your movie begins. 170 baht.
Safari World (ซาฟารีเวิลด์), 99 Panyaintra Rd, ☎ +66 2 518-1000(-19). M-F 09:00-16:30, Sa-Su, hols 09:00-17:30. Safari World is Bangkok’s greatest open zoo and leisure park. The 300-acre complex comprises a safari park that is populated by African and Asian mammals, a marine park with amusing performances of well-trained dolphins and seals, a bird park and a games corner. 700 baht.
Siam Park City (สวนสยาม), Sukhaphiban 2 Rd, ☎ +66 2 919-7200(-19). 10:00-18:00 daily. This water amusement park contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Satellite attractions include children’s playgrounds, aviaries, an open zoo and a botanical garden. 200 baht.