Arts & Shows

Siam Niramit
A showcase of Thai culture we should be very proud of, Siam Niramit is a world-class spectacular performance. It features a magnificent theatrical production that entices not only international visitors, but also many Thai spectators. Lasting for eighty minutes on a grand stage, the performance depicts life across four eras in Thai history from the Lanna Kingdom through Ayutthaya. After this historical journey, guests can enjoy an imaginative expedition through the three realms of the universe: fiery hell, blissful heaven and a stop in between to a mythical forest that separates the two. Of course, the stage presentation is indeed a feast for the eyes. More than a play, Siam Niramit is a historical, mythical, artistic and cultural voyage through Thailand’s regal history, eras and regions. Tel: 0-2649-9222.

Siam Ocean World
Thailand’s first and Southeast Asia’s largest aquatic education and entertainment center, Siam Ocean World is managed by Oceanis Australia Group, the leader in the aquarium business with more than 15 years experience. The aquarium is grandly set at the Siam Paragon, the high-end shopping destination. It features more than 30,000 aquatic creatures from 400 different species and is divided into seven zones which are Weird and Wonderful, Deep Reef, Living Ocean, Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Open Ocean and Sea Jellies. Deep Reef is one of Siam Ocean World’s most fascinating zones. It represents a broad variety of magnificent coral reefs from around the world. Siam Ocean World is located on B1 and B2 of the elegant Siam Paragon, near Siam BTS Station. Tel: 0-2687-2000.


Calypso Cabaret Show
The human being’s natural beauty lives on stage. The show constantly strips down decorations and costumes to the bare necessities. It also minimizes choreographic ambitions and creates choreographies, which highlight the specific talents and abilities of actors and actresses. Calypso does not cater to any markets or fashions or trends. The overload and without any doubt the overkill of today’s frenzies of the media world are verifying its concept of reduction. Calypso focuses on the daily training of physical stamina, daily rehearsal of the current show and new productions. If you travel to Bangkok, plan to see this transvestite show. It will give you a never-before experience. This is the revival of the art of entertainment! Beautifully Thai! Internationally renowned! Independently creative! Tel: 0-2653-3960-2.

Joe Louis Theater
This is an ideal venue to relish Hun Lakhon Lek – the art of traditional Thai puppetry. The brainchild of a famous Thai comedian, the theater stages dramas entirely acted out by puppets accompanied by traditional Thai music. Thai puppetry was nearly a forgotten art before Joe’s intervention – there had not been a Hun Lakhon Lek show in Bangkok for 50 years prior to the opening of the theater in 1985. Joe’s objective is to keep the art alive for future generations of Thais, but a number of tourists now go to see the performances. The theater is charming and entertaining. If you are an art history fanatic, this is probably something you should visit, otherwise, unless you have quite a few days to explore Bangkok, a trip to Joe Louis Theater is best combined with a visit to the Night Bazaar. Tel: 0-2252-9684.

National Theater
Located on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum, Thailand’s National Theater shows Thai classical dramas and Khon performances where players wear traditional Thai masks. These are superb productions with ornate costumes and admirable lighting. You can marvel at exhibitions of Thai classical dancing and music on the last Friday and Saturday of each month. Nevertheless, the theater does not venture into more international aspects of the medium and it is worth getting hold of their schedule. Sitting through a long Thai language production can be tough and it is feasible to see a similar production at some of Bangkok’s entertainment venues. Consequently, unless you truly are a theater devotee seeing a play at the National Theater might not be at the top of your priority list. Tel: 0-2224-1342.

Patravadi Theater
Established in 1992 by Patravadi Mejudhon, a pioneering force in Thai arts scene for more than thirty years, Patravadi Theater through the years has expanded to become a high-flying home for the performing arts in Thailand. Under its roof, the company has formed numerous acclaimed productions, founded a performing arts school, performed international exchanges, experimented arts in different media and at the same time preserved and upheld traditional arts. All these efforts are different facets of the same commitment – to develop excellence in Thai performing arts and artists. Many artists trained in Patravadi Theater have become well-known artists on their own. The theater is particularly known for its works which root in Thai traditions yet simultaneously embrace international elements.  Tel: 0-2412-7287.

Chalerm Krung Royal Theater
Otherwise known as Sala Chalerm Krung, Chalerm Krung Royal Theater is situated on New Road near the Old Siam Plaza. It accentuates the performances of Khon, traditional Thai dances which carry a storyline based on assorted aspects of Thai history and time-honored legends. Opened in 1933, the theater was erected as a royal project as well as features high-tech lighting and sound which enhance a new dimension to this classical dance art. Other Thai performing arts are also performed at the theater all year round. Khon is staged yearly during winter months and plays are staged throughout the year. Whether or not the theater guarantees a visit depends wholly on how much time you have, your interest in the theater and what is on. It is good to call first to find out the up-to-date performance schedules. Tel: 0-2225-8757-8.

Thailand Cultural Center
Set up with the goal to afford a learning opportunity to the general public, the center offers various training courses, lectures and seminars for the benefit of attaining cultural knowledge and experience. It too serves as a venue for cultural and recreational activities. Theatrical performances, traditional and international shows, concerts as well as exhibitions of arts and crafts are also presented. Besides, the center provides cultural information. Publications, audio-visual materials, cultural information displays and counseling services are available to the public. To savor local culture here, it is advised to contact the center and look for the present programs before making a journey. Admission to the center is free, but admission to the exhibitions, concerts, etc. can reach 2,000 Baht a ticket or even beyond. Tel: 0-2247-0028.