THEME PARKS
For visitors travelling.with chirdren, there are several diverting theme parks
and similar attractions for a day's outing. Most arec located near Bangkok
 but two are convenien to the popular beach resort of Pattaya resort on
the Gulf of Thialand.
Magicland (72 Phahonyothin
Road, near the Central Plaza Hotel, Bangkok) The largest amusement park
inAsia outside ofjapan, this offers more than 30 thrilling rides, including
an upside down roller coaster and a ghost house, as well as a Sleeping
Beauty Castle, a variety of restaurants, a dinosaur exhibit, and a children's
playground. Open weekdays from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. and on weekends from 9.30
A.M. to 7 P.M. The Thai name for the park is Dan Neramit, which will probably
be more recognizable to a taxi driver than the English version.
Dream World(Km. 7,
Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok). Recently opened on the outskirts of Bangkok near
the airport, this is a large amusement park on the lines of Disneyland.
Attractions include Dream World Plaza, with various kinds of European architecture
and amusements for children; Dream Garden, with a lake, rides, and models
of the seven wonders of the world; F.antasy Land, with a variety of rides;
and Adventure Land, where the fun ranges from bump cars to a hanging roller
coaster. Open weekdays from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. and on weekends from 10 A.M.
to 7 P.M.
Siam Park (99 Sukhapiban
2 Road, Bungkum, Bangkok) A combined amusement and water park, this features
alake with beaches and man-made waves, a riverlike flowpool, and several
long, exciting water slides, as well as rides, a Dinotopia with more than
10 automated dinosaurs, an open zoo, and children's play-grounds. Special
Thai cultural shows are held from time to time in an amphitheater.
Safari World (99
 Ramindra 1, Min Buri, Bangkok) A spacious park divided into two areas,
this has one part displaying a large collection of wild animals such as
lions, tigers. giraffes,
elephants, and others in nest and another devoted
to marine animals. A tram service is available for easy touring. Open daily
from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
The Ancient City
(Samut Prakan). Located near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, about
an hour's drive from Bangkok, this offers a mini-tour of historic Thailand
on a 200-acre site laid out like a map of the country. Some of the structures
are scale replicas of famous buildings and monuments, while others such
as a traditional village on water are originals collected from the countryside.
Open daily from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
The Rose Garden (Phet
Kasem Road, 20 miles west of Bangkok). This landscaped resort does indeed
contain roses, which thrive in the fresh country air, as well as many other
ornamental plants. It also has two swimming pools, a hotel, rice-barge
cruises along the Tachin River, and a chance to ride a docile elephant.
Daily at 3 P.M. there is a Thai cultural show that includes Thai-style
boxing, sword fighting, and elephants at work. Open daily from 8 A.M. to
6 P.M.
Pattaya Park
(345 Jomtien Beach, Pattaya). A water theme park, this has a number
of exciting slides andflumes as well as swimming facilities and other diversions.
Open daily from 9 A.M. - 6 P.M. Bangkok Office Tel: 511-0717, 511-4778
Pattaya Office: Tel: (038) 251-201-8
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