The Museum Route: Museum Weekend Stroll offers free parking at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, where participants can board a free shuttle van and tour the area at their own pace.
Stops include: King Prajadhipok Museum (10am-6pm, free entry), Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (5:20pm, 5:40pm and 6pm, free entry) and Ratchadamnoen Contemporary Art Center (10am-6pm, free entry). The Parliament of Thailand Permanent Exhibition (10am-6pm, free entry) and the Thai Cabinet Museum and Royal Thai Decorations and Awards Museum (10am-6pm, free entry) are also within easy walking distance.
Buses run every 20 minutes from 10am-6pm every weekend from now through September. Special rounds will take place this Jul 30-31, where buses will run from 10am-9pm. Just in time for you to make merit ahead of the Khao Punsa Day, complete the Rattanakosin experience by visiting the temples within the vicinity. Highlights include: Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (Golden Mount Temple), Wat Ratchanatorram (Loha Prasat) and Wat Thepthidaram Woravihara.
Other local gems worth checking out include: Rimkhobfa Bookstore (02-622-3510-1), and local eateries like the infamous late night Pad Thai Thipsamai, the Chinese-style Kopi Hya Tai Kee Coffee and Breakfast, the traditional Thai cuisine and coconut ice-cream at Krua Apsorn, noodles at Sor Nah Wang, and milky drinks and desserts at Mont Nomsod.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Bangkok City Hall, 173 Dinso Rd., 02-221-2142.
