Ramkhamhaeng (รามคำแหง) is a district of the city of Bangkok.
To know
Ramkhamhaeng is a large district that extends around Ramkhamhaeng Road, one of the main thoroughfares in the eastern part of Bangkok. The area can be considered a suburb and mostly unknown to foreign tourists, with the exception of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Most of the places of interest are scattered around the district and are not easily accessible by public transport or on foot, as mentioned, the area is mostly frequented by Thais who own their own vehicle. Hua Mak and Bang Kapi (in the southwestern part of the district) are the most interesting and easiest to visit neighborhoods covered by the "Saen Saep Express Boat" express ferry service. In these neighborhoods there are shopping malls and restaurants that mostly attract commuters and college students.
How to orient yourself
Ramkhamhaeng: full screen map.The eastern part of Bangkok is practically synonymous with Ramkhamhaeng Road, a major thoroughfare that becomes congested every morning and every evening. The increase in the value of properties a Sukhumvit made this district more interesting for foreigners who want to live in the city, seeing a foreigner in Ramkhamhaeng is quite rare anyway. With an overall length of 18km, Ramkhamhaeng Road begins at nearby Phetchaburi Road Sukhumvit and ends at the intersection with Suwinthawong Road (in the Min Buri neighborhood, northeastern part of the city).
The southwestern part is known as Hua Mak, the neighborhood that houses Ramkhamhaeng University. "RU", as it is commonly called, was opened in 1971 as Thailand's first free-access university and has had a huge number of students ever since. Official statistics count half a million inhabitants in the district, almost all of them students. Thanks to the university, the neighborhood has acquired a more liveable atmosphere and aspect. with many student shops and restaurants at Ramkhamhaeng Mall. The Rajamangala stadium is also located here. Completed in 1998 it played an important role in the Asian Games of the same year and in the AFC Asian Cup of 2007. It is the stadium of home of the Thai national team.
The intersection with Srinagarindra Road is known as Lam Sali. Going north from the intersection you will reach Lat Phrao Road which marks the beginning of the neighborhood Bang Kapi, very similar to Hua Mak, with many council houses, but there are more commuters here than students. Bangkapi Mall has stolen the hearts of the locals and is very popular.
At the eastern end of Ramkhamhaeng Road you can see rice paddies and grazing goats and buffaloes. The road ends in the district of Min Buri with a majority of Muslim population with shops and mosques.
There really isn't much to do here for foreigners: attractions are few and far between, and the shopping malls are not comparable to those in other districts. In a Bangkok itinerary it can be skipped, but it is interesting if you want to see how and where most people live.
Thanks to'Suvarnabhumi Airport, where most international flights will land, the area will develop. To date, several hotels have opened along Lat Krabang Road in an attempt to intercept those who stop by the airport or have a flight very early in the morning.
How to get
Bangkok and its congested commercial districts, including Ramkhamhaeng Road, are difficult to navigate by car. For this the best way to reach the area is by boat. Service Saen Saep Express Boat serves the homonymous channel, without having to worry about traffic. The service runs approximately every 5-10 minutes and the canal runs parallel to Ramkhamhaeng Road, with many stops along the way.
It is a fast and inexpensive means of transport as a single ride costs around 10-20 baht (depending on the distance traveled). The main stops are The Mall Ram (in Hua Mak) e The Mall Bangkapi, both served by the NIDA line (which starts at Pratunam and goes northeast to Wat Sriboonreung). The line is served with 100 boats with 40-50 seats and is in operation from 5:30 to 20:30. Most of the piers have signs in English except The Mall Ram. For safety, if you have to get off here, ask the staff because it is not clear from the boat if you have arrived.
Be careful not to sit on the outermost seats of the boat as you may be splashed with water from the canal (which is heavily polluted). If you sit near the parapet there should be a string that is used to lift the plastic sheet to protect yourself from splashes and rain and it is the job of those who sit to keep it up, it is a fairly normal thing that you will see the locals doing as well. all tranquility. To avoid being smoked by the engine exhausts it is best to sit in the bow. They don't pay much attention to safety here, so you have to be very careful when getting on and off the boat. During rush hour you have to push yourself to get a seat on board. It is not a romantic experience to do at sunset, it is a noisy and dirty means of transport but it is really worth using it and trying the local experience.
By public transport
Opened in August 2010, theAirport Rail Link it is an alternative way to reach the area. The line has one stop Ramkhamhaeng, at the southwestern end of the district, at the beginning of Ramkhamhaeng Road. There is a direct service to Suvarnabhumi Airport in the east, such as from Phaya Thai, Ratchaprarop and Makkasan stations located in the west.
By bus
Reaching Ramkhamhaeng by bus can be difficult, but also a cheap way to get around this part of the city. Be prepared for a long journey and be prepared to ask a local for information on where to get off: getting lost in traffic is very easy. An important line is the bus 40, which departs from Hualampong station to pass Rama IV Road, Phaya Thai Road, Siam Square, Sukhumvit, Pridi Phanomyong Road and Ramkhamhaeng Road with The Mall Ramkhamhaeng as a final destination.
How to get around
As already mentioned, getting around the neighborhood can be quite difficult. Locals use their own vehicles to visit attractions that are too far from ports or ARL stations. Of course, taxis are plentiful, but long and expensive journeys are to be expected (especially during rush hour). Buses are cheaper, but without a good transport map you risk getting lost. The buses 58 is 113 depart from Makkasan Station via Phetchaburi Road and Ramkhamhaeng Road. Both are useful lines for reaching the district as they travel Ramkhamhaeng Road from Hua Mak (southwest) to Min Buri (northeast).
What see
- 1 Buddhist art museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ พุทธ ศิลปะ), 104 Phattanakan Soi 40, ☎ 66 2 321 0048, 66 2 321 0050, @[email protected].
250 baht. 
Mon-Sat 10: 00-17: 30. Book in advance. This museum has a large private collection of Buddha images. It is managed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Thai Arts. The exhibit focuses on the art of Buddha images in combination with Thai history. An international presentation with lights, sounds (song) and perfume (incense) explains the information to the visitor in an air-conditioned room. In addition to Buddha images and artifacts from different periods, there is also an area intended to be a shrine and museum dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and other great deities of various Asian creeds. - 2 Prasart Museum, 9 Soi Krungthep Kritha 8 Yaek 14, ☎ 66 2 379 3601. 500 baht. Fri-Sun 10: 00-15: 00, by appointment. This eclectic museum spans 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 works of art and antiques from all eras of Thai history, as well as books and manuscripts and replicas of important Thai architectural works. Mr. Prasart is usually around and together with the service staff will take care of having a nice sightseeing tour.
- 3 Royal Park Rama IX (สวนหลวง ร. 9), Udom Suk Road (Udom Suk BTS Station, then taxi), ☎ 66 2 328 1395. 10 baht. Mon-Sun 05: 00-18: 00. Built in 1987 to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday, it is Bangkok's largest public park. It consists of six areas: the homage to His Majesty, the botanical garden, the Trapangkaew Reserve, the Rommaniya Garden, the Sanam Rasdara and the Water Garden.
- 4 Wat Thep Lila temple (วัด เทพลีลา), Ramkhamhaeng Soi 41 (pier at Thepleela; at the end of Soi 41). One of the few temples in the Ramkhamhaeng area. This is an area temple that shows how the locals practice Buddhism. It is a large complex which is quite lively with people praying 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. The Saen Saep canal was dug for the transport of troops and weapons to Cambodia. During the excavations, the Pang Lila, a 1.2 meter high statue of the Buddha, was found here. The temple was renamed Wat Theplila during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.
250 baht. 
Mon-Sat 10: 00-17: 30. Book in advance. This museum has a large private collection of Buddha images. It is managed by the Foundation for the Conservation of Thai Arts. The exhibit focuses on the art of Buddha images in combination with Thai history. An international presentation with lights, sounds (song) and perfume (incense) explains the information to the visitor in an air-conditioned room. In addition to Buddha images and artifacts from different periods, there is also an area intended to be a shrine and museum dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and other great deities of various Asian creeds.What to do
- 1 Lagoon fantasy, 3522 Lat Phrao Road (The Mall Bangkapi pier of the Saen Saep Express Boat service, on the roof of The Mall Bangkapi), ☎ 66 2 173 1000. 100-120 baht. Mon-Ver 10: 30-22: 00; Sat-Sun and holidays 10: 00-22: 00. A water park with a swimming pool, slides for the little ones and a lazy river. It appears to be better maintained than Siam Park City's water park, which has much higher prices for foreigners. Good option if your hotel doesn't have a swimming pool and you still want to take a dip.
- 2 Major Cineplex Bangkapi, 3rd floor, Lotus Supercenter, 3109 Lat Phrao Road (pier The Mall Bangkapi), ☎ 66 2 378 2435, 66 2 378 2437. 60-220 baht. Mon-Fri 10: 00-00: 00; Sat-Sun 09: 00-00: 00.
- 3 Major Cineplex Ramkhamhaeng, 73 Ramkhamhaeng Road (Ramkhamhaeng pier 29), ☎ 66 2 319 3036, 66 2 319 3038. 120 baht. Mon-Sun 10: 30-00: 00. One of the major multiplex cinema chains, this is a modern cinema near Ramkhamhaeng University. Both English and Thai films with English subtitles are shown. There are numerous shops and places to eat something while waiting for the movie to start.
- 4 Safari World (ซาฟารี เวิลด์), 99 Panyaintra Road (bus 26, 60, 71, 96 or 501, get off at Fashion Island and take a taxi to Safari World), ☎ 66 2 518 1000. Combined ticket price: adults 900 baht, children 550 baht. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00. Safari World is Bangkok's largest zoo. The 300-acre complex features a safari park with African and Asian mammals, a marine park with fun shows of well-trained dolphins and seals, a bird park, and a play corner. There are separate tickets between the safari park and the marine park.
- 5 Siam Park City (สวนสยาม), 203 Suan Siam Road, ☎ 66 2 919 7200, 66 2 919 7219, @[email protected]. 120-1000 baht. Mon-Sun 10: 00-18: 00. Water fun park with a large swimming pool and slides. Much of the park area is covered with rides and a dinosaur exhibit. Foreigners have to pay a higher ticket than Thais.
Meditation courses
- 6 Wat Prayong Gittivararam Buddhist Meditation Center (Wat Prayong Gittivararam International Buddhist Meditation Center), Khlong Sip Song, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530.
Shopping
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There are numerous shopping centers in the area, the ones indicated are the best for finding what you need every day. If you want to spend a little, an excellent option is the market of road that stretches for kilometers along Ramkhamhaeng Road from The Mall Ramkhamhaeng 3. Many stalls only open at 6 pm, so if you want to see the market at its peak, the ideal time is 7 pm. clothes and accessories, it is certainly suggestive.
- 1 [link previously not working]Central Power Center Huamark, 177 Ramkhamhaeng Rd (Between Ramkhamhaeng Soi 27 and 29). Mon-Sun 09: 00-23: 00. Another fairly lively shopping center but not as crowded as the ones in the center. It looks a little old, but it's still a good choice as the prices are considerably cheaper than in the The Mall. As usual, most products, including clothes, accessories, bags, beauty products, and cell phones, are aimed at 20-somethings.
- 2 Fashion Island (แฟชั่น ไอ ส์ แลนด์), 587-589 Ram Intra Rd (bus 26, 60, 71, 95 or 501). Mon-Fri 11: 00-21: 00, Sat-Sun 10: 00-21: 00. A large shopping center which, as its name indicates, focuses mainly on fashion shops. But it contains not only clothing and shoe stores, but also bookstores and jewelry and furniture stores. There are also common chains of restaurants, cafes and cinemas, as well as the Robinson department store. There is also an amusement park with an ice skating rink and a monorail that goes around the mall.
- 3 The Mall Ramkhamhaeng 2, 144 Ramkhamhaeng Rd (pier The Mall Ram). Mon-Fri 10: 30-22: 00; Sat-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. This complex consists of two separate shopping centers, The Mall 3 on the north side of Ramkhamhaeng Road and The Mall 2 on the south side, connected by a pedestrian bridge over the road. It is the right place to eat, for example a Home Fresh Mart or other chains like McDonald's.
- 4 The Mall Ramkhamhaeng 3, 49 Ramkhamhaeng Rd (pier The Mall Ram). Mon-Fri 10: 30-22: 00; Sat-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. Generic and not very interesting mall: everything on sale here can be bought in other parts of the city as well (and probably for a lower price). Opened in 1986 it is therefore older than The Mall Bangkapi, the prices are slightly cheaper. In the mall there are clothing stores, electronics and restaurants from international chains such as KFC, and there always seems to be some discounted clothes in the common space on the ground floor. Of course there are also the usual DVD and book shops. There are only a few escalators so be prepared to walk upstairs.
- 5 The Mall Bangkapi (เดอะมอลล์ บางกะปิ), 3522 Lat Phrao Rd (Mall Bangkapi pier of the Saen Saep Express Boat service). Mon-Fri 10: 30-22: 00; Sat-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. A huge shopping mall that looks like it has just been built, even if it dates back to 1994, bright white with 4 floors, of shops from all the big chains. Thais love it and come in droves but for tourists invence is nothing special even though it is a vibrant area of commuters coming and going.
How to have fun
There are many coffee shops and chains in the shopping centers, some gay bars are clustered in the street Ramkhamhaeng Soi 89/2 near the Lam Sali intersection, very popular with Ramkhamhaeng University students.
Bars and pubs
- 1 The Londoner, 1178 Pattanakarn Road, Kwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang (Phrom Phong BTS Station), ☎ 66 2 0220 8025. Mon-Sun 11: 00-01: 00. The only pub in Thailand where they produce their own beer. Aimed at western tourists and immigrants, it has a good atmosphere for watching sports and a happy hour between 4pm and 7pm. "Quiz night" every Tuesday at 20:00. Free Wi-Fi connection
Where to eat
If you are looking for a quick snack, most of the soi in this area have stalls that serve food for 50 baht or less. Prices are particularly low as they are aimed primarily at locals. All three shopping malls The Mall they have a great selection of restaurant chains in all shapes and sizes.
Moderate prices
- 1 Chlorophyll Bar and Grill, 82 Lat Phrao Soi 64 (Just inside the soi coming from Lat Phrao Road [the geodata are approximate]), ☎ 66 8 707 0268. Bali inspired restaurant with a picturesque garden. They serve Thai and Japanese food and sometimes there are musicians on the weekends as well.
- 2 Min Buri Market, Sihaburanukit Soi 15/1. Mon-Sun 08: 00-20: 00. A local market with many stalls of Thai-Muslim food at very low prices to eat both on the spot and to take away.
- 3 Na Phra Ram Market 9 (ตลาดนัด พระราม เก้า), Ramkhamhaeng Road (ARL Ramkhamhaeng station, just south of the intersection with Rama IX Road [geodata are approximate]). A simple food market on the south end of Ramkhamhaeng Road. It seems that the evening is the best time to hang out, when commuters on their way home stop for snacks from the street vendors. You can buy many varieties of satay, fish, rice and more.
- 4 The Nine Center, Corporate Center 999 Building, 999 / 1-4 Rama IX Road (10 minutes by taxi east from the Ramkhamhaeng-Rama IX intersection), ☎ 66 2 716 7999. 00:00-24:00. A new shopping mall for the local community with a selection of restaurants. You can sample Thai, Chinese or Japanese food as well as American steaks, noodles or fast food. If you just want a drink, there are various cafes.
- 5 Power Food Center, GF, Central Power Center Huamark, 177 Ramkhamhaeng Road (Between Ramkhamhaeng Soi 27 and 29), ☎ 66 2 718 6000. 45-70 baht. Mon-Sun 09: 00-23: 00. This is the food court of the Central Power Center mall and it's good. There are about a dozen different counters offering different types of food, including Japanese, Thai, European and a drinks counter. It works with the coupon system that must be purchased first at the special hut, after which you can spend at each counter that surrounds the area where you sit. Recommended for those on a budget.
Average prices
- 6 Sinthorn Steak House, 3331/2 Ramkhamhaeng Road (Between soi 85 and 87, near the intersection with Lam Sali), ☎ 66 2 377 7322. 300-1,000 baht. Mon-Sun 11: 00-23: 00. It is said to be the largest halal restaurant in Thailand although they also serve American-style steaks, European-style, Italian, Thai food and from 4pm a Korean-style buffet.
Where stay
The western part of Ramkhamhaeng Road has become famous among western immigrants as rents are cheaper than in Sukhumvit is Siam Square, and the Saen Saep Express Boat express ferry service takes you to the aforementioned districts in about 20 minutes. Other than that it is a long taxi ride to get to the center though.
There are still few accommodations near the new Suvarnabhumi Airport although the construction project of mammoth hotels has already been launched. Day hotels for transit passengers are available at the 'Miracle Grand Louis Tavern' in section "G" of the 4th floor (Tel 66 6 317-2211, 2000 baht for 4-hours, no reservations possible). Those who find themselves in a position to spend the night at the airport without wanting to spend a penny could go to the prayer rooms.
The counter of the Thai Tourist Board is located on the 2nd floor. Other agencies with hotel reservation services are located nearby. They generally offer special promotions accompanied by shuttle services to the hotel, useful services if you arrive late at night and fall asleep.
Moderate prices
- 1 Bangkok Rama Hotel, 1546 Phatthanakan Road (Between Phatthanakan Soi 48 and 50), ☎ 66 2 722 6612. 575 baht. Cable television, refrigerator, radio and telephone.
- 2 Sananwan Palace, 11/18 moo 11. Sukapibarn Road 5, Bangpli Yai, ☎ 66 2 752 1658, 66 818644615. About 600 baht. A family-run hotel complete with a swimming pool, TV and fast internet connection. Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from the airport.
- 3 Queen's Garden Resort, 44 Soi 7, Suvarnabhumi, Lat Krabang, ☎ 66 2 734 45403, fax: 66 2 734 4542, @[email protected]. From 900 Baht. This hotel is 5-10 minutes from the airport. Located on the banks of a river overlooking the Krabang temple.
- 4 [link previously not working]Nasa Vegas Hotel, 44 Ramkhamhaeng Road, ☎ 66 2 7199888, fax: 66 2 7199899. From 590 baht. 15 minutes from the airport.
- 5 [link not working]Ratchana Place, 199 Moo 4, Soi Wat Sirisaothong, Bangna Trad Highway KM 26, Bangbo, Samutprakan, ☎ 66 2 313 44809, @[email protected]. 350/700 baht. About 15/20 minutes from the airport.
Average prices
- 6 JL Bangkok, 5 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 23 (pier The Mall Ram), ☎ 66 2 369 2407, 66 2 369 2409. 1,400-2,200 baht. Very nice and well-kept accommodation with a friendly atmosphere. Just one minute from the nearby night market and shopping malls. It is 23km from the airport, so not particularly close. The cost of accommodation includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi internet connection.
- 7 King Park Avenue Hotel, 69 soi Srinarin 40 Srinakarin Road (Take the taxi or bus 553. It is close to the Royal Park Rama IX), ☎ 66 2 748 1035, 66 2 748 1049. 2,300-4,500 baht. A 15-20 minute car ride from the airport. Nearby there are shopping centers and a large park but otherwise it is very far from the center. It has recently been refurbished and the rooms are good with comfortable beds, the breakfast is good and the staff are friendly.
- 8 MetroPoint Bangkok Hotel (เมโทร พ้อ ย ท์ กรุงเทพ), 666 Lat Phrao Soi 130 (Wat Klang pier), ☎ 66 2 138 7777, fax: 66 2 138 7778. 1,900-3,500 baht. About 22km away from the airport but close to the lively Bang Kapi district and Bangkapi shopping center. All 172 rooms are non-smoking with private terraces and free Wi-Fi internet access.
- 9 [link previously not working]Nasa Vegas Hotel (โรงแรม นา ซ่า เว กั ส), 44 Ramkhamhaeng Road (ARL Ramkhamhaeng Station), ☎ 66 2 719 9888. 890-2.900 baht. Walking down this street it is impossible not to see this huge hotel. The rooms are a bit small and the furniture is a bit dated but they are clean and good value for money. It is not close to the airport but it is close to ARL Ramkhamhaeng station which takes you there in 20 minutes. The only negative is that the railway runs right next to the hotel so the rooms are noisy.
- 10 Grand Inn Come Hotel, 99 Moo 6, Kingkaew Road, Rachataeva, Bangplee, Samutprakan, ☎ 66 2 738 81913. 1,200 / 2,000 baht. Approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi from the airport. Right in front is the 553 bus stop.
- 11 Havana Hotel, 23/1 Moo 12 Soi 14/1, Bangna-Trad Road, ☎ 66 2 7632900. 1,200 / 3,000 baht. A 3-star hotel about half an hour by taxi from the airport.
High prices
- 12 Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Suvarnabhumi Airport, ☎ 66 2 131 1111, @[email protected]. From 3,500 baht. For the moment it is the closest hotel to the airport, connected by a pedestrian bridge and a free shuttle service.
- 13 Royal Princess Srinakarin, 905 Moo 6, Srinakarin Road, Nongbon, Pravet, ☎ 66 2 728400, fax: 66 2 721 8432. From 3,500 baht. 20-30 minutes by taxi from the airport.
How to keep in touch
Internet
Most hotels have free Wi-Fi internet access. Getting off the road sign is difficult but you can try the malls. There is one Starbucks with paid internet in the shopping center The Mall Bangkapi. If you don't want to pay there is free connection atAssumption University on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 16 (Hua Mak). If it happens to be in the suburbs too Fashion Island has free connection but you have to register to get a username and password, you connect to http://www.fashionisland.co.th and follow the instructions.
