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A contemporary arts scene is relatively new to Thailand, but the last decade has seen great changes in the fine arts: artists are branching out into all kinds of media, and modern sculpture and artworks can be found in office buildings, parks, and public spaces. Music options range from piano concertos and symphonies to rock concerts and blues-and-jazz festivals.
Bangkok offers a variety of theater and dance performances, among them traditional puppet shows and masked dance dramas known as khon. For Thais, classical dance is more than graceful movements. The dances depict tales from the religious epic Ramakien. Performances are accompanied by a woodwind called the piphat, which sounds like an oboe, as well as a range of percussion instruments. In addition to conventional theaters, many restaurants present classical dance.
This block-size complex, open daily from 11 to 11:30, presents classical dance performances and has a restaurant that serves all the Thai favorites. It appeals largely to foreigners, but also draws some Thais, too.
A former student at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris designed this theater, which opened in 1933, in a style that might best be described as Thai deco. The venue hosts traditional khon dance-drama Monday through Friday, five times a day starting at 10:30 am.
Across from the Mandarin Oriental, Sala Rim Naam stages a beautiful dance show nightly at 7:45, accompanied by a touristy dinner.
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