Chewie -

As I think back to many sightseeing and entertainment activities in Bangkok, a few stand out in my memory.
One of the most memorable is the Siam Niramit stage show.

If you enjoy musical shows, in extravagant Las Vegas style, then Siam Niramit would be a delightful evening for you.
It is certainly not the kind of entertainment you would expect to see in Thailand.
It's music and dancing and special effects - lots of special effects.
Professionally done, very polished.
I've seen many Las Vegas shows: Siam Niramat compares with the best of them.
I was impressed to see a show of this caliber in Thailand.

The show implies that it is about Thai culture.
Well, there are many beautiful costumes in traditional Thai style.
The music is derived from Thai traditional music -- with jazzed-up arrangements.
Even a baby elephant appears on stage.
But this is not the place to learn anything about Thai culture.
Think of it as "Disneyland-Thailand", with magnificent sets, stunning effects, and plenty of performance pizazz.
Just let them entertain you.

There were some things I didn't care for about the show -- or found somewhat odd:
The most noticable was the overlay of "politically-correct diversity", which is virtually impossible to avoid in the arts these days.
Old Siam didn't have Negros, but at least one appeared in the show for effect.
Muslims were showcased with an overly large amount of attention, compared to their level of population and their level of contributions to Siam.
Plenty of Chinese in the show, of course, but all happy and dancing, with none working hard as Chinese are wont to do.
Not a single Caucasian/farang that I recall, yet Europeans were crucial to the development of Siam as traders, as mercenary soldiers, as teachers, and as engineers and builders of the railways in Siam
But Europeans were ignored in the show, while Muslims were on display.
(Hmmm ... makes you wonder.)

This show is not for everyone.
Those who travel "Kao San Road class", will sniff in disgust at the lush performance of Siam Nirmit.
Those who worship the poor and primitive of the hill tribes, or who prefer riding trains with hard seats and no air-conditioning, will probably be repelled by the performance, and certainly by the price of tickets.

I reserved tickets at the tour desk in my hotel:
1,400 baht per person included round-trip transportation in a private van with driver, and a nice buffet dinner before the show. (price in April, 2006)
The buffet was Thai food, with spiciness nicely adjusted for Western tastes.
The buffet was ample and tasty, but nothing special.

At the show, I told my Thai girlfriend to inquire about the price at the ticket window -- while I stayed out of sight to avoid being quoted the foreigner price.
She was told the walk-in price is 1,500 baht, no buffet and no van transportation.
So your best deal is to reserve at a hotel tour desk or a local travel agent.

Siam Niramit is a thrilling show and surprising entertainment in Thailand.
I highly recommend it.
To find their home page, Google this:

"Siam Niramit" "Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam"

-- Peter
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