Siam Niramit

This hour and a half lavishly produced show should be on the itinerary for anyone coming to Bangkok that wants to combine a bit of Thai history, understanding, and knockout entertainment. The production, which features hundreds of well trained and elaborately costumed dancers and performers, takes place on a Guinness Book of World Records gigantic stage, and serves up some intricately designed stage sets and enhanced special effects. The show is divided into three acts, one on Thai history (featuring four different regions (northern Lanna Kingdom, northeastern Khmer civilization, the central ancient capital of Ayutthaya, and the south and its trading past), another on the Thai uniting religious concept of karma, and the final act featuring the best of Thai festivals and their connection to merit making and unity. The costumes, stage sets, choreography, and entire production are suitable for the whole family and really quite a feat of theatrics, and all of the performers seem to embrace their roles wholeheartedly. In addition to the lavish show, there are four replicas of traditional northern, northeastern, central, and southern Thai villages to wander through and learn from, where visitors can try making traditional Thai handicrafts or sweets, there are opportunities for elephant rides, traditional Thai massage, and of course plenty of souvenir shops with items from all four regions of Thailand.