Siam Niramit: Broadway of Bangkok

Lights previously blindingly illuminated begin to fade into a comfortable darkness, while the incessant hum of excited chatter diminishes into low murmurs that finally wither into silence. A profound silence full of expectations and eagerness hangs in the suddenly hushed air. Only the faint rustle of even breathing from those in the nearby seats continually interrupts the quiet. Finally, a thunderous rupture of sound emits from all sides of the immense room, piercing the seemingly eternal silence that previously occupied the atmosphere. As the thick curtains begin to gradually lift aside, a surge of pleasurable anticipation rises within all 2,000 viewers whose attention focuses upon the increasingly radiant 65 meter wide stage that commences to life. Aesthetically pleasing backdrops of intricate craftsmanship fronted by over 150 lavishly clad actors and actresses skillfully moving across the stage quickly captivate the audience. Over 500 luxurious costumes are exposed as those performers who don them, gliding across the vast expanse of stage upon which one after another majestic and gorgeous sets are switched at intervals until all 102 sets have been displayed for the audience's endless admiration. Pleasant trills of superlative music and enhanced special effects of the most advanced technology accompany the magnificent scene of golden and exotic hues before the audience's eyes, provoking compelling emotions, and creating a stimulating, realistic, and inspiring experience. The combination of astonishing performance, superb costumes and sets, and brilliant soundtrack incite an over-whelming sense of pleasurable emotions. As the curtains close upon the final scene, the music fades into a lulling undertone and the house lights beam once again, while the audience pulse into a frenzied praise of what they had just experienced. A glance at a wristwatch shows that an hour and 20 minutes have passed, yet the feeling that the stimulating performance, in all its brilliance and exquisite splendor, was far too short, remains. With reluctance, the audience files out of the theatre and away from the enchantment behind the draped curtains.

No, the breath-taking show that captivates 2,000 individuals daily from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm isn't a renowned Broadway or infamous Las Vegas show. Rather, it is a source of opulence right here at the core of Bangkok. Enchantment, grandeur, old-world elegance, dazzle, and extravagance exude from the stage of the Ratchada Theatre set amidst the modern structures on Tiamruammit Road, opposite the Thailand Cultural Center. For a mere 1,500 Baht (U.S. $40.00), anyone and everyone is able to view the spectacular and breath-taking Siam Niramit Show, and witness the copious splendor of the ancient enchanted Kingdom of Siam. The 80 minute performance draws the audience into a journey of three acts and eight lush scenes, descending from the North's Ancient Kingdom of Lanna to the depths of the mystical Himapaan Forest to the ostentatious levels of Heaven. Glimmering gold and shades of turquoise and green dominate the praise-worthy Siam Niramit stage, as the professional performers clad in luxuriant silk textiles and headdresses emerge onto the stage from all sides - gliding in from the left and right, and floating down and across the stage's upper half. The performance explores the vast history of the Kingdom of Siam, dwelling upon the diverse cultures and civilizations of the cross-road natured Siam Kingdom by spanning across seven centuries worth of regal history. Spiritual, cultural, and traditional aspects of Thailand are delved into by act two's "Journey Beyond Imagination" when the scenes traverse from the fiery Hell to the mystical Himapaan Forest and beyond to the blissful Heaven, as well as act three's "Journey Through Joyous Festivals", displaying the several enthralling Thai festivals, such as Song Kran, Loy Kratong, and Phi Dtaa Khon. Glimpses of Thailand's riveting history and culture are provided in a wholly mesmerizing fashion by the Siam Niramit's pageantry of heart-stopping colors, pulsating performance, energetic dancing, and engaging music, all set upon a world-class stage. Every aspect of Siam is included in the pulsing performance - the North's Kingdom of Lanna, the South Sea's overseas traders, the heritage of the Khmer civilization that is Issan, and the mighty capital that is Ayutthaya located in the Central Plains. Rich in cultural lore and sensory extravagance, audiences are subject to an unparalleled experience that instigates longing for the indescribable performance long after the curtains are drawn down.

The audience need not worry, however, because as they file out of the theatre, the bygone world of the Kingdom of Siam greets them in the form of an ancient Thai village set on the same 10 acres of land as the theatre from which the audience just emerged. A sense of nostalgia and awe overcomes the audience as they step into the incredible surrounding of previous centuries. Unbelievably authentic, the picturesque surrounding possesses an atmosphere that coordinates with that of the ancient Kingdom of Siam - teak wooden houses set atop an actual canal, lush greenery, long wooden boats, and individuals dressed in the silk and cloth outfits of another era cooking and engaging in beautiful artisan crafts to mirror the tasks performed within the Kingdom of Siam. Tranquility exudes from the mind-bogglingly authentic rural village that is comprised of a mixture of idyllic Thai homes from the central, northern, northeastern, and southern regions, within and around which the regional differences in intricate and quaint architecture, fragrantly tempting food, livelihoods, and superlative traditions and music are up for live display. The epitome of the Kingdom of Siam and Thai culture welcomes visitors, who enthusiastically immerse themselves into the village's offering of insight into the root of Thai culture, beliefs, and art. Fragrant scents of cooking food, from sticky rice and fish to desserts, waft through the gentle breezes, provoking salivation and enticing visitors to delve into the depths of old-world Thailand. Beautiful pottery and metal crafts catch eyes, as do aromatic garlands of white flowers. Members of the ancient village openly welcome the eager visitors to participate in the tasks to gain a true sense of life in Siam. Traditional wooden huts within which relaxing Thai massages are given at 300 Baht per hour, offer relief to tension, pain, and fatigue, all to the calming sound of rustling leaves and gentle breezes. After making rounds throughout the fascinating village, visitors find themselves before an entertaining display of outdoors music and dancing, set against a backdrop of deep crimson and lilac that is the evening sky. Grand, genteel elephants leisurely traverse the grounds, some with passengers on their backs, others being fed by excited visitors and workers. Aesthetically pleasing handicrafts from throughout Thailand, not to mention a luscious Thai-Western buffet for 1,000, lure visitors as the perfect end to an evening unlike any other.

Ten acres worth of lavish tradition and culture await the eyes of Thais and farangs alike, from the charming ancient village to the spectacular that is the Siam Niramit show itself. Praised as a "superb mixture of world-renown shows such as the Cirque du Soleil and Italian opera with the additional benefits of classical Thai dance dressed by Las Vegas costumers and staged by Hollywood", the Siam Niramit is one spectacle and feast for the eyes not to be missed by anyone visiting or inhabiting the city of Bangkok. Audiences will be subject to a delicious excursion into another realm altogether - a realm of enchantment and overwhelmingly lush traditions from bygone days that is so powerful visitors won't believe they are in Bangkok. Captivation and unparalleled enchantment are epitomized by the unforgettable experience of the impressive world-class performance that is the Siam Niramit.