Experience the beauty and grandeur of puppetry on your next visit to Thailand at one of the many theaters in Bangkok. Aksra and Jose Luis theaters in particular offer spectacular nighttime shows that captivate audience members with elaborate costumes and handcrafted puppets. Many believe these shows are essential to every traveler’s vacation checklist.

Located in the King Power Complex, Aksra Theater tells folk tales through the use of intricate, toddler-sized puppets. Puppeteers hold these figurines above them as they, disguised in black, make the puppets dance about the stage. An orchestra placed below the stage uses a fusion on Thai and Western instruments to accompany the movements of the puppets. Ticket prices vary and performances run Thursday-Sunday.

Jose Luis Theater uses a similar form of puppetry to perform the Indian epic tale of Ramayana. These lifelike puppets prance about the stage, directed by several puppeteers, to the melody of Thai classical music. Performances are frequent and run from Monday to Sunday from 7:30 to 9:15.

What: Thai Puppetry
Where: Aksra Theater and Jose Luis Theater
When: Dates vary by venue
URL: http://www.aksratheatre.com/2009/index.html

Recommended Hotel: Pullman Bangkok King Power