looking for some kind of dancing and/or "cultural" performance in Bangkok. Doesn't have to be a dinner theater (would actually prefer that it is NOT.) Maybe something outside?

Thanks!

Stephanie

You can go and watch the classical Thai dances at the Oriental hotel but I think you will have to dine there as well.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bang...sala-rim-naam/

For other non dining event here are some performances that might interest you. I don't know your travel date but you can checking the website for future performances as well.

http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/perfo...sid=1091&la=en
http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/perfo...sid=1898&la=en

We did Siam Niramit... although it was not what we thought. The performance itself was on a magnificent scale and extravagant however it was not what we thought it would be. We thought it was going to be traditional dancing. Maybe you might like it.... just google it.

You can see traditional dancing at the Erewon Shrine, for free. There are performances throughout the daytime. The location is kind of in front of the Grand Hyatt Erewon.

The Oriental used to have classical Thai dance by the river during the day (you could sit and have a drink or tea), I don't know if it still does that in addition to the Sala Rim Naam. You will see a sample of traditional Thai dance at the Erawan Shrine, but it is not a "dance performance" as such. People make offerings and those offerings sometimes include dance. Definitely do visit the shrine.

Pooks suggestion is a good one and the food is good too!

simpsonc510 the Thai dance by the shrine is performed as an offering to the shrine. The performances are very basic and quick and IMO not a reflection of proper This classical dancing. Often time the performers are hot and tired, they look it as well, and make up a lot of their dances.

The waterfront Thai restaurant at the Shangri La has dancers who perform as you dine, moving from table to table.

One of the dinner cruises we took, on the Chaophraya, I think from River City mall, had dance performers during the cruise. At least it's outdoors, if you don't want to sit in a theater type of atmosphere.