Where to see Thai Traditional Dancers
 

In November, I am visiting my daughter and son-in-law in Bangkok and Phuket. I am especially interested in seeing traditional Thai dancers while I am there. Could anyone recommend some good places to go? Any details you can provide would also be appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
PS I did do a search and didn't find much.

Sala Rim Nam, an Oriental Hotel restaurant, is generally recognized as a good place for a nice dinner show. I will warn you that the food is mediocre but not terrible. We did this on our first trip to Thailand and felt it was worthwhile. The restaurant is located on the side of the river opposite the hotel - the hotel provides a boat to get there.

Some of the river dinner cruises also have traditional dancing. One I recall is from the River Center mall, close to the Royal Orchid Sheraton hotel. The food isn't anything special, but seeing the dancers in their costumes, as well as the river sights after dark, is quite nice.

Carol is referring to the River City Mall next to the Royal Orchid...

The Oriental used to have Thai dancing daily in the afternoon on a patio between the hotel and the river. I remember sitting and watching this informal (free) show more than once, but I don't know if it is still done.

The Erawan Shrine, next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel on a very bustling street corner in Bangkok, has a small group of traditional dancers and musicians performing every evening. The shrine is jam packed with worshippers, garlands of brightly colored flowers, smokey incense, and assorted offerings to Brahma and Erawan. There is no admission fee, and I found it very interesting to sit on a bench and observe authentic Thai culture, as opposed to a staged tourist performance.

If you do visit the Four Face Buddha at the junction, diagonally across Central World Plaza, you may be able to see some Thai dancers. These are paid performances by devotees as thanksgiving.

OJudy is so right - the Erawan Shrine is a favorite of mine. Do watch the dancers and the people and give an offering yourself.

I second Sala Rim Naam for the set dinner and dance. I found the food quite good. The costumes are dazzling. Not cheap but worth it.

I would just go to the outdoor Erawan Shrine at Chitlom skytrain station and directly across from Gaysorn Shopping Mall. You can view them from the skytrain walkway which gives you a great view and photo-taking point. Then you won't have people standing in front of you in your photos. Happy Travels!

my wife loved sala rim....it was one of the worst evenings of my life....