Three of Bangkok’s nearest provinces; Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon  and Ratchaburi teem with artistic people doing amazing things, from taking in a concert of classical music to learning the art of making exquisite Bencharong pottery.

Indeed, there are few more sophisticated ways to spend an evening than by taking in a concert of classical music. Luckily, the kingdom’s culture-seekers are well served by one of the best concert venues in Asia, perhaps the world. The 2,000-seat Prince Mahidol Hall, on the lush green Salaya campus of Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, is home to the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and its state-of-the-art acoustics ensure that every note played onstage is thrown out into the audience.

The music soars, waves and crashes around the audiences and whatever their musical tastes, it’s an amazing experience. Influential orchestras and conductors are lining up to play the hall and the season ahead boasts an eclectic mix of local and international music. To challenge the cliché that classical music is highbrow, ticket prices at the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra are kept low – music, after all, is for everyone. Be sure to look around too, the amazing architecture of the hall evokes a traditional Thai sala and takes the shape of a Kan Phai Mahidol flower, the university’s emblem.

For hands-on art, head to Samut Sakhon and visit Don Kai Di Bencharong village. This collective started up 30 years ago to ensure the traditions of making colourful Bencharong bone china porcelain survive. The techniques for making Bencharong pottery originated in the Ming Dynasty China and came to Thailand around 600 years ago for use by members of the royal family. But now it is available to everyone, which is how the founders of the village collective like it – they want to see Bencharong pots and dishes used every day rather than being museum pieces.

Bencharong means five colours – and denotes the five used for the decoration:  black, white, yellow, red and green, though secondary tones are also used. Traditional designs go back to the reign of Rama II but now there are a range of themes with celebrations; such as, Songkran, being popular.