As the political, economic, cultural, culinary, and spiritual capital
of Thailand, Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern convenience,
at times served up in an apparently chaotic manner, but always with
a gracious smile.
Invariably, every Thailand holiday includes a visit to the kingdom’s
capital city, Bangkok, or Krung Thep, “the city of angels” as it is known to
its inhabitants. Many tourists who travel to Bangkok are immediately
overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city and the vast number of attractions
Bangkok has to offer. Indeed there are a wide variety of Bangkok sightseeing
opportunities spanning more than two centuries of rapid development
following the city’s founding in 1782 by King Rama I, the first king of the
present Chakri dynasty; since that auspicious date, Bangkok has swelled
to a cosmopolitan, 21st century city of more than ten million inhabitants.
While the immensity of the city and the chaos of its bustling streets
can be intimidating at first, those who spend some time in Bangkok are
quickly enamored by the variety of attractions Bangkok contains, from
exotic temples, which epitomize Thailand’s strong Buddhist history,
to modern shopping malls, which have make shopping an integral part
of any Bangkok holiday. As the kingdom’s political, economic, cultural,
culinary, and spiritual capital, Bangkok features attractions guaranteed
to please visitors either simply passing through the city or spending
their entire Thailand holiday in Bangkok.
Nearly every Bangkok holiday includes a visit to Thailand’s Grand
Palace, arguably the premier Bangkok sightseeing attraction. Situated in
the heart of Bangkok’s Rattakosin district, the gleaming spires of the
Grand Palace are conveniently located nearby Bangkok’s most spectacular
temples, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keaw),
the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and Wat Po, which features an enormous
reclining Buddha and was home of the first Thai massage school in the kingdom.
These iconic destinations are top attractions to all visitors who travel to
Bangkok looking to appreciate Thailand’s unique cultural traditions.
In fact, there are more than 400 functioning Buddhist temples throughout
the city and it’s not uncommon when you travel in Bangkok to spot saffron robed
monks collecting morning alms or traveling throughout out the city, including
along the Chao Phraya, the “River of Kings”, which passes alongside Rattakosin
and the Temple of the Dawn.
The winding Chao Phraya is connected by numerous canals from which
Bangkok has earned its nickname the “Venice of the East”; when you travel
around Bangkok, a cruise on the Chao Phraya, a visit to a floating market,
or an exploration of the cities “back alley” canals (klongs) are themselves
unique Bangkok attractions.
Other historical and cultural Bangkok sightseeing ‘must sees’ include
the National Museum, Vimanmek Mansion, and Suan Pakkad Palace,
all of which either house fine art or are national treasures in their own right.
Beyond Bangkok’s historical district, there are plenty of other
attractions that make a Bangkok holiday both enjoyable and memorable.
While modern “downtown” districts along Silom and Sukhumvit Roads
were once nightmares of oppressive heat and unbearable traffic, a modern
and convenient electric rail system, including an elevated sky-train and
underground subway have made travel in Bangkok both easy and enjoyable.
Connecting hotels directly to modern shopping malls and traditional markets,
such as the Suan Lum Night Bazaar and Chatuchak (JJ) weekend market,
the MRT and BTS electric rail systems have literally elevated Bangkok shopping
to world class status. Of course, no Thailand holiday is complete without
experiencing Thailand’s vibrant nightlife, during which time you may even
witness the occasional elephant wandering the Bangkok streets!
Whether, the purpose of your Thailand holiday is to immerse yourself
in Thailand’s unique culture or simply to splurge in Bangkok shopping malls,
when you travel to Bangkok you are guaranteed a fascinating experience of
both old world charm and modern convenience and luxury.
Over the last few decades, Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, has changed
into a modern, exciting, and sophisticated city. Bangkok offers visitors not only
the modern amenities they would expect from other cosmopolitan cities, but
also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of
Southeast Asia, was never colonized and thus kept its unique culture and
heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience a
fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great
and dynamic metropolis. Amazingly, this great city has had astounding success
in combining the ancient and modern worlds.
For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is
dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty, magnificent
palaces, classical dance performances, numerous shopping centers, and a
still functioning traditional way of life, especially along the canals and the
Chao Phraya River, the "River of Kings", which winds through the city;
Bangkok truly is the "Venice of the East".
☺ Tips ☺
☺ Beware of scams involving tuk tuks, gem shops, and tailors,
particularly around popular tourist attractions. Remember,
there is no such thing as a free ride.
☺ Its better to flag down taxis that are already driving (the red light means empty)
these will generally use the meter while parked taxis typically ask for higher
fixed fares or will take you for the proverbial ‘ride’.
☺ During the monsoon season months of June through September rains
come quickly and heavily, particularly in the afternoon. Adequate footwear
and an umbrella are advisable.
Credit:: Amazing Thailand
