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Bangkok, capital of Thailand, is very much the heart of the country, geographically, culturally and economically. It is a frenzied city of 7 million souls with mystery and adventure everywhere, on both sides of the delta of the great Chao Phraya River, 20 km from the Gulf of Thailand, called the 'City of Angels' and the 'Venice of the East'.
Magnificent temples and palaces, a thriving culture, booming nightlife, colorful floating markets and amazing shops and restaurants combine to make the city one of the world's most exhilarating and fascinating destinations.
The majority of people in Bangkok are ethnic Thais, speaking 'standard Thai', the dialect of the central region. As with the other plain provinces, Bangkok has a large minority of Chinese and Thai-Chinese. Indians constitute the second largest minority group.
Places of Interest
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 as the official residence of the king. King Chulalongkorn was the last king to live there. Today, the palace is used for certain ceremonial occasions such as Coronation Day. A few government buildings within the compound are still functioning.
Vimanmek Royal Mansion
Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, this is the world's largest building made entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past.
Suan Pakkad Palace
Located on Si Ayutthaya Road near the Phayathai intersection, this used to be the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand's leading art collectors. Five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautifully kept garden display a large collection of Thai arts and antiques.
Jim Thompson's House
Jim Thompson's House is one of the best-preserved examples of the traditional Thai house in the city. Once home to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, this remarkable house-cum-museum accommodates Thompson's vast collection of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region. Notable items include priceless examples of blue and white Ming porcelain and 19th century jataka paintings, which cover the walls of the rooms. Don't miss the headless Buddha figure in the garden, which dates from the 6th century. This early Dvaravati image is one of the oldest surviving Buddha statues in the world.
National museum
Within the walking distance of the Grand Palace is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. Bangkok's National Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. The complex, also begun in 1782, consists of several old but beautiful buildings of colorful Thai architectural design.
National Gallery Museum
Located on Chao Fa Road, this museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. Opening time is similar to that of the National Museum.
Museum of Imagery Technology
Museum of Imagery Technology is the first camera and photograph museum established in Thailand and Asia, which shares the same building with the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. Historic photographs and imaging equipment, as well as its technological evolution are on display. Modern photographic arts, techniques and printing technology are also exhibited.
 The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located in a separate complex within the compound of the Grand Palace, is Thailand's holiest shrine. The temple complex was modeled along the same lines as grand chapels from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras. No monks reside within the temple.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
 This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok via Samut Songkhram province, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon. Visitors can also travel around by boat to see local villages, and the way of life of the people in the countryside.
Wat Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
Founded in the 16th century, this is the oldest and biggest temple with the largest number of pagodas (95 in all) in the city. It is well known for its huge Reclining Buddha, 46 m. long and 15 m. high. |
