|
BANGKOK
The Bangkok spell…But what makes
Bangkok bewitched every visitor once they stepped on this iconic city?
Bangkok, consenting to the common view
as the orient’s most exotic capital is, indeed, an electrifying city - in all
sense of the word. This great city has had an incredible success in merging the
ancient and the modern world, a cool mix of modernity and tradition. Bangkok
the throbbing metropolis is a city of contrast and diversity from the serenity
of the exquisitely ornate golden temples to the vibrant night life.
Bangkok is a kaleidoscope of colors,
crowds and characteristics and not many cities in the world can equal Bangkok’s
sheer liveliness that makes it an ultimate travel destination.
For tourist, Bangkok has a feast of
attractions to offer, the modern-day “City of Angels” is a huge and buzzing
metropolitan of approximately ten million people. Bangkok is the country’s
industrial, spiritual, commercial, cultural, diplomatic and educational hub.
Bangkok is the soul of Thailand.
While the gleaming skyscrapers, the
ultra-modern buildings and extravagant malls have signaled in the time zone we
live in, Bangkok also embraces what is due to the past. The glory of its
traditions as reflected in its wealth of rituals, monuments and arts is
riveting, and at times indescribable.
Bangkok is a hodgepodge of interesting
sights; the city has 400 dazzling marble temples and golden Buddhas of immense
beauty and grandeur, marvelous palaces, museums and galleries, timeless canals,
colorful street markets, tuk-tuk ride, flashy shopping malls ladyboy show,
spirit houses and the world’s unrivaled and pulsating night life.
   
  
Traveling around Thailand’s capital
can be challenging but everything is accessible from one point of destination
to another and with its new Bangkok Transit System (BST) and Mass Rapid Transit
(MRT) subway, traveling makes it more convenient to locals and visitors alike.
Bangkok has an excellent range of
hotels and guesthouses that caters to every taste and budget of the traveler.
One can indulge on the 6 star hotels to the moderate priced guesthouses. In
fact, Khao San Road is the epicenter for backpackers.
One would never leave Bangkok or Thailand
per se without engaging with their robust cuisine that would make every taste
bud tap dancing with sheer satisfaction. There are numerous restaurants in
Bangkok offering you everything from the traditional Thai foods, to Indian,
Chinese, Italian, Korean and American dishes.
Bangkok is a city with multitude of
layers if painstakingly discovered, offers surprises at every twist and turn,
you’ll be amazed at past glories, amuse in present opportunities and love every
minute of it, Bangkok is, indeed the most compelling city in Asia and without
doubt, a tourist Mecca to behold!
Attractions and Places of
Interest in Bangkok
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
in Bangkok is the
perfect start on your must see list while in Bangkok. Both are in one fabulous
complex with substantial importance on the history of Thailand.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok
is Thailand’s most illustrious spot and one of its most visited. The Grand Palace sits on the east bank
of the Chao Phraya River. It served as the official residence of the king of
Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. For just about 150
years, Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court,
but also the entire administrative seat of government. After the death of King
Ananda Mahidol in the Grand Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal
residence to Chitralada Palace. Construction of the palace complex began in
1782, during the reign of Rama I. This royal abode is a compound of several
buildings admired for its splendid and well-kept early 19th century
architecture. Even if the palace is only used for ceremonial functions
nowadays, it still has a stature befitting royalty and an imposing presence of
greatness. With soaring roofs, mosaic-clad walls and pillars, and tapering
glided spires are truly treasures with oriental splendor.
 
Wat Phra Kaew – The Temple
of the Emerald Buddha is considered the most significant Buddhist temple in
Thailand. Situated within the compound of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew was
the first permanent structure built in Bangkok by King Rama I in 1782. It was
built to house the most distinguished image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha.
The Emerald Buddha is in reality
carved from a large piece of green jade. According to a reliable chronicle, in
1434 A.D. lightning struck a chedi
in Chiengrai in northern Thailand and a Buddha statue covered with stucco was
found inside. The image was brought into the abbot’s residence and one day he noticed
that the stucco on the nose had flaked off and found the Emerald Buddha. People
then flocked to worship this precious statue.
In 1551, the Emerald Buddha was seized
by King of Laos and later moved to Vientiane due to pressure from the Burmese
army of King Bayinnaung. And in 1778 during the Thonburi period, King Rama I
captured Vientiane and brought the Emerald Buddha back to Thailand.
King Rama I had two seasonal costumes
made for the Emerald Buddha, one for the summer and one for the rainy season.
King Rama II added another for winter. The ceremony of changing the costumes of
the Emerald Buddha takes place three times a year. No one is allowed near the
statue except the Thai king, who conducts rituals at the temple
throughout the year.
Information
The Palace is open to the public
everyday from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. except during special Royal Ceremonies.
Admission Fee is Baht 200, it includes admission to Wat Phra Kaew, The Royal
Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek
Mansion Museum.
Note:
Wear appropriate clothing because
this is a sacred place and not Disneyland, you must cover your legs and
shoulders- so no shorts, see-through clothing, heel-less sandals or flip-flops
are allowed.
Be quiet and respectful when you enter
the shrine room with the Emerald Buddha; be respectful of other people praying!
You’ll find that this is a great place to collect your thoughts.
Photography is prohibited inside the Emerald Buddha
sanctuary.
Watch out for nearby touts who’ll tell
you that the Palace is closed – this is a ploy to divert you to a gem or
gift shop (so they’ll earn a commission on any overpriced merchandise you may
be fooled into buying).
Direction
How to get there: Take SkyTrain (BTS )
to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang
Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand
Palace public entrance. - Or you can just take a taxi.
If you are staying in Khao San Road or nearby, the temple
is reachable on foot
If you need
more information, you can contact the following numbers.
Tel: (+66 2) 224-3328 /(02) 226-0255
Fax: (+66 2) 225-9158
Jim Thompson’s House in Bangkok
Amongst the history, culture and arts
of Thailand, this place is the most intriguing of all. An officer with the
American’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, James Harrison
Wilson Thompson came to Thailand at the end of the war and settled in Bangkok,
though trained as an architect in New York, his fascination for the art of hand
silk weaving inspired him to invigorate the Thailand silk industry from the
brink of obliviousness. Jim Thompson is a major key player in making Thai silk
known around the world.
 
Jim Thompson gained further prominence
by his exertion to uphold the ancient Thai architecture. He gathered 6 teak
houses from different places in Central Thailand including Ayutthaya and
lovingly reassembled them in 1959 in its most indisputable way.
Jim Thompson has a penchant for
collecting Asian artifacts and antiques and The Jim’s Thompson’s house is
perhaps the embodiment of his collection.
He mysteriously disappeared when he
went out for a walk in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967.
Until today, Thompson’s legacy is very
much in force with the world renowned Thai silk.
Information
The Jim Thompson House is located on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song,
opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Rd. The museum is open daily from 9:00
am – 5:00 pm. With the last guided tour at 5:00pm. Admission fee is 100
baht for adult and 50 for students.
Direction
How to get there: Located in the center of Bangkok,
accessible by car, taxi, tuktuk or Sky Train (BTS) Take the Sky Train and the
nearest station is National Stadium then follow the exit signs marked Jim
Thompson’s House.
If you need more information, you can contact the following
numbers.
Jim Thompson House
Tel: (+66 22)58-3491/ (0-22)58-3494
http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Patpong in Bangkok
Patpong is still a crowd puller for
many people who choose to take their holiday in Thailand. People usually think
of Patpong first when talking about red light district in Bangkok. Patpong is
legendary for its neon light go-go bars.
 
There are two small lanes that makes
up Patpong. The Patpong 1 and Patpong 2, situated between Silom and Surawongse
main roads, each of which is lined with go-go bars and other more “normal” bars
and discos. There are also various up stair venues in Patpong in which the setting
is a lot more seedy and explicit.
While for men Patpong means
prostitution and adult shows, for women it means market and shopping. At
twilight, Patpong night market is bursting with vendors and tourists looking
for the next best thing to buy at a bargain price. It became one of the “must”
night shopping destination.
Information
Patpong night market opens from 6pm – 1 am everyday
Direction
How to get there: To get to Patpong, take the
SkyTrain and get off at Sala Daeng Station. Alternatively you can
take the metro and get off at Si Lom Station. Taxi is always an option.
Wat Pho – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho gained worldwide recognition
because of its spectacular sight- the enormous gold plated reclining Buddha,
this regal icon representing the Buddha as he was achieving Nirvana is 46
meters long and 15 meters high. The Buddha is exquisitely embellished and a
real sight to behold. The feet and the eyes are embossed impeccably with
mother-of-pearl. The engraving in the feet illustrates the 108 auspicious
characteristics of the Buddha.
Occupying a 20-acre site next to the
Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok bursting with
history and was built during the reign of King Petraja of Ayutthaya in 1668,
and later the Wat was rebuilt by King Rama I, when Bangkok became Thailand’s
capital. Also
regarded as the first center of public education, or sometimes called
"Thailand's first university, the temple houses inscriptions, mural paintings and statues
envisioned to educate people on various subjects.
Wat Pho is also recognized for another
reason, its legendary massage school. This temple is the center for Thai
traditional medicine, a true Thai massage that involves acupressure and
chiropractic manipulation, as well as kneading, stretching and stroking. If
you’ve never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to
start, this therapeutic massage is more invigorating rather than relaxing, a
good benefit in releasing stress and improve blood circulation.
Information
Admission
fee is 20 baht and opens daily from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. With a break from
12:00-1:00 pm. Guides can be hired at the entrance for 150 baht per person, 200
baht for two, but they’re really not needed.
Massage
area open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The
massage center is located at the back of the Wat. To get a traditional massage
here cost 150 baht for half an hour and 250 baht for 1 hour and herbal is available
too for 350 baht an hour. A foot reflexology massage is also available at 250
baht for 45 minutes.
Direction
How to get there:
Wat Pho is in Maharat Road of Bangkok but the entrance of
the Wat is on Chetuphon Road. A short distance from Grand Palace and Temple of
the Emerald Buddha. Wat Pho is also accessible by boat, just alight at Tha Tien
Express Boat pier which is very near the temple.
The buses that will take you to Wat Pho.
Aircon buses 6, 8 and 12
Ordinary buses 1, 25, 44, 47, 62 and 91. All stops near Wat
Pho
If you need more information about it you can contact them
at the following numbers:
Temple information: (+66 2) 222-0933
Massage Centre: (+66 2) 221 2974 / (02) 225- 4771
Fax: (+66 2) 225- 4771
WAT ARUN – The Temple of the Dawn
Wat Arun or The Temple of the Dawn
standing proudly on the western bank of Chao Phraya River – on the
interim capital site of Thon Buri. Having a central prang typical of
Khmer-style tower rising 104 meters above the prayer complex. Wat Arun is one
of the city’s most memorable landmarks.
Wat Arun is the hallmark of the reign
of King Rama III, the Wat is an architectural replica of Mount Meru, the center
of the world in Buddhist cosmology. The prang at the four corners which contain
figures of the guardian god in four directions fortify the symbolism.
Way Arun or the Temple of Dawn is
named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. Despite the name, it is one of the
most stunning riverside landmark of Thailand, the most impressive view of the
monument can be seen from the east side of the river at sunset.
Information
The temple is open every day from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Admission fee is 20 baht.
Direction
How to get there: Due
to its location, just about everyone gets to Wat Arun by boat.
Take the Chao Phraya River Express Boat to the Tha Thien
pier, then transfer to the cross-river ferry, which costs 2 baht.
Buses that go near Tha Thien are ordinary buses 1, 25, 44,
47, 62 and 91 which stop on Maharat Road.
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET IN BANGKOK
If you are a shopping aficionado,
visiting Chatuchak weekend market must be in your priority list. Chatuchak
market is the undisputed king of all markets in Bangkok- and one of the worlds
largest weekend market with 15,000 stalls to boot.
Chatuchak is a massive maze of market
stalls and shops selling nearly everything under the sun from the rarest
artifacts, to foods, plants, stylish clothings, antiques, cute furry dogs,
psychedelic fishes, handicrafts, jewelries, singing birds and masks from
far-off lands. The range of products on sale here are extensive and even the
most unusual things can be found at Chatuchak market.
Bargaining can be the most pleasant
part in Chatuchak, although the prices here are already amazingly cheap but
still this is a place to haggle, so it’s up to you to show your negotiating
prowess with gentle persuasion involving humour and smiles will earned both
good price and good will.
Chatuchak can be hard to navigate but
exploring the entire market is fun. Getting lost can be an adventure too, but
for people with less time they need to plan ahead. The market is segregated
into zones depending on the type of goods sold and there are maps available for
the market which specifies the different sections.
When you’re feeling hot and exhausted
from your shopping spree it’s time for you to replenish your energy, Chatuchak
Market has an endless selection of foods and drinks. And if you are a little
more adventurous, a bag of fried crickets and grasshoppers can be purchased
from one of the insect stalls.
This weekend market is absolutely a
shopper’s paradise. It’s worth visiting Chatuchak when in Bangkok with loads of
goodies offered here chances are- you won’t go home empty-handed.
Information
The market is open on Saturday and Sunday only. Opening
hours are 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Chatuchak is a pickpocket’s paradise-so keep an eye on your
wallet and other belongings.
Direction
How to get there: The best way to reach Chatuchak is on the
Skytrain (BTS), Mo Chit station. And MRT – Chatuchak station.
The buses that will take you to Chatuchak Market
Ordinary bus: 3, 8, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 44, 52, 59,
63, 77, 96, 104, 108, 112, 134, 138, 145
Air-conditioned Bus: 2, 3, 8, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 23, 29,
34, 38, 39, 44, 77, 146
SIAM NIRAMIT ( Siam- The Enchanted
Kingdom )
Enchantment, grandeur, old-world
elegance, dazzle and extravagance exude from the stage of the Ratchada
Theater…no the breath-taking show that captivates 2,000 individuals daily isn’t
a renowned Broadway or infamous Las Vegas show. Rather, it is a source of
opulence right here at the core of Bangkok- the world famous cultural show Siam
Niramit (Siam -The Enchanted Kingdom).
Siam Niramit is a lavish one-of-a kind
cultural theme showing you an in-depth look at Thai’s history, beliefs,
culture, festivals, ceremonies and about heaven and hell, a journey that bring
spectators back in time to sublime yesteryears.
This 80-minute world class stunning
performance of Thai art and cultural heritage draws the audience into a journey
of three acts and eight lush scenes with 102 sets in the worlds largest stage
using gratifying backdrops of intricate craftsmanship, thrills of superlative
music, superb costumes and enhanced special effects of the most sophisticated
technology making this a grand and extremely high tech production. There are
live animals, aerial artist, funambulist, pyrotechnics, magicians and a
spiral stage-lift that elevates a scene before the audience’s very eyes.
Outside the theater, the bygone world
of the Kingdom of Siam greets them in the form of an ancient Thai villages,
unbelievably genuine and picturesque surrounding covering 5,600 sq.m of the
complex. For a taste of authentic Thai cuisine, there is a 800-seat restaurants
that you can indulge yourself.
The Siam Niramit is a vision and feast
for the eyes not to be missed by anyone visiting
the city of Bangkok. Captivating and
unparalleled enchantment are epitomized by every audience’s unforgettable
experience of the extraordinary world-class performance that is the Siam
Niramit.
Information
Siam Niramit is located on Tiam Ruammit Road, near the
Thailand Cultural Centre.
Tickets
are 1,500 baht (excluding dinner).
Showtime:
8:00 -9:30 pm
For
more details contact Siam Niramit:
Tel:
02-649-9233, 02-649-9222 ext 138-140.
Website: http://www.siamniramit.com/
THE
NATIONAL MUSEUM IN BANGKOK
For history buff, the National Museum is definitely
worth a visit when in Bangkok. The Bangkok National Museum houses the world's
foremost collection of ancient Thailand’s archeological, religious, artistic
artifacts from New Stone Age era ( Neolithic Period), through Srivijaya,
Dvaravati, Khmer Kingdoms, and the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and to Bangkok period.
The National Museum traces back its history in
1874 When King Rama V opened the first public museum, but before that the
National Museum was the personal museum of the King Rama IV, repository of the
vast royal collections and antiques.
There are 6 buildings in the museum complex;
picturesque buildings of colorful Thai architectural design, each have its own
division to focus on particular topics. Wang Na contains interesting display of
Thai objects d ‘art, including elaborately carved ivory “howdah”(saddle), some
theatrical masks and an array of traditional musical instruments. The
Buddhaisawan is an exquisitely ornate chapel and house the second holiest
Buddha image in Thailand, after the Emerald Buddha. And if you still have time
to explore the museum, drop by Tamnak Daeng or the Red House which was
originally the living quarters of an elder sister of King Rama I.
  
  
The Bangkok National Museum is a very large and
informative museum and considered to be the biggest museum in South East Asia.
The museum is great for those who would like to understand the history of
Thailand. A visit to Bangkok will not be complete without going to the National
Museum, it will surely give you a view through the windows of the past.
Information
The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission fee is 40 baht
Direction
How to get there :
The National Museum is in Na Phrthat Road, phra Nakorn District, close
distance to Thammasat University, opposite Grand Park( Sanam Luang) and
National Theater. The most enjoyable route is to take Skytrain (BTS) to Taksin
Station, from here take Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Phrachan Pier.
Walk straight from the pier to Sanam Luang Park and turn left past Thammasat
University to the museum.
Bus that will take you to the national Museum
Bus No. 3, 6, 9, 15, 19, 30, 32, 33, 43, 53, 59, 64, 65, 70, 80, 84
Air Condition bus No. 3, 6, 7, 38, 39, 80, 82, 91
Airport Bus No A2
For more details contact
Museum Education Section Tel. (+66 2) 224-1333
Fax. (+66 2) 224-1404
Curatorial Staff Section Tel (+66 2) 224-1402
SIAM OCEAN WORLD IN BANGKOK
Siam Ocean World in Bangkok is a fun
and exciting attraction for young and old visiting Bangkok. A 10,000 square
meter world-class aquarium located at 2 basement levels in the upscale and
elegant Siam Paragon Mall. The Siam Ocean World is the largest aquarium in all
of South East Asia.
Siam Ocean World showcases more than
30,000 marine animals and as many as 400 aquatic species, these includes
Stingrays, Blue-Ringed Octopus, Sea dragons, Giant spider crabs, Ragged-tooth
sharks, Elephant nose shark, Gray nurse shark and even Penguin.
 
The aquarium has the capacity to hold
more than 4 million liters of water equivalent to 3 Olympic size swimming pools
and gives you a 360 degrees view in one of the basins. The voyage through Siam
Ocean World will take you through seven different zones; the Weird and
Wonderful, Open Ocean, Deep Reef, Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean and Sea
Jellies.
There are other interesting activities
in Siam Ocean World that you should try, like the Ocean walker. They give you a
suit and a glass helmet over your head and walks for 15 minutes on the sandy
bottom in one of the giant tanks (no shark on that area of course!). Dive with
the shark is another thrilling activity, where you get to dive for 30 minutes
inside the tank with an instructor and be among the sharks.
One good thing about Siam Ocean World
is you can walk at you own pace there is no time limitation for visitors. The
largest aquarium complex in the region will make your visit to Bangkok a
memorable one.
Information
Entrance fee: 850 baht Adult
650
baht Children (80-120 cm)
Opens daily: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
For further details contact:
Siam Ocean World
Siam Paragon, B1-B2
991 Rama I Road, Pathumwan.
Bangkok 10330
Tel: (+66 2)687-2000
Fax: (+66 2) 687-2001
http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/
|
