The history of
Bangkok dates at least to the early fifteenth
century, when it was under the rule of Ayutthaya .
The name then applied only to a small village on the west side of the river.
Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the Chao
Phraya River , the
village gradually increased in importance, serving as a customs outpost, and
became the site of a siege in 1688
in which the French were expelled from Siam . After the
fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Kingdom Bangkok
has undergone tremendous changes, growing rapidly in the second half of the
20th century to become Thailand 's
main city. It was the centre of Siam 's
modernisation in the late 19th century, including the introduction of rail
transportation and utilities infrastructure in the reigns of Kings Mongkut and
Chulalongkorn. It was subjected to Allied bombing during World War II, and is
the modern nation's central political stage, with a series of protests and
coups d'état taking place occasionally on its streets.
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 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".
Key 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.
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