BANGKOK

The City Of Angels :-

Bangkok is known to the Thais as "Krungthep" which means the City of Angels. It was established as the capital of Thailand in 1782 by King Rama I. Over the past two centuries, Bangkok has developed into a renown modern metropolis with a population of over eight millions.

Bangkok has impressed visitors from around the globe with its unique beauty of contrast. Like other modern cities Bangkok boasts lots of massive skyscrapers including sophisticated office buildings, luxurious hotels and accommodations, shopping centres, and a modern international airport. However, traditional Thai culture has never lost its charm in the midst of Bangkok's fast growing urbanization and busy life style. Bangkok is a city where East and West, the ancient and the modern, stay side by side. Its surface has taken on the look of the present time, while underneath the old ways are much alive in Thais' everyday life. Thus, Bangkok is always a wonderful place for a glimpse of traditional arts, architecture, religion, and other aspects of the culture of the Thai people.

History :-

Bangkok originally was a small village on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, until a new capital was founded on the west bank (present-day Thonburi) after the fall of Ayutthaya. In 1782, King Rama I built a palace on the east bank (now Rattanakosin) and renamed the city as Krung Thep, as it is now known to Thais and which in English is translated to the 'City of Angels'. The full name "Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit" is listed as the world's longest location name by the Guinness Book of Records; an English rendering goes like this: "The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of Ayutthaya of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn". The original village has long since ceased to exist, but for some reason foreigners never caught on to the change.

Modern-day Bangkok is predominantly Thai-Chinese and they make up the majority of the population, but the city is also a second home to millions of upcountry "Thai-Thai" folk who come to make a living. The city is also home to a remarkable array of expats from all over the world, with districts inhabited by Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Koreans, Arabs and many more.

Bangkok Sightseeing :-

Bangkok is the centre of all things Thai, and it’s a great place to see many of the most important, not to mention beautiful, buildings and temples in Thailand. There really is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city and we hope this Bangkok guide will help you plan your visit.

Bangkok offers a wealth of culture, interest and sightseeing, contrary to what you might believe. Most Bangkok guide books will dedicate a large chunk to it's many impressive sites, activities and numerous exotic characters.

The stunning and intricately decorated temples that are all over Bangkok range from the exquisite to the magnificent – Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho being two fantastic examples. But there are many more besides, and you’ll be in danger of becoming ‘templed out’ if you’re not careful. While in Bangkok a guide is recommended to help you navigate your way and maximise your time.

There are numerous other sights throughout Bangkok which a guide can take you to: the backpackers’ haven of Khao San Road is famous as a buzzing, energetic street that has now become something of a tourist attraction itself. It’s located in the Banglamphu area which is loaded with tourist attractions, including the national museum, Temple Mount, Grand Palace and nearby Dusit Hall and Zoo.

The teak palace of Vimanmek and Jim Thomson’s museum house, along with the canals of Thonburi and lanes of Chinatown are all recommended in every Bangkok guide book, and the modern attractions of shopping malls, markets, monuments and entertainment complexes all pull the crowds.

Then there is the famous evening entertainment, including the go go bars, lively pubs, plush restaurants and night markets. In this mini Bangkok guide we cover them all.