Vacation guides to Bangkok
Vacation guides to Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and most populated city in Thailand with about 10% of the nation population. It is the central of cultural, political, spiritual and commercial for the country.
Bangkok was founded by King Rama I and established the Chakri Dynasty. Despite the colonization as it’s neighbouring countries were experiencing in the 18th to 20th century, Thailand managed to be self administered and thus manage to retain its unique cultural and heritage. This exciting metropolitan is a melting pot of eastern and western cultures, together with its own traditional Thai cultural and heritage influence.
Sights of Attractions in Bangkok
Grand Palace
Built in 1782, it has been the royal residence for the Thai Royal family for over 150 years. This is the most fascinating landmark in Bangkok, with its magnificent architecture and intricate details.
The most notable building within the palace complex is the Wat Phra Kaew, by translation is Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The massive prayer hall is built on marble platform, and surrounded by garudas ( mythical divine birds) to ward off evil spirits. This temple houses a small Emerald Buddha that can be dated back to 14th century. Wat Phra Kaew is deemed as the most sacred Buddist temmple in Thailand.
Now a day Grand Palace serves as the symbolic of Thailand, whereby ceremonial celebrations and auspicious happenings are conducted here. At the turn of the 20th century, the Royal Family moved out from Grand Palace to resides in Chitralada Palace. Dress code rule apply.
Wat Pho, also by the name Wat Phra Chetuphon is the Buddist temple that houses the largest and oldest reclining Buddha in Thailand that boasts 46 meter long and 15 meter high. This impressive Buddha statue is gold plated and the eyes and soles are inlaid with mother of Pearl. The northern compound of Wat Pho is where the reclining Buddha and the famous, traditional Thai massage school located, whereas the southern compound are occupied by monks. In Wat Pho, there are almost hundred of chedis (pagodas) in different size and colors. The most famous chedis are the four pagodas dedicated to the first four kings of the Chakri dynasty.
Wat Arun, also known as The Temple of the Dawn is best view in the evening, when the sky has turn red orangy color and the temperature has cold down. The unique design of this temple is a great combination of Thai and Khmer (Cambodia) architecture styles, of which has made it the most famous tourist destination in Bangkok.
Wat Arun consists of a major tower “Prang” that symbolized Mount Meru, home of the God, and the four smaller prangs surrounding symbolized Four Winds. The Prangs was constructed during King Rama II reign in the early 19th century and completed by King Rama III. However, the history of the temple where the Prangs sit can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period. Ayutthaya period is regarded when the city Ayuthaya was the ancient capital of Siam (Thai).
The Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s Canals (Khlongs), was one of the main mode of transportation around the Bangkok city in 19th century. The Thai has utilized the Chao Praya river and the canals to travel around and live close by the canal till today. As such, it also earned the name of ‘Venice of the East’. The canal can be explored by a chartered boat, a great way to see Thai people life style and living.
Anantasamakhom Throne Hall was built for the purpose as a royal reception assembly hall. It was constructed under instruction of King Rama V and completed by King Rama VI. The building was constructed by Italian marbles resembling Renaissance style. The dome ceiling of the throne hall features paintings depicting the important chapters from King Rama I to King Rama VI of the Chakri Dynasty.
This throne Hall has played an important position in Thai political history. The first parliament meeting was convened in this hall. Prior adoption of Thai constitution, Thailand was an absolute monarchy, it was King Rama VII who agreed to hand over power of ruling to the people in 1932.
Ancient City museum This is the place to see all of Thailand important historical sites at once. It is a replica at smaller scale featuring important hisrotical sites, especially from the ancient city, such as Khao Phra Wihan (Preah Vihear), Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, Wat Mahathat Sukhothai. It also serves as cultural center featuring Thai arts and cultures.
Crocodile Farm The largest crocodile farm in the world, where breeding and preservation of crocodile and wild life is the main objective of the farm. A daily show on crocodile wrestling and acrobatic elephant shows, elephant ride, or a visit to monkey playground are the few highlight activities of this Farm.
Damnoen Saduak floating market is a place not to miss in your Bangkok vacation itineary. Khlongs or canals are filled with small flat boats that piled high with farm produce paddling along the canals looking for buyers to close the deal. All deals, bargaining, packing, selling, even paddling the boat around are handled by a single lady. It’s a traditional Thai market place, chaotic and fun.
Ladyboy Show – Glittering costumes, extravagant stage design, leading by beautiful ladyboy is a feast for the eyes. Ladyboy are transvestities who look feminine and attractive and natural, who hold the leading role in the showbiz. The show is non offensive, but more of an entertainment cabaret show.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a gigantic market in Northern Bangkok. This famous open air market is only available on weekends. Almost anything that you can think of can be found here, be it furniture, animals, clothing, lightings, souveniers or replicas goods. It has almost 20,000 stalls selling every weekend. Bargaining is essential.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar – Adored by the locals and tourist, this open air night market is a smaller and cleaner version of Chatuchak Weekened market. This night market sells a variety of goods, clothings, souveniers, local arts and craft, local Thai food and much more. Restaurants, snack bars and pubs can easily be located in the bazaar as well.