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History of Bangkok

2009-09-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

In just over 200 years, Bangkok has grown from a small collection of villages scattered among canals and rice paddies alongside the Chao Phraya River to an enormous sprawl of a capital. Extending upward and outward to become Thailand's dominant city, Bangkok mirrors the long, continuing reign of the Chakri dynasty that founded it. The seeds of this growth were sown back in 1767 when invading Burmese armies razed the old capital of Ayutthaya tearing down temples. Those that survived, including the royal family, were carted off as slaves. Out of this chaos, a Thai general named Phraya Thaksin founded a new capital at Thonburi on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite modern Bangkok, proclaimed himself king and immediately set about recapturing much of the surrounding country. One of the few surviving legacies from this period is Wat Arun, or "Temple of the Dawn." It has since been enlarged and reconstructed, but was originally part of Thaksin's royal temple.

Following his military successes, Thaksin became more and more excessive in his behavior and was finally ousted in a coup that transferred power to another general, Chao Phraya Chakri. Chakri kicked off the modern history of Bangkok by transferring the capital from Thonburi to the eastern bank of the river, founding Bangkok in 1782 on the fortified island of Ratanakosin. Chakri refurbished many of the existing temples in the area, such as Wat Po, and built present-day tourist sites, including Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace and Lak Mueang, the shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of Bangkok. The National Museum, built originally for Chakri's vizier Prince Wang Na, also dates from this period.

Under Chakri and his successors, Bangkok continued to expand, mainly because of trade. New communities such as Yaowarat (mainly Chinese traders) and Pahurat (the Indian quarter) were established, extending outward from Ratanakosin. The third king in the Chakri dynasty, Phra Nang Klao, developed a new system of royal titles, naming himself Rama III and his predecessors Rama I and Rama II. Rama III was responsible for expanding Wat Pho and Wat Arun to their present form and also initiated the aborted construction of Wat Saket, the spectacular Golden Mount Temple, completed further down the line by Rama V.

Rama IV, also known as Mongkut, is probably best known by Westerners as the ruler in The King and I and the more recent Anna and the King. Thais tend to find these interpretations offensive and growing evidence now suggests the accounts of Anna Leonowens, on which the movies were based, to be pure fiction at best. The real Rama IV was a brilliant leader who skillfully negotiated treaties with foreign powers that prevented the colonization of Thailand. Under his reign, Bangkok benefited from his trade policies with an expanded port and, for the first time, paved streets.

Rama V (also known as Chulalongkorn or "The Great King") took on the throne in 1868 at the age of 15 and continued his father's reforms, setting down the foundations for the modern Thai government as well as moving the royal palace to Dusit and building Bangkok's first railway system. The grounds of his old Chitlada Palace feature the Vimanmek Teak Mansion and the Abhisek Throne Hall, both excellent examples of royal Thai architecture. During this time, both the Victory Monument and Democracy Monument were constructed to designs by Corrado Feroci, an Italian credited with helping found Thailand's modern art movement. Rama V's long reign brought peace and stability to Thailand and his death in 1910 ushered in a period of great change. The first in a long series of coups was launched unsuccessfully in 1912 by a group of disgruntled soldiers. Another coup in 1932 by Western-educated students proved more successful, ending the absolute monarchy and replacing it with a constitutional model.

Rama VII abdicated in 1935, leaving the 10-year-old Rama VIII in his place. Power passed into the hands of Field Marshall Phibun, the first in what would prove to be a long line of military dictators. Probably one of the best examples of 1930s architecture is the Neilson Hays Library in downtown Bangkok. Phibun allied with the Japanese during World War II, sparing the capital from destruction, but lost his position of absolute power to a democratic civilian government after the war. He regained absolute power under murky circumstances surrounding the death of Rama VIII.

The current King Bhumibol (Rama IX) was crowned in 1946, and the first few decades of his reign were marked by the rise of communism in Indochina, leading to growing American military aid and a continuing succession of military dictators. The enduring legacy in Bangkok of this time are the bars of Patpong and Soi Cowboy, which catered to American soldiers on R & R from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Another reminder of this turbulent time is Jim Thompson's House and Museum, preserved exactly as the silk magnate left it when he disappeared mysteriously.

In 1973, massive student demonstrations forced General Thanom, the military ruler, to leave the country. A civilian government took over, but lasted only until 1976, when more student demonstrations against the return of Thanom were brutally crushed by right-wing forces fearing a communist takeover. General Prem Tinsulanonda, a moderate, took power in 1980 and is credited for leading Thailand out of this mess, granting amnesty to the communists and overseeing a period of growth and stability that turned Bangkok into the vibrant modern capital it is today.

One downturn in this trend of liberalization has been another military coup in 1991, overthrown the following year by bloody Bangkok street demonstrations. Since then, a succession of four civilian governments has seen the capital enjoy a much more stable political climate. The only other crisis of note was the 1997 Asian economic meltdown, whose legacy is still apparent in scores of unfinished condominiums and office towers.

Health and Beauty

2009-09-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty Salon – For your convenience, we provide an on-site beauty salon where guests can receive a haircut and wash, or indulge in a pedicure or manicure. The salon also provides in-room service. Simply contact a member of our staff to make an appointment.

Salon Services	Salon	In Room
Hair Cut	300 Baht	300 Baht
Shampoo, Hair Cut and Blow Dry	150 Baht	300 Baht
Shampoo and Blow Dry	150 Baht	300 Baht
Pedicure	100 Baht	200 Baht
Manicure	100 Baht	200 Baht

* Prices displayed are set by the salon, and are subject to change without prior notice.

Massage Salon – Relax and pamper yourself at our Rehabilitation Center where we offer several types of traditional massage, available at the massage studio as well as in the patient's room. For patients staying in the VIP ward, a separate massage room is also available.

Rehabilitation Center	In Room & At Center
Thai Body Massage (1 hour)	350 Baht
Foot Massage (1 hour)	350 Baht
Therapeutic Massage (1 hour) (administered by a physical therapist)	600 Baht Outpatient 1,000 Baht Inpatient

Bangkok Hospital

2009-09-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bangkok Hospital Map and Location

Owing to the construction of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link which is currently underway, it is necessary for the State Railway of Thailand to close the local roads in the area of Rama 7 Road to take effect from the end of June 2005 onwards (for a period of one to three years).

As a result, Bangkok Hospital has produced this road map showing the best routes and the roads to avoid for the convenience of all our customers.

Road map showing the entrance to Bangkok Hospital

*Bangkok Hospital Map ** Download Map *

Road map showing the exit routes from Bangkok Hospital

*Bangkok Hospital Map**Download Map*

A King Turns 80, Let the Party Begin

2009-08-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

WHO doesn't love a birthday party, especially when there are colorful fireworks, countrywide singalongs, and everyone is invited? Thais, and any visitors to Bangkok in November through early December, are all welcome to Thailand's biggest birthday celebration of the year (and a national holiday), in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or Rama IX, who celebrates his 80th on Dec. 5.

In a country where the monarchy enjoys a reverence seldom seen in modern times, the king's birthday is always a grand event, but this year's yearlong, nationwide celebration — with a fleet of royal barges, elephant parades and countless government initiatives — promises to take the proverbial (birthday) cake.

The Treasury Department is minting nearly 25 million commemorative coins. The Fine Arts Department created a special royal emblem encrusted with 80 diamonds. The Tourism Authority of Thailand is promoting a national merit-making campaign called “80 Days of Good Works.” And to top it off, the country's first expedition to the peak of Mount Everest is scheduled this month to honor the king's 80th by planting his royal flag at the summit.

The king took over the throne in 1946 after his older brother, Rama VIII, was killed by a mysterious gunshot wound to the head, and is the longest-reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II comes in a distant second). But he also is perhaps the most unequivocally beloved among his people: he is the embodiment of national pride, traffic halts when his entourage drives by and taxi drivers bow to his picture as they pass his likeness.

Born in Cambridge, Mass., King Bhumibol was not raised to be a king, which may be part of his charm. His interests in sailing, photography, painting and especially music are well known. He was the first Asian composer awarded honorary membership in the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna, and he has jammed on saxophone with the likes of Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong, whom he considered a friend.

Although the king doesn't hold any legislative power, he has put occasional, heated pressure on the government in instances where it needed a benign and steady hand toward democratization, especially during various military coups.

I witnessed this megawatt star power on the king's 75th birthday, when I was living in Bangkok. Along with hundreds of residents, I stood outside the Grand Palace for hours, waiting for his highness to make his annual birthday entrance from the tall palace gates along Na Phra Lan Road. Portable floodlights were erected to shine on the building that Rama I began constructing in 1782.

Finally, the sun went down, the floodlights went up and the gates opened to hushed excitement. A shiny, pale yellow Rolls Royce swept into the street, and the Thais bowed and chanted exclamations of adoration. Several wept uncontrollably.

Soon the crowd moved en masse to Sanam Luang, a park where the same ceremony is held every year. A huge portrait of the king and a movie screen towered over a large stage. Rows and rows of uniformed military stood at attention before it as the crowd quickly grew. Candles were passed out and slowly lighted until the park was a sea of flickering lights.

Then the king appeared, to thunderous applause, and gave his annual speech, summing up the greatness of the country and reminding Thais to follow their better natures. In return, the entire country, with the help of satellite links in towns all over, raised lighted candles and sang “Father of the Land” to him, a song of salute and praise. The night was capped off by what was the longest and most pyrotechnically advanced fireworks display I've ever witnessed.

On his birthday this year you can expect the same appearance at the palace, national singalong and royal speech, or as an official press release delicately put it, “A grand public audience granted by His Majesty the King.”

SOME of the big events have already come and gone, like the 80-elephant parade at Chitlada Palace, the royal residence, and the Library Boat, which spent 80 days sharing its collection of 1,500 books on King Bhumibol's history, achievements and duties to port towns across the country.

A major highlight you can still catch is the Royal Barge Procession on Nov. 5, during which the king will travel down the Chao Phraya River to present robes to the monks of Wat Arun. This rare display of ostentatious antiquity features a formal procession of four gilded and canopied vessels powered by oarsmen and adorned with multiple naga serpent heads.

If you arrive in Bangkok before that date, look for one of the nine rehearsals that will also take place on the river or visit the National Museum of Royal Barges (Arun Amarin Road, off the Chao Phraya River; 66-2-424-0004) .

In the final weeks before the king's birthday, effigies will rise around Bangkok, and the streets will be outfitted with a display of lights to rival Midtown Manhattan at Christmas, especially along Avenue Ratchadamnoen Klang, which ends at Sanam Luang. On Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at the huge and ornate Royal Plaza (U-Thong Nai Road, across from the Dusit Zoo), there will be the annual Trooping of the Colors in honor of the king. And on the morning of Dec. 5, locals will flock to temples to make special offerings.

To catch the infectious Thai spirit of the day (and show your enthusiasm), pack a yellow shirt. The National Commission on the Celebrations has asked everyone to wear yellow shirts (the royal color) every day from Dec. 1 to 5 to demonstrate their love and respect for His Majesty.

On the big day, plant yourself at Sanam Luang. There will be plenty of street food for the crowds. During the day, the stage will be used for a free concert of Thai pop songs and jazz pieces written by the king. Around 5 p.m., make your way over to the Grand Palace to greet the king before returning to the park for candles, singing and his birthday speech.

This year, the ceremony will be televised in 176 countries, and fireworks displays will be spread out over four days: Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. from the Royal Turf Club (183 Pitsanuloke Road; 66-2-280-0020); Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. over the Chao Phraya, between Utsahakam Ring Road and the Rama IX Bridge; Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. back at the Royal Turf Club; and Dec. 8 at 7.30 p.m. at Benchakiti Park (60 New Rachadapisek Road.) A schedule of events can be found at www.80thbirthdayanniversary.go.th.

There will also be fireworks in Chiang Mai, Sukothai, Udon Thani and Phuket. If you're in one of those towns on the holiday, you'll find celebratory gatherings, candles and the king's speech on satellite TV in their main town squares.

VISITOR INFORMATION

For a birthday-centric visit to Bangkok in November or early December, you should orient yourself around the Chao Phraya River, where many events are taking place.

WHERE TO STAY

The two most deservedly famous riverside hotels are the Mandarin Oriental (48 Oriental Avenue; 66-2-659-9000, or for reservations from the United States, 800-526-6566; www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok; doubles from $349) and the Peninsula (333 Charoennakorn Road; 66-2-61-2888 or 866-382-8388; bangkok.peninsula.com; from $240 after October). Both offer great views and easy access to the celebrations.

Farther upstream and closer to the palace is the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers (2 Charoen Krung Road Soi 30; 66-2-266-0123 or 800-325-3535; www.sheraton.com/royalorchid; from 5,500 bahts, or $172 at 32 bahts to the dollar), highly rated for its large rooms, service and ambience.

WHERE TO EAT

The dining options along the Chao Phraya include the terrace restaurant of the Royal River Hotel (219 Soi Charansanitwong 66/1; 66-2-422-9222; www.royalrivergroup.com), which offers a great view just above the King Rama VIII Bridge.

For a more local experience, try the Silver Spoon restaurant (2/1 Krung Kasem Road; 66-2-281-2900) on the other side of the river at Thewet Pier. Ask to sit on the rustic deck overlooking the river and enjoy traditional Thai dishes with an emphasis on seafood.

Bangkok Spas and Health

2009-08-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Bangkok Spas and Health

A wonderful way to escape Bangkok's mad streets

Thailand enjoys a world-wide reputation for its tranquil spas and retreats. In Bangkok, the traditional arts of Thai massage, a rather vigorous but highly invigorating experience, have been combined with a series of modern, holistic treatments such as body wraps, facials and mud-baths to give a visitor to one of Bangkok’s many spas a soothing and relaxing experience; the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is a large choice of spas and retreats around Bangkok, which range from the brief but refreshing short-stop treatment to the complete and utter luxury of a full day’s pampering. Most of the high-end hotels such as the Oriental, Holiday Inn, Dusit and the Marriot all contain their own in-house spas. Also, there are a number of world-class private spas dotted around the city, the most notable of these being the Mandara and Aspara Spas.

A perfect blend of ancient Eastern traditional treatments with the more modern, Western approach, these spas in Bangkok are simply wonderful. All the stresses and strains of modern life will be scrubbed, massaged and cleaned away, leaving you feeling like a new person.

The Oasis Spa this is a brand new facility opened by this popular Northern Thailand chain, who have an excellent track record in managing professional spas. They offer a large range of treatments to suit all budgets, including ayurveda, aromatherapy and traditional Thai practices in a lovely environment off Sukhumwit road. 64 Soi Swaddee Sukhumvit 31, Phrakanong, Bangkok 10100, Tel: 02 262 2122.

The Ananda Spa located next to the President Solitaire Serviced Apartments on Sukhumvit lane 11 allows guests to escape the busy streets of Bangkok and enter another world. The spa has a number of private rooms which all contain Jacuzzis, showers and relaxation areas. The spa offers a huge range of spa treatments at competitive prices, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: 02 255 7200, Fax: 02 253 2330.

The Divana Spa a notable name in Bangkok spas treatment, has recently opened a new spa and wellbeing centre called ‘DVN’ on Sukhumwit lane 35, opposite the Emporium Department Store and very close to the Prmophong BTS Station. Placed in a two-storey Thai house and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the centre contains nine private couple rooms and 17 treatment beds. Each room has its own design and theme. The spa offers a wide range of treatments all designed to relieve stress and relax visitors, 7 Sukhumvit 25, North Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Tel: 02 661 6784-5, Fax: 02 661 6028, contact@divanaspa.com

Treat yourself to a spa makeover for a very affordable pampering

The Mandara brand is a well-known name to spa users. Their unique blend of Eastern and Western techniques is sure to soothe even the most stressed out of visitors. The Mandara Spas ’ signature treatment is performed by two therapists working together in perfect harmony for the ultimate massage. Mandara Marriott Resort & Spa: 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Rd, (tel: +66 (02)...). The Royal Orchid Mandara Spa at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers: 2 Captain Bush Lane New Road, Siphaya, Bangkok 10500, Tel: 02 266 0123, Fax: 02 639 5478, Hours of Operation: 10a.m.-10p.m., ms_shro@minornet.com.

The Orientist Spas is a unique and exclusive place where visitors can truly relax and escape the stress and strain of modern life. The Spa uses traditional Thai herbs and techniques to give visitors the full benefit of thousands of years’ experience. The Orientist Spa has three branches: Ari Branch: 69 Phaholyothin Rd., Soi 6, Samsennai, Phayathai, , Bangkok 10400, Tel: 02 278 2240-1, Fax: 02 278 2270, Ladprao Branch: 1111/148 Baan Klang Muang (Ratchada-Lad Prao), Lad Prao Rd., Chantarakasem, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Tel: 02 ..., Fax: 02 513 7604, Central World Branch: 6th Fl. Asian Senses (Dazzle Zone) Central World Shopping Complex, Rajdamri Rd., Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Tel: 02 613 1577-8, Fax: 02 613 1579, info@theorientistspa.com

Spa I Am is a haven of peace and relaxation within the heart of bustling Bangkok. Its 26 private rooms are all fitted out with Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. There is a beauty salon on hand to ensure you look as good as you feel. Spa I Am is based on 88 Soi Ladprao 18, Ladprao Rd., Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Tel: 02 ..., 938 4885, Fax: 02 938 4954,

Another popular form of cleansing that has taken root in Bangkok over the past few years is detoxification. Always popular in the East, but now being practised by health-nuts and party-goers alike, these techniques aim to rid the body of toxins over a relatively short period.

Rasayana Retreat and Hydro Health: 57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit 39, Klonton-nua, Wattana 10110, Tel: 02 662 4803-5, Fax: 02 662 4799, info@rasayanaretreat.com offer a selection of different programmes that range from one day to a month.

As advantageous as all the luxury and tranquility of these spas and retreats are, a visitor to Bangkok should not neglect the more rustic and down to earth relaxation on offer on the streets of Bangkok. There are often small and friendly massage venues dotted around, which offer one or two hours of massage for a very small fee. Also, exercise and relaxation can easily be found in Bangkok’s parks and temples.

If you cannot make it to the Bangkok spas there are plenty more provided in the beach resorts as well as Chiang Mai which has an abundance of good value spas.

Credit : http://www.1stopbangkok.com/hospitality/spas/

Bangkok Shopping

2009-08-01T03:33:00.000-07:00

What to Buy and Where to Shop in Bangkok

Shopping in Bangkok is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers - whatever it is you're looking for. From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets, Bangkok has all kinds of places to blow your baht. With everything from antiquities and the latest pair of trainers to designer jewellery available, Bangkok has an equally exhaustive, and potentially exhausting, variety of things to buy.

Don't miss our 'Shopper's Survival Guide'with lots of useful tips, and vote for your favourite in our interactive'Top 10 Shopping Experiences in Bangkok' feature. Whatever you choose to purchase, and wherever you may want to pursue it, be sure to polish your bargaining skills and sport a big smile – an important 'tool' to help you fetch the best prices.

Top 10 Shopping Experiences

The winners

The variety of shopping experiences in Bangkok goes far beyond a stroll in a mall or a morning spent browsing a market. Shopping in Bangkok is a day-and-night activity that runs parallel with the best in the West, while also giving a flavour of the cultural uniqueness of the East. Work your way through these ten entirely different experiences, and you’ll soon come to realize why Bangkok is such a famous shopping hub. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite!

Markets

The market of all markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate. You will be amazed by its sprawling size, but perhaps even more so by the unbelievable variety of wares. Stumble across anything from vinyl records, beads, suits of armor to a live seahorse! Haggling is allowed; in fact, it is encouraged. Just do so politely. Possibly the most exhilarating, chaotic and lively shopping experience that can be had anywhere in the world.

Shopping Malls

In a city blessed with some of the world’s most sumptuous malls, how do you choose? Do you want bargains galore? Go to MBK. After the biggest and most trendy? CentralWorld is your ticket. How about classy? Make your way to The Emporium. Of course, if glamour makes you go wobbly at the knees, you will already have found Siam Paragon – the epitome of high-class Bangkok.

After-Dark Shopping

In most cities nighttime means closing time. Not so, here in Bangkok. Come dusk, Khao San Road teems with unkempt travel wear. And Patpong Market’s tarpaulin covered stalls – each brimming with counterfeits or exotica - don’t even kick into life until the area’s office workers are tucked up in bed. Just two examples, among several, of Bangkok’s love affair with the after-dark shop.

Funky Shopping

This is an excursion all of its own for the young at heart. If modish describes your style, ZEN will blow you away! ZEN, proclaiming itself to be the ‘largest lifestyle trend megastore’ takes up a big section of the very big CentralWorld, consisting of six floors of urban youth orientated delights. Also in the category of funky, places like Manga, Q Concept and Fly Now on the ground floor of CentralWorld, turn shopping into a multi-dimensional experience.

Thai Crafts

For the most comprehensive overview of traditional Thai crafts, OTOP is an excellent starting point. Here you can appreciate the spirit, effort and pride that go into the making of these products, coming to you from all the corners of Thailand. Other places to pick up quality handicrafts in Bangkok are the Narayana Phand Pavillion and Chitralada shops.

Department Stores

Imagine a place full of quality items, both imported and domestic; a place where shop-hopping is obsolete, and every ilk – fashionista, bargain hunter, or house-wife – is catered for. Nice isn’t it? Well in Bangkok they are called department stores. Open-plan, and spread over many gleaming floors, these retail realms offer the opposite of street commerce – they’re calm and whisper quiet. They’re also not shy about price slashing.

Chinatown

There is something oddly kitsch, charming and nostalgic about Bangkok’s Chinatown. Walking through the many little streets you might find yourself in a market, a shophouse-lined backstreet or a crowded space jam-packed with hawkers of every ilk. Along with many gold shops, you’ll also find sacks of roasted chestnuts, sequins, feather boas, eccentric virility boosters and martial art weapons.

Pantip Plaza

An aspiring techno-geek? Then Pantip Plaza is your heaven on earth. Looking for a new mobile, notebook or the latest gadget? That’s right, Pantip. Packed from floor to ceiling with stalls and shops selling all kinds of computer and electronic paraphernalia, make sure to allow enough time to explore this bustling, indoor IT mall.

Flower & Fresh Produce Market

Among the many fresh produce markets in Bangkok, the jewel without a doubt is the Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market. The colours, fragrances of jasmine and the sight of garland weavers busily at work makes for a dazzling sensory experience. Prepare yourself for a really late-night experience, but one worth staying up for.

Antiques & Collectibles

There is a huge market for reproductions in Bangkok, which can be a collector’s nightmare. If the real thing is what you’re after, you will be interested in OP Place, next to the Oriental Hotel. A historical landmark in its own right, the contents are simply to die for. Close by is the Rivercity complex, equally well-known for prized collectibles.

Credit : http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-top10-experiences/index.html

The Sights of Bangkok in Thailand

2009-07-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular destinations in Asia to visit over recent years has been Thailand. This of course has also coincided with the booming popularity of Thai cuisine around the world. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the main entry point where the vast majority of tourists to Thailand will use.

Bangkok is a very interesting city because in addition to the usual modern buildings of offices, hotels and shopping centers, there are also about 400 exotic Thai temples that seem to stick out among the urban landscape. There are Thai citizens on the streets dressed in modern business clothing as well as Buddhist monks in saffron robes. Yet this is what part of Thailand is. The traditional mixed in with the modern. In fact, it’s the traditional attractions that make Thailand so magical. The temples are sights that one just cannot see in the western world. They are like objects that popped out of an Asian fairy tale.

Like many other large Asian cities, Bangkok is congested with traffic, people and pollution. In fact, the air can be bad enough that there are locals wearing surgical masks in the streets. With an average annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius or 83 degrees Fahrenheit, it can be somewhat uncomfortable outside for some tourists, especially those from northern climates. Also beware that there will be people on the streets who will try to hustle tourists and direct them to their own businesses and tours. But unlike places in the Caribbean, Thais are polite and not aggressive people. For example, once upon arrival at the international airport, there will be people within the terminal including the ones at the booths who will be offering taxi transportation to your hotel. Although these are legit, they will charge a premium compared to the taxis waiting outside the terminal. There is a similar situation at the hotels. The taxis waiting right outside the main hotel entrances do seem to quote more than those waiting on the side streets just further down. The three-wheeled ‘tuk tuk’ vehicles also vary a lot so it may be wise to ask for quotes from a few drivers rather than taking the first one you see. The tuk tuks are a fun ride by the way so they should be experienced at least once while in Bangkok. The city also has various public buses and river taxis which are long boats used on the river canal system. A nice way to spend some time is to take a ride on one of these river taxis to cruise the canals which some refer to as the ‘Venice of the East’.

The Grand Palace is probably the most visited attraction in Bangkok. This complex is surrounded by walls built in 1783 and contains government offices, royal residences monuments and the Emerald Buddha Chapel. The Royal Chapel which contains the Emerald Buddha is the monarch’s private chapel. The Buddha itself is actually a one piece jade sitting on top of a golden altar. It’s not a large Buddha but it is very special. Apparently, they change the Buddha’s clothing which is also made of gold on a seasonal basis. There are numerous monuments on the grounds that are dedicated to past monarchs. Walls with large mythological scenes are displayed throughout. The buildings and monuments within the Grand Palace have some very striking colors including golds and greens. Gold color is used quite a lot and the distinctively curved Thai roofs on the buildings are very detailed. Equally stunning are some of the interiors of these buildings with their magnificent rooms and halls used for different ceremonies and events. Some of these halls have special royal altars.

One temple not to miss is Wat Pho which is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It features a giant Buddha lying on its side. Even the soles of this Buddha’s feet have very intricately detailed designs. Other nice temples to see are Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple). The Wat Pho temple has traditional Thai massage services which are very popular among tourists. Other temples such as Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok also have Thai massages available. The Royal Barges or long boats which are used during ceremonies on the river are also nice to see. The details put into decorating these boats are just remarkable.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s the Pasteur Institute’s Snake Farm where poisonous snakes are fed daily and visitors can watch handlers milk cobras for their venom. There is also the world’s largest Crocodile Farm. The national sport of Thai kickboxing can be seen at two different stadiums in Bangkok. Both the Ratchadamnoen and Lumphini stadiums feature events throughout the week on different days. Thai theatre and traditional dance are very interesting to watch as cultural entertainment. These can be seen at theatres as well as some of the top hotels in the city.

Bangkok has some good shopping opportunities especially for jewelry, handicrafts and textiles including silks as well as cottons. As in other locations in Asia, vendors in the streets will expect some bargaining of prices where the retail stores have fixed prices. Just like in Hong Kong, Bangkok has many custom tailors who can make suits, shirts and dresses for clients within 24 hours. Some will even delivery the finished clothing to your hotel free of charge.

There are some general guidelines of etiquette in Thailand that should be followed by all visitors. The Thai royal family is revered in this country so no outsider should ever make any even slightly negative remarks about the country’s monarchy. Temples should not be entered unless one is covered with long pants or skirts. Shorts and shoulderless tops are not permitted in temples. Footwear is always removed prior to entering any temple. Images and statues of Buddha, even postcards, are considered sacred in Thailand so one should never climb on one or do anything that will show disrespect. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon. Of course this seems to be a complete contradiction to Bangkok’s famous red light and adult entertainment districts such as Patpong. But this is yet another example of the contrast that’s found in Thailand.

The attractions in Bangkok warrant a few days stay in the city before heading out to other parts of Thailand where there’s much less pollution and more beautiful natural scenery. Bangkok has good air connections with other Asian destinations as well so it can easily be fit into a larger tour of Asia.

The Thai Labour Museum - a history of strife, sweat and toil

2009-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Thai Labour Museum is housed in a modest single story red building by the railway line near the Makkasan railway station. The building used to be the railway police station, then the railway labour union office, before being converted to a museum on 17 October 1993.

The monument outside the Thai Labour Museum signifying the "Dignity of Labour" shows a man and a woman pushing a huge wheel, the wheel of history.

The museum captures the 300-year history of the Thai labour movement from the days of slavery to the present, tracing the evolution of the Thai labour.

Slavery

The journey in the Thai Labour Museum starts with the period of slavery. Since the 1700s slaves and commoners or Phrai worked without wages. The Phrai were tattooed with their names of the area of abode and their masters.

The advent of paid labour

The Bowing Treaty in 1855 in the reign of King Rama IV opened up trade and pressure for reform. Increased labour demand was met by the influx of Chinese immigrants. This was the advent of paid labour though conditions were abysmal.

Reform - the abolition of slavery

In 1873, King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V abolished slavery, a watershed in the history of Thai labour fittingly recorded in the Thai Labour Museum. All men were free to seek employment for a fair wage.

Political reform and the labour movement

The early 1920s had no clear government policy on labour. Labour had no right of organization. Industrial disputes and strikes were frequent. Intellectuals, the pioneers of the labour movement, tried to raise awareness to this growing problem.

The 1932 coup brought hopes of improvement. The Thai Tram Workers Association, the first labour union was formed. A nationalist economic policy required Thai ownership of companies, registration of unemployed and recognition of workers' rights.

World War II and the Cold War

The Japanese occupation in World War II put a halt to things, causing unemployment, inflation and severe hardships. Many workers joined the underground resistance movement.

Thai labour's setback continued during the Cold War. Military dictators, who were staunchly anti-communist and anti-labour, clamped down on labour as workers' rights and unions were considered unfavourable to investment.

The turbulent 1970s to the end of the century

Widespread discontent forged an alliance of workers, farmers and students that boiled over in 1973. The video in the Thai Labour Museum gives a detailed account of the events leading up to the bloodbath on 14 October 1973.

Other problems were that of abuse of child and women labour and gross neglect of workers' safety. In 1993 188 workers, mostly women, perished when a fire burnt down the Kader Doll Factory. The 1997 economic crisis was another bitter pill.

Thai labour and Songs for life

The last stop in the Thai Labour Museum is a fitting finale as it embodies the spirit of the politically disenchanted, the exploited and neglected. The labour movement took their plight to the people through music.

Hardships and toil are expressed through songs with poignant images of broken dolls and tearful children mourning the loss of their mothers in the Kader Doll Factory fire.

Current issues facing Thai labour today

Issues still facing Thai labour today are a fair minimum daily wage, the privatization of state enterprises and workers' safety. Will a new page be written in Thai labour history for inclusion in the Thai Labour Museum?

One Night In Bangkok

2009-07-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

By the end of October in Thailand finishes so called “rain season”, so now it’s just the right time to visit this country and to see all its sightseeing.

Before going to one of its sea resorts, most of which have recovered from the last year’s tsunami, it could be very interesting to spend some time in Thailand’s capital – Bangkok. Bangkok is 8-million metropolis. You can live here for several years but still find something new. However 24 hours is quite enough to fall in love with the city and to see the best it can offer.

For the last 200 years Bangkok has been the residence of the Tai’s kings. Live in Bangkok boils up round the clock. All the big shops and small stores are open 24 hours a day. The night is the best time in Bangkok. No heat, bright lights… Even the mud, so usual for the oriental city seems to hide under the cover of the dark.

Impetuous Bangkok’s nightlife attracts a lot of people, mostly tourists from the West. All bars, clubs and discos are always overcrowded. Noise, smoke, different shows (go-go, burlesk etc) and Thai’s massage become the symbols of unforgettable Bangkok’s nights.

When the night is over, if you still have forces, you can enjoy all the traditional attractions tourists usually visit.

As Thailand's capital, Bangkok boasts the outstanding monuments of country’s past. Bangkok's best temples include Wat Trimitr with its five and a half ton solid gold Buddha, Wat Po with its huge reclining Buddha - the first traditional massage school in Thailand, (massages are avalable.) and Wat Banjamaborpitr - the White Marble Temple - one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples with impressive Thai architecture. Even if you're short on time you should visit with the Grand Palace - Bangkok's most famous landmark is a former residence of the Kings of Thailand.

In November Bangkok hosts the Royal Rattanakosin Loy Krathong Festival. Loy Krathong is celebrated in different styles. This special festival includes a revival of traditional ceremonies, games, contests and competitions: Krathong Competition, and Thai costume contest. The festival lasts several days. You can choose only one of them – and see the most beautiful Thai’s traditions and the most impressive national dresses.

Now, when you saw it all you can continue your vacations on Phuket, Pattaya or any other resort. Many tourists after visiting Bangkok decide to see Laos or Cambodia that are not so far away.

The National Museum Bangkok - a millennium of Thai history

2009-07-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

A tour of the National Museum in Bangkok, which traces the early Thai civilizations in the region and the history of subsequent kingdoms, is like taking a stroll through the corridors of time. The short tour gives the visitor an overview of more than a millennium of history of the kingdom.

Our tour starts with the origin of early Thai civilizations in the first section in the National Museum. There's evidence of civilizations dating back to the early Stone Age from relics discovered in Lampang and Mae Hong Son in northern Thailand and Krabi to the south.

Civilizations existing around 3,600 BC were discovered in Ban Chiang, Udorn Thani in northeast Thailand as well as Kanchanaburi and Chonburi. There are conflicting theories as to where the early immigrants came from. However, there's sufficient evidence to show that there were civilizations in the area for more than 1,000 years.

The next section in the National Museum covers the 7th - 13th centuries when the Khmer empire, based in what is now Cambodia, was at the height of its power. The influence of Khmer culture covered the northeastern region of Thailand and extended all the way to Lopburi in central Thailand. Historical sites like Phanom Rung in Buriram and Phimai in Nakhon Ratchasima are testimony to this influence.

The 13th century saw the rise of the Sukhothai kingdom. The kingdom reached its pinnacle under the reign of King Ram Khamhaeng from 1279 - 1298 AD. Sukhothai not only grew in political and military stature, it was renowned for its art, architecture and culture. It was King Ram Khamhaeng who started the Thai alphabet.

The Ayutthaya section in the National Museum is the most substantial. Founded by King U-Thong in 1351, Ayutthaya was a city bounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak. It grew rapidly and soon eclipsed Sukhothai and the other kingdoms.

At the height of its influence, Ayutthaya was a major commercial center with three main palaces within a walled city with its network of roads and canals and protected by 16 forts. Trade with China, Portugal, the Netherlands and Japan flourished.

Ayutthaya was captured and sacked by Burma in 1569. The city was revived in 1584 by King Naresuan. Unfortunately it was overrun again and completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Built up over four centuries, Ayutthaya with its 34 kings from five dynasties crashed to an abrupt and tragic end.

It was left to Phraya Taksin, son of a Chinese immigrant, who escaped the destruction of Ayutthaya to reestablish a new capital in Thonburi. In a series of campaigns he drove the Burmese out of Thailand and reunited the various kingdoms.

The grand finale in the tour of the National Museum covers the Chakri dynasty started by King Rama I in 1782 when he established Bangkok as the new capital to restore the former glory of Ayutthaya.

It was the dawn of a new era, Rattanakosin. After a massive Burmese onslaught was repelled, they were never a serious threat again. The prospect of a united Thailand with secure borders became a reality. Under the reign of the Chakri Kings, the next 200 years, saw the gradual emergence of a modern Thailand.

The National Museum in Bangkok captures more than a millennium of history of the early Thai civilizations, the rise and fall of the various kingdoms and dynasties to the present. It encapsulates the cultural ballast and very soul of the Thai nation.

The Loy Krathong Festival - lighting up the Chao Phraya

2009-07-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Loy Krathong Festival is one of the most colorful Thai festivals celebrated nationwide. Processions of beautiful girls dressed in traditional costumes carry floral floats that are floated on rivers and lakes. Each province has its special features in celebrating this annual Festival of Lights.

In Bangkok the highlight of the Loy Krathong Festival was a procession of boats from the Royal Thai Navy decorated with various designs and lights presented by various organizations held nightly from 13 - 16 November 2005.

It was a spectacular floating kaleidoscope flickering in the night along the Chao Phraya River from the Taksin Bridge to King Rama VIII Bridge against a backdrop of historical monuments lighted up for the occasion.

The Loy Krathong tradition

What's the significance of this festival beyond the color and pageantry?

The Loy Krathong Festival is a 13th century Sukhothai tradition of Brahmin origin, adapted to Buddhism, to give thanks to the Goddess of water and to seek forgiveness for past misdeeds.

This tradition is particularly strong in agricultural societies where the river gives life and sustenance in a close bond between Man and Nature. To the millions of farmers dependant on its source of water, the Chao Phraya is the river of life.

Held on the 15th night of the new moon in the twelve-month of the Thai calendar, the Loy Krathong Festival usually falls in the third or fourth week of November.

The Loy Krathong ritual

In the ritual, the person kneels by the water, says a prayer, makes a wish, asks for forgiveness and floats (loy) off the lighted krathong. Courting couples float off a krathong together under the full moon and watch as the krathong drifts towards the fulfillment of their dreams.

Making the krathong

Made entirely from natural material, traditional krathongs consist of a small slice of banana trunk to serve as the float, which is decorated with banana leaves, multi-colored orchids, lotus and bright yellow marigolds, a candle and three joss sticks.

In the old days, sharpened wooden slivers are used to pin the leaves. Nails and staples have replaced these today. It's customary to leave some coins and a strain of your hair in the krathong to bring in good fortune and carry away the bad.

Merrymaking on Loy Krathong night

Locally the Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated at various locations near the Chao Phraya River, which are buzzing with activity, heightening as one reaches the riverbanks.

Roads to the piers are filled with vendors and buskers as crowds patiently inch their way to the banks packed with people of all ages. Many queue for boats to float their krathongs mid-stream. The celebration goes on for the whole night with more people arriving in the early hours.

Protecting the environment

Cleaning up the rivers and canals after the festival is a formidable task. On 17 November 2005, the morning after, it took 4,000 cleaners to retrieve 1.2 million krathongs in Bangkok alone!

The City administration discourages the use of Styrofoam, as these are non-biodegradable. The more enterprising have baked bread in the shape of krathongs that are consumed by fishe

Towards a better tomorrow

As fireworks burst overhead lighting the dark Bangkok skies, another Loy Krathong Festival comes to an end. Meanwhile the krathongs drift along the Chao Phraya carrying with them the hopes of thousands wishing for a better tomorrow.

If you're in Bangkok during the next Loy Krathong Festival, view the festivities at any of the Chao Phraya river piers. For a panoramic view, stay at one of the riverside hotels or take a river cruise by night.

The Kuan Yu Shrine, Bangkok - the warrior god on the Chao Phraya

2009-07-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Kuan Yu Shrine is dedicated to the ancient Chinese god of war, a legacy of the early Chinese immigrants who settled in the village of Bangkok during the Ayutthaya era.

Located on the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya, the shrine is just behind the Princess Mother Memorial Park, near the twin Memorial and Phra Pok Klao Bridges. From a comparison with old pictures, it's apparent that the old shrine has been completely renovated.

The present Kuan Yu Shrine is in an octagonal pavilion under a pagoda roof with a praetorian guard of dragons, the symbol of the emperor, strength and wisdom. Dragons glide down the roof, coil round the pillars within the shrine and the ornamental lamppost outside.

Kuan Yu, an ancient Chinese general in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, played a pivotal role in the civil wars among the warring kingdoms of China. The best-known general in Chinese history, he is immortalized in the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms, an epic tale spanning 113 years and 120 chapters!

Set in a tumultuous period in Chinese history (168 - 280 AD), the tale covers the disintegration of the empire, the rise and fall of dynasties, constant wars before final reunification.

Renowned for his courage, integrity, loyalty and righteousness, Kuan Yu was elevated to a deity after his death and the Kuan Yu Shrine became an institution in Chinese culture.

Owing to his military prowess, he is popularly known in the West as the God of War or the Warrior God. With his flowing black beard, the red-faced Kuan Yu, brandishing a deadly kuan tao, is a fearsome figure.

The kuan tao, a broad sword at the end of a long shaft, is similar to the medieval halberd, which has an axe and a pike instead.

However the Chinese worship him for his other virtues. For his loyalty, integrity and sense of justice for the common man, he is the God of Righteousness. For his financial acumen, merchants and traders worship him as the God of Commerce and Wealth.

For the ethnic Chinese in Bangkok, Kuan Yu has been their protector as they went about their daily lives for generations. As one of the five Tiger Generals in the Three Kingdoms, he is known in Thai as Jao Pho Seua, or the Tiger Guardian Spirit.

The little courtyard leading to the Kuan Yu Shrine has a traditional Thai spirit house near the entrance and a little Chinese pagoda at the far end. A group of old men sit around a table at the side chatting in their native Teo Chiew, a southern Chinese dialect.

In this harmonious blend of culture, the warrior god in the Kuan Yu Shrine stands sentinel on the Chao Phraya River, the guardian spirit of the common man.

The Kuan Yu Shrine is one of the numerous Bangkok Shrines in the city.

The legendary Oriental Bangkok - the grand dame on the Chao Phraya turns 130

2009-07-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Oriental Bangkok, the world-renowned luxury hotel, is the oldest hotel in Bangkok, has a legacy of famous writers and a long and famous history. She celebrates her 130th anniversary this year.

Two Danish sea captains founded the Oriental in 1865 during the reign of King Rama IV when Thailand opened up to trade as a result of the Bowring Treaty signed ten years earlier.

The founders saw the need for a hotel by the Chao Phraya to cater for the seafarers and traders who sailed upriver. They didn't realize then that the hotel they started would one day be a celebrated luxury hotel graced by the rich and famous.

Unfortunately the original building is no longer standing. The history of the Oriental Bangkok, the first hotel in the city, is taken from 1876 when the old wing was built. This building is still there.

The tradition of famous writers dates back to 1888, when Konrad Korzeniowski, a Polish merchant navy officer, sailed up the Chao Phraya and docked next to the Oriental Hotel. Nicknamed "Polish Joe" by his shipmates, he later became known to the literary world as Joseph Conrad.

Others were to follow in Conrad's footsteps. In 1923, Somerset Maugham, an English writer stayed at the Oriental Bangkok and wrote the children's tale, "Siamese Fairy Tale" while sitting in the river terrace gazing out at the Chao Phraya.

Noel Coward, another English writer, stayed at the Oriental Bangkok in 1929. Conrad, Maugham, Coward and the American, James Michener, four literary giants, became the founding fathers of the Authors' Wing.

The Oriental suffered damage, disrepair and looting during World War II, when it was taken over by the Japanese army. After the war, Allied officers waiting to return home made the hotel their living quarters.

In 1945, another legendary figure entered the scene. Jim Thompson, the American who later made his name in Thai silk, became one of the owners of the Oriental and a resident as well.

Thompson with five others, foreigners and Thai, pooled their funds in an attempt to revive the hotel. Owing to personal differences, Thompson left the group a year later.

The hotel went through a second major construction when the Garden Wing was completed and opened in 1958. In 1967 there was another change in ownership. It was then that Kurt Wachtveitl became General Manager.

The turning point came in 1974 when Jardine Matheson set up the Mandarin Hotels Group and bought a 49% stake in the Oriental Bangkok. This provided the impetus for a major expansion with the new 376-room wing, ballroom and multi- level car park.

The new River Wing opened in 1976, with suites honoring Barbara Cartland, John le Carre, Gore Vidal, Graham Greene and Norman Mailer. John le Carre was said to have finished "The Honourable Schoolboy" here.

In 2006, after another major facelift, the Oriental Bangkok celebrates its 130th anniversary with Kurt Wachtveitl still at the helm after 39 years, backed by his faithful and long-serving staff.

At a 130, the charming grand dame still holds court by the Chao Phraya. The tradition of famous writers famous writers lives on.

Tour Bangkok Legacies for an enriching travel experience

2009-07-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

Tour Bangkok Legacies is a historical travel website on renowned places preserved for posterity, the momentous events surrounding these places and the legendary figures who left these legacies in the landscape of Bangkok.

The website is designed to provide independent travelers seeking an enriching historical travel experience in Bangkok.

Covered in this website is the historical background to famous homes, communities, monuments, temples, revered shrines, old churches, quaint little museums located in obscure corners of the city, even roads, old hotels and the areas these hotels are in.

Convenient forms of public transportation by rail, road and river boats, with scaled maps are included with directions on how to get there. You can be your own tour guide with the help of this do-it-yourself online historical travel guide book.

Our historical journey in Tour Bangkok Legacies starts at the world-renowned luxury hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

The Oriental Hotel Bangkok, is a hotel steeped in the tradition of the literary giants of the 20th century, where the guest list reads like an international Who's Who. How did all this start and who were the people who contributed to the legacy of the Oriental Bangkok?

The second stop in our tour of Bangkok legacies is further away from the river. In downtown Bangkok, in a busy junction stands a shrine that draws hundreds of devotees everyday. Thais and foreigners alike pray at this shrine to seek their blessings at the Erawan Shrine.

Less than a hundred metres away stands the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, another luxury hotel in Bangkok. Is the "Erawan" name in the hotel just coincidence, proximity or is there more to the Erawan legend? Find out more about this in Tour Bangkok Legacies.

In bustling downtown Bangkok, tucked away in two quiet sois (lanes) are the houses of two legendary figures who left their legacies in Bangkok, houses crafted in traditional Thai architecture and preserved for posterity.

One of these houses belonged to a former Prime Minister of Thailand, statesman, scholar, actor and writer.

Legacy of a former statesman

The other belonged to a man with the vision to launch the famous Thai silk industry into the fashion capitals of the world.

Home of the legendary Thai silk king

Both these houses are open to the public on a tour of Bangkok legacies.

Trace the lives of the early Chinese immigrants to Bangkok and tour their cultural legacies in Yaowaraj, Chinatown Bangkok. In the heart of Chinatown, is an obscure soi (lane) where a doctor, who was to change the course of Chinese history, stayed on his visit to the overseas Chinese in Bangkok.

The archway over the soi

In 2004, during the Lunar New Year festival, the soi was named in his honour, leaving another landmark in Tour Bangkok Legacies.

Break away from the stereotyped view of Bangkok and tour Bangkok from a different perspective. Tour Bangkok legacies for an enriching journey through history for the first or the next time you travel to Thailand.

Let's start our journey through Tour Bangkok Legacies. Back in 1888, Konrad Korzeniowski sailed up the Chao Phraya River.

via: http://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/

The Bangkok forts - citadels of Rattanakosin

2009-07-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Bangkok forts were constructed after King Rama I established Bangkok as the new capital 1782. With the destruction of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767 still fresh on his mind, security was a critical condition.

The new capital, though in a far more defensible position than the previous capitals, Thonburi, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, had to be reinforced.

The defense of Rattanakosin rested on four elements: the Chao Phraya River, a major water obstacle; the canal rings which created a defensive belt of moats; the city walls and the Bangkok forts.

Lod Canal was already in existence, dug during the reign of King Taksin (1767 - 1782) when the capital was still in Thonburi. The canal was renamed Asadang Canal in 1982, after Prince Asadang, a son of King Chulalongkorn or King Rama V.

With the Chao Phraya River on the west and Lod Canal to the east, a second canal ring was dug in 1785 by 10,000 Khmer prisoners of war. This canal stretched from Banglampu in the north to the present Phra Pok Klao Bridge in the south and turned the old city into an island - Rattanakosin Island.

The second canal ring was called Rob Krung (around the city). Today, this canal is called Banglampu Canal in the north and Ong-Ang Canal in the south.

A protective wall was erected along the canal. Fourteen Bangkok forts and observation towers along the Chao Phraya River and the Rob Krung Canal reinforced the city defenses. Unfortunately all that remains today are two forts, a section of the old city wall and an old gateway.

Of the two Bangkok forts that remain today, the first is Fort Phra Sumen to the north at the confluence of the Chao Phraya River and Banglampu Canal.

The second fort is Fort Mahakarn covering the Rob Krung Canal to the east, near Wat Saket the Temple on the Golden Mount. About 200 m of the old city wall along Maha Chai Road is still standing today and so is the old gateway.

From 1851 - 54, during the reign of King Rama IV, the third canal ring was built. This was the Padung Krung Kasem Canal, the longest of the three canal rings, stretching from Thewet in the north, past Hua Lam Pong Station to Bangrak in the south. This time, Chinese laborers dug the canal.

During the reign of the King Rama I, threats of invasion were still strong. The Bangkok forts and the canals provided the protection and security for the survival of the new capital, which has transformed to a modern metropolis today.

via: http://www.bangkok2night.com/articles/bangkok-forts.shtml

Chinatown Bangkok - Yaowarat, the Chinese legacy

2009-07-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Chinatown Bangkok was started when King Rama I decided in 1782 to establish the new capital Bangkok on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River. The Chinese immigrants who were originally settled in the area that is now the Grand Palace had to move out to a strip of land a kilometre down the river.

Over the years the settlement grew. Today, Chinatown Bangkok or Yaowarat covers a square bounded by Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to the east, the Ong Ang Canal to the west, Luang Road to the north and the Chao Phraya River to the south, an area of about 2 sq km.

The casual visitor to Chinatown would probably only have the time and energy to cover the main street Yaowarat Road where most of the activities are concentrated. The other road of interest is Rachawong Road which is off Yaowarat Road.

If you are coming to Chinatown by road the most convenient way to start your tour of this Bangkok legacy is to take the subway to the Hua Lam Phong station located on the eastern bank of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal. Nearby is the Hua Lam Phong railway station from which trains travel to every part of Thailand.

Across the road from the train station is Traimit Road where the famous Wat Traimit or Temple of the Golden Buddha stands. This wat houses a 3 m high Buddha made of more than 5 tonnes of gold!

Within the same compound as Wat Traimit, is the Saphanthawong Museum a community museum dedicated to the early Chinese immigrants in Bangkok.

Outside the main entrance of Wat Traimit is a traffic island on which stands a huge Chinese arched gate, the Odeon Gate, built in 1999 to mark the 72nd birthday of King Bhumipol, the present king. This gate marks the start of Yaowarat Road and the walking tour of the rest of Chinatown.

Yaowarat Road, the main street in Chinatown Bangkok, was built in the reign of King Rama V. The crowded street winds through bustling heart of Chinatown like a mythical dragon rearing its head at the Odeon Gate. Shop signs in both Thai and Chinese give the visitor a clear indication that he's in Chinatown.

The street is lined with ubiquitous goldsmith shops, sharks' fin and birds nest restaurants, shops and vendors selling Chinese herbal medicine, dried mushrooms, salted fish, roast duck, Chinese calendars, almanacs and of course, lottery tickets. The avid bargain hunter would have a ball a time browsing through the shops and stalls.

Every year during the Chinese New Year, Yaowarat Road is closed to traffic for street festivities, lion dances and food fairs. A member of the royal family attends the occasion every year much to the joy and pride of the Yaowarat community.

Most of the bigger hotels in Chinatown are located along Yaowarat Road. The most prominent however is the Grand China Princess at the Ratchawong junction, right in the heart of Chinatown, overlooking the old city and the Chao Phraya.

About a kilometer down Yaowarat Road turn left into Ratchawong Road another street full of vendors selling everything from stickers, deep-fried snacks to roasted chestnuts. Ratchawong Road has two significant landmarks in Chinatown.

Fifty metres after turning into Rachawong Road you'll encounter a tall Chinese arch to a narrow soi on the left. During the Lunar New Year in 2004, this soi, Soi Phalittaphon, was renamed Soi Sun Yat Sen, after the father of the Chinese revolution who visited Chinatown Bangkok in 1908, during his tour of South East Asia to raise money from the overseas Chinese for the revolution.

Walking through this narrow soi, the visitor would have to cope with the crowds of shoppers and the frequent passage of vehicles. The shops and stalls along this packed soi sell a wide variety of goods and even Christmas trees.

Further along Rachawong Road is an even narrower soi to the right. The soi is so congested that it's barely passable to human traffic. Packed with stalls on either side, it would take a very determined shopper to weave his way through.

It's difficult to imagine that this is the famous Soi Sampheng or Soi Wanit where the original Chinese settlers first moved in and started Chinatown in 1782.

At the end of Rachawong Road is the Rachawong Pier on the Chao Phraya River. If you are coming by boat, this is the pier to alight and start your of Chinatown in reverse. If you have arrived by road, you may wish to leave by boat for a change.

A tour of Chinatown Bangkok provides a fascinating insight into a very different way of life. The busy streets are a melting pot of communities engaging in trade and commerce at every level - a legacy of the early Chinese immigrants and their enterprise.

More photo of china town : http://tomatoze.multiply.com/photos/album/61/China_Town_Thailand

via:http://www.bangkok2night.com/articles/chinatown-bangkok-yaowarat.shtml

Bangkok Attractions - Places And Activities You Musn’t Miss

2009-07-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

Going to Bangkok for your holidays? Here are 10 must see Bangkok attractions and must do activities in the city of of angels.

1. Get on a river taxi and see the beauty of the Chao Praya River.
A very different view of Bangkok I’ve got to say. If you’re the adventurer, you can just jump on one at any of its terminals. Just be fast enough as the boats ( water taxis ) hardly stop. Otherwise, book a tour from one of the hotels by the river such as The Royal Orchid Sheraton, Shangri la or The Peninsula.

2. Rub elbows with the locals and tourists at the Weekend market, Chatuchak/Jatujak.
It can get very hot in here but it’s an excellent place to see the wares of Thailand. You might even find a good buy along the way. Thai ( and not so Thai ) goods available from antique furniture to fake jeans.

3.See the wonders of the Grand Palace.
All hail the Queen of England, but her Buckingham Palace is nothing compared to this glorious work of art in the middle of Bangkok.

4.Have a Thai massage in Wat Po and if you have the time, take the 10-day Thai Massage course.
If you don’t get a Thai massage in Thailand then you haven’t been to Thailand at all. Experience this somewhat bone breaking yet de-stressing technique right from where it originated. Or if that’s a bit too much, go for the foot massage instead.

5.Have A Relaxing Spa At The Banyan.
A relaxing spa retreat right in the middle of the city. You can choose from a 1 hour facial treatment or if you have time to spare, have a 7 hour Banyan package and spoil yourself mad.

6.Visit the Floating Market.
It may just be another commercial avenue for tourists to spend their dollars, but if you go to the floating market early in the morning when the “river-folk” are actually buying and selling goods mindless of the tourists, then it’s a very good cultural experience.

7.Haggle at the night markets.
Sure many goods are over-priced but if you know how to haggle and how much you’re willing to pay for what you’re buying, this can be very fun. If you go very early, just when the shops are opening, you might even get the prices real low ( first buyers luck!)

8.Shop Till You Drop.
Shopping is the Thai’s national past time and wherever you are in Bangkok, you will never run out of shops to explore. You’ll find practically everything in this City Of Angels and at very reasonable prices to boot. For reasonable priced clothes, go to Pratunum Market; for little trinkets, go to Yaowarat in Chinatown; for bargain software, go to Panthip plaza, and for designer clothes, try Central Plaza or The Emporium Shopping Center.

9.Try Thai cuisine.
You’ve had Thai food in your country and I’m sure it’s good; but Thai food cooked in Thailand, is in my opinion, just heavenly! Just be sure to know the words, Mai Pet ( My Pet ). This means not spicy in Thai, but you’ll probably be wondering how hot the spicy dishes are after you’ve bit into your first chilli!

10.See An Elephant Show.
I know they should be in the wild and all that…but if I were an elephant, this humiliation of dancing in front of amused humans is much better than the alternative which is walking on the hot streets of Bangkok waiting for tourists to buy me a piece of sugar cane for food. And I have to say, this is one show I enjoy. Watch out for the baby elephants! They’re a real treat!

by Aimee C. Barnard

Via:http://www.bangkok2night.com/articles/bangkok-attractions.shtml

Thai Massage in Bangkok

2009-02-07T01:15:00.000-08:00

Thai massage Bangkok

Thai massage is one of the skills that makes the country famous and it isn’t because of sleaze either. In fact, there are many qualified Thai massage practictioners across the city who have been properly trained in this ancient art that derives from Ayurvedic medicine and has been passed down through the generations. Most famously it is taught by the monks at Wat Pho and is considered a very healthy and rejuvenating treatment.

Of course, many visitors to Bangkok imagine a trip to a massage shop as something entirely more discreet and dirty, and if that’s what you are after we recommend you read our page on body massage.

Thai massage is famous for relaxing tired and tense muscles

For the rest of us, receiving a Thai massage in Bangkok is one of those activities that ought to be top of your list, and it’s a great way to soothe the aches and pains and relieve the stress of a busy day hitting the pavements in Bangkok. It’s surprisingly cheap and during a one or two hour session you will be gently kneaded, stretched, contorted and ‘re-aligned’, leaving you a relaxed and rejuvenated.

Massage is an integral part of life in Bangkok as it is through the rest of Thailand. Within Thai families it is a common practice for family members to massage one another, especially young people massaging their elders as a sign of respect and affection. Often individual family members pass down techniques in massage that have survived through the generations.

Not surprisingly then, there are hundreds of Bangkok massage shops dotted throughout the city offering a full range of massage services at excellent prices. Massage services can be found in small shops throughout the city and in the lobbies of many hotels. Prices for an hour of traditional Thai massage can range anywhere from Bt150 per hour and up. It’s cheaper if you visit an out-of-the-way shop and only have a basic massage. It’s far more expensive in hotels, luxury spas and if you choose extras such as using herbs etc.

Thai massage: which involves vigorously treating more than 100 areas of the body, using hand pressure and the masseuse’s own body to apply forces that aim to work pressure points, and re-align energy lines in the body. Ideally, this process takes at least two hours and can be a little uncomfortable at times, but leaves you feeling very relaxed.

Oil Massage: is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Of course it leaves you a little oily afterwards, requiring a shower to freshen up, but can be a very sensual experience.

Foot massage: works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in much the same way as reflexology. This is another skill that has been passed down through the ages and can be quite effective in producing a mild detox effect on the body.

Massage techniques are derived from ancient Ayurvedic practices

The centre for massage in Thailand is the school of natural medicine at Bangkok’s Wat Pho. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is well renowned for its massage school and for preserving the practice of Thai massage, which has been a practice passed down for centuries in Thailand.

Visitors to Wat Pho can enjoy a massage at the skilled hands of the practitioners there for 250 baht an hour, or 350 for a massage using herbal medicines and hot compresses. Visitors to Bangkok can also take some of the ancient techniques of Thai massage home with them by enrolling in a 10- to 15-day massage course at Wat Pho, which costs about 4,500 baht.

Those looking for a good massage should keep an eye out for massage shops run by blind people in Bangkok, as many blind people study and become quite adept at providing Thai massage services.

Credit : http://www.1stopbangkok.com/hospitality/massage/

Waterways in Bangkok

2008-05-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

In Bangkok you can travel around this city in many ways today we'll present one way by travel in waterways.

Bangkok's history has evolved along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and its adjoining canals. It may no longer be the "Venice of the East" described by early visitors, but the waterways still breathe life into the city.

Winding its way through the heart of the city, the river continues to play an important part in daily life. Every day you see commuters, saffron robed monks and school children speeding by on fast river taxis, overtaking the heavily laden rice barges making their sedate journey upriver.

For visitors the river provides contrasts of old and new, with many of Bangkok's most revered temples standing alongside warehouses, old wooden houses, new residential blocks and prestigious five star hotels. On the Thonburi side of the river (the original site of Thailand's capital), a network of canals (klongs), largely unaffected by modern development, still connect the city to the suburbs. And on the Rattanakosin side it is possible to catch river taxis along Klong Saen Saep, a dirty but important transport artery that cuts through the heart of the modern city.

Bangkok's waterways are well worth taking a few hours to explore. And there are many ways to do it, ranging from river cruises and klong tours to public river taxis and dinner cruises. See our Waterway Tips below for ideas.

Bangkok Nightlife

2008-05-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Bangkok's nightlife has a reputation for being wild and rowdy. But at the same time it's relaxed, safe, enjoyable and great fun! Rapidly establishing itself as Asia's capital of cool, Bangkok's diverse nightlife scene features everything from excellent live music and good jazz clubs to ultra cool bars, trendy clubs and great restaurants - and go far beyond its once-upon-a-time sleazy and naughty image. Also have a look at our What's On guide to get the lowdown on exciting events and happenings during your stay in Asia's coolest capital.

Bangkok Nightlife Areas
After the sun wanes, Bangkok gets its second breath. The heavy traffic subsides, the mad rush is over. The city bustles with things to, be it shopping, clubbing, bar flying, fine dining, a cinema, bowling or a cultural show. Tracking these venues down can be a daunting task for first-timers and, so, here we've compiled five nightlife prime areas and descriptions of all that's found within each one. All these areas can easily be reached by using either the BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (underground system). Planning that legendary night out doesn't get any easier than this!

Sukhumvit: Nightlife

Drinking

Along it, and its many adjoining sois, are countless pubs and bars, many of them very popular with expats and tourists. Most are either American-style bars or European watering holes, with the selection of draught beers and foods on sale usually reflecting the adopted theme (and more often than not the nationality of the owner).

They usually close between midnight and 01:00, and many have live music and pool tables. See our Bangkok Pubs and Bars section for details. The perfect prelude to a big night out, many hotels here have upscale bars perfect for warm-up cocktails. These include the Westin Grande, Dream and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

Dancing

Clubbers flock to Sukhumvit's sois. Hip beats, architectural flair and good-looking international crowds converge at clubs like Bed Supperclub (Soi 11), Q Bar (Soi 11) and Glow among others. To match the world-class venue design they often fly in top DJ'ing talent.

Those eager to see how the fresh-faced Thai nouveau riche like to get down, should head a little further out to the voguish sois of Thonglor (Soi 55) and Ekkamai (Soi 63). These neighborhoods have seen a severe outbreak of hip in recent years, with clubs and bars like Santika, Escobar and Ice jumping every night to hip-hop and Thai hits.

Debauchery

Sukhumvit is also notorious for being home to more than its fair share of girls, but not the kind you'd rush home to meet mother (do we need to spell it out?). Nana Plaza (Soi 4) is a tatty three-floor sex-mall filled with go-go bars and girls, ladyboys and the odd midget. Neon-lit lane, Soi Cowboy (off Soi 21, BTS Asok), is similar but a little more laid-back.

On top of the pole-sliding antics of the go-go bars, Sukhumvit is also home to many beer-bars, like Soi 4's Big Dogs and Hilary Bar II. These rather rundown looking establishments, typically contain little more than a pool table, a gaggle of girls, and an arsenal of cheap alcohol. Like Soi 4, Soi 22 is home to a staggering amount of them, while Soi 33 has many upscale hostess lounges staffed by girls dressed in long flowing ballgowns. However, the end game is still the same. Massage parlours and the odd after-hours joint can also be found scattered around Sukhumvit.
Learn more about Sukhumvit: Where to Stay, List of Sukhumvit Hotels, What to See and Do, Shopping, Where to Eat, Getting Around

Sukhumvit Clubs

City sophisticates just can't get enough of Sukhumvit's clubs. Venues include Bed Supperclub, Twisted Republic, Q Bar, Glow, Santika, Narcissus, Booze and Escobar.

Sukhumvit Bars and Pubs
Authentic Brit pubs, hip haunts strictly for cool kids and upscale hotel bars. Sukhumvit truly has it all. Venues include Bully's Bar, Bus Stop, Cheap Charlie's, Flava Lounge, Song Saleung, The Bull's Head, The Dubliner and Witch's Tavern.

Nana Plaza
Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza is Bangkok's sleaze central. Notorious for its racy themed go-go bars - from school-girl and leather dominatrix to ladyboy - it's literally a 'sex mall', with three storeys of eye-popping activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium. Unlike at the better-known Patpong, Nana is a 'strictly adult' scene. That means no families, no markets and few curious tourists strolling in for a look. It also means a lot more men hell-bent on renting bodies.

Soi Cowboy in Bangkok

Named after the cowboy hat-wearing African American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s, this red-light district has a more laid-back, convivial feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Come dusk, garish neon signs light up a seedy streetscape comprised mainly of middle-aged expats, tourists and gaudily dressed working girls. With cries of 'hello, welcome!' and mock brute-force - a playful arm tug - the latter try to lure you into one of the 40 or so go-go bars that line its sides.

Khao San Road: Nightlife

Khao San Road takes off at night: neon signs flicker into life, music begins blasting from streetside sound systems, while the masses begin mapping out the long, alcohol-soaked night in front of them.

And there's no shortage of choices. From the (relatively) upscale Silk Bar and Cinnamon, to the quiet tranquility of the back-alley Hippie de Bar, or the crude charms of a kerb-side cocktail shack complete with plastic stools and ghetto blaster, there's something to suit every mood, taste, budget and state of cleanliness. Some of the truly thrifty even opt to purchase beers from the local 7/11 and drink on the street, hobo style.

Khao San Clubbing

At around 23:00, Khao San Road's clubs kick into life. These play mostly hip-hip, house and pumping pop, alongside a dash of indie, rock and reggae. Some of the most popular venues for dance music lovers include Lava Bar, The Club and Immortal, with locals DJ's working up a storm that pulls in a crowd most nights.

For those not partial to being pummeled by electronic beats, there are several pubs and bars with live music. Brick Bar and Shamrock are especially noteworthy for their slick bands and popularity among both locals and visitors. And a Moroccan themed newcomer on Chakrapong Road, Gazebo, is well worth checking out. Head here for a smoky shisha session while you sway to the live reggae band, followed by a late night cocktail and dance in the DJ room next door. Very eclectic, very Khao San.

Silom: Nightlife

Thailand's 'Wall Street' is by day a place of financial institutions, law firms and multinational corporations. By night however, Silom slips out of its suit, transforming into a bustling shopping street and frenetically paced hedonist's playground. Alongside a cramped but creatively stocked night market (think bootleg DVDs, tourist trinkets, T-shirts, fake watches), sit some of the city's most renowned and raucous streets, namely red-light district Patpong, Soi 2 and Soi 4.

From Live Soccer to Live Sleaze

With its great selection of pubs, clubs and bars, Silom rarely disappoints the party crowd. Fancy sipping a Guinness while watching the latest football match beamed live from Europe? Make your way to Molly Malone's Irish Pub (formerly The Irish X Change) in Soi Convent, or O'Reillys right underneath the Sala Daeng BTS station. Want to experience Silom's sleazier side? Head to world-renowned sex-district (and home of genital gymnastics) Patpong, where you'll find a procession of tightly packed go-go bars, touts flashing explicit menus, and promises of racy memories if only you follow them upstairs (read our Patpong Revealed feature for more insight and ideas).

Or perhaps you fancy more trendy, more wholesome? Then seek out one of the clubs with live bands or beat-spinning DJs strung along Patpong Road. These get very busy around midnight, and include Radio City, Twilo, Funky Dojos and Lucifers. Nearby Silom Soi 4 - something of an age-old institution among long-time Bangkok revellers - is also home to a few clubs pushing pulsating beats, including the grotto-like house music club, Tapas, and hip-hop den Luminous (go to Silom clubs for a listing of all venues).

Gay Silom: Pink Appeal
The gay community and visitors also find their feet here. Silom - especially Soi 2, Soi 4 and nearby Suriwong Road - is considered one of Bangkok's most gay-friendly stomping grounds. Rainbow boys come to flirt (and, yes, occasionally pick-up) at legendary gay bars like Balcony Bar and Telephone Pub, ogle dream boys at the gay go-go bars off Suriwong, or dance into the small hours at full-on gay clubs like G.O.D. and DJ Station.
Silom is conveniently accessible with the BTS (Sala Daeng station) and MRT (Silom station).

Ratchadapisek: Nightlife (including RCA)

Young partygoers, or those looking to recapture their misspent youth, should head straight for Royal City Avenue. More commonly known as RCA, this long, rather soulless road is one of a few government-designated nightlife zones. This means that the clubs found along it have the modest honour of being allowed to stay open, legally, until 02:00.
Even midweek it gets busy. However on weekends it's overrun with impeccably dressed young things, most of them locals in their late teens, early 20s. The vibe is young, the mood carefree, but with all the security and crowd management it feels a tad sanitised. Broadening the mix is a smattering of backpackers tired with Khao San Road and expats bored with Sukhumvit Road. Prices for entry and drinks are typically very reasonable, much lower than at many of Sukhumvit's trendier offerings.

Most clubbers attend one of the myriad venues playing hip-hop, R'n'B, house or trance, like Slim/Flix and Route 66. These are super-clubs by any standard, all vast sleek interiors, booming sounds systems, funky furniture, soft mood lighting and dazzling lasers. Many get so packed that all you'll see from outside come midnight is bodies squeezed up against the windows. Fortunately most have an enclosed seating area outside where you can find a table. Others like JazzIt push more than just hip-hop, regularly playing host to live bands and electro nights. And there's also Zeta, a girls-only bar catering to the city's blossoming after-dark lesbian scene.
In the old days RCA was a notorious magnet for underage teens, so today bringing ID is a must. All of the clubs will ask you for it as a matter of course - whether you look 17 or 27. Also bear in mind that, with the music volumes set ear-splittingly high, RCA may not suit if you want to chat long into the night with friends. Not unless you're especially good at lip-reading that is.
RCA's House Cinema is a more culturally enriching option. Screening films from all the corners of the world this is the place to catch that Korean, Japanese or arthouse flick the bigger cinema complexes wouldn't touch.

Ratchadapisek

Massage parlours with names like Poseidon, Caesars Palace and Emmanuelle are found scattered all along Ratachadapisek and cater mostly to those locals partial to a soapy rubdown or 'full service'. The reliably gaudy and garish neon signs mean you can't miss them. Then there's Ratchada Cabaret (opposite Soi 6), which offers a popular ladyboy show less well known to holidaymakers.

While famous for both of the above, Ratchada is also one of Bangkok's best-kept after dark secrets - a place where loud neon-lit drinking holes meet hordes of whisky sipping locals set on having a mostly wholesome time with their friends. Much of the action takes place within a tightly packed cluster of music pubs, bars and clubs found in Ratchada Soi 4. Highlights here include Dance Fever, Zaleng, Rad, Hollywood, Baku, Kokok Pub, Pure Bar, Ivre, Gig Club and the very popular and well-executed Snop. With no entry fees it's a great spot for bar-hopping, although it can get frenetically busy, especially on weekends.
Prices for drinks are very affordable and some places close later then elsewhere in Bangkok (though you may need to buy a bottle of whisky to partake). Worth bearing in mind is that foreigners may feel something of an oddity here, although the locals knocking back watered down Scotch will make you feel nothing less than welcome.

Close by on Ratachadipsek Road (near Thailand Cultural Centre MRT) is a beast of a club called Inch. Here eclectic futuristic and retro design touches combine to create two zones - both featuring the usual diet of mainstream hip-hop and live Thai music. Close by is another popular venue, The Baryan Tree, and a music pub called Pump Up.

Siam: Nightlife

Shopping, cinemas, bowling, karaoke, some live entertainment and that's about it. Siam doesn't offer much in the way of nightlife. However, there are a few pubs, clubs and bars scattered around, most catering to young locals.

Siam Square has a Hard Rock Cafe that comes recommended for live music. Busy every night, nightclub complex Concept CM2 beneath the Novotel Hotel on Siam Square is worth a visit if you're looking for a boogie. There's a great live band playing every night, International DJ's playing from time to time, and a popular hip-hop room .
If you're looking for more nightlife alternatives, a short Skytrain (BTS) ride is all it takes to get to nightlife hotspots Silom and Sukhumvit. Have a look at our Bangkok Nightlife Areas for more ideas.

Chidlom - Ploenchit: Nightlife

This area's well heeled mix of post-office suits, expat executives and hi-so Thais makes for a nightlife scene that falls firmly in the upmarket bracket. Think high-class restaurants and lavish wine bars, with an atmosphere to match (see Thailand Tatler Best Restaurant 2007 Reviews for ideas). Don't come here if you're after the sensory overload associated with life in the city's more frenetic areas. There is no night market, few street-cart vendors and certainly no dens of sin.

The lack of a buzzing scene is made up for by the odd, tucked-away nightlife nugget. Langsuan Road's folksy music tavern Ad Makers and after-hours club The Tunnel, on Soi 5, are both worth checking out, the latter often not closing till 05:00. Nearby Sarasin Road is popular with the gay community and has a handful of bars including 70's Bar and Brown Sugar, one of Bangkok's top live jazz venues. On Ploenchit Road, Fogo Vivo is a Brazillian Churrascaria and bar that at 22:00 comes alive with pulsating Latin grooves, and offers free salsa and samba classes throughout the week.

There are also some of the city's finest hotel bars and lounges. The Diplomat Bar at The Conrad Hotel features sublime jazz in elegant surroundings (dancing also at 87Plus!), Syn Bar at Swissotel Nai Lert Hotel offers retro-future stylings and creative cocktails and, at the northern end of Ratchadamri Road, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel has both Bar 494 and the well-known Italian restaurant Spasso, which at night morphs into a lively live music venue popular with Bangkok's affluent post-work crowd.

Wat Phra Kaew - Temple of the Emerald Buddha

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The Wat Phra Kaew (English Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thai : วัดพระแก้ว; full official name Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, Thai: วัดพระศรีรัตนศาสดาราม) is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. It is located in the historic center of Bangkok (district Phra Nakhon), within the grounds of the Grand Palace.

The construction of the temple started when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other temples it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the highly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.

The main building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. There are three main doors used to enter the temple, however only the King and Queen are allowed to enter through the center door. Even though it is small in size it is the most important icon for Thai people. Legends hold that the statue originated in India, but it first surfaced in the vassal Kingdom of Cambodia and was given as a gift to the King of Ayuttaya in the 15th century 1434. The image disappeared when Burmese raiders sacked Ayuttaya and the image was feared lost.

A century later, the 'Emerald' Buddha reappeared in Chiang Saen, after a rainstorm washed away some of its plaster covering. It was then moved to Chiang Rai, then Chiang Mai, where it was removed by prince Setatiratt to Luang Prabang, when his father died and he ascended the throne of that Siamese vassal state. In later years it was moved to the Siamese vassal state of Vientiene. During a Haw invasion from the North, Luang Prabang requested Siam's help in repelling the invaders. The King of Vietienne tratoriously attacked the Siamese army from the rear, so the 'Emerald' Buddha returned to Siam when King Taksin fought with Laos and his general Chakri (the later King Rama I) took it from Vientiane, which at that time had been brought to its knees by the Thai Army. It was first taken to Thonburi and in 1784 it was moved to its current location. Wat Preah Keo, in Phnom Penh, is considered by many modern Cambodians as its rightful resting place, whereas, Haw Phra Kaew, in Vientiane, is considered by many Lao people as the Emerald Buddha's rightful place.

The wall surrounding the temple area – from the outside only a plain white wall – is painted with scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana mythology, the Ramakian. Several statues in the temple area resemble figures from this story, most notably the giants (yak), five-meter high statues. Also originating from the Ramayana are the monkey kings and giants which surround the golden chedis.

The Temple also contains a model of Angkor Wat, added by King Nangklao (Rama III), as the Khmer empire of Cambodia and the Thais share cultural and religious roots.
Despite the hot weather most of the year in Bangkok, long trousers are required to enter the wat. This rule is strictly enforced. The facility can offer the rental of proper trouser wear.

Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)

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The grubby yellow hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi is also known as the Golden Mount, or 'Phu Khao Thong'. It rises within the compound of Wat Saket, an unusual temple that houses Buddha relics within its 58-metre-high chedi surmounted by a golden cupola.

Built by King Rama I just outside the new city walls, the late-18th century temple served as the capital's crematorium. During the following 100 years, the temple became the dumping ground for some 60,000 plague victims.

The Golden Mount was added to the compound in the early 19th century, when King Rama III built a huge chedi which collapsed into a hill of rubble. Buddhist belief holds that religious buildings cannot be destroyed, and many years later King Rama V topped the debris with another chedi in which he placed relics, believed by some to be the Buddha's teeth.

Visit the temple and then climb the 318 steps to the cupola. Watch religious visitors place flowers near the date of the month they find auspicious and light candles. As you climb to the top, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Bangkok. The cupola is covered with small golden squares reflecting in the sun and giving the place the name of Golden Mount.
Wat Saket hosts an enormous annual temple fair in the first week of November, when the mount is illuminated with coloured lanterns and the compound turns into a massive fun fair. Admission to the chedi costs 10 baht.

Open: Daily 8:00 - 21:00 Location: Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)

Wat Sutat

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One of the oldest temples with a sweeping elegant roof and the site of the original Giant Swing ceremony. A huge teak arch - all that remains of the original Giant Swing - lies in the grounds in front of the temple. The swing was used in a ceremony to give thanks for a good rice harvest.

Young men would ride the swing high in the air, suspended 80 feet from the ground when in full swing, and try to grab a bag of silver coins with their teeth. Some fairly severe injuries and a few deaths led to the dangerous swing ceremony's discontinuation after 1932, but the thanksgiving ceremony is still celebrated in mid-December after the rice harvest.

Open: Daily 08:30 - 17:00Location: 146 Banrung Muang Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)Admission: 20 baht

Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha)

2008-05-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station, Wat Traimit houses the world's largest golden seated Buddha measuring nearly five metres in height and weighing five and a half tons. In the past, artisans crafted the Buddhas in gold and disguised them from invading armies by a covering of stucco and plaster.

The Buddha at Wat Traimit was discovered by accident when it was accidentally dropped as it was being moved, revealing, under a casing of plaster, a beautiful solid gold Sukhothai style Buddha. Pieces of the plaster are still kept on display.

Open: Daily 09:00 - 17:00Location: Traimit Road (west of Hua Lampong Station), Chinatown

Wat Mahathat

2008-05-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

The headquarter of Thailand's largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centre, Wat Mahathat is an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana meditation method.

Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation). Classes are held daily from 07:00 - 10:00, 13:00 - 16:00, and 18:00 - 20:00. Time needed for practice will vary with each individual English-speaking monks assisting.
The temple was originally built to house a relic of the Buddha and one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. You can also have your fortune told inside the 'wat' (temple).

Just next to the temple, every Sunday is the Bangkok's largest amulet market, where religious amulets, charms, talismans, and traditional medicine are spread on the ground to be inspected by buyers looking for one that will bring good luck or ward off evil. Different amulets are used for specific purposes; to bring money, restore health, deal with unrequited love or keep your enemies away. Choose carefully!

Open: Daily 09:00 - 17:00Location: Phra That Road (near Sanam Luang Park, between the Grand Palace and the National Museum), Old City (Rattanakosin)

Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)

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Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It's the largest temple in Bangkok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measured 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha.

If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to start. It's quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. Cost is around 120 baht for half an hour or 200 baht per hour.

Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 200 - 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and your negotiating skills. There are also a few astrologers and palm readers available for consultation. You can also receive a blessing from a monk for a small donation which helps to maintain the 'wat' (temple). The entrance fee is 20 baht.

Open: Daily 08:00 - 17:00 (Massage available until 18:00)Location: Maharat Road. Close to the river (about a half mile south of the Grand Palace), Old City (Rattanakosin)

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

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Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besigned by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking.

He later had the temple renovated and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn. During his reign (Thonburi Period), Wat Chaeng was the chief temple, and it once enshrined the Emerald Buddha and another important Buddha image, the Phra Bang, both of which had been removed from Vientiane.

The temple has flourished throughout the Rattanakosin Period. The beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship declare its status as a temple of the first grade and one of the most outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun on the bank of Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. It has an imposing spire (prang) over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into intricate patterns. Although it is known as the Temple of the Dawn, it's absolutely stunning at sunset, particularly when lit up at night.
Open: 08:00 -17:30Location: Wat Arun is located on the west side of Chao Praya River (opposite Tha Thien Pier), Riverside

Chinatown

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Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and busy area, packed with market stalls and probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city.

The Chinese community, relocated here from Rattanakosin (Old City) in the 1700's, still continue their own traditions and religious practices, and the area is quite unlike the rest of Bangkok. Relatively untouched by modern development - and despite being always crowded, hot and exhausting - it's an experience not to miss.

The main road, Yaowarat Road, (appropriately) follows the curve of a dragon's body, making it an ideal location for business. And business is doing very well, thank you...

The Chinese community in Bangkok, descendants of early traders, have been living in Thailand for generations, and generally consider themselves very much as Thais; most can no longer speak any Chinese. The area has a somewhat seedy historical reputation for large numbers of opium dens, brothels, pawnshops and a fondness for gambling that used to prevail.

Today, gold shops and pawnshops are still very popular in Chinatown, and can be found almost anywhere and everywhere. Drug dealing, prostitution and gambling (all now illegal in Thailand) are also still thought to be widespread in this area - although they are not likely to be very noticeable to the average visitor. So don't expect to see any go-go bars in Chinatown!

Chinatown: What to see & do

Close to the Charoenkrung and Yaowarat Road junction is Chinatown's star attraction, Wat Traimit (the Temple of the Golden Buddha). At first glance, the 3-meter high Buddha image looks rather average and undeserving of the busloads of tourists that flock here every day. The big attraction is the remarkable fact that it's made of 5.5 tonnes of solid gold, with an equally fascinating story behind it.

In 1957 a large stucco Buddha image was being moved by crane during development of a port. To the sheer horror and shock of everyone, the crane operator accidentally dropped the image, sending it crashing towards the ground. Instead of smashing, the stucco covering merely cracked, and in the process revealed the solid gold image hidden underneath. It is thought to have been covered like this during the early Ayuthaya or Sukhothai periods to protect it from the invading Burmese.

Although there are many things to see in Chinatown, one of the biggest sights is the experience of the place as a whole. The best way to explore the area is to pick a starting point and wander around. With about 14% of the buildings in the district designated as historical landmarks, Chinatown is home to many fine examples of the architecture of Bangkok's early years. A good example is the Tang To Gung gold shop on Sampeng Lane, around Mangkon Road.
Sampeng Lane, Chinatown's original main street, is a narrow alley which runs from the Pahurat Textile Market all the way down to Songsawat Road. The lane is too small for cars, and is now a crowded market selling mostly inexpensive household and all kinds of other interesting items.

Near the Tang To Gung gold shop is a very old Chinese pharmacy that is also worth a look. The Chinese temple of Wat Mangkon Kamalawat - known in Chinese as Wat Leng Nui Yee - is the center of festivities during important festivals like Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival. Another interesting temple is Wat Kanikaphon, with its main claim to fame being the fact that it was founded by a former madame who owned a brothel. And then, the charming and historical sights of the riverside and Old City areas are not too far away.

Chinatown: Shopping

Busy, bustling and hot, shopping in Chinatown is very different from your typical mall outing. Tiny alleys come crammed with a huge assortment of goods, crowded with porters manoeuvering wooden carts around customers. The main road, Yaowarat, has lots of fascinating Chinese pharmacists with containers full of strange looking herbal remedies and probably the highest concentration of goldshops in Thailand.

Take a walk down Sampeng Lane (also known as Soi Wanit), a long narrow walkway running parallel south of Yaowarat Road, and the narrow lanes directly off it. A riot of colour and noise, here you'll find garments, textiles, stationery, second-hand parts and equipment, electric goods, kitchen utensils, computer parts, antiques and even car parts, musical instruments or ancient Chinese medicine. Be sure to try some roast chestnuts!
Merchandise is generally very cheap and, often, sold wholesale. Sampeng Lane was previously infamous for the gang fighting and high numbers of murders that took place here. Nowadays, it's a very busy and predominately pedestrian street, with the main danger being the odd motorbike that tries to get past. The street is a hive of constant commercial activity, all day long.
The Thieves Market, or 'Nakhon Kasem', is slightly north of the western end of Sampeng Lane. Though legitimate today, it was so named because this was where stolen goods inevitably turned up. It's now a good area for buying Thai or Chinese antiques. Following the river heading north, Chinatown gives way to the wafting aromas of curries and the exotic spices of Pahurat.

A small but significant Indian community is located around the famous Pahurat Textile Market on the edge of Chinatown. Wholesale silk, cotton and all kinds of fabrics are traded with tough bargaining skills. It's also a good place to head for if you're desperate for some authentic Indian food. The markets are generally open throughout the day until around 18:00.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall

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The centerpiece of Bangkok's own Champs D'Elysee, this impressive two-storey white marble palace sits at the end of Dusit's long, wide Royal Plaza, a leafy ceremonial boulevard that's often the focus of regal pomp and ceremony during royal celebrations. Ordered by King Rama V in 1907 and finished in the reign of King Rama VI, its neo-classical Renaissance architecture - particularly its central dome - dominate the scene just as Italian architects Mario Tamango and Annibale Rigotti intended. Following the 1932 coup it housed the first Thai parliament, but today its ornate interiors serve as a prestigious locale in which to court visiting dignitaries, hold state council meetings and royal occasions.

Inside is a stunningly beautiful central dome, under which the Royal Throne sits. Lining it and each of the six other domes' walls are frescoes depicting Chakri Dynasty monarchs (painted by Galileo Chini). The long hall on the upper floor is embellished with embossed roman and floral patterns showing Renaissance and Baroque arts. Outside, visitors can find impressive views both from the large paved plaza in front of it (site of the annual Tropping of the Color in December, the Red Cross Fair in late March, as well as the King Rama V statue) or the trim gardens adjoining it with Vimanmek Mansion. On Children's Day, in the second week of January each year, the grounds and interiors are more fully open to the public.

Where: Royal Plaza, Dusit
Admission: 50 baht (20 baht for Thais). A ticket for the Grand Palace gives free entry to Dusit Palace, including the Vimanmek Mansion and Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.

Vimanmek Mansion

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Located on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly, Vimanmek Royal Mansion 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. It was recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to the late King.

As well as antique furniture, there's glassware, porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 - 1910). Many rooms currently maintain the atmosphere of the past. A guided tour is provided to visitors. Most of the building in the same compound are now used as museums. The outstanding one is Abhisek Dusit Hall, which exhibits HM Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. The other displays of various items and art objects including HM King Bhumibol's photography, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, ancient cloth, clocks, and royal carriages. Parts of Vimanmek are still used for various state functions and receptions for visiting royalty when the buildings are closed to the public. Traditional Thai dancing commences daily at 10:30 and 14:00.

Open: 08:30 until 16:30 (Tuesday - Saturday, last ticket at 15:30)
Location: Rajavithee Road. Close to Dusit Zoo and the Dusit Palace complex.
Admission: Admission to the Vimanmek Mansion museum is 100 baht, which entitles you to enter every building and gallery. Note that you will need to show your ticket to the attendant at the entrance to every building.
Please note: No shorts or sleeveless shirts and skirts must be at least knee-length or you won't be allowed in.

Khao San Road

2008-05-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Khao San Road (ถนน ข้าวสาร Thanon Khao Saan; also spelled Khaosan, Kao Sarn,Koh Sarn and many other variations) is, technically speaking, a small street about three blocks long located about a block from the Chao Phraya River in the Banglamphu district northwest of downtown Bangkok. Backpackers and budget tourists are drawn by some of the cheapest accommodation and travel deals in Thailand.

The word khao san itself means milled rice and is an attribution to the historical role of this street in the rice trade. The first business to open on Khao San Road was a small hotel aimed at serving civil servants from the provinces who came to Bangkok on business. The hotel was followed by Sor Thambhakdi, a shop selling monks' accessories. It was followed by four similar businesses, and Khao San became known as a "religious road".

Word soon spread about the easy lifestyle and friendliness of the locals. Friends told friends, and before long, the owner of the house started to charge 20 baht for food and lodging. The first commercial guesthouse, called Bonny, opened with six small bedrooms.

Today, there's a lot more than six small bedrooms on offer: in the span of just a couple of blocks, there are bars, food stalls, restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, Internet cafés, money changing booths, ATMs, shoe stores, massage parlors, tailors, travel agencies, laundry, boxing gyms, optometrists, endless warrens of suspiciously discounted designer clothes and, oh, rooms for the night.

Democracy Monument

2008-05-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

The Democracy Monument (in Thai: อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย Anusawari Prachathipatai) is a public monument in the centre of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It occupies a traffic circle on the wide east-west boulevard Thanon Ratchadamnoen Klang, at the intersection of Thanon Dinso. The monument is roughly halfway between Sanam Luang, the former royal cremation ground in front of Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple of the Golden Mount (Phu Kao Thong).

Commissioning

The monument was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d'état which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in what was then the Kingdom of Siam, by its military ruler, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram (commonly called Por (Thai: พ่อ), meaning papa, but in this context implying father of the nation; otherwise called Phibun). Phibun saw the monument as the centre of what he envisaged as a new, westernised Bangkok, "making Thanon Ratchadamnoen the Champs-Élysées and the Democracy Monument the Arc de Triomphe.

Design elements

The centrepiece of the Monument (Figure 1 below) is a carved representation of the Thai Constitution of 1932, on top of two golden offering bowls above a round turret. The Constitution is symbolically guarded by four wing-like structures (Figure 2 below), representing the four branches of the Thai armed forces - army, navy, air force and police - which carried out the 1932 coup.

The wings are 24 metres high, and this is also the radius of the base of the monument, marking the fact that the 1932 coup took place on 24 June. The central turret is three metres high, representing the month of June, which is the third month of the traditional Thai calendar. There were originally 75 small cannon around the outer ring of the monument, representing the year of the coup, 2475 in the Buddhist calendar. The six gates of the turret represent the six proclaimed policies of the Phibun regime: "independence, internal peace, equality, freedom, economy and education."

Facing outwards from the base of two of the wings are fountains (Figure 3 below) in the form of naga, the protective snake creatures of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, although the sculptures resemble western dragons more than traditional naga sculptures. (Compare Figure 3 below with the image at the Naga article.)

The relief sculptures at the base of the monument are propagandistic in their design. They depict the armed forces both as the champions of democracy and as the personification of the Thai people. In the version of events depicted in these sculptures, the coup of 1932 was carried out by a united and idealistic Thai armed forces on behalf of the people, and had both the intention and effect of making Thailand a democracy. In the reliefs, civilians appear only as the grateful recipients of the heroism and benevolence of the armed forces.

The panel titled "Soldiers Fighting for Democracy" (Figure 4 below), shows a heroic and united armed forces doing battle (it is not clear against whom) for "democracy." The panel titled "Personification of the People" (Figure 5 below), shows a soldier protecting the Thai people while they go about their civilian pursuits. The mother with child at left is the only woman depicted anywhere at the Democracy monument. The panel represents the view of the military regime of 1939 that the armed forces were ruling on behalf of the people.

The panel titled "Personification of Balance and Good Life" (Figure 6 below), represents the social ideology of the military regime. An allegorical figure representing the nation, seated in a Buddha-like posture (but not Buddha himself), holding a sword and a set of scales, representing the armed forces and justice respectively, sits in the centre, flanked by figures representing (from left) sport, education, religion and the arts. Note that the figure of "sport", a naked man with a shot put, is wholly European in origin.

Dictatorship

The story represented by these sculptures was a considerable distortion of the truth. In fact the 1932 coup was planned and executed almost without bloodshed by a small group of officers and some civilian collaborators, while the king was on holiday at the seaside (see History of Thailand (1768-1932)). The coup was followed by the promulgation of Thailand's first constitution, but this was far from fully democratic. In the mid 1930s there was an attempt to progress to full democracy, but this broke down amid a split between the military and civilian elements of the government, and by 1939, when the Democracy monument was built, Thailand was in effect a military dictatorship.

The most striking absence from the iconography of the Monument is the monarchy, which today is at the centre of Thai national life and political culture. The fact that the 1932 coup was staged against King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), uncle of the present King, and that he went into exile and eventually abdicated rather than accept the country's degeneration into a military dictatorship, is today seldom mentioned. Although the military regime paid lip service to the monarchy, its political ideology (an ultimately incompatible mix of European liberal constitutionalism and military Bonapartism) was essentially republican. Prajadhipok's successor, Ananda Mahidol (Rama VIII) was at the time a schoolboy in Switzerland. Now that Thailand is (ostensibly) a democracy, very few Thais are aware of the propaganda content of the sculptural works at the base of the Democracy Monument; because the enormous growth in the volume of Bangkok's traffic, and the fact that pedestrian access to the traffic island on which it stands is all but impossible during periods of heavy traffic, it is difficult to observe the details of the Monument up close. There are now plans to build a tunnel under the roadway to allow better access (as has been done at the Berlin Victory Column, which is similarly located).

Rallying point

Despite the self-justifying intent of the Phibun regime in erecting a monument to its own seizure of power and calling it a monument to democracy, Democracy monument's rather dubious origins are now largely forgotten, and it has served as a rallying point for later generations of democracy activists. It was the focus of the mass student demonstrations against a later military regime in 1973, and of the protests that triggered the 1976 military coup. In 1992 scores of Thais were killed as they protested at the monument against General Suchinda Kraprayoon's regime. These events have given the monument a legitimacy it lacked for much of its history.

The Emporium

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The Emporium is a giant upscale shopping mall in Bangkok , Thailand, which opened in 1997. It is owned and operated by The Mall Group and another huge mall, Siam Paragon.
It is located on Sukhumvit Soi 24 beside Queen's Park and connected to the Phrom Phong station of the Bangkok Skytrain by a footbridge. It is owned by the same company as Siam Paragon and its direct competitor is Central Group. Both companies along with hypermarketoperators Carrefour, Tesco Lotus, and Big C (the latter partially owned by Central Group) have turned Bangkok into a mall haven, boasting a combined hundred locations.
Along with The Emporium department store, it contains a cinema multiplex and book, record, fashion and trinket shops, a grocery store, a food court and many upscale restaurants.
The Emporium includes great entertainment, gourmet and educational devices. The great entertainment things are 'SF cinema', a stage for performances of children, Thai stars or many others, Jamboree Land (play place) and many more. In emporium parents can just drop off their kids or themselves to learn something their. For example; ballet classes, hiphop, jazz, belly dance, aerobics, traditional Chinese dance etc... (CALA dance), art classes(Junior Artists), Taekwondo, Chinese Classes(CALA) and gymnastic classes (The Little Gym) on the 8th floor. Music classes; piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, drums etc... (YAMAHA), and English classes on the 9th floor. Emporium is a great mall which includes many international cuisine. Including traditional thai food (Ton Galamapruek, Coupon etc...) Japanese food ( UTA-ANDON, fuji, AOI) Fast food (Burger King) Italian Food (Pomodoro) and many more.

Facts and statistics
Location :Sukhumvit Soi 24, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand
Opening date :1997
Developer :The Mall Group
Management :The Mall Group
Owner :The Mall Group
No. of anchor tenants :7
No. of floors :7 and 1 basement
Website :www.emporiumthailand.com

Victory Monument

2008-05-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

The Victory Monument (Thai: อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ, Anusawari Chai Samoraphum) is a large military monument in Bangkok, Thailand. The monument is located in the district of Ratchathewi to the north-east of the centre of Bangkok, on a traffic island at the intersection of Phahon Yothin highway/Phaya Thai and Ratchawithi/Din Daeng Roads.

The monument was erected in June 1941 to commemorate the Thai victory in the brief war with the French colonial authorities in Indo-China, which resulted in Thailand annexing some territories in western Cambodia and northern and southern Laos. These were among the territories which the Kingdom of Siam had been forced to cede to France in 1893 and 1904, and patriotic Thais considered them rightfully to belong to Thailand.

In fact the fighting between the Thais and the French in December 1940 and January 1941 had been brief and inconclusive. Only 59 Thai troops were killed, and the final territorial settlement was imposed on both parties by Japan, which did not want to see a prolonged war between two regional allies at a time when it was preparing to launch a war of conquest in South East Asia. Thailand's gains were less than it hoped for, although more than the French wished to concede. Nevertheless the Thai regime of Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram decided to celebrate the war as a great victory, and the monument was commissioned, designed and erected within a few months.

The monument is entirely western in its design: in this it is in sharp contrast with the nearby Democracy Monument, which uses indigenous Thai forms and symbols. The central obelisk, although originally Egyptian, has been frequently used in Europe and America for national and military memorials - its shape suggesting both a sword and masculine potency; here it is designed in the shape of five bayonets clasped together. The five statues, representing the army, navy, air force, police and civilian bureaucracy, are in a standard western "heroic" style, familiar in the 1940s in both fascist and communist states, and were executed by the Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who worked under the Thai name Silpa Bhirasi. The sculptor did not like the combination of his work with the obelisk, and referred to the monument as "the victory of embarrassment."

The monument became an embarrassment in a more political sense in 1945 when the Allied victory in the Pacific War forced Thailand to evacuate the territories it had gained in 1941 and return them to France. Many Thais regard the monument as an inappropriate symbol of militarism and a relic of what they now see as a discredited regime. Nevertheless the monument remains one of Bangkok's most familiar landmarks.

The Monument is one of Bangkok's major traffic intersections. There is a BTS Skytrain station of the same name to the south of the Monument, and the expressway has an exit nearby to the north at Sanam Pao. Many Bangkok bus lines stop around the Monument's traffic circle, including lines 8, 12, 14, 18, 92, 96, 97, 108, 112, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 38, 39, 54, 59, 63, 74, 77 and 515. Many private commuter van lines also use the Monument as a terminus. Rajvithi Hospital and Robinson Department Store are located at the intersection.

The Grand Palace

2008-05-08T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Baromphiman 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.
The palace complex sits on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The other approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length, which encloses an area of 218,400 square metres. Further out from the wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattanakosin.

Prominent parts of the Grand Palace:
- Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha
- Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, a building in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance

Siam Paragon

2008-05-07T23:06:00.000-07:00

Siam Paragon is an upscale shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. Opened on December 9, 2005, it includes a wide range of stores and restaurants as well as a multiplex movie theater (consisted of 15 large size theaters with one of the them having the biggest screen and seating capacity in Asia) and the Siam Ocean World aquarium (the largest aquarium in South East Asia) and an exhibition hall and also an opera concert hall. It also has a large bowling alley and karaoke center. It is a joint venture by Siam Piwat, the company that owns the adjacent Siam Center/Siam Discovery shopping malls, and The Mall Group, which also owns The Emporium. Siam Paragon has attracted large crowds since it opened, but financial results aren't reported by the privately held Siam Paragon Development.

Facts and statistics
Location :Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand
Opening date :December 9, 2005
Developer :The Mall Group and Siam Piwat
Management :The Mall Group
Owner :The Mall Group and Siam Piwat
No. of stores and services :270+
No. of anchor tenants :7
Total retail floor area :300,000 m2 (total retailed area)
Parking :For about 4,000 cars (100,000 m2)
No. of floors :10 (B - G - M - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 4A - 5-6

by south lift lobby)
Website : http://www.siamparagon.co.th

History

Siam Paragon was built on the former location of the Siam Intercontinental Hotel, which was torn down in 2002 at the end of its lease. The site, leased for 30 years, is Bureau of the Crown Property land and at one time was the royal parkland of the Srapatum Palace. During the mall's construction, waiting passengers on the Bangkok Skytrain's Siam station platform could watch the building take shape. Now the Siam station platform has one of the best views of the mall's raised courtyard, where many expositions and events are held. Often people will purchase a one-station trip ticket (with which they can leave the same station from where they purchased the ticket) simply to watch performances or other happenings on the courtyard.

When the mall opened on December 9, 2005, workers were still putting on finishing touches. During the first few months of its opening, there were signs of a hurried finish throughout the building, with unpainted ceilings and cracked floor tiles.

It was built at a cost of about 15 billion baht and covers an area of 52 rai (8.3 ha, 21 acres).
Three days after the grand opening of the Siam Paragon, a 10-year-old girl fell five metres through a gap on the main floor to the floor below. Matarika Kijjapathoomsak, or Nong Meena has been playing around a water garden on the main floor when she slipped through a space between a water garden and an elevator, dropping to the ground floor. She later died of her injuries. A visit by the Bangkok Post to the accident scene found no warning signs had been put up to tell visitors of the possible danger posed by the gap in the floor that Nong Meena slipped through. Only a line of plant pots were placed there as a temporary barrier to prevent shoppers from slipping into the three-metre-wide gap.

Clientele

Siam Paragon has become since its opening the place to be for Thailand's upper class, tourists, and locals who come to be seen. However, despite its reputation for showcasing hundreds of cars over $300,000 each, and some pushing a million dollars, its crosstown rival and rather empty Gaysorn has remained the most popular spot for ultra rich foreigners wishing to shop incognito. Gaysorn had been popular with Japanese in the early 1990s, and as of 2007 was where Emiratis, Saudis, and Qataris spent their riches.

Location

Siam Paragon is on Rama I Road in Pathum Wan district, and is adjacent to other shopping areas. It is next door to Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center and opposite Siam Square. MBK Center is nearby. An elevated walkway beneath the Bangkok Skytrain tracks links Siam Paragon to the Ratchaprasong intersection, where Central World Plaza, Gaysorn and several other shopping malls and hotels are located.

Transportation

-Bangkok Skytrain – Siam station has a bridge linked to Siam Paragon's M floor.
-Parking – 100,000 squares meters with spaces to accommodate 4,000 cars.

Facilities

Siam Paragon is situated on 13 acres (32 rai) and has a total gross area of 300,000 square meters.

Department store and retail shops

The Paragon Department Store comprises 50,000 square meters. Another 40,000 square meters are devoted to retail shops selling luxury brand apparel, jewellery, electronics, musical instruments, audio equipment, sporting goods and exotic supercars, as well as a Kinokuniya book store. Some of the most renowned boutiques found in Siam Paragon include Gucci, Chanel, Balenciaga, Valentino, Kenzo, Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Chloè, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Gourmet Market and food halls

The Gourmet Market is an 8,000 square meter grocery store on the lower level of the shopping center. It is adjacent to a food court area that has a wide range of restaurants and food stalls.

Foreign restaurants
Siam Paragon has several restaurants and food outlets from other countries, including Tony Roma's, McDonald's, KFC, Haagen Daz, Swensen's Ice Cream, Fuji Japanese, Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, LeNotre, Orvin and many others.

Thai traditional art

There is a huge section of ultra chic Thai traditional arts stores carrying everything from tiny items to very expensive and highly decorative silk, ivory, and antiques, ostentatiously geared towards the extremely wealthy.

Royal Paragon Hall
The Royal Paragon Hall is an 12,000-square-meter events facility, with a capacity for around 5,000 people and is suitable for concerts, conventions and special exhibitions. for more information please visit: http://www.royalparagonhall.com/

Paragon Cineplex
See also: Paragon Cineplex
Operated by Major Cineplex, the 25,000-square-meter Paragon Cineplex comprises a 14-screen multiplex movie theater, including smaller Ultra Screen cinemas with reclining seats and the Enigma members-only lounge, as well as an IMAX theater and the Siam Pavali, a 1,200-seat theater suitable for theatrical and musical performances.

Leisure activities
A California Wow! fitness center is on the fourth level, while the 30-lane Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl and karaoke facility is on the sixth, adjacent to the Paragon Cineplex.

Hotel
The five-star Kempinski Hotel Siam and serviced apartment complex is being built on 13 acres at the rear of the Siam Paragon property; open in 2008.

Siam Ocean World

Inside Siam Paragon is Siam Ocean World, the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Like many places in Thailand, Siam Ocean World practices race based dual pricing. Thai looking people pay 280 baht for children and 450 baht for adults. Other people pay 600 baht for children and 750 baht for adults regardless of country of residence or nationality. The lower prices are listed in Thai script so the majority of foreigners will never notice.

Hotels in Bangkok

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Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Suvarnabhumi Airport., The only hotel in the airport itself, connected to the main airport terminal by a pedestrian bridge.
(As of Dec 2007, the pedestrian bridge is still not ready for use and passengers are taken to the hotel via a free shuttle bus service which takes less than 5 mins.) 3,500+ baht.

Thong Ta Resort, On Nut, Suvarnabhumi, Lat Krabang. The resort is only 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport.Situated near a vibrant restaurant/bar parade. Rooms 800Bt+ (inclusive of American Breakfast)

Queen's Garden Resort, 44 Soi 7, Suvarnabhumi, Lat Krabang. The hotel is just 5-10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Located on the banks of a sleepy river, the Resort has views towards Lat Krabang Temple. Wireless High Speed internet, big Screen Tv, Pool Table, restaurant and bear garden. Rooms 900+ baht.

Royal Princess Srinakarin, 905 Moo 6, Srinakarin Road, Nongbon, Pravet. Tel:+66 2 728-400. Fax:721- 8432 - a 20-30 minute drive from airport. Rooms 3,500+ baht.

Sananwan Palace, 18/11 moo 11. Sukapibarn Road 5 , Bangpli Yai. Family-owned budget accommodation with swimming pool, TV and high speed internet about 20 minutes drive from the airport. Rooms with A/C: 600 baht.

Grand Inn Come Hotel, 99 Moo 6, Kingkaew Road, Rachataeva, Bangplee, Samutprakan., about a 15-20 minute drive from the airport. Bus 553 stops here. 1,200 - 2,000 baht.

Avana Hotel, 23/1 Moo 12 Soi 14/1, Bangna-Trad Road. 3-star hotel about 30 minutes drive from the airport. Rooms 1,200 to 3,000 baht.

Nasa Vegas Hotel. 44 Ramkhamhaeng Road. Tel :+66 2 719-9888 Fax:+66 2 719-9899 - about 15 mins drive from the new airport. Rooms from 590 + baht.

Ratchana Place. 199 Moo 4, Soi Wat Sirisaothong, Bangna Trad Highway KM 26, Bangbo, Samutprakan 10540. About 15-20 mins drive from the airport. Rooms between 350 - 700 baht.

Bansabai Hostel. 8/137 Moo 3, Soi Sahakon 15, Latphrao 71, Latphrao Rd, Bangkok 10230, Thailand. About 30-40 mins drive from the airport. Rooms rate between 600 - 800 baht.

Unico Grande Sukhumvit. 27 Sukhumvit Soi1, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana Bangkok 10110, Thailand+66 2 655 3993 about 30-40 mins drive from the airport. Rooms rate between 2,500 - 5,000 baht.

Accommodation

2008-05-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

At present, there are only a few hotels located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, though with huge construction projects planned for the area this will change over the next few years. Day room facilities for transit passengers are now available at the 'Miracle Grand Louis Tavern' on floor 4, Concourse G (Tel+66 6 317-2211, 2000 baht per 4-hour block, no reservations accepted). Cheapskate travelers looking for a free quiet place to doze undisturbed at night should head for the prayer rooms.

The Tourist Authority of Thailand and other hotel and tourist agencies have counters on the second floor of the main terminal. These agencies offer hotel reservation service. Check for special promotions and also whether the hotel offers airport pick up and drop off service - especially useful for late night arrivals and early morning departures.

Way To Bangkok

2008-05-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

By plane

Bangkok now has two airports operating. Allow at least three hours to connect between them.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Departure tax

Bangkok used to have a departure tax (called the "Passenger Service Charge") of 700 baht for international flights. This was payable in cash after check-in; however, it is now included in your airline ticket.

Located 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the east of Bangkok, space-age Suvarnabhumi Airport (สุวรรณภูมิ, pronounced "soo-wanna-poom", (IATA: BKK) (ICAO: VTBS), [2] started operations in September 2006 and is now Bangkok's main airport, used by all international flights as well as all Bangkok Airways (PG), Air Asia (FD), SGA Airline (5E), PBair (9Q) and Thai Airways domestic flights with three-digit flight numbers (eg. TG123). There is only one terminal building, which covers both domestic and international flights, but it's huge (by some measures the world's largest) so allow time for getting around.

Suvarnabhumi offers all facilities expected of a major international airport (transit hotel, ATMs, money exchange). Please note that there is NO ATM machine beyond immigration checkpoint. The cheapest place to eat is the Magic food court on the 1st floor, while perhaps the most comfortable and relaxing of the airport's restaurants and cafes is the Sky Lounge on the 6th floor. Here you can have your latte while sitting in plush leather sofas and enjoying a panoramic view over the runways - prices are also quite reasonable with coffee around 70 baht a cup. The observation on 7th is not much to see since the steel structure of the roof block most of the airport view. There are a few stores in the check-in area including a convenience store and a post office; however, the real shopping experience awaits travelers on the other side of immigration in the departure lounge area where the number of shops and duty free outlets leaves you wondering if you are in a mall or an airport. Beware, though, that past security in the gate waiting area there is practically nothing except steel chairs.

Transportation

Limousine taxis (which charge by distance, e.g. around 800 baht to central Sukhumvit) can be reserved at the limousine hire counter on the 2nd floor (just outside Arrivals), and aggressive touts will try to entice you on board. If you allow yourself to be waylaid by one of the taxi touts they might quote you more than double the fare that an ordinary metered taxi would charge (900 baht instead of 400, for example). It's best to ignore the touts.

A better option are the ordinary metered taxis available on the 2nd floor: follow the "public taxi" signs, queue up and state your destination at the desk, and you'll get a slip with your destination written in Thai on it. There is a 50-baht surcharge on the meter, meaning that trips to the city will cost 300-400 baht (plus a 25-baht expressway toll) and take 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. (Beware of taxi drivers who claim that the-50 baht surcharge is applied to each passenger as opposed to per taxi.) If there is a huge taxi queue, consider taking a free shuttle bus to the Public Transport Center, which has more taxis. Go straight to the official "Taxi Stand" and wait there.

There is also a stop outside the 1st floor exit for Airport Express buses [3], which charge a flat 150 baht and operate hourly until midnight, covering four routes, each taking about 60 to 90 minutes:

AE1: Suvarnabhumi-Silom

AE2: Suvarnabhumi-Khao San Road

AE3: Suvarnabhumi-Sukhumvit

AE4: Suvarnahhumi-Victory Monument-Hua Lamphong (train station)

The BMTA public bus lines are:

549: Suvarnabhumi-Bangkapi

550: Suvarnabhumi-Happy Land

551: Suvarnabhumi-Victory Monument (BTS)

552: Suvarnabhumi-On Nut (BTS)-Klong Toei

552A: Suvarnabhumi - Sam Rong

553: Suvarnabhumi-Samut Phrakan

554: Suvarnabhumi-Don Muang Airport

555: Suvarnabhumi-Rangsit (Expressway)

556: Suvarnabhumi-Southern Bus Terminal (Expressway)

557: merged with 558

558: Suvarnabhumi-Central Rama II-Wong Wien Yai

559: Suvarnabhumi-Rangsit (Outer Ring Road)

To give an example, the fare between Suvarnabhumi and On Nut BTS station on the 552 is 32 baht, and the journey (On Nut to the airport) takes about 40 minutes in mid-afternoon traffic.

There are also privately-owned BMTA minivans to many parts of Bangkok, such as Don Muang Airport, Bang Kapi, Rangsit, Samut Prakarn, etc. They charge in flat rate 50 baht.

To take a minivan or a public bus, you must first take a free shuttle bus ride (from the outside 2nd floor) to the separate terminal (Public Transport Center). The minivans go directly to the destination, so they are faster than the public buses, which stop frequently along the way.

These services take about 1 hour to 2 hours depending on Bangkok traffic and frequency is usually every 20 mins during daytime and night time ranges from 20 mins to 1 hour depending on route. Long-distance 1st class bus services connect Suvarnabhumi directly with Chachoengsao, Hua Hin, Nong Khai, Pattaya, Rayong, and Trat.

An airport express train to the future City Air Terminal at Makkasan (connecting to MRT Phetchaburi) and onward to Phaya Thai (connecting to BTS Phaya Thai) is under construction, but is not expected to be ready before the end of 2008 at the earliest. Die-hard rail fans with lots of time to kill can take bus 517 to Hua Takhe station (15 baht), a few km from the airport, and continue on any 3rd class train to Asok or Hualamphong (7 baht).

Don Muang Airport

on Muang Airport (IATA: DMK) (ICAO: VTBD)(or Don Mueang), 20 km north of downtown, was Bangkok's main airport until 2006. The airport handles Nok Air, 1-2-Go domestic flights and Thai Airways domestic flights with four-digit flight numbers (eg. TG1234), but the former international terminal is now limited to charters and general aviation.

The public taxi stand is located on the sidewalk outside the arrivals area (don't be fooled by all the taxi service booths in the main hall), and is probably your best bet for getting into town — it's also your only option after 11 PM. Give your destination (English is understood) and you will receive a two-part ticket at the booth. The charge into town will be the meter + 50 baht + toll if you take the expressway (recommended, 30-70 baht), for a usual total of 200-300 baht. The small part is for your driver, the large part is for you. This ticket is for complaints and is how the system is enforced: hold on to it to help avoid arguments later. The trip into town takes 30 minutes and up depending on traffic conditions.

If the line at the taxi stand is long or you need a more spacious car, you may want to book a (so-called) limousine from the desks in the terminal. This will get you a slightly nicer car at about twice the price (500-600 baht). Ignore any touts outside and do not get into any car with white license plates, as these are not licensed to carry passengers.

Across a covered overpass from the airport is the train station. Tickets to Hualamphong station cost 5 baht at the ticket booth. While taking the train is the cheapest way to get from the airport to Bangkok, it is not for the faint-of-heart: schedules are erratic, the run-down passenger cars often have beggars roaming through them, and are relatively empty late at night.

There are also a number of public transport buses going by the airport. Just take a overpass to the real road bypassing the airport and stop the bus of your choice. For example the air-con bus 504 will take you to CentralWorld (a large department store formerly known as the World Trade Center), from where you'll have access to the Skytrain as well as many other buses, or Lumpini Park, from where you get access to the subway, for 22 baht. Note that large baggage is not allowed.

If you're flying Thai Airways, you can do a city check-in at Lad Phrao MRT station, from where free shuttle buses leave 1:50 before each Thai flight. The same buses also run in the reverse direction from the airport.

Addresses & Navigation

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Addresses in Bangkok use the Thai addressing system, which may be a little confusing to the uninitiated. Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon (ถนน), often abbreviated Th or glossed "Road/Avenue", while the side streets branching off from them are called soi (ซอย).

Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd ones on the other. Thus, an address like "25 Soi Sukhumvit 3" means house/building number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road. While the soi numbers on each side will always advance upward, the numbers often do not advance evenly between sides - for example, Soi 55 could be across from soi 36. Many well-known sois have an additional name, which can be used instead of the number. Soi 3 is also known as "Soi Nana", so the address above might thus also be expressed as "25 Soi Nana".

The extension /x is used for new streets created between existing streets, as seen in Sukhumvit's soi pattern 7, 7/1, 7/2, 9, 11. Note that some short alleys are called trok (ตรอก) instead of soi.

To make things a little more complex, some large sois like Soi Ekamai (Sukhumvit Soi 63) and Soi Ari (Phahonyothin Soi 7) have their own sois. In these cases an address like "Soi Ari 3" means "the 3rd soi off Soi Ari", and you may even spot addresses like "68/2 Soi Ekamai 4, Sukhumvit 63 Road", meaning "2nd house beside house 68, 4th soi off Ekamai, the 63rd soi of Sukhumvit". In many sois the house numbers are not simply increasing, but may spread around.

To further bewilder the tourist who doesn't read Thai, the renderings of Thai street names in the Latin alphabet are not consistent. The road running towards the (former) airport from the Victory Monument may be spelled Phahon Yothin or Pahon Yothin or Phahonyothin or Phaholyothin depending on which street sign or map you consult. It's all the same in Thai, of course -- only the romanisation varies.

And if that's not confusing enough, most of the larger streets tend to change names altogether every few kilometers. Sukhumvit is called Sukhumvit on one side of the tollway (roughly east), but it becomes Ploenchit just before you cross Thanon Witthayu (aka Wireless) going towards the river. Keep going just a few more streets and it becomes Thanon PraRam Neung (usually said as just Rama I) after you pass Thanon Ratchadamri. But if you were to turn right onto Ratchadamri, in just a few blocks you'll find yourself on Thanon Ratchaprarop (past Petchaburi, aka New Phetburi, which is called Phitsanulok closer to the river). Got it?
But wait, there's logic to these name changes: most of them are neighborhoods. It wouldn't make sense to call the road Sukhumvit if it's no longer running through the Sukhumvit area, would it? Thus, Sukhumvit becomes Ploenchit where it runs though the Ploenchit area. It's when you're able to grasp the city in terms of its neighborhoods that it both becomes more navigable and more charming. Likewise, Pratunam and Chatuchak are much more than just markets; they're boroughs, each with its own distinct character.

Related to this last point, compass directions are not widely used by Thais to navigate in Bangkok. That's probably because they aren't very useful: the city's darwinistic layout, the changing street names, the winding river, and the lack of obvious landmarks all conspire to confuse your internal compass. Thus, asking for directions in terms of "is that west from here?" will probably earn you little more than a confused look from a local. You're better off to familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods and navigate to and from them. "How do I get to Thonglor?" will get you there faster than asking for directions to Sukhumvit Soi 55.

One exception: the Chao Phyra River is THE landmark in Bangkok, and many directional references can be made as "toward the river" or "away from the river". If you aren't TOO close, that is: since the river winds around the most popular tourist areas, river references tend to be most helpful when you're wandering farther afield than Banglamphoo or Sanam Luang or Rattana. And wander you should.

History

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Bangkok (originally Bang Makok) 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 -- the City of Angels (and much more: the full name is listed as the world's longest place name by the Guinness Book of Records; an English rendering goes like this: "Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok pop noparatratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit" -- "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.

Understand Bangkok

2008-05-07T00:46:00.001-07:00

Just under 14 degrees North of the Equator, Bangkok is a tropical metropolis that is also one of the most traveller-friendly cities in Asia. A furious assault on the senses, the

first things that impress many visitors are the heat, the congestion both on streets and sidewalks, the pollution inherent to rapid development, the squalor that accompanies a gaping chasm between rich and poor, and the irrepressible smiles of the Thais. Despite the sensationalized international news reports and first impressions, the city is surprisingly safe, more organized than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favor the growth of tropical plants — you'll find exotic orchids and delicious fruit everywhere. Bougainvillea and frangipani bloom practically everywhere. Thai cuisine is singular, justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok, for many, represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence. It is difficult to leave with lukewarm impressions of the city.

Bangkok

2008-05-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

Bangkok is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — consider printing them all.

Bangkok (Thai: กรุงเทพฯ Krung Thep) is the capital of Thailand and by far its largest city with an estimated population of over 10 million.

Districts

Bangkok is a large city, rising vertically and growing horizontally. Administratively it is split up into 50 khet (districts), but these are more often used in official business and for addresses. Visitors will find the conceptual division below more useful.

1. Sukhumvit – The long Sukhumvit Road, changing name to Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road going west, is Bangkok's modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at Siam Square is the closest thing Bangkok has to a centre.

2. Silom – To the south of Sukhumvit, the area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand's sober financial center by day, but Bangkok's primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Patpong come alive.

3. Rattanakosin – Between the river and Sukhumvit lies the densely packed "Old Bangkok", home to Bangkok's best-known wats. Yaowarat (Chinatown) and sights around the Chao Phraya River are also included here. Bangkok's backpacker mecca Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu are located on the northern part of Rattanakosin.

4. Thonburi – The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with many small canals and some offbeat attractions.

5. Phahonyothin – The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is best known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Don Muang Airport.

6. Ratchadaphisek – The district north of Sukhumvit centered around Ratchadaphisek Road (part of which is called Asoke) and reaching from Phetchaburi Road to Lat Phrao. This area has really opened up recently as the new metro line follows Ratchadaphisek Road.