BANGKOK THAILAND

Bankok - Thailand Hot Spots

2007-10-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

Bankok - Thailand Hot Spots By M. Matchev

BANKOK - SOME FACTS

If you visit any destination in South East Asia, it may be imperative that you pass through Bangkok. Bangkok has a strange nature of evoking extreme sense of likes and dislikes amongst visitors. A few seem to loathe it while many others swear that it is the most wonderful, fascinating and exciting places on earth. Actually, Bangkok tends to be what a particular visitor wants it to be. Bangkok is a picture post-card haven with beautiful pagodas, pagodas and some of the world's finest hotels. Bangkok's renowned for it's nightlife in the Orient with an opportunity to savor some of world's most unique cuisines. Bangkok is a favorite and best shopping destination in South East Asia.

Bangkok inhabitants are known as Thais and their friendly ways would flatter the snootiest traveler. Bangkok is all in all, a load of fun and games and a great way to enjoy a civilized vacation. Thailand's history emerges from the Bronze Age, whereas Bangkok, the capital is a young city founded in 1782. With a population of around 6 million, 50% of them are under 30. Bangkok lies on the banks of the river "Chao Phraya", a wonderful working waterway full of sampans, wide variety of boats and rice barges.

Bangkok is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the modern and the ancient evident from its skyline that comprises of Buddhist temples (wats), luxury hotels, high-rise office buildings and shopping malls making it a kaleidoscope. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The sights of ubiquitous street food sellers, monks on morning begging rounds and women stringing jasmine blossoms on thread near wats will display the cultural heritage of Thailand that is not lost in the arc lights of modernity.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN BANKOK

Bangkok is packed with more attractions per square mile than any other city in the world. Despite the crowds, the architecture and the attractions are worth the effort to travel and see. On the top of the list would be Wat Phra Khao and the Grand Palace for sightseeing for half a day. This can include the National Museum and the Wat Pho. Chinatown, Bangkok's major attractions has a unique traditional life untouched by modern civilization and could be fascinating. Historical sites like Rattanakosin Island (central point when Bangkok was founded) are also worth visiting. The main symbolic places of Bangkok are Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River.

Cross the Chao Phraya to reach Thonburi and you can tour the klongs to appreciate the heritage and culture of the country of Thailand. The Vimanmek Palace, restored by Queen Sirikit, made of golden teak emphasizes the exquisite taste and oriental

splendor of ancient Thai royal life.

TOURING AROUND BANKOK

The easier way to explore the country would be put up base in Bangkok and explore the region by using the interesting and unusual daytrips.

Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In: This probably is the most popular day trip from Bangkok and takes you to visit the Ayutthaya (A-you-ta-ya), the previous and old capital of Thailand, about 50 miles north of Bangkok, the current capital. Ayutthaya has served as the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam for over 400 years. Travellers in the past have described the glittering palaces, temples and Buddhist images depicting it as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. In an unfortunate event the Burmese burned the glories of this city in 1767. In Ayutthaya, you could hire a tuk tuk along with an English-speaking guide to take you around the celebrated temples (cost could be in the range of 250 bahts). You can also hire a long-tail boat for cruising the 12-mile Chao Phraya River trip that ends at the king's summer palace at Bang Pa-In (300 bahts).

Many such trips are available to be taken. Bangkok never ceases to amaze and so giving an approximate time frame of the trip becomes difficult. You could get there, relax, and see for yourself what Bangkok has to offer. May be you could go back when you have more time, or to see the rest of it. The magnetism of Bangkok is such that despite having been there many a time, travelers tend to come back.

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Cheap Flights To Bangkok

2007-10-10T01:51:00.000-07:00

Cheap Flights To Bangkok By Annie Jones

Bangkok is the capital and the largest city and capital of Thailand. Popularly known as Krung Thep or "City of Angels". It is one of the biggest city in the world and perhaps the biggest on with a population of around 10 million. Bangkok as a destination is ranked high by the travel and tourism department of most of the countries. Thus most of the airlines now provides, cheap flights to Bangkok with discounted air fares.

Earlier Bangkok was connected with an elaborated networks of canals, and thus given the name - "Venice of the East". At that time most of the transportation was carried out on boats. Now, most of the canals are converted into streets. Bangkok International Airport, popularly known as "Don Muang" is the busiest airport in South East Asia. This airport host many international and domestic flights from all over the world. There are many travel agents offering cheap flights to Bangkok various destinations. Bangkok has a network of sky-trains which were introduces to ease the notorious traffic jams in the city. The sky-train was introduced in 1999 and was also known as BTS system and rot-fai-fah in Thai. There are two more metro used in Bangkok for commencement by the people, viz. the underground MRTA subway and another elevated line known as BERTS.

Bangkok's nightlife has an attitude of being tempestuous and noisy. But at the same time, it's calm, comfortable

and pleasurable. Bangkok's assorted nightlife happening attribute everything from brilliant live music, to delightful jazz clubs, ultra cool bars, energetic and spirited dance spot and enormous restaurants. It is rapidly establishing itself as Asia's capital of cool nightlife. The best thing about shopping in Bangkok is that even after the malls are closed you can shop in bunch of small markets that gets opened with the first shine of sun and stay opened till the midnight. Bangkok and Thailand has become a good shopping centre in Asia because of low prices offered with high quality and lots of variety. Duty Free shopping can be done at the Thailand Duty Free Shops Company branch in the World Trade Center on Ratchadamri road.

Thus Bangkok is now becoming a most sort out destination for tourism and business. With such growing importance of Bangkok, Biman Bangladesh Airlines are offering cheap flights to Bangkok from London. At BIMANAIR.CO.UK, you can find fairly discounted air tickets for Bangkok from London Heathrow. Biman Bangladesh Airlines is an UK based travel agent appointed by Etihad Airways. Log on BIMANAIR.CO.UK and book cheap flights to Bangkok and get heavy discount per person on all Bangkok flights.

Annie Jones write about Bangkok city and cheap flights to Bangkok from London.

Discount Flights To Bangkok

2007-10-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

Discount Flights To Bangkok

Read about Bangkok city and tourism in Bangkok with cheap flights to Bangkok.

Bangkok's nightlife has an attitude of being

tempestuous and noisy. But at the same time, it's calm, comfortable and pleasurable. Bangkok's assorted nightlife happening attribute everything from brilliant live music, to delightful jazz clubs, ultra cool bars, energetic and spirited dance spot and enormous restaurants. It is rapidly establishing itself as Asia's capital of cool nightlife. The best thing about shopping in Bangkok is that even after the malls are closed you can shop in bunch of small markets that gets opened with the first shine of sun and stay opened till the midnight. Bangkok and Thailand has become a good shopping centre in Asia because of low prices offered with high quality and lots of variety. Duty Free shopping can be done at the Thailand Duty Free Shops Company branch in the World Trade Center on Ratchadamri road.

Thus Bangkok is now becoming a most sort out destination for tourism and business. With such growing importance of Bangkok, Etihad Airways are offering cheap flights to Bangkok from London. At Etihadairways.myvacation.co.uk, you can find fairly discounted air tickets for Bangkok from London Heathrow. Etihadairways.myvacations.co.uk is an UK based travel agent appointed by Etihad Airways. Log on etihadairways.myvacations.co.uk and book cheap flights to Bangkok and get heavy discount per person on all Bangkok flights.

Annie Jones write about Bangkok city and cheap flights to Bangkok from London.

River Cruise In Bangkok - Sightseeing On The Chao Phraya

2007-10-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

River Cruise In Bangkok - Sightseeing On The Chao Phraya By Eric Lim, Thu Dec 8th

A river cruise in Bangkok gives an insight to the communitylife on the Chao Phraya River and the legacies on this river ofkings, a picture of stark contrasts.

It needn't have to be an elaborate affair; you can cut thefrills and expenses. Plan the river cruise yourself for a moremeaningful Bangkok sightseeing tour from the Chao Phraya River.

The Chao Phraya River is the longest river in Thailandstretching 370 km from Nakhon Sawan, more than 200 km north ofBangkok. The river continues past Bangkok to flow into the Gulfof Thailand in Samut Prakan to the south.

Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility,similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longerin use.

Attractions, landmarks and views in a river cruise inBangkok

Start the river cruise from the Sathorn Pier near the TaksinBridge; five minutes walk from the Taksin Bridge skytrainstation, the terminal station for trains from the city center.

Proceed northwards passing the scenic water front hotels likethe old Oriental Bangkok where famous writers like Joseph Conradand Somerset Maugham left their mark.

The first recommended stopover, in a river cruise in Bangkok, isthe Ratchawong Pier which leads to Yaowarat Chinatown, SoiSampheng where Chinatown started and Soi Sun Yat Sen named afterthe father of the Chinese Revolution.

The Memorial Bridge, the next stop, is dedicated to King Rama I,the founder of Bangkok. His monument, near the bridge, depictsKing Rama I on a throne gazing at the bustling city he foundedmore than 220 years ago. Pahurat, the Indian community inBangkok is further inland.

Historical aspects of the Chao Phraya

Further upriver on the Thonburi bank, near the mouth of theBangkok Yai Canal, the white ramparts of Fort Vichai Prasit comeinto view. This was an old Ayutthaya fort built in 1688. KingTaksin's Palace is here in the complex that's now the Royal ThaiNavy HQ.

Next to this old citadel, stands the glittering Wat Arun, Templeof Dawn, a temple built in the Ayutthaya era.

The Bangkok Yai Canal and the Bangkok Noi Canal, furtherupriver, used to be the original course of the Chao PhrayaRiver.

This long meander was straightened out by a canal in 1542 toshorten sailing time to Ayutthaya. The new canal subsequentlybecame the present course of the Chao Phraya River.

The river cruise in Bangkok will now pass the most majesticsight along the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace and theTemple of the Emerald Buddha in old Rattanakosin, the historicalcenter, which is the origin of modern Bangkok.

The Thonburi bank, across from the Grand Palace, is where oldcommunities have lived long before Bangkok was established asthe capital. The Bangkok Noi

Museum, further inland, preservesthe history of these communities.

The Royal Barge Museum is located in the Bangkok Noi Canal nearthe Phra Pin Klao Bridge.

The river cruise in Bangkok next passes Fort Phra Sumen, builtin 1783 to fortify the old city. Located near the mouth of theBanglampoo Canal, the second protective canal ring, it's one ofthe two remaining forts left from the Bangkok era.

River life and scenes on the Chao Phraya

On the banks, rickety old wooden houses on stilts can be seen instark contrast to the spanking new houses and condominiums. Thenoodle vendor in a boat sells her food from house to house asrestaurants provide riverside dining near the some of the piers.

The most spectacular bridge across the Chao Phraya Riverencountered in a river cruise in Bangkok is the King Rama VIIIBridge, a suspension bridge that stands out like a giant harpover the water. Bang Khun Phrom Palace, which houses the Bank ofThailand Museum, is nearby.

Bridges across the Chao Phraya River serve as useful landmarksin a river cruise in Bangkok. Some piers, located near thesebridges, are named after them. You'll pass under eight bridgesin the entire river cruise.

Further upriver life gets less touristy and more rustic,particularly on the Thonburi bank. Many piers are named afterwats (temples) located nearby, around which community life isbuilt. Some of these temples, though less well known, areequally beautiful as their city counterparts.

Chao Phraya boat services for a river cruise of Bangkok

Chao Phraya river boats ply along the river duringthe day stopping at regular piers. These boats are aninexpensive and convenient way for a Bangkok sightseeing tour ofthe river.

A Chao Phraya River tourist boat service isalso available for a day tour of selected areas and piers. Boatrental services are also available for groups of 20 or more.

A total of 34 Chao Phraya river piers located along this 25 kmwinding stretch of river. You don't have to go all the waythough, just take your pick and get on and off where you wish.

A river cruise in Bangkok provides a very different perspectiveof life in the city on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, anaspect you can't get from the usual Bangkok city tour.

About the author: This article, by Eric Lim first appeared in Tour BangkokLegacies, a historical travel site on people, places andevents that shaped the landscape of Bangkok. Lim, a free-lancewriter, lives in Bangkok Thailand.

Where To Stay In Bangkok?

2007-10-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Where To Stay In Bangkok?

Finding a Thailand hotel is super easy these days. Do a search at google, and you'll have some pretty good idea of where you want to stay. Plus, you can just go ahead and book for a Bangkok Thailand hotel right online.

If you plan to find a Bangkok hotel, you have tons of choices. Stay at Kaosan road if you're a backpacker. If you're not one, then stay close to the skytrain if you love shopping. If you're into good atmosphere and don't care much about getting around the city, then stay close to the Chao Phraya river, which is the main river of Bangkok.

If you want to stay at Kaosan road, you don't even need to book in advance. You can just walk around to see the guesthouse you like, and then just walk in. They always have a vacancy.

If you prefer to stay in the city center in order to get around easily for shopping, (and let me tell you, Bangkok is shoppers' paradise -- Hong Kong isn't cheap... but Bangkok is) then I suggest you check out Patumwan Princess hotel. It's right in the MBK shopping center (fake jeans, watches and bags) and also right at the Siam Square skytrain station. Erawan hotel, Le Meridien and the Four Seasons hotel are more luxurious. They're right at the intersection where you can see Zen and Isetan shopping malls right across the street. The Siam Square (where they sell funky clothing) and the Chidlom (Central

shopping mall) skytrain stations are

within minutes away.

A lot of tourists like to stay at the Asia hotel, which is right at a Rajdevi skytrain station (one station away from MBK shopping center). It may be cheap, but it's kind of old. Well, very old actually. I don't recommend it. But it's totally up to you.

If you don't care much about shopping in Bangkok, then I'd really suggest you stay at the Sukothai hotel. It's a classy and luxurious Thai-styled hotel --but you'll have to take a taxi if you want to go anywhere. Or even better, stay by the Chao Phraya river if you can. It will give you a different feel of Bangkok, especially at night. It's rather expensive though, especially if you want to stay at the world-renowned Oriental hotel or the Peninsula hotel. If these two are too expensive for you, try Shangri-la hotel. It may be a little bit cheaper. And don't forget to book a Bangkok river cruise dinner at your hotel. The Chao Praya river is glamorous at night -- with a view of well-lit Wat Arun.

To get around town from your Bangkok hotel, you can ask the hotel's doorman to help you get a taxi. It's not expensive at all.

Keith Londrie II is has put up an informative web site about asia at http://learn-asia.info/

Please feel free to drop by the web site to learn more about asia, and where to stay while there on your next trip

Keith Londrie II

klondrie @ yahoo.com

http://learn-asia.info/