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Bangkok

Visitors to Bangkok tend to fall into two distinct camps; those that love the city and those who hate it. Bangkok certainly has its faults, but it also has a charm and vibrancy that can be compelling. The Thai capital can be bewildering for the first time visitor, but a little bit of planning, patience and understanding will help you get the most out of Bangkok.
Bangkok weather >>
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How to get around in Bangkok >>

Bangkok Attractions

Wat Phra Kaeo and Grand Palace, Bangkok
Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo and the Emerald Buddha
Probably the star attraction in Bangkok and on many people’s must-do list when visiting the Thai capital, Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace are situated within the same complex close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Wat Po
Opposite the Grand Palace complex, Wat Po is home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha. As well as being the oldest temple in Bangkok, Wat Po is the place to go for a traditional Thai massage.

Bangkok Floating Market
There are a number of floating markets in and around Bangkok, but probably the biggest and best known lies just outside the Thai capital in Damnoen Saduak.
Bangkok Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak >>

Jim Thompson’s House
For an oasis of calm amidst the throbbing metropolis, be sure to check out Jim Thompson’s House and catch an insight into a bygone era and a traditional Thai lifestyle.
Wat Arun, Temple of the Dawn, Bangkok
Bangkok Dinner Cruise
Despite the modernity of Bangkok’s transport system, the Chao Phraya River remains the main artery of the Thai capital. A working river that ferries commuters, freight traffic and tourists, the Chao Phraya also hosts a number of evening dinner cruises with prices to suit every budget.

Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant
Cabbages & Condoms is a lovely restaurant and the profits go towards a very worthwhile cause. It’s also the only time you’re likely to be handed packets of condoms in place of the traditional after-dinner mints!
Review of Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant, Bangkok >>

Plan Your Trip to Bangkok

Get hold of a decent map (my personal recommendation is the outstanding Nancy Chandler map of Bangkok) or guide book and plan in advance exactly where you want to go and what you want to see. Don’t underestimate the heat and the effects of a long flight if you are staying in Bangkok at the start of your holiday. Take it easy and don’t be too ambitious in what you can cram in during a short stay. A trip to the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak for instance, will take up most of the day.

History of Bangkok, City of Angels

Bangkok (translation = ‘village of wild plums’) was the site of the old capital of Siam. Located in what is now modern day Thonburi, King Rama 1 moved his capital in 1782 to a location which would be easier to defend from attack. Moving across the Chao Phraya River to Krung Thep (translation = ‘city of angels’) he founded the new capital. Thai people normally refer to their capital as Krung Thep only calling it Bangkok when speaking in English. Here’s a bit of useless trivia to bore your friends with: Krung Thep is an abbreviation of the full ceremonial name which (in its English romanisation) has the distinction of being in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest place name in the world. And if you want to be a real smart-ass, learn how to say the full name:

Krungthepmahanakhornbowornrattanakosinmahintaraayutthayamahadilokpopnopparatratchataniburiromudomratchaniwetmahasathanamorn-
pimanavatarnsathitsakkathattiyavisnukaraprasit.

Now you know why Thai people just call it ‘Krung Thep’ or Bangkok (although there are plenty who will remember from their school-days the full ceremonial name).

photos © Thaizer

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