Bangkok
A Cultural Experience in the City of Angels
Thailand’s capital sees a harmonious blending of tradition while opening its arms wide to modernity. The roads and rivers of Bangkok are paved with a rich culture that offers a unique and wonderful experience for any tourist. It symbolizes the exquisiteness of the Far East and its people are filled with warmth and a ready smile, thus making this city a preferred tourist destination.
A Glimpse at Bangkok’s History
Bangkok was made capital of Thailand because of its strategic location. It was said that Thailand’s King Taksin favored Bangkok because of its flowing river, Chao Phraya river, as it will be easy for him and his armies to escape the Burmese forces in case of another attack. But before Bangkok, Ayutthaya was the first capital.
During the battle with Burma in 1767, the capital Ayutthaya was defeated and conquered. But soon, the Thais regained back Ayutthaya but the capital was moved to Thonburi. It was only in 1782 when the Chakri dynasty founded by King RamaI moved the capital to Bangkok, thus this decision was strengthened by King Taksin when he choose to make this river-haven the country’s capital.
Now, Bangkok is fast becoming a modern city that includes the area of Thon Buri, once Siam’s capital. With its population around 9 million, Bangkok serves as the country’s gateway port.
Wide Choice of Hotels to suit all Budgets
Staying in Bangkok will give you choices in accommodations. For the budget-conscious tourists, you may want to stay a little out of town yet get an accommodation near the river so that you could explore this wonderful city easily. There are also traditionally styled guest houses or for a more expensive and luxurious accommodation, you may want to move closer to the city’s center.
Also, the capital is divided into 6 main areas. In Airport area, you can choose from the luxurious Sofitel Central Plaza, to the moderately priced Miracle Grand while for the budget conscious tourists, the Comfort Suites Airport.
For the young and young at heart, you may want to choose accommodations in the Silom Area since it is where most night life happens. However, it is a bit expensive as compared to Downtown area. Accommodation here ranges from $24 USD to $175 USD like The Sukhothai Hotel, Sofitel Silom and Pinnacle Lumpinee.
Sukhumvit Area is near many shops and restaurants. It is also at the center of Bangkok thus it prices starts from $30 USD to as much as $150++ USD. Riverside area is close to the river views and Bangkok’s river transport with accommodation price ranges from $35 USD to $350++ USD. While the Sky Train Route is accessible to other areas like Silom and Sukhumvit but also with the World Trade Center and Siam Square.
Places to see and food to eat
Numerous attractions of the city are near the different river stops like the Temple of Dawn or you can go to Khao San Road. Also, Bangkok prided itself with its preservation of various temples like the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple and Wat Phra Keo. The preservation and exquisiteness of the rich ornaments of its spires and rooflines will leave anyone in awe. A few blocks away is where you will find a good ol’ Chinatown hustle and bustle and within it is the Wat Traimit Temple famous for its solid gold, 3 metres high and 5 ½ tons weight Golden Buddha.
Also, you may want to visit the National Museum for a glimpse of Thailand’s rich history and artifacts. Or visit the Weekend Market just along Chatuchak Park where you could taste almost any exotic Bangkok specialties including big dead roaches; other food selection and other novelties could also be found in the Suan Lum Night Market.
Lastly, for a fun night life, PatPong is the place. Live music, bars and clubs, this capital’s red-light district is a bright and colorful place crowded with people that could amaze or even shock the most liberal tourist. However, going to PatPong suits your taste or not, Bangkok is a rich place where you can explore and shop excellent Thai silks and other work of arts and all sorts of trinkets. So, be ready with your Thai Baht or you may use any major credit cards.
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