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Bangkok
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Approximate flying
times: From New York: 17 hrs. From Chicago: 22 hrs 30 mins. From LA: 19
hrs 25 mins.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, forget the alarm clock.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, comes a very close second. The city
was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty.
Today it’s the country's spiritual, commercial and educational hub,
home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai
population.
City of contrasts and
confusion.
Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai which means “city of angels") is an
exciting, high energy melting pot of east meets west. A dynamic city
that has embraced technology and modern living with its busy
expressways, bold skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. Yet
underneath it all, it remains a traditional haven of culture, history
and time-honored customs, where elders are respected and family always
comes first.
As you travel from the airport you’ll see plenty of examples of modern
architecture dotting the city scape and amongst them all, standing
proud, are glittering Buddhist Wats (temples) such as Wat Phra Kaew and
The Grand Palace. Snaking through the concrete jungle, you’ll spy
echoes of the “old Bangkok” below you – ancient canals and waterways
that are well worth exploring on a boat trip. Every Thai household and
building, even the most modern, has a traditional spirit house built
outside for good fortune and to honor the spirit of the land. Each day,
small offerings of fruit and water are laid out, often with garlands of
orchids.
If you’re an early riser, keen to make the most of your vacation time
in Bangkok, don’t be surprised when you see Buddhist monks in saffron
robes making their morning “alms” rounds accepting food and donations
from local people, young and old.
Some like it hot, but not
all the time.
Thailand has a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of
around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack light clothing for your
trip. Natural fibers are often more comfortable when you’re walking and
touring in hot weather. Practically everywhere you go in Bangkok you’ll
find you some relief from the heat, with blasts of icy cold air
conditioning in shops and hotels.
From March to May it’s the hottest time, with the highest temperatures
and humidity. From June to October is monsoon season, so remember to
take an umbrella. November to February is cooler and less humid. Bear
in mind that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and can
affect the weather you experience.
Bangkok Hotels to match
every budget.
You’ll find every type of accommodation – from lavish 5 star
international names to smaller hostels, favored by back packers. Book
online and see what special rates you can find. Web sites such as
http://www.hotel.com.au/bangkok have over 100 hotels in Thailand,
ranging from the natural peace and luxury of The Sukhothai on South
Sathorn Road, to business hotels in busy downtown Bangkok to the Hard
Rock Hotel on Pattaya Beach, Bangkok’s favorite seaside resort.
Getting around is easier.
One of the first words you’ll learn in Bangkok is “Rot tip” or “rot
tit” which literally means “cars that stick”, in other words traffic
jam. But the everyday snarls and gridlock have been vastly improved by
Bangkok’s cosmopolitan transport system.
You can now ride the subway, the Hua Lamphong – Bang Sue line has 18
stations along the 12 mile route. It’s fast, quiet and modern.
Jump on a BTS Sky Train. BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and
Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and
major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and
Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Of course, you can’t go to Bangkok without a ride in a tuk-tuk. These
zippy three-wheeled open-air motorized taxis are popular for short
journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance, it’s part of the fun.
Top 5 must-see highlights.
The Grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok
should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound
to get a feeling of the this grand architecture. Since the founding of
Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has
been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. The Royal
Family actually resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is
used for ceremonial purposes.
Wat Pho: possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines
history, medical science and is a center for meditation and traditional
massage training. Have a massage while you’re here, at a very fair
price.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: with over 9,000 shops and stalls you’ll be
tempted over and over. Close to everything that is for sale in Bangkok
is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothes,
flowers and furniture. (You’ll notice that some maps spell it
“Jatuchak”. Many English words have multiple spellings, so if you’re in
doubt, ask the hotel concierge to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)
Vimanmek Mansion Museum: the world's largest golden teak building
located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The
three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers
containing unique memorabilia.
Jim Thompson’s House: this exquisite Thai house and buildings stand as
a museum to the man who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second
World War. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is
recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and
fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical
jungle imitating nature's haphazard beauty right in the center of the
city.
Shopping till you drop!
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two streets. You’ll find
dozens of malls, markets and luxury retail outlets throughout the city.
The most popular are located around the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong area,
Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong, including the fantastic
Patpong night market where you can pick up your souvenirs, fashion and
Thai handicrafts. Don’t be shy to bargain in the market (nicely) as
your dollar can go a long way.
Bangkok rocks.
Bangkok has no single area for nightlife – it has several. Bars are
spread out all over town in places such as Patpong, Silom Soi 2 and 4,
Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy
and Sukhumvit Soi 33, among others.
One of the hottest new spots is called “Bed” is an extraordinary
space-age designer lounge in fashionable Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Bed
Supper Club is a “dining in bed” experience. Best described as a unique
combination of upscale restaurant, club, art gallery, theater and stage
merged into one.
Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
If you need another good reason to visit “The Land of Smiles”, here it
is. This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. The King has reigned
for almost 60 yeas, making him not only the longest reigning Thai
monarch, but the longest reigning King in the world today.
A once-in-a-lifetime
spectacle.
In true Thai style, the Bangkok celebrations promise to be a
spectacular tribute to the Royal Family, full of color, pomp and
ceremony. One of the main highlights is The Royal Barge Procession on
June 12-13 2006. It will be an international event with twenty-eight
monarchs from around the world in attendance.
This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for visitors, as the
Procession is only held to mark significant historical events such as
His Majesty’s ascension to the throne.
A river of splendor.
Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Phraya will become the place to be.
Imagine a royal armada stretching as far as your eyes can see. A
flotilla of superbly carved royal barges slowly sail into view, manned
by the Royal Thai Navy dressed in ancient ceremonial uniforms. Each
sailor rowing in perfect unison, honed through months of intense
practice.
If you plan to be in Bangkok in June, do leave the bargains for a few
hours and be part of the adoring crowd - and bring your camera.
Incidentally, two major dress rehearsals are planned for the June 6 and
9, so if you can't attend the real event, this is as close as you may
get.
Thailand has a well deserved reputation as the "The Land of Smiles".
You’ll receive a warm welcome and feel the genuine friendliness of the
locals. One thing’s for sure, the memories of a vacation here will stay
with you for a lifetime.
By Matthew Lawson who
heads up www.hotel.com.au in Australia and is an avid traveler. He
combines his love for travel and going places with his technical skills
in database management.
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