Bangkok
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one pageSaint Augustine 354 - 430Bangkok is a city full of innumerable surprises that can only be characterized as overwhelmingly charming and alluring, both fascinating and majestic, complex yet unpretentious, inconsistent yet harmonious, chaotic yet orderly but whatever you may think, this vibrant modern city can never be described as dull or boring. Trying to describe this city may not be nearly enough to convince you of what could possibly be your ultimate holiday experience. Why then does the sheer thrill and excitement of this charming and fun loving cosmopolitan environment draw millions of visitors from around the globe every year. Bangkok just explodes into this captivating irresistible charm that epitomizes all things Thai. To best sum this up, you would need to leave all of your western values at home and take a walk on the wild side as this metropolis of over 10 million people appears to be a bewildering melange of the ancient and the modern, the exotic and the commonplace, all seemingly thrown together in an organized chaos. Go out and grab your slice. One night in Bangkok as I discovered is not nearly enough time to take in all the wondrous sights, smells and sounds of this amazing vibrant city. If anything, it should take your breath away as it did mine. Remember that nothing ventured equals nothing gained. I shall leave the rest up to you to discover and explore.
City Temples
Bangkok is and biggest city in Thailand dating back to the year 1782. It is the political, commercial, administrative and cultural engine that drives the country. The city caters for some of the best shopping in the world and it's not impossible for you to lose yourself in one of many modern malls or shopping centers that are constantly springing up all over the city. MBK is the ultimate experience Then there are loads of local stall traders vying for your attention as you walk the busy streets. You should most certainly take a leisurely stroll around the hectic but pleasant Chantuchak Weekend Market where you will find anything and everything from books, music, handicrafts, clothing, plants and even some live animals. Not enough, then why not take a drive to the famous
floating market
of Damnoen Saduak where you can also enjoy a long-boat cruise around the canals to view the river-side homes of some of the locals or you could simply release your sensual pleasures as you take in a late night visit to any number of the fabulous
flower markets
scattered around the city.
Chinatown
Chinatown is another busy and often crowded market where you can purchase traditional herbal cures and other interesting items including inexpensive jewellery and all sorts of house-hold goods. My all time favourite shopping experiences have got to be at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar where you can literally shop until you drop for all sorts of silk items, handicrafts, artworks and so much more. Freedom Monument in the City Centre
Temples and MonumentsWat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist temple in all of Thailand. Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok situated behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha where you will discover the 46 metre long reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf with beautifully decorated mother-of-pearl covering the Buddha's 3 metre long feet. Wat Arun is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and a fine example of Thai architectural splendor. It is said that after King Taksin fled Ayutthaya on the central plains of Thailand during the time of the Burmese invasion, he arrived at Wat Arun at dawn and later renamed it Wat Chaeng, The Grand Palace
Wat Mahathat is situated a short distance in a northerly direction from the Grand Palace compound between the Silpakorn fine arts University and the University of law and sciences. The temple is considered to be an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Wat Saket is situated between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road just outside the new city walls. This temple, also known as the Golden Mount is a well-known landmark in Bangkok and contains Buddha relics within the temple's 58 metre high chedi. You will be able to enjoy spectacular views over the city from here. Vimanmek Palace is situated on Ratchawithi Road behind the National Assembly and is considered the largest golden teak building in the world. This 81 room mansion contains a splendid collection of antique furniture, ceramics and famous artifacts such as Faberge jewellery and other objects d'art from around Europe.
Vimanmek Palace
A must see is the Jim Thompson House Museum located in downtown Bangkok. This Thai-style home was timelessly constructed using material collected from several homes brought in from central Thailand. Jim Thompson was an American who came to Thailand at the end of the second world war and with time, revived the Thai silk industry until his mysterious disappearance while on vacation in Malaysia in 1967. Bangkok Nightlife
The next time you visit this fascinating city and viewed all the beautiful advertised places of interest, you might choose to see a completely different side of Thailand as I once did. Yes! the notorious Thai prison of Bang Kwang is not exactly on the tourist trail but nevertheless it gave me some food for thought so I decided to give it a try. Go on and take a walk on the wild side. You will be required to gain permission to actually view this prison as with any of the others in the country. The city boasts an extremely lively nightlife with hundreds of clubs, pubs, go-go bars and various other night time venues including many expats organizations. There are fantastic local and international restaurants serving the finest cuisine. Try some of the excellent
seafood restaurants
around town. Yes! this vibrant and bustling city has it all and more. You would be hard pressed to find a better place to enjoy all the amazing attractions and fun entertainment in such a warm and friendly environment.
Bangkok EntertainmentThe entertainment scene is not limited to adults only as there are also loads of fun stuff for kids to keep them amused all day long in the city. Despite the city's reputation for being one of the top adult playgrounds of the world, there are numerous playgrounds for children to discover. The Children's Discovery Museum, Dream World Theme Park and Safari World are just some of the best kids entertainment centres around. Please use my Search Engine below to find other special places of interest in Bangkok. Return from Bangkok to the home page
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