Come to Bangkok, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, an irresistible mix of East and West - glittering skyscrapers shoulder-to-shoulder with luxury Bangkok hotels and magnificent temples will all contribute to make it an unforgettable holiday!
Bangkok is a curious mix of tradition and modernity and you will find something unexpected on every street. Contemporarily styled Bangkok hotels and offices overlook shoddy buildings that sit next to intricately sculpted temples with beautiful gardens.
Like in any other major city of the world, you will find people with mobile phones, lost in their private worlds, and dressed in the latest designer clothes.
The Chao Phraya River which runs through Bangkok is choked with traffic, just like the roads of the city: long-tailed boats, small rowing boats, and river taxis that manage to avoid crashing into each other as if by a miracle all contribute to this traffic jam on the river.
Tradition is alive and well in Bangkok . During the morning rush hour you can still see monks in their saffron robes weaving through the chaotic traffic, collecting alms. Entire communities of monks live beside the river in the houses on stilts, managing to make a meagre living through their traditional skills.
In 1782, when the old capital of Siam was destroyed, Bangkok was made the new capital. Incidentally, the Thais do not refer to the city as Bangkok. Instead, they call it Krung Thep, a considerably shorter version of its original name.
In 1932, the system of absolute monarchy came to an end, and was replaced by constitutional monarchy. Even today the Thais almost worship the monarchy, and no one dares to insult the royal family for fear of imprisonment. His Majesty, King Bhumibol, who came to power way back in 1946, happens to be the world's longest ruling king.
However, Thailand has been besieged by a troubled political atmosphere. After the end of absolute monarchy, when the country attempted to establish democracy, the military, which has been known for staging coups against government policies, prevented this radical change in political direction. The most recent of these coups took place in September 2006, with the overthrow of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was replaced by a substitute until fresh elections in December 2007.
Thailand has braved and survived many critical situations such as economic catastrophe in the 1990s; the threat of SARS; the devastation wrought by the tsunami in December 2004, as well as the avian influenza crisis.
This strictly anti-Communist country as demonstrated by the Vietnam war during which Thailand became a strategic ally of the USA, has now stepped back a little from its anti-communist stance in order to better its relationship with its Communist neighbours. Today, they have joined forces as members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Thailand is the largest exporter of rice in the world, which is not surprising, considering that over half of the country's population works in the agricultural sector. However, it contributes just 15% towards the GDP. This is due to the fact that tourism, textiles, and electronics are Thailand's major industries. The result is the relatively stunted growth of agriculture and a deep sense of imbalance between urban and rural areas.
There is so much to see and do in Bangkok. The nightlife of the city is famous with its Muay Thai boxing matches, its glamourous ladyboy shows, and dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River. Perhaps even more famous is the Thai massage that is sure to cure any body aches you might have and leave you feeling energised and fit. Then there are the spas where you can indulge body and soul and return rejuvenated. If you are thinking of shopping in Bangkok, thisis the place where you will find amazing bargains. And there is much more to love Bangkok for. Why not find out for yourself?
The greater Bangkok metropolis spreads across 1,500 square kilometres and is counted as one of the biggest cities in the world. Bangkok has approximately ten million inhabitants, a huge number of tourists that is constantly growing, and 30,000 taxis, which means that it is not easy for you to navigate through such a vast, densely populated area, especially if you are visiting for the first time. Our Bangkok map will help you overcome this problem and you can even choose the closest Bangkok hotel to the shopping precinct and also all the pickup points for the tours in Bangkok .
Every city has its popular areas, as does Bangkok, either because of their location or tours they offer for the enjoyment of tourists. Wherever you want to go in this exciting city, you will find a way to travel because of the convenience of the Skytrain (BTS) as well as the underground (MRT).
Bangkok is certainly a wanton and chaotic city. You can see its different faces when you hitch a ride on the new overland metropolitan railway that whisks you high above Bangkok while you relax and watch the Chao Phraya River dissecting the city and the fertile plains of the delta on which Bangkok nestles. The city sprawls across 579 square miles and a network of canals bearing passengers and cargo runs across it.
Bangkok may be polluted and congested, but it still ranks as one of the most exciting cities in Asia, and one of the world's biggest. It introduces to the traveller the mysterious lure of the Orient. If you would like to get an idea of what a backpackers' ghetto is all about, head to the vibrant Khao San Road, which is a bustle of activity no matter what the hour. The Grand Palace and the Wat Phra Kaew - the palace temple - within which you will find the Emerald Buddha, carved entirely from a single block of translucent green jade, which stands on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. A little ahead, up the river, you will come across a magnificent sight: intricately ornamented royal barges which are still used during festive occasions.
Among Bangkok's 30 temples, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with its 45 metre deity covered in gold leaf is the largest. The Floating Market of Bangkok is famous and holds many floral and vegetable delights for travellers. After sunset, with the coming of night, this city of kings, temples, and indulgences comes alive. Bright neon signs and music lure travellers to a multitude of bars and nightclubs, and those infamous 'girlie joints' that give the Patpong district its aura of hedonism.
Bangkok provides a huge number of possibilities and attractions for any visitor. Look through Bangkok Hotels , compare prices and book the best budget hotel in Bangkok ! Select your accommodation in Bangkok from hotels, villas, apartments, bed and breakfasts and hostels. It is easy to find your accommodation in Bangkok; just click on Bangkok Hotels. If you prefer to choose your accommodation in Bangkok based on the hotel's location, click on our Bangkok Map first.
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