Bangkok City

Bangkok is one of the world’s fastest growing cities. However, this city still upholds its traditions and cultural heritage while being “polished” by the western modernization. The city was founded in 1782 on the river Chao Phraya. It was the Burmese sacking of the old capital Ayutthaya in 1767 when the king decided to shift the capital in this swampy trading locality. The city was built following the layout of the old capital Ayutthaya with defensive canals dug around the Grand Palace (the official residence of the king till the last century). Today, Bangkok stands as one of the Asia’s busiest capitals and a heaven of shopping, travel and entertainment.

Transportation in Bangkok

To move inside the city, the Skytrain (an elevated railway used as a mass rapid transit) is a popular, quick and clean way of transportation. It offers also the scenic view of the city from top. The trains operate from 6 am to midnight and cover a big part of the city.

Bangkok has also a limited subway (MRT Metro) with 24 stations which in some places connect up with the Skytrain. They operate from 5 am to midnight. The city has an extensive bus service, too. However, slow traffics and complicated network makes it the last choice for a tourist. You can also avail the local taxi called the “Tuk Tuk”. It is safe to board on the metered ones as the taxis without meter will pretty much rip you off. However, if you avail a non-metered taxi, fix the price before and make sure the taxi-driver has understood the destination. Language could be a problem as some “Tuk Tuk” drivers don’t understand anything but Thai. It is recommended to carry the card of your hotel which will have the address printed in Thai.

Sometimes a canal ride or the water-taxi is a better option. The city runs its own network of river-taxi which is regular, cheap and often quicker than the road. Private companies also provide express services which stop at designated peers in scheduled timetable.

Activities

The city is one of the Asia’s must-see capitals. Numerous Temples, shrines, palaces and Museums are sufficient to keep you busy for weeks. Worth mentioning are the Grand Palace (former official residence of the king), the Wat Pho (with a 46-meter reclining Buddha) and the Wat Trai Mit (with a 5 and a half ton solid gold Buddha). There are attractions of different tastes like the Crocodile Farm (world’s largest with 60000 crocodiles), Snake Farm, the Floating market and the mini Thailand Muang Boran.

The city is a paradise for sport events like the golf, Thai boxing, swimming, racquet, tennis, gymnastics and squash. Most of the games can also be learned here with experienced trainers in an affordable budget. The city also boasts of its numerous excellent Spas, massage parlors and all sort of therapy and wellness treatment. It is also popular among the tourists to catch a course of Yoga or meditation.
 

Shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is also the shopping paradise. Numerous shopping malls and markets make all tourists returning home with loaded packs and luggage after experiencing the shopping festival which runs all year round. Quality product at an affordable price marks the Bangkok merchandise a bargain every time.

Living in Bangkok

The food and accommodation which can be found in Bangkok is one of the top in Asia. Bangkok has a suitable solution for all. Food from allover the world and hotels of all price range make the tourists coming back again and again.

Nightlife in Bangkok

However, out of all attractions, probably it’s the nightlife and entertainment that gave Bangkok its brand name as the entertainment city of Asia. Ranging from live music or performance of the DJ at the bars, pubs and cocktail lounges you can have your own karaoke or an unmemorable evening at the discotheques, Go-Go-Bars, cabaret shows or any other entertainment.

Bangkok is a large city of more than 8 million people. Tourists need to be aware of the cheat and also the climate which at the summer and during monsoon can be real uncomfortable. Also recently there had been some terrorist attacks and the effect of recent political turmoil is yet to be stabilized. It is also reported that the city is sinking 5 cm each year in the silt.

Still, the city of Bangkok is a top city of Asia offering the best to a tourist. So, if you need a break in your tiring life, a refreshing touch; aim Bangkok, your next destination.