Bangkok -  Thailand

Bangkok: Bangkok was established as Thailand's capital in 1782 by the monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. This sprawling capital straddles the Chao Phraya River ( the river of the kings) and was at one time riddled with klongs (canals). However, its ancient glories were well maintained, especially in the old areas around the Grand Palace. Today, Bangkok has become the principal gateway and prime tourist attraction for both domestic and international travelers. Bangkok occupies a total area of 1,568 square kilometers on a flat alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River. Composed of about 50 districts (Khets), it is home to one-tenth of the country's population. The popular tourist attractions included glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, canal and river scenes (Venice of the East) and numerous shopping centers. Bangkok is one of the Asia's most cosmopolitan cities.

Places of interest in and around Bangkok

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. This inner city riverine landmark contains several buildings with highly detailed architectural features. Wat Phra Kaeo within the same compound, is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).  This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark diagonally opposite the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted 79 meters central pagoda which sparkles in the sun. The temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.

Vimanmek Mansion Museum. This is the world's largest golden teak building located in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The tree-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing find de siecle royal memorabilia. Other beautiful buildings in the same compound display various items and art objects including H.M. Bhumibols's photography, H.M. Queen Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by rural people. paraphemalia of rank and portraits, old clocks, ancient cloth, and royal carriages.

Lumpini Park. This was a huge open space once belonging to King Rama VI, who issued a royal command to turn the area into a public park as a gift to Bangkok residents. It is located on Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri and Witthayu (Wireless) roads, with entrance gates on all sides.

Crocodile Farm. This large farm with over 60,000 fresh and saltwater crocodiles is some 30 kilometers from Bangkok in Samut Prakan Province. Other creatures including trained elephants, gibbons, lions, and snakes are also found here. The exciting crocodile wrestling show is performed every hour. There is also a Danosaur Museum where various species of life-size dinosaurs and their skeletons are on display.

Sukhumvit.  This is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurant are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

Chatuchak Weekend Market. Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between-a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.

Floating Market. This popular attraction is some 80 kilometers west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon. The Chao Phraya River and Canals: Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the designation 'Venice of the East'. Surviving canals, and the Chao Pharaya River provide memorable vignettes of traditional waterborne way-of-life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. Riverine Bangkok offers some of the capital's most arresting sights, particularly at night when the weather is cooler and light reflections bestow the Chao Phraya River with flickering magic and romance. An ideal way to cruise.

Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya, founded in AD 1350 was capital of Thailand for over 400 years. Its extensive ruined monuments are now protected as a World Heritage site. Besides the monuments, other sightseeing attractions are former Royal Palace compound, former elephant kraal (wild elephant training center).