Bangkok
Page: 1/4
It was established as Thailand’s capital in 1782. Over the next two centuries. It developed in many ways reflecting the modern dynamism; 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. Thon Bun, a former capital, is now a district under the administration of the Bangkok Metropolis.
Attractions
Grand Palace, This city landmark should be the first place on any visitor’s itinerary. It is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road consisting of several buildings with highly decorated architectural designs. Wat Phra Kaeo in the same compound enshrines the Emerald Buddha image, most revered by the people. The complex is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. Proper attire is essential.
Sanam Luang, This huge public ground in front of the Grand Palace is used for royal cremation ceremonies and other special events including the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Celebration of the Kings and Queen’s birthdays, and the New Year Festival. Other nearby monuments include the Statue of the Earth Goddess, erected in the reign of King Rama V to provide public drinking water, and the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang, a temple-like structure erected by King Rama I.
National Museum, Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, this complex was once a palace consisting of several old beautiful Thai style buildings. It houses a vast collection of artifacts found in all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the Bangkok period. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 9.00 a.m.- 4,00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, Guided tours in English, French, German, and Japanese are provided to visitors on certain days of the week.
National Gallery Museum Located is on Chao Fa Road, this museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. Opening time is similar to that of the National Museum.
Wat Mahathat, This old temple on Na Phra That Road was built in the reign of King Rama I. It houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners.
Wat Pho, This world famous temple is located on Thai Wang Road next to the Grand Palace. It is Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple. The gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with inlaid mother-of-pearl soles is highly revered among Buddhists. Also regarded as the first centre of public education, or sometimes called “Thailand’s first university”, the temple houses mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues which educated people on varied subjects; for example, literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation, medicine, and Thai traditional massage.
Wat Arun, Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. It was restored during the brief Thonburi period to be the Royal Chapel of King Taksin. An important structure is a 79-metre-high pagoda or “Phra Prang” decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. The name of Wat Arun literary means “Temple of the Dawn”, but the most beautiful view of it can be seen from the east side of the river at sunset.
Wat Ratchabophit, This temple is located on Fuang Nakhon Road near Wat Pho. Built by King Rama V in 1869, it was in keeping with tradition that each monarch constructed a temple to mark his reign. The temple is a mixture of local and western styles, showing an awakening interest in new construction design.
Pak Khlong Talat, This is Thailand’s biggest wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. Plenty of flower stalls lining Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge offer colourful and bustling scenes every morning.
Wat Suthat, This temple on Bamrung Muang Road is famous for the excellent murals created in the reign of King Rama Ill. The vihara (preaching hall) should be seen for its collection of gilded Buddha images. A huge door with intricate carving, which is the masterpiece of King Rama II, once belonged to this temple and is now kept in the National Museum.
The Giant Swing or Sao Ching Cha, is in front of the temple where a Brahmanic ceremony had taken place until the early 20th century. Many nearby shops stock a very comprehensive range of Buddhist religious supplies.
Wat Thepthidaram Located on Mahachai Road, this temple was built in the reign of King Rama Ill with a mixture of Chinese architectural styles. Sunthon Phu, one of Thailand’s greatest poets, had resided in this temple during his monkshood from 1840-1842.
Democracy Monument, This monument in the middle of Ratchadamnoen Avenue was constructed to commemorate the peaceful changeover from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy on 24 June, 1932.
Wat Ratchanatdaram, This temple is located on Mahachai Road. It houses a spectacular unique styled structure called Loha Prasat, which is the only one of its kind left in the world. It stands 36 meters high with 37 surrounding spires. The statue of King Rama III who built this temple in 1846 is situated next to the compound.
