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Bangkok Travel Guide
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The
headlong pace and flawed modernity of BANGKOK (called "Krung
Thep" in Thai) match few people's visions of the capital
of exotic Siam. Spiked with scores of highrise buildings
of concrete and glass, it's a vast flatness which holds
a population of at least nine million, and feels even bigger.
But under the shadow of the skyscrapers you'll find a heady
mix of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, of glossy
cutting-edge clubs and early-morning almsgiving ceremonies.
Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district,
which is just a short walk from the dazzling Grand Palace
and Wat Po and the very worthwhile National Museum. For
livelier scenes, explore the dark alleys of Chinatown's
bazaars or head for the water: the great Chao Phraya River
is the backbone of a network of canals and a useful way
of crossing the city.
Bangkok is a relatively young capital, established in 1782
after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital.
A temporary base was set up on the western bank of the Chao
Phraya, in what is now Thonburi, before work started on
the more defensible east bank. The first king of the new
dynasty, Rama I, built his palace at Ratanakosin and this
remains the city's spiritual heart. Initially, the city
was largely amphibious: only the temples and royal palaces
were built on dry land, while ordinary residences floated
on thick bamboo rafts on the river and canals, and even
shops and warehouses were moored to the river bank. In the
late nineteenth century, Rama IV and Rama V modernized their
capital along European lines, building roads and constructing
a new royal residence in Dusit, north of Ratanakosin.
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| Bangkok
Travels & Tours |
Ayutthaya
Serving as Thailand's capital from 1350, Ayutthaya was sacked
by the Burmese in 1767. During its heyday, the city was
a hub for international commerce. Now many come here to
explore Thai history as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
with magnificent ruins spread throughout the city area.
The best way to experience Ayutthaya is probably by bicycle,
but take a guidebook so you know what you are seeing. The
city is easily accessible by train or bus from Bangkok.
Oriental Bangkok (The)
One of the world's grandest hotels, the Oriental Bangkok
epitomizes the history and sophistication of Southeast Asia.
A tourist attraction in its own right, the 120-year old
property is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The rooms are highly luxurious with teak furnishings and
canopied beds. For those planning on indulging fully in
the unbridled luxury of the hotel, there are tennis and
squash courts, jogging tracks, a golf driving range, a comprehensive
fitness cente, the fabulous Oriental Spa (The) and even
a Thai cooking class.
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a popular oasis, named after the Buddha's
birthplace. The green expanse provides a relaxing and relatively
peaceful retreat from the heat and noise of the rest of
the city. The best time to arrive is just after sunrise,
when hordes of fitness fanatics can be spotted jogging,
doing aerobics, practising tai chi, yoga or even ballroom
dancing! You can hire a paddle boat, eat at one of the reasonably
priced outdoor restaurants, or just take it easy under a
shady tree.
Peninsula (The)
Staying here, you will feel like you are reliving a scene
from a James Bond movie. The Peninsula simply has more electronic
gadgetry than any other major hotel, calling it "guest
comfort technology." The problem with the hotel is
that it suffers from poor loaction, being on the other side
of the Chao Phraya River, where tourist traffic is low.
This can, however, make it easier to get a better rate.
A boat shuttle takes you to and from the main part of town,
and for the most part it lives up to its storied name.
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is worth visiting just to see the famous bridge
over the River Kwai, part of the Death Railway linking Thailand
with Burma during World War II. Another attraction is the
JEATH War Museum (short for Japan, England, Australia, Thailand
and Holland) where displays depict the POWs' suffering.
The nearby War Cemeteries contain the remains of 6,982 Allied
prisoners who died during the construction of the railway.
The surrounding area is spectacular, with its beautiful
natural attractions, waterfalls, flora and fauna. It is
ccessible by bus or by train.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel
A five-star hotel on busy Sukhumvit Road with shopping,
entertainment and business areas all located close by. There
is also easy access to the city at large via the Skytrain,
which is located right outside the front door. Luxury rooms
and a focus on providing the best in service, ensure the
comfort of your stay. The restaurants and service are exceptional,
and the hotel's nightclub, Riva's is one of the hottest
in town. There is also a rooftop pool and a spa, which will
pamper you beyond your wildest dreams. |
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