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Approximate flying times: From New York: 17 hrs. From Chicago: 22 hrs 30 mins. From LA: 19 hrs 25 mins.
If ny is that the city that never sleeps, forget the timepiece . Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, comes a really close second. the town was founded in 1782 by the primary monarch of this Chakri Dynasty. Today it’s the country’s spiritual, commercial and academic hub, home to approximately ten million people or quite 10% of the Thai population.
– City of contrasts and confusion.
Bangkok (or Bangkok in Thai which suggests “city of angels”) is an exciting, high energy melting pot of east meets west. A dynamic city that has embraced technology and modern living with its busy expressways, bold skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. Yet underneath it all, it remains a standard haven of culture, history and time-honored customs, where elders are respected and family always comes first.
As you travel from the airport you’ll see many samples of modern architecture dotting the town scape and amongst all of them , standing proud, are glittering Buddhist Wats (temples) like Wat Phra Kaew and therefore the Grand Palace. Snaking through the jungle , you’ll spy echoes of the “old Bangkok” below you – ancient canals and waterways that are well worth exploring on a ship trip.
Every Thai household and building, even the foremost modern, features a traditional spirit house built outside permanently fortune and to honor the spirit of the land. Each day, small offerings of fruit and water are laid out, often with garlands of orchids. If you’re an early riser, keen to form the foremost of your vacation time in Bangkok, don’t be surprised once you see Buddhist monks in saffron robes making their morning “alms” rounds accepting food and donations from local people, young and old.
– Some love it hot, but not all the time.
Thailand features a tropical climate with an annual average temperature of around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack light clothing for your trip. Natural fibers are often easier when you’re walking and touring in weather . Practically everywhere you enter Bangkok you’ll find you some relief from the warmth , with blasts of icy cold air con in shops and hotels.
From March to May it’s the most well liked time, with the very best temperatures and humidity. From June to October is monsoon season, so remember to require an umbrella. November to February is cooler and fewer humid. Bear in mind that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and may affect the weather you experience.
– Bangkok Hotels to match every budget.
You’ll find all kinds of accommodation in Bangkok – from lavish 5 star international names to smaller hostels, favored by back packers. Book online and see what special rates you’ll find to fit your mood which all-important budget. You’ll discover everything from peaceful luxury escapes with spas to exciting hotels right within the heart of the action.
– Getting around is simpler .
One of the primary words you’ll learn in Bangkok is “Rot tip” or “rot tit” which accurately means “cars that stick”, in other words holdup . But the everyday snarls and gridlock are vastly improved by Bangkok’s cosmopolitan transport system.
You can now ride the subway, the Hua Lamphong – Bang Sue line has 18 stations along the 12 mile route. It’s fast, quiet and modern.
Jump on a BTS Sky Train. BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas like Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Of course, you can’t attend Bangkok without a ride during a tuk-tuk. These zippy three-wheeled open-air motorized taxis are popular for brief journeys. Fares must be bargained beforehand , it’s a part of the fun.
– Top 5 must-see highlights.
The Grand Palace: the amount one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to urge a sense of this grand style of architecture . Since the founding of Bangkok because the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the main architectural symbol of The Thai royalty . The royalty actually resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is employed for ceremonial purposes.
Wat Pho: possibly the foremost interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, life science and may be a center for meditation and traditional massage training. Have a massage while you’re here, at a really fair price.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: with over 9,000 shops and stalls you’ll be tempted over and over. on the brink of everything that’s purchasable in Bangkok is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothes, flowers and furniture. (You’ll notice that some maps spell it “Jatuchak”. Many English words have multiple spellings, so if you’re unsure , ask the hotel concierge to write down it in Thai for the taxi driver.)
Vimanmek Mansion Museum: the world’s largest golden teak building located within the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing unique memorabilia.
Jim Thompson’s House: this exquisite Thai house and buildings stand as a museum to the person who revived the Thai silk industry after the Second war . the corporate he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature’s haphazard beauty right within the center of the town .
– Shopping till you drop!
Shopping in Bangkok isn’t limited to at least one or two streets. You’ll find dozens of malls, markets and luxury shops throughout the town . the foremost popular are located round the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong area, Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong, including the superb Patpong night market where you’ll devour your souvenirs, fashion and Thai handicrafts. Don’t be shy to bargain within the market (nicely) as your dollar can go an extended way.
– Bangkok rocks.
Bangkok has no single area for nightlife – it’s several. Bars are opened up everywhere town in places like Patpong, Silom Soi 2 and 4, Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 33, among others.
One of the most well liked new spots is named “Bed” is a unprecedented space-age designer lounge in fashionable Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Bed cabaret may be a “dining in bed” experience. Best described as a singular combination of upscale restaurant, club, gallery , theater and stage merged into one.
– Celebrate the jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
If you would like another good reason to go to “The Land of Smiles”, here it’s . This year marks the jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. The King has reigned for nearly 60 yeas, making him not only the longest reigning Thai monarch, but the longest reigning King within the world today.
– A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
In true Thai style, the Bangkok celebrations promise to be a spectacular tribute to the royalty , filled with color, pomp and ceremony. one among the most highlights is that the Royal Barge Procession on June 12-13 2006. it’ll be a world event with twenty-eight monarchs from round the world attending . this is often a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for visitors, because the Procession is merely held to mark significant historical events like His Majesty’s ascension to the throne.
– A river of splendor.
Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Phraya will become the place to be. Imagine a royal armada stretching as far as your eyes can see. A flotilla of superbly carved royal barges slowly sail into view, manned by the Royal Thai Navy wearing ancient ceremonial uniforms. Each sailor rowing in perfect unison, honed through months of intense practice.
If you propose to be in Bangkok in June, do leave the bargains for a couple of hours and be a part of the adoring crowd – and convey your camera. Incidentally, two major dress rehearsals are planned for the June 6 and 9, so if you cannot attend the important event, this is often as close as you’ll get.
Thailand features a well deserved reputation because the “The Land of Smiles”. You’ll receive a warm welcome and feel the real friendliness of the locals. One thing’s needless to say , the memories of a vacation here will stick with you for a lifetime.
