|
|
|
 |
| |
 |
Bangkok Places To See |
 |
|
| |
Bangkok is
Thailand's capital in every sense. It is where the Royal Family
resides, it is the seat of government and administration, and it is
the focal point for virtually all major industrial, commercial and
financial activity. It is the country's main port and home to one
tenth of the Kingdom's population. Bangkok is also the country's
principal gateway and prime tourist attraction.
Playing such an important role, Bangkok bears the full brunt of
Thailand's present rapid economic growth. As such it can appear a
chaotic and confusing city. The skyline is dominated by high-rise
offices, buildings, condominiums, luxury hotels, departmental stores
and shopping malls, while the streets bustle with activity.
Yet, here too, are exotic temples and other wondrous monuments, and
the true character of what s a legendary Orient city is manifest in
the capital's proper name - "Krung Thep". This translates as 'City
of Angels' and is the first in a whole string of illustrious titles
that properly define the place. To the Thais Bangkok is always Krung
Thep, the spiritual and symbolic, as well as physical heart of the
nation.
Divided by the Chao Phraya, the River of Kings, Bangkok spreads
across a flat alluvial plain. Originally a small riverine trading
post, it was founded as the capital in 1782 by King Rama I. Over the
next two centuries, it developed in such a way as to reflect both
ancient glories and modern dynamism. Successfully blending old and
new, it is an expression of the Thais' enduring respect for
tradition and their exuberant involvement with progress.
In the midst of dynamic modern growth, Bangkok miraculously manages
to preserve its cultural heritage to a marked degree. The soaring
roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the city's many
historic temples present the visitor with a picture of medieval
oriental wonder, the very stuff of Eastern fairytales. Further,
contained within Bangkok's monument and sights are treasures of the
nation's artistic and cultural endeavor that typify the land and the
people.
The influence of the past and the enduring threads of the social
fabric are not limited to the static. They continue to pervade daily
life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms
round, for example, present an image unaltered in essentials by the
passing of time. Today's backdrop of high-rise building serve only
to emphasize the exotic and timeless scene, while the city draws
definition from it.
|
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Eating in Bangkok |
As much as the Thais respect the past, they are also fun loving
people who enjoy life's pleasures to the full. And most important in
the pursuit of "sanuk" - having a good time - is good food.
Thai cuisine, rich and spicy, is a true gourmet's delight affording
a huge variety of dishes to discover and relish. Seafood is also a
national specialty and fish, crab, lobsters, shrimps and more are to
be enjoyed in either spicy Thai style or in Continental recipes.
Alternatively, exclusive roses and crystal dining can be enjoyed at
restaurants specializing in European fare served in classic
settings. Whatever the preference, Bangkok spoils the palate with a
choice of just about every national cuisine worthy of the name.
Matching the variety of menus is the choice of dining venues. From
simple but good curbside food stalls and right up through the whole
dining gamut to elegant, expensive restaurants and dinner cruises on
the river, there is something to suit all tastes.
|
|
|
World of
Entertainment |
As with dining
out, a night out in Bangkok promises an exciting menu of options.
From displays of classical Thai dance to cocktail lounges and discos
with the latest high-tech sound systems, the choice is wide open.
Unique to Thailand, the traditional sport of kick boxing which the
protagonists use feet, knees and elbows in addition to gloved fists,
is especially thrilling. Bouts are held most night of the week at
one or other Bangkok's two major boxing stadiums. This is the
country's most popular spectator sport and should not be missed -
the reaction of the aficionados, cheering and yelling, is often as
exciting as the action in the ring.
In addition to traditional Thai entertainment, Bangkok increasingly
offers a selection of more classic cultural fare. Plays, concerts
and ballet are all periodically staged both at the top theater
venues, such as the Thailand Cultural Centre, as well as at the
stadiums, leading hotels and foreign cultural centers. Star
attractions in the past have ranged from the Bolshoi Ballet to
Micheal Jackson, from West End comedies to Broadway musicals to
opera and chamber music.
|
|
|
Shop 'Til You
Drop |
In the wake of
unprecedented economic growth, Bangkok has become one of Southeast
Asia's most popular shopping centers with a host of department
store, smart plazas and exclusive shops. Hand woven Thai silk,
perhaps the country's best known craft, is an excellent buy,
available by the length, as tailor-made outfits, or in a huge
variety of accessories and decorative items.
As dazzling as silk are gems and jewelry. Bangkok is recognized as a
world center for colored stones, and buyers may opt for individual
gems, finished jewelry or unique custom-made items. For the serious
shopper, other top buys include tailor-made clothing, leather goods,
Thai, Burmese and Khmer antiques and an enormous array of
handicrafts.
Inveterate browsers will also enjoy Bangkok's numerous markets.
Thailand's staggering array of fruit, vegetables and flowers can be
seen at fresh produce centers, like Sanyan Market on Phrayathai
Road, the Marketing Organization for Farmers' Market near Chatuchak
Park, or Park Khlong Talat. The Weekend Market, on the other hand,
is packed with stalls selling just about everything from potted
plants to pets and pop T-shirts. Moreover, street stalls mushroom
nightly along Silom Road and other major thoroughfares to offer a
host of bargains.
|
|
|
Getting There & Getting Around |
By Air: A vital
regional aviation hub, Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport is
served by more than 50 scheduled airlines offering direct flights
from all corners of the world. Transfers from the airport to the
city are facilitated by an eight-lane highway and a new elevated
toll-way.
By Rail: Bangkok may also be reached by train from Singapore, Kuala
Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia.
Getting Around: Moving around Bangkok is inexpensive and
convenient. Taxis and tuk tuks (3-wheeled motorized vehicles), are
abundant and the fares are comparatively inexpensive. There is also
a comprehensive public bus network. On the Chao Phraya, there are
river taxis and regular shuttle services, as well as long-tail boats
for private hire. Furthermore, a large number of sightseeing tours
are readily available from travel agents and hotels tour counters.
|
|
|
Wat Phra Kaeo
(Emerald Buddha Chapel) |
The temple of the
Emerald Buddha enshrines the national palladium - the holiest Buddha
image in the realm. Wat Phra Kaeo is a complex of sacred buildings
erected over the course of Bangkok's first century in a seemingly
random pattern and a delightful variety of styles. Walking through
it, one's eyes are assaulted by twinkling pinpoints of sunlight
reflected in hundreds of thousands of tiny colored mirrors that
cover every jewel-like surface of the temple. At the center of the
complex is the "bot" or "ordination hall" that holds the Emerald
Buddha. Gilded 'garudas' (mythical birds) line its ramparts while 'singhas'
(mythical lions) protect the stairs and ferocious guardians carved
on the doors see to it that evil spirits do not enter. However, the
image they guard is rather small. Seated on a pedestal, the Emerald
Buddha is made of jasper and is clothed in the raiment of the
season. North of the bot are the pantheon holding the ashes of past
kings and important royal personages; the library, repository for
the Buddhist scriptures; and a tall golden mosaic-tiled spire with a
summit clad in pure gold.
Surrounding the complex is a portico whose walls are covered,
comic-strip fashion with episodes from the Thai classic, the
Ramakien, the story of the god-king Rama. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thailand
