Bangkok – Thailand

If you are living in north Europe, and have less sunlight during winter period, Thailand is one of the popular travel destinations.

Bangkok is one of Asia’s most modern and cosmopolitan cities, Thailand’s economic and political center. It is a melting pot of insights, temples, romantic Chao Phraya river, elegant roof -top bars, dinner cruises,….

Must visit places in Bangkok area:

1)Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782.

Bangkok became the capital of Siam (as Thailand was previously known) in 1782, when General Chao Phraya Chakkri, the founder of the ruling Chakkri dynasty, assumed the throne as Rama I and moved the court from the west to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.

Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok.

The lenghts of four walls are 1900 meters. Within these walls, government offices and royal residences are situated.

There are beautiful glittering temples and important religious places, such as the Emerald Buddha.

2)Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the Emerald Buddha

It is located just next to Grand Palace, it consists of 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded.

3)Wat Pho

It is famous for the many small Buddha’s as well the huge Reclining Buddha statue, the largest and oldest Wat in Bangkok. The impressive gold plated Buddha is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It is designed to illustrate the passing of Buddha into Nirvana. 

Wat Pho is also famous as Thailand`s first university and it is center for traditional Thai massage. Do not miss a relaxing massage here.

On Sundays, the students are taught traditional Thai music and dance.

4)Khao San Road

Old city, 5 minutes by walk from Grand Palace

5)China Town

Bangkok definitely has one of the liveliest and vibrant Chinatowns, which is replete with interesting shops, markets and temples

6) Floating Market – Damnem Saduak

It is a well known market, 130 southwest of Bangkok, perfect for a day trip. You will be taking a long-tail boat and will glide down narrow canals, small wooden houses on stilts. After 20 minutes journey, you will reach the busy and colorful floating market. 

You can also step out from the boat, and enjoy shopping. (mainly food-sellers). It is surely a challenge to find a good photo-shooting location, as thousands of tourists are all in the market every day.

Tips:

Don’t rely too much on taxis (even though they are cheap and can be found everywhere); instead, plan your travels through the capital by public transportation. It will save you time and effort. The taxis do not accept to open taximeter and they say higher prices, as well stop in stores to push you for a shopping.

Fake guide in front of Grand Palace, telling that it is closed due to cleaning and offers to take another temple, Lucky Buddha, don`t listen.

Enjoy 360 degrees city view at Revolving Tower, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Thailands tallest tower.

Tuk tuk is at the heart of the Bangkok experience: a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi.

Enjoy your time in Thailand….