Bangkok Destination Guide
OVERVIEW
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.
Created as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first monarch
of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure
house and Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political,
commercial, educational and diplomatic centre.
Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area and is home
to one-tenth of the country's population.
Major tourist attractions include glittering Buddhist temples,
palaces, timeless “Venice of the East” canal
and river scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous
shopping centres.
GETTING TO BANGKOK
By Air:
Bangkok is Thailand's major gateway. Most visitors arrive
through Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport which
is connected by daily flights to Europe, North America,
Asia and Australia aboard the worls's major airlines.
By Rail:
Regular rail services link Singapore and Bangkok. Intermediary
stops include Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and major southern
Thai towns.
By Road:
Overland entrance to Thailand is restricted to three road
crossings on the Thai-Malaysian border in Songkhla,Yala
and Narathiwat.
GETTING AROUND BANGKOK
By Sky Train BTS:
One of the most advanced type of urban railway, the Bangkok
Transit System (BTS), an elevated heavy rail system running
above the business district of Bangkok. With the new millennium,
BTS will offer its passengers speed and relia-bility and
prove to be a very attractive alternative to road travel.
The Sukhumvit and the Silom lines will ensure that Bangkok
can breathe again.
Tuk Tuk:
An all-time favorite among tourist, this colorful open-air
three-wheeled vehicle is unique to Thailand. Basically a
"taxi" that could be hired anywhere (but not outside
the city), the tuk tuk can take you almost anywhere in Bangkok.
There are no standard fare. Prices must be negotiated before
the trip. Normal fare starts at Bt20 for very short distances
and not over Bt 100 for a longer trip.
Motorcycle Taxi:
A new form of transport provides a faster, albeit riskier
answer for commuting during peak traffic hours. You can
find them anywhere in Bangkok. They can go anywhere in Bangkok,
but fares must be negotiated. Fares : very similar to those
charged by tuk-tuk.
Taxi:
Just like any taxi service around the world, Thai taxicabs
may be best for trips around the city. Fare, determined
from the electronic meters, starts from Bt 35 and rises
about Bt 2 per kilometer onwards. Some drivers would want
to bargain a price for a trip rather than use the meters.
Notify the tourist police or ordinary officers if treated
unfairly by taxi drivers.
City Bus:
The bus network within the metropolis is very efficient
and economical. It is also a wonderful way to tour the city
cheaply. There are several kinds of city buses : air-conditioned,
and regular buses with different range of capacity, route,
and fare (depends upon distance, usually Bt 3.50-5 for regular
buses, and Bt 8-24 for air-con buses.
River Taxi:
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient,
are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some
are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many
landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes
up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.
ATTRACTIONS
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
This famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark diagonally opposite
the Grand Palace, is best known for a porcelain encrusted
79 metre central pagoda which sparkles in the sun. The temple
can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from
Tha Tian Pier near Wat Pho.
National Memorial
Located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road - the National Memorial
is under the responsibility of the Armed Force Education
Department, Supreme Command Headquarters. There are wall
paintings depicting historic events in Thai history from
the Sukhothai period to Rattanakosin period, replicas of
royal decorations, bas-reliefs of the establishment of the
city and models recounting historic battles in Thai history.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace Traditionally the residence of Chakri Kings
who had ruled Thailand since 1782. The Palace grounds is
much of Thailand's most gorgeous architecture. 9am-4pm
Wat Pho
Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha The oldest and
largest wat in Bangkok featuring the 2nd largest reclining
Buddha image in Thailand. Famous for traditional Thai massage.
20 Bht 8am-5pm
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing Featuring Bangkok's tallest
Wiharn and houses 14th century Buddha statue from the Sukhothai
period. The distinctive Giant Swing was once used in Brahmanic
ceremonial. 20 Bht 8:30am-9pm
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha The most notable
repository of the Thai arts housing Thailand's most revered
Buddha image. 200 Bht 8:30am-3:30pm
