Introduction
Bangkok - formerly known as Krung Thep or City of Angels, is situated in southern Thailand (Menam river delta). The capital of Siam, now Thailand, it is one of the busiest ports in Southeast Asia and includes Thonburi, a former Siamese capital.

What to do
Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, with a diverse mix of tradition and technology. In spite of being a unique blend of East and West, it manages to retain that cultural identity. The city offers the visitor a version of late twentieth century life with its massive population and traffic, high rises, traditional architecture, steamy nightlife and most of all the friendliness of the Thai people. An incredible number of temples, palaces and museums make it a beautiful experience.

City at a Glance

Latitude 13° 44' N Longitude 100° 30' E Area 1,444 sq km Population 5,572,712 Language Thai, English Religion Buddhism Telephone Code 02

History
From the fourteenth to mid-eighteenth century, Ayutthaya - a city on an island in the Chao Phraya (Menam) river, was the capital of the kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). In 1767 however, the Burmese completely destroyed the city and several Thai leaders appropriated different parts of the remaining territories. Soon an army general called Taksin made his way to Thonburi, a flourishing settlement in the mouth of the river Chao Phraya and set out to recover Siam's territories. No efforts were made to reconstruct Ayutthaya; on the other hand, Thonburi began to take on the character of Siam's capital. Taksin then declared himself the new king of Siam. A succession of kings followed which gradually ensured that the borders of the new kingdom were firmly established.

King Ramathibodi one of the descendants of Taksin moved his court across the Chao Phraya river to Bangkok (village of Plum-Olive); a small Chinese settlement. Eventually Bangkok city was founded around the riverbank, and the Chinese had to give it to the Siamese king who wished to recreate the lost city Ayutthaya. Soon a physical link was established between the old and new seat of Siamese power through a network of canals and klongs instead of roads and streets.

In 1782, the building campaign at Bangkok was officially started. The first to be built was the Wat Phra Kaew. Soon Bangkok started flourishing and in 1826, the British took trading rights in Siam. The rivalry between British and the French that developed in the days to come resulted in the ceding of Laotian and Cambodian territories to France in the year 1893.

Siam entered the World War I with the Allies due to which Bangkok's economy had to suffer. Constitutional monarchy was established in the post World War I period, but over time military began to take a dominant role. In World War II, Siam attempted to remain neutral but Japanese forced the government and troops stormed into the city. Today military is still a conspicuous presence in Thai life.

After World War II, Bangkok along with South East Asia experienced an economic boom. Though not without hic ups, the city today is a symbol of modernization in this part of the world.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Bangkok has a pleasant tropical climate. Temperatures in summer barely reach 38°C and the annual temperature hovers around 28 °C. The relatively cool, dry, sunny season is from early November until the end of February, which is the best time to visit Thailand.

Attractions
Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Chapel and Grand Palace Complex)
The first building to be erected here, popularly called the Grand Palace complex, it has richly decorated temples and slender stupas covered in gold. It houses the kingdom's most revered religious icon, the Emerald Buddha. Magical properties are ascribed to this jade image of Buddha and it is thought to bring blessings to the entire nation.

Wat Po (Temple of Reclining Buddha)
This is one of the foremost institutes of learning and also a popular temple. It has a gigantic image of Buddha, the largest statue in Thailand, built of brick and cement and covered in gold leaf.

Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)
This is one of the oldest temples in Thailand and a landmark in the old part of the city. It is believed to contain old Buddhist relics. A climb up the winding steps to the top is rewarded with a superb view of the whole city.

Erawan Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva who is believed to grant wishes.

Wat Traimitr (Temple of Golden Buddha)
This temple is famous for having the largest solid gold, statue of Buddha in the world.

National Museum
This 18th century palace showcases the largest collection of Thai art and artefacts, and traces the history, besides revealing the richness of Thai culture.

China town
Bangkok's China Town is an old business centre, where there are small alleys and streets selling all kinds of goods.

Zoo/Wildlife Park
Dusit zoo is another important site in Bangkok. It contains a good collection of African and Asian mammals and birds. This beside, the Safari World Bangkok's greatest open zoo and Leisure Park, is also worth a visit.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Annual festivals, both celebrative and commemorative, are an important aspect of the Thai way of life. These festivals are joyful and overflow with colour.

Some of the important festivals are: Magha Puja, Vishaka Puja, Flower festival, Pattaya festival, Songkran festival, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday, Vegetarian festival, and the Loi Krathong.

Places nearby
Crocodile Farm
About 30 km from Bangkok, it is the world's largest crocodile farm with over 60,000 fresh and saltwater crocodiles. The farm opens from 0700 hours to 1800 hours.

Snake Farm
The Samui Snake Farm on the south of the island, in Talingngam, is a definite must-see. All kinds of snakes and reptiles are gathered here, among them some rare species of poisonous snakes. Regular snake shows held here, which are a big attraction amongst the tourists. Show times are daily at 1100 hours and 1400 hours. Make sure you bring your camera and a spare roll of film

Other places worth visiting beyond the city are the Rose garden, Nakhon Pathom, the Wat Sai floating market, Bang Pa-in Summer Palace, Damnoen Saduak and Floating Market.

After Hours
Bangkok has an active nightlife. Phatphong, Soi Nana, Soi Cowboy, and the New Phetchaburi are some of the most happenings areas, at night, where one can have a good time by visiting a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, bars and discotheques.

SHOPPING
Shopping is one of Bangkok's major attractions. Favourites are Thai silk and cotton, jewellery featuring sapphires, rubies, emeralds, diamonds and other semi precious stones like opal, topaz, jades, turquoises, and zircons, silverware, pewter ware, bronze ware, ceramics, leather goods, wooden carvings paintings, curios and Thai artefacts. Bargaining is a common phenomenon except in the departmental stores.

The six clearly defined shopping areas are:

• Phatphong / Suriwong/ Silom
• Mahesak /Silom
• Phloen Chit/ Pathumwan
• Sukhumvit
• Pratunam / Petchaburi Road
• Banglamphu

WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation in Bangkok is no problem as there are hotels to suit every pocket. You will find executive class hotels providing the utmost comfort and reflecting the rich Thai culture. The city also has a large number of budget hotels.

WHERE TO EAT

Bangkok is a hotspot for food lovers, the world over. You get to taste almost every major cuisine in the world in speciality restaurants. Once here it would be unwise to miss out on the excellent Thai and Chinese cuisine this place has to offer.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Due to the Thai government's loose restrictions on airfares, Bangkok is one of the cheapest cities in the world to visit by air. The Don Muang Airport in Bangkok is the first stop of every visitor to Thailand. Bangkok is a major center of international flights throughout Asia and also a center for buying discounted air tickets. There are lots of Domestic flights operated by Thai and Bangkok airways.

By Ferry
Travelling on a ferry is exciting option for those who don't want to fly to Bangkok. Foreigners can cross the Mekong River by ferry between Thailand and Laos at four checkpoints.

Local Transport
Traffic congestion notwithstanding, Bangkok has a very efficient and well spreadout public transport system that ensures more than one means to travel around the city.

The non-AC and AC buses, which ply in all parts of the city, are economical, frequent and fairly fast. Standard AC taxi services are also available here. Travelling aboard one of the Tuk-Tuks (fast moving three-wheeled open taxis), available at major street corners is by far the best means to travel within the city. If in a hurry, you can opt for the state of the art BTS Sky Trains that can take you to various parts of the city in a matter of 10 to 15 minutes. These trains operate from 0600 hours till midnight.

If you are near the river, a good idea is to hop on to a boat. Getting around by boat is easy and gives one the freedom to look around the local sights and views of the city. Express Boats and Long Tail Boats provide transportation through the inland canals.