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Bangkok Thailand

INTRODUCTION

Located in the central delta region of the country, Bangkok is Thailand's capital, as well as its largest city. The Chao Phraya River runs directly through the heart of the metropolis, and the surrounding countryside is verdant and open, full of rice paddies and forests. Bangkok, however is another story. The city's modernization efforts have long blocked up and covered the traditional canals or klongs that used to be Bangkok's primary road system, but the maze-like layout remains. The result can be overwhelming, and the vehicle traffic - cars, taxis, motorbikes carrying three to four people, and the charming three-wheeled tuk-tuks - make navigating the city an adventure in itself.

Bangkok has much to offer culturally, socially, and architecturally. Founded in 1782 by King Rama I, it is the epitome of the country’s kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. The king resides in Bangkok, but so does the parliamentary government. Gorgeous Wats and palaces jostle with soaring skyscrapers, while orange-robed monks can be seen in the morning crossing busy six-lane highways on their alms rounds. More than anywhere else, Bangkok is an expression of the Thais' respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Whether visitors want to shop, sightsee, relax or explore, Bangkok stands as one of the most culturally rich, complex and dynamic cities in the world - the perfect gateway to a fascinating and ever-diverse country.

HISTORY

Founded as a trading post in the mid-16th century, Bangkok became the capital of Thailand in 1782 after the destruction of the old capital at Ayutthaya. It grew to be a city of great military, religious, and mercantile importance, not only for the Thais but for many foreign powers who wished to trade natural resources and, later, their manufacturing capabilities. Today it is the site of most of the political conflict surrounding the office of the prime minister, though the danger to tourists is very low.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Beware of people approaching you in the street and claiming to be teachers, police or officials especially around tourist hotspots who can often be very convincing dressed in full uniform. They are normally scammers working in conjunction with a nearby tuk-tuk driver, who will offer a cheap tour of the city. These tours usually consist of trips to tailors and gem shops, and you will be pressured to buy there and nowhere else.

ATTRACTIONS

Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace

Ancient City

Lumphini Park

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

The Grand Palace

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Pho

The National Museum

The Chao Phraya River

The Jim Thompson House

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Suan Pakkad Palace Museum

RESTAURANTS

Blue Elephant - The Blue Elephant features delightful and very creative Thai dishes adapted for international tastes. It is located in a beautifully renovated old house with elegant surroundings and a welcoming atmosphere.

Cafe Ice - Set in a three-story house with a terrace, this restaurant exudes a romantic ambiance, lit by antique-style chandeliers and decorated with artistic photos, abstract paintings and rare antiques. The menu is Thai with international options.

Indus - The venue features a modern cafe/deli at the front, an Indian/Thai restaurant in the main body, function rooms upstairs and a chic Indo-Moroccan bar at the back. Sandstone walls, cast iron light fittings, antique wooden doors and creative garden lighting create a magical aura.

Supatra River House - On the Thonburi bank of the Chao Phraya, the restaurant offers al fresco riverside dining and air-conditioned seating in an old Thai-style house.

Café de Laos – Explore the unique tastes of Laos in this traditional wooden house. The vast menu offers photographs of each dish, and the zesty Herd de Lao salad is a must order.

ISHQ - ISHQ's menu is inspired by cuisines from across Asia. Dishes are well presented, generously proportioned and delicious.

LODGINGS

Baan Chantra - A short walk from the tourist ghetto of Khao San Road, Baan Chantra might be marketed as a boutique hotel but it is really a more mature version of the area's famous guesthouses. The converted 1930s shop house retains its original teak interiors with an informal atmosphere, perfect for folks who prefer the backpacker ideal of staying close to the local community but who also need some of life's modern conveniences.

Phranakorn Norn Len - A guesthouse with style, Phranakorn Norn Len has an artsy thrift-store aesthetic. The simple rooms are transformed from basic flops to quirky abodes with hand-painted floral wall patterns, hanging plants and quilted throw pillows. The shady garden and courtyard help promote the hotel's guiding principle for a stress free stay, and the guests seem to truly appreciate the gesture.

Arun Residence - Until recently, Bangkok's most historic district of Ko Ratanakosin, filled with palaces and temples, closed down after dark. But this riverside inn, occupying an old Sino-Portuguese-style building, now provides a place to bed amongst nighttime vistas of the temple spires.

Chakrabongse Villas - King Bhumibol might not offer you a spare room during your stay in the kingdom, but you can bunk like a royal at this former palace, just a brief stroll from the historic sites of Ko Ratanakosin. The riverside estate dates to 1908 when the 40th son of the King of Chulalongkorn used the estate for overnight visits. Today, three traditional-style apartments occupy the lush garden, soaking in private views of the river; the interiors boast rich hues of gleaming teak and earth-toned silks.

Eugenia - This 19th-century manor house prefers a simplified Victorian sensibility to the prevailing club Zen look of modern hotels. The 12 sumptuous suites are decorated with canopy beds (and starched Belgian linens), hand-hammered tubs, and antique fixtures collected by the owners. Sip a draft of sophistication beside the pool or in the hunting lodge library. To complete the privileged fantasy, hire one of the hotel's chauffeured vintage Jaguars for the trip from the airport.

Seven - Rather than blotting out the local landscape, this sleek boutique has ingeniously embraced its Thai character with a unique concept: its six guest rooms (and lobby makes seven) are decorated in the colour that Thais associate with each day of the week. The pink room is Tuesday, the blue room is Friday and so on.