Bangkok City Guide

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is the centre of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation. A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor “pee” (older brother or sister) or “nong” (younger brother or sister). It is said Bangkok is one of the safest cities to visit

GeographyBangkok
is located in the central part of the country on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, which is the most important river that can be compared to the main artery of the nation. The location is at latitude 130 45' north and longitude 1000 28' east. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine, high temperature and humidity. Bangkok was established in 1782 as the new capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty on a flood plain delta of the Chao Phraya River. The location was then selected with the consideration as a natural defense from enemies and the richness of water for lives earning. Since its establishment, the city grew steadily in size and importance which at first covered only 4.14 square kilometers to now, a megacity that comprises of 50 districts with total area of 1568.737 square kilometers.

Climate
The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There are three main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter (November-January) and Summer (February-April). The average low temperature is approximately in low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature in mid 30 degree Celsius.

Administration
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is the sole organization at the local authority level responsible for the well-being of Bangkok residents with some financial support from the central government. The Governor is the chief of the city administration, elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The Governor will appoint four deputy governors as executive administrators

EconomyBangkok
is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports. There are two important sectors of economy in Bangkok. First, Thailand has been an agricultural country in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main source generating income. Now the expansion of the agricultural sector is steadily increasing. During the mid-1980s, agriculture accounted for an average of about 25 percent of GDP, and agricultural commodities accounted annually for over 60 percent of the value of all exports. Second, Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors coming to Thailand.

Population
During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city establishment, Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population then was only 600,000 and urbanized area was about 18 square kilometers. After the Second World War, the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization which brought about number of infrastructures and other constructions. The registered population in Bangkok increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to 5.4 million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about 10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors and thus the alias "Land of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.

TransportationsBTS Sky
TrainBTS Sky
Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht (unlimited trips). The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. atthe following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin. For more information, call: 0-2617-7340.

BMCL Subway
BMCL Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation choice. The beginning of “Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon” line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS. There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao and Phra Ram 9 Stations. BMCL Subway has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-15 baht (For trial period only)The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 midnight. For more information, call: 0-2264-5200.Buses There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. For more information call 184 or 0-2246-0973.A buses route map is available at bookshops. A free city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT office .

Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice the meter is timed and calculated in the fare.

Tuk-Tuk
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.

Boats
There are various types of boat identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).Boat (no flag) stop at all pier, has a minimum fare of 8 baht.Rapid boat (orang flag) has a fare of 10 baht all routes.Express boat (yellow flag) stop at only on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has a fare of 15 baht all routes. After rush hour, these boat are used for tourist purpose. There are guide boats for travellrs with guide to give information about the riverside. The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period, it just newly had this type)Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.

Motorcycles
TaxiIn rush hours, there is a lot of traffic jam, if your late and want to be on time you can try the motorcycle taxi. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares are 5 baht. You need to bargin the fare before taking the ride

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL BARGES

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL BARGES
In the past, Thailand was an agricultural society with settled communities growing beside the waterways. The river was the m important avenue of communication, and boats were the standard form of transport for everyone the Royal Barges as well as artifacts and accessories used I the ceremony.

Suphannahong Royal Barge: The prow of the barges vas sculpted in a mythological swan figure, and the vessel was completed in the reign of KingRama VI. This is the highest class of Royal barge, and is was awarded the Sea Heritage Medal from the World Ships Organisation of Great Britain in 1981.

Anantanagaraj Royal Barge: The prow of this barge is carved in the form of a seven-head naga. Itis use to carry the Buddha image or Phra Krathin, the monks' robes offered during the festival.

Anekchartputchong Royal Barge: This was built in the reign of King Rama V, and is the one Royal barge to be coloured pink.

Among the exhibits in the museum are the Kanya Throne, Budsaba Throne,and many kinds of oars and paddles. Due to lack of space, only of the Royal barges can be seen there. The other five a kept at Wasukree Pier and at theRoyal Tai Navy Transport Department

Cradit:www.bangkoktourist.com/places_national_museum_of_the_royalbarges.php

WAT SUWANNARAM (RATCHAWORAWIHAN)

WAT SUWANNARAM
During the reign of King Taksin, this temple waswhere Burmese prisoners of war from Bang
Kaew Camp were executed. It was founded in the Ayur ,aya period and was initially called Wat Thong.It was dismantled and rebuilt during the resto ations made in the reign of King Rama I, and the king renamed it Wat Suwannaram. It was restored again during the reign of King Rama III. It was formerly the site of Royal Cremation Ground for members of the Royal family and
high-ranking officers, and was used for this purpose until the reign of King Rama

Foreign princeForeign prince

Ubosot: The main chapel has porches at the front and rear. The roof is decorated with chorfa, garuda head finials, bairaka leaf-like decorations and Mass mosaic. On the pediments are gilded theppanom, celestial beings, and the figure of Narai mounted on a garuda. Inside the chapel are murals by ti master Thongyu and Master Kongpae, a famous artis, Df King Rama Ill's reign. The principal Buddha imac , from the Sukhothai period is in the Subduing Mar posture and is named "Phra Saadsada."

Wihan: The prayer hall was built during the reign of King Rama V. There are long verandahs on eithc side and the roof is decorated with chorfa and bairaka, the pediment with theppanom.

Kuti: The monks' residences consist of six buildings with a refectory in the centre. Two smaller buildings with Hor Rakhang and Hor Trai are inclu nd in the complex.

Ratchada Night Bazaar Market

The Market With No Name!

Although like Chattuchak Market in the sense that there is a lot on offer, this market is by no means organized with the tourist in mind - in fact it's pretty disorganized! Located on Ratchadaphisek in northern Bangkok, the market takes place on the grounds of Ratchada Night Bazaar - a mirror of the Suam Lum Night Bazaar near Lumpini, built by the same owners, but whihc nose dived in around 9 months. What currently replaces it is the market… Basically a car boot sale, there's probably very little you would really want to buy to take home, but its well worth the visit just to see

what they have got. As you can see by the pictures, there's a lot on offer

My favorite the night I went was a Vietnam vintage US Army Jeep - I s**t you not. Alongside that, motorbikes, lots of them, and all classics and all for sale, although a little English language note on the Thai language signage usual says, "No book"! Lambrettas, Vespas, Harley's - it just depends what is on offer on the night you go! Away from the hardware things get even more weird - 60's "kitsch" furniture - the only thing that is missing is one of those lights that float oil! Also, classic advertising… posters advertising the very first Rover motor car!

If you are a DJ the vinyl might be of interest, although most of the records on sale seem to be classics… Bach, Beethoven… that sort of stuff… (Go on - admit it, you nearly asked "How did they get them?" right?) There is also a huge selection of Buddhist amulets and a lot of people taking them very seriously, too. And of course, there's the usual array of weapons that seem to be mandatory at markets - Kung Fu stars, samurai swords, and few more practical items like baseball bats. There's a bit of street food on offer, and you can even get yourself a couple of cheap cocktails. Also, cheap bottles of whisky, obviously straight off a plane!

This is not a momentous affair, but it is pretty interesting… and if you wander up there you are likely to be the only foreigners and, who knows, you might even get to know a local who isn't serving you with a beer or a plate of food. The market starts at 19:00. To get there you need to go a few stops north of Chattuchak Station. Get out at Ractadaphisek Station and go to the exit that leads to 'Panyasap School'. Facing the road, turn left and walk about 300 meters - you'll see the market on your left. Give it a shot - a genuine slice of Thailand.

Patpong Night Bazaar

Patpong Night Bazaar

Here is Patpong road at night time

Patpong road has turned out to be a busy place forshopping at night in the night bazaar. A lot of traderscome in the evening and even at 8-9 p.m. to

assembletheir small outdoor shops.

Walking along this area is an exciting event for visitors.Many kinds of products, e.g. clothing, leather bags,watches, handicrafts, ceramic, wood carving, paintings,etc. are sold every night.

Not only the night bazaar, Patpong area offers manykinds of entertainment, bars, beer bars, discotheques,pubs, a-go-go dancing, and shows

It is easy to have drinks, refreshment, and foods there.

Bangkok Nightlife & Entertainment

Patpong Area

Patpong road is close to many hotels. Even your hotel is far away there is no problem at all. Just get on a taxi or tuk-tuk and tell the driver to go to Patpong. Not only the night life attractions, one can find good restaurants such as Chinese, Japanese, Thai cuisines, sea food, European, American and fast food. There are also convenient store, bookstore, drug store, etc.

A lot of visitors go to Patpongwhere it is the center of thebars. Within a small area of tworoads, Patpong 1 and Patpong 2,there are probably about 100bars. Also, on Soi Taniya thereare many bars, and Karaokelounges.

Patpong is very popular amongtourists and visitors. It is openeveryday and the attractions areduring the night time.

Patpong night bazaar is anotherplace for shopping for hand-madeproducts, paintings, souvenirs,etc.

Why Patpong is so popular?May be the beer is cheap, thegirls are friendly, the musicatmosphere is good, A-Go-Godancing is attractive, manyselection of bars, and peoplecan spend the whole eveningfor relaxation.

Temples

Wat Phra Kaeo

The temple is in the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace . It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island , and is built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya . It has no resident monks.

The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn or Phra Kaeo Morakot): This is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. King Rama I brought it from Vientiane , and it is considered to be the most important Buddha image in the country.

Model of Angkor Wat: King Rama IV had this built by Phra Samphopphai when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city.

"KUMYAN"

Thai structure element

Prasat Phra Thepidon: This four-square prang originally called "Puttaprang Prasat" was built in the reign of King Rama IV. Inside are statues of Kings Rama I-King Rama VIII, to which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day, April 6, every year

Mondop:This structure stands behind Prasat Phra Thepidon, and was built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a cabinet holding the Buddhist scriptures beautifully decorated in mother-of-pearl.

Balcony: This can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana story in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals.

Phra Sri Ratana Chedi: Built in the style of Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya , this chedi is to the west of the Monhop. Inside is a small chedi with relics of the Lord Buddha.

Phra Atsada Maha Chedi: This group of eight chedis stands in front of the temple. It was built in the reign of King Rama I and dedicated to the heavens. Six of the group are outside the balcony, two are inside. Each has its own name.

Yaksa Tavarnbal (Gate-keeping Giants): Six pairs of mythical ogres stand at each gate of the Balcony. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana

Hor Phra Khanthan-rat: Standing in the estern corner of the balcony, this is where the Phra Puttakhanthan-rat figure is enshrined. It presides over the Royal rain-making ceremony and the ceremony of the first rice planting. Inside are paintings by the mural artist Khrua In Khong

Hor Phra Ratcha Karamanusorn: Inside this structure are 34 Buddha images in various positions, built by command of King Rama III and dedicated the kings of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

Hor Phra Ratcha Pongsanusorn: Built in the reign of King Rama IV, this is the location of the Buddha image of the reigning King of the Rattanakosin Era. Inside are murals of Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya by Khrua In Khong.

Hor Phra Nak: Situated behind the temple, this traditional Thai building roofed with glazed tiles contains the ashes of the Royal family.

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