Bangkok
The
city of angles
There
is a lot to see in Bangkok-palaces, temples and museums. One visit is
never enough, and once entranced by the magic this city exudes, you
keep coming back for more.
Bewitching, Bewildering. Beguiling, Bangkok is all that and more, It
is a city of many shades, many layers. It is the archetypal modern Asian
metropolis, with tradition never far away. Every trip here is one of
discovery. No one can claim to have seen Bangkok in its entirety. Try
ad you might, aspects of it elude you, there is always something that
you missed. Founded in 1782, this sprawling capital straddles the Chao
Phraya (the river of Kings) and was at one time redials with klongs
(canals). The klongs gave way to tarmac just as the unhurried way of
life gave way to modernism-in-a hurry, The city is obviously urbanised,
yet, the incredibly urbanised veneer belies the traditionally that lies
within The City of Angels is a roller coaster ride of surprises-a high
rise building and nestled behind it a temple. You are never far from
a temple. The best way to get to know the city is to take a walking
tour. Arm yourself with a good map, take the traffic in your stride
and discover Bangkok.
GRAND PALACE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
The
Place is large walled complex on the Chao Phraya comprising several
buildings that date from the city's founding (in 1782) to the late 19th
century. Most striking are the late 18th century Chakri Throne Hall,
built at the beginning of the Bangkok Period in traditional Thai style
and the Dusit Throne Hall, built in 1882, in a combination of European
and Thai styles.
Wander around the Grand Palace complex and take in the frescoes from
the Ramakien (The Ramayana). Though it is not the residence of the present
monarch (who lives a little distance to the northeast in Chirtlada Palace)
its significance today lies in its architecture. Within the Grand Palace
is the Coin Pavilion which houses exotic coins and other monetary exchange
units used in Thailand since the early 11th century and shouldn't be
missed. You might be tempted to skip it, but don't.
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the other attraction
in the Grand Palace complex. It is the resting place of the Emerald
Buddha, the most revered statue in Thailand. Exquisitely carved from
a block of jade, the Emerald Buddha is the protector of the kingdom.
The palace complex is open every day from 8:30 am to 12 noon and from
1 pm to 3.30 pm. (Admission fee Bht125 also allows you to visit the
Vimanmek palace near the Dusit Zoo and the Coin Pavilion.) A word of
warning-visitors should be properly dressed: no shorts or sleeveless
tops. (Tel: 222-0094, 224-3273).
Sanam Luang-a huge public ground, which is the site of special ceremonies,
like the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May.
Wat Po or the Reclining Buddha. This is one of Bangkok's oldest
and largest temples, and was built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago.
Much of Wat Po's fame derives from its gigantic gold-plated reclining
Buddha. This unique image, which rests on its right side, is 46 metres
long and five metres high. The soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl detail
108 characteristics of Buddha. The temple has the largest collection
of Buddha images in Thailand and is the centre for the teaching and
preservation of traditional Thai medicine including Thai massage. You
can study massage here in a weeklong couse. Open daily from 8am to 5
pm. Admission: Bht20. (Tel:222-0933)
While in the area visit the City Pillar Shrine. Just east of the Grand
Palace, this graceful temple-like shrine houses the foundation stone
of the city (Lak Muang is believed to have the power of granting wishes.
Wat
Arun or Temple of the Dawn. It is worth the side trip and can
be reached by boat from Tha Thien Pier near Wat Po. The temple predates
the city's founding and is located on the West Bank of the river, diagonally
opposite the Grand Palace. The Temple of the Dawn served as the Royal
Chapel when the Thai capital was located on the West Bank of the river.
The most mutable structure of the temple is the Khmer style 79-metre-high
Phra Prang pagoda studded with the pieces of broken Chinese porcelain.
Despite its name, the most beautiful view of the Temple of the Dawn
in at dusk from the Bangkok side of the river. Admission: Bht10 (Tel:
465-5640).
THE TEMPLE
TOUR
The Golden Buddha Temple: Wat Trai Mitr
or the Temple of the Golden Buddha is near Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway
Station on Trainmitr Road and is known for its huge gold Buddha image.
The statue, said to be cast in the 14th century weighs 5.5 tones and
is around three metres tall. Open daily, from 9am to 5 pm. Admission:
Bht 10.
Wat Benchamabophit: Also called the Marble Temple, it is a
fine example of modern Thai wat architecture. The temple built at the
turn of the century is on Siayut thaya Road, between Chitralada Palace
and the National Assembly. The best time to visit Wat Benchambophit
is early in the morning when Buddhist monks chat inside the chapel.
The interior of the main building is magnificently decorated with cross
beams of lacquer and gold. The main building is open to visitors from
7am to 6 pm. Admissions: Bht20.
Wat Suthat: Located on Bamrung Muang Road, Wat sutha took 27
years to build and in famous for its excellent 19th century murals.
The temple is a superb showcase of the style that flourished during
the reign of King Rama III (1842-1851)-a remarkable fusion of Thai and
Chinese influences. Wat Suthat is the only temple in Bangkok without
a chide, or stupa. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Giant Swing: The towering Giant Swing is in front
of Wat Suthat on Bamrung Muang Road. Till the 1930s, it was used in
an annual Brahminnical festival that celebrated the coming of the Hindu
gods Shiva and Vishnu to the temple. Teams of devotees would swing in
reassuringly higher in an attempt to grab a bag of money with their
teeth. The Giant Swing today serves simply as a memorial to an old Bangkok
custom.
Wat Saket: Also Known as the Golden Mount it is built on an
artificial hill Construction of the hill began during the reign of King
Rama I (1782-1800) and was completed in the reign of King Chulalongkorn
(Rama V) today, the Golden Mount is a solid construction surrounded
by a circular staircase. It houses relics of Lord Buddha and affords
visitors a panoramic view of Bangkok.
Loha prasat: The only iron palace left in the word, 36 metres
high with 37 surrounding spires, is located at Wat Ratchanadda on the
corner of Ratchdamnoen Klang and Mahachai Road.
Wat Mahathat: This is an old temple on Na Phrathat Road, between
Silpakorn University and Thammasat University. Built in the reign of
King Rama I, it houses the Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University-one
of the tow highest seats of learning in the country.
Those interested in Buddhist meditation should visit Section 5, which
is the headquarters of Vipassana (insight) meditation in Thailand. Information
and lesson in English can usually be arranged depending on the availability
of suitable monks. The temple complex is open from 0am to 5 pm. On Buddhist
holy days, there are a thriving open air market in the grounds and a
comprehensive selection of Thai and a comprehensive selection of Thai
medicines, mostly plants and roots, for sale.
THE MUSEUMS HAVE IT
The National Museum. Within walking distance of the
Grand Palace, and across Sanam Luang, it is one of the largest and most
comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia. The National Museum houses
over a thousand artifacts, ranging from Neolithic times to the present.
The museum is open every day, except Mondays, Tuesdays, national holidays
and substitution for national holidays from 9am to 4 pm. Admission is
Bht40. Guided tours commence at 9:30 am from the ticket desk and are
held in various languages: English on Wednesdays and Thursdays, French
and Japanese tours on Wednesdays, German on Thursdays. (Tel: Thai Human
Imagery Museum: At Km 31 on Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road, it is the Thai
equivalent of Madame Tossed, s Lifelike figures are displayed in four
sections: The Great Buddhist Monks, Former Kings of the Chakri Dynasty,
One Side of Thai Life, and Playing Chess. The Museum is open 9am to
5.30 pm weekdays and 8:30 to 6 pm on weakens and public holidays. Admission:
Bht140.
The National Arts Gallery: The Gallery is on Chao Fa Road opposite
the National Theatre. It exhibits traditional and contemporary works
by Thai artists, and is open on all days exempt Mondays and Tuesdays
from 9am to 4pm. Admission: Bht10 (Tel: 281-2224, 282-2639)
The Shed of the Royal Barges: Assumes to this one is fun. More
a shed than a museum, it is located on Khlong Bangkok Noi not far from
the Pinklao Bridge housing Thailand's famous Royal Barges. These barges
once served as war vessels, but now leave their shed only for royal
and government functions. The most beautiful and well-known of them
is Suphanahongse, used by the King for the royal river procession that
takes place on the occasion of the Kathin ceremony-a Buddhist tradition
of offering robes to monks-in October/November every year. Open from
8:30 am to 5 pm daily. Admission: Bht20. (Tel: 424-0004)
PARK VIEW
Surprisingly Bangkok with all its high-rises and over-crowding
has ample space for parks. The closest to the tourist area is Lumpini
Park. Named after the birthplace of Buddha, it is one of city's largest
parks. A large artificial lake with row boats and paddle boats for hire,
well tended gardens and walking paths, make it a great escape from the
city with out leaving it. The best time to visit is early in the morning.
Get there eary enough and you"ll find enthusiasts practicing T'ai
chi.
Another very Interest-ing Park is King Rama IX Royal Park. This 200-acre
park was opened in 1987 to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol's 60th
birthday. It coprises a public park, a water park, and extensive botanical
gardens. The park is in the phrakanong area, about 22 kms from the city
centre. Take bus number 2 or 23 to Soi Udomsuk (Sukhumvit Soi 103) and
then a mini-bus to the park. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission: Bht10.
HISTORIC
BUILDINGS
Vimanmek Palace: Also called the Castle in the Clouds,
Vimanmek Palace was built by King Rama V and is said to be the largest
teakwood building in the world Behind the National Assembly Building
this three-story, 81-room palace stands by a picturesque lake in quiet,
shady grounds. Besides the intricate architecture, the impressive collection
of paintings, objets d'art and royal jewelry are points of in interests.
Vimamek Palace is open daily from 9:30 am to 3:15 pm (last tickets at
3 pm). Admission is Bht50 and you may ask for a guide to show you around.
(Tel: 281-1569, 280-5928, 281-8166, 282-8683).
Jim Thoumpson's House: This remarkable Thai-style house
was the work of an American, Jim Thompson, Who served briefly in the
Office of Strategic Services (forerunner of CIA) in Thailand during
the World War II. After the war, he returned to Thailand and did much
to revive the fortunes of the Thai silk industry. Thompson later disappeared
mysteriously in the Malaysian jungles, but the house he built (on Soi
Kasemsan 2, opposite the National Stadium on Rama I Road) has been example
of traditional Thai architecture and houses Thompson's superb collection
of Asian artifacts. Jim Thompson's house is open daily from 9 am to
4:30 pm. Admission is Bht100 and there are always volunteer guides around
to explain the collection to visitors. (Tel: 215-0122)
Suan Pakkard Palace : On Si Ayuthaya Road, not far from the Phaya
Thai intersection, is the residence of Princess Chumbhot of Nagara Savage,
one of Thailand's leading art collectors. In the palace-a complex of
five traditional Thai houses overlooking a beautifully kept garden-is
a splendid collection of Asian art and antiques. The palace is open
Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4 pm, and the admission fee is Bht80.
(Tel: 245-4934)
ZOO & ANIMAL FARMS
Dusit Zoo: Near the Royal Plaza, the zoo is open
from 8am to 6 pm daily. Animals here include Grey kangaroos, Sumatra
rhinos, Siamese crocodiles, guars, and deer, and American bisons. There
is a pleasant park atmosphere about the zoo. Ponds, cafes, and open-air
restaurants, Admission: Bht20. (Tel: 281-2000.)
Snake Farm: Also called the Pasteur Institute it is
located at the intersection of Henri Dunant and Rama IV Roads. The institute's
large collection of live poisonous snakes has made it a tourist attraction.
Slide presentation is at 10:30am and 2pm. Cobras, kraits and vipers
are milked of their venom at 11 am and 2:30 am to 12 am and 1 pm to
4 pm on weekdays, On weekends and public holidays, it is open only in
the morning Admission: Bht70. (Tel: 252-0161-4 ext.20)
Crocodile Farm: Said to be the world's largest crocodile farm,
the Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm is home to over 30,000 crocodiles.
It also features a Dinosaur Museum.
Daily performances at the farm include crocodile wrestling and other
animal shows, On weekdays, the show are at one hour intervals from 9am
to 4 pm Farm hours 5pm to 6 pm Admission: Bht300. (Tel: 703-4891-5).
Sampharn Elephant Ground and Zoo: This 22-acre farm
is a beautiful setting for the different wild animals and thousands
of crocodiles living here. See the world's largest white crocodile here.
There are several shows featuring elephants and crocodiles. Crocodile
skin products are available for sale; The Farm is open from 8am to 6
pm daily. Admission 220 Bht. (Tel: 284-1873,284-0273)
Safari World: This more than 200-acre complex is located in suburban
Bangkok, in Minburi district, and is divided into two parts: Safari
Park (Admission Bht160) populated by African and Asian animals, and
a Marine Park (admission Bht240) with nine animal shows.
Safari world is open from 9am to 4:30 pm daily. Take byes number 26
from Victory Monument to Minburi and from there a mini-bus to Safari
World. (Tel: 518-1000-19)
Bangkok Noi Floating Market. There is one floating
market in Bangkok for tourists who don't have enough time for the Damnoen
Saduak Market. It is at Bangkok Noi canal, behind the Southern Bus Terminal
on Barommarajchonnanee Road. Visitors can rent a long-tail boat from
Tha Chang Pier (Bht 300 per hour) and tour the market, which shouldn't
take more than 20 minutes. Intestine watts line on both sides of the
canal. Everyday in the mornings from 5am to 11 am and in the afternoons
from 2pm to 5 pm. However, this market experience is no substitute for
the Damnoen Saduak Market.
OUTSIDE BANGKOK
Phra Pathom Chedi: The Phra Pathom Chedi (pagoda)
is the tallest Buddhist Monument in the world. It towers almost 380
feet into the air and has a golden tiled dome. The Chide is 56 kms from
Bangkok and may be reached by bus from the Southern Bus Terminal, or
by train from Bangkok Railway Station.
The Floating Market: 80-km southwest from Bangkok and you reach
the Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand's a most popular
tourist destination. Damnoen Saduak is the commercial centre of the
people living on the banks of the canals that crises-cross this part.
From 8 am to 11 am every day, boats laden with all kinds of produce
assemble at this point to form the floating market. The best way to
experience Damnoen Saduak is to take a long-tail speedboat through the
canals. Life is very peaceful along the canals. And you will get a feel
of how Thailand was in the past, and still is in the interior Bus Terminal
on the Pinklao-Nakhon Chaisi Road.
Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for
four centuries from 1350 until its destruction by the Burmese in 1767.
The Ayutthaya of old was a splendid city with ships from man nations
sailing up the river from the Gulf of Thailand. The English, Dutch,
Spanish, Portuguese and French, all maintained trading posts in Ayutthaya.
There was Buddhist a temple. Mosques, and a Catholic cathedral, Diplomatic
relations between Ayutthaya and the powerful European trading nations
of the time were generally cordial.
Bus the Burmese destruction of the city in the late 18th century was
so complete, that Ayutthaya was never rebuilt and the king chose to
relocate to Bangkok. Today, Ayutthaya is a quiet provincial town, 88
kms mouth of Bangkok. Historic sights at Ayutthaya include the Chao
Sam Phraya National Museum, the huge Buddha image-Phra Mongkhon Bophit,
and ruins of the former Royal Palace. Train can reach Ayutthaya from
Bangkok or by bus from the Northern Bus Terminal. But the best way to
get there is by boat, up the river.
Bang-Pa-In
Summer Palace: This beautiful palace is 30 kms south of Ayutthaya,
and was built mainly during the reign of King Rama V, in contrasting
architectural styles - Thai, Chinese, Italian, and Victorian. The most
well known building at the Summer Palace is the Thai Pavilion in the
center of a small lake, The only building open to visitors is the Chinese-style
Wheat Chamrun Palace. Bang-Pa-In can be reached by bus room the Northern
Bus Terminal, or by local buses from Ayutthaya. The grounds. Are open
daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Admission: Bht50. (Tel: 222-0094)
Bang Sai Folk Art & Crafts Centre: The riverside
folk art and crafts centre in Bang Sai is some 24 kms from the Bang-Pa-In
intersection. It is under the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations
and Related Techniques (Support) and is a good place to buy fern vine
basketry, artificial flowers, woven silks and cottons, dyed silks, wood
carvings, Thai dolls, textiles and furniture. Admission: Bht20. Call
(035) 366-092 or 225-8165-8 for details.
| Comment |
 |
Where do i find your low priced pakage deals for seattle usa?
David fishhawkdog@comcast.net 13 March 2007 02:07 |
PLease could you tell me, where can I find addresses of travel agencies who attendes tour from Bangkok, by train or bus, to Ayutthaya with back with boat from Ayuthhaya to bangkok (with stop in a pier near grand palace? Thank in advance SImona
sibign@tin.it 06 June 2005 18:46 |
the proud of thailand
kran/kra_yamapee@hotmail.com 11 May 2005 12:04 |
| Add a comment |
|
