Destination - Bangkok

Destination - Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand known in Thai as 'Krung Thep Maha Nakhon' (means 'city of angels') is a one of the most cosmopolitan of Asian cities. Experience all the things from the dazzling temples, gleaming palaces, hotels of every breed and size, floating markets, boat rides along the Chao Phraya River, dazzling night markets, ritzy shopping malls to the tuk-tuk ride, Muay Thai (kickboxing) and body massage.

The city is part of the central and eastern Thailand stretching from Nakhon Ratchasima to the Eastern Seaboard. Bangkok borders five other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom. The town of Bangkok began as a small trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and had evolved to a lively metropolis with an estimated actual population of around 16,000,000 inhabitants. The city has two international airports, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport, apart from four rapid transit lines operated by the BTS, MRT, and the SRT.

Local transport here apart from the sedans to SUVs owned by the locals, are the buses, taxis and the tuk-tuks. There are no meters on the tuk-tuks, so prices will have to be bargained prior to getting into one. A vast majority of people use the sky train. The roads during the peak hours of the day is known for its massive traffic jams are best avoided by starting much early.

As a tourist in Bangkok, decide what your in the city for - sightseeing, relaxing or shopping, for if its a short stay of three days, that's not enough. A good full week or two is required to cover Bangkok, its surrounding provinces and many of the islands. The city is quite well connected so you would just need to pick up the map of the city and its attractions available on brochures in the airport and/or hotel of stay. Most hotels are tied up with the local tours agency, so sightseeing is taken care of by them once paid for by you. There is no problem in the city as the people don't hesitate to help you with directions as they greet you with a smile.

Choose one day tour of the Damnoen Saduak floating market, the historical 'Bridge over the River Khwai' and the Tiger Temple. But be prepared for a 3 hour drive (one way) away from the city and the tour starts from your place of stay at 8am and ends roughly by 8pm back at your place of stay. The evening after, choose to get to the 'Suan Lum night market' near to Lumphini Park, for some shopping or to a restaurant for some Thai food with chilled beer. There are however, other floating markets to visit besides the one aforesaid, such as the Taling Chan, Bang Khu Wiang and the Tha Kha. Visit them if possible, but get there early in the morning for the traditional Bang Khu Wiang starts as early as 4am. Another choice for the following day would be a first-half day tour of the city temples, palaces and famous attractions in and around the city, followed by lunch at any of the famous shopping malls and then after for serious shopping to the end of day or till your feet go numb or body aches for a good massage.

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