Discover the Charms of Bangkok

Bangkok is the largest as well as the capital city of Thailand. Situated near the Gulf of Thailand and on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the south-west part of the country, Bangkok is perhaps the number one tourist spot in South-East Asia, and serves as the gateway to the country.

Bangkok is an incredible destination that is a blend of east and west, and one can see here historic as well as ancient shrines overlooking towering modern building that dominate the skyline. Apart from being a popular tourist spot, Bangkok serves as the country’s seat of administration and government. Bangkok is also the main port of the country, and is home to about one tenth of the population of the country. Further, Bangkok is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the East due to its beautiful canals and rivers.

No matter you are honeymooners, business traveler, spiritual traveler, history buffs, or just a sightseer, Bangkok provides excellent options for all. From ancient Buddhist wats, historic monuments, and interesting museums to amusement parks, parks, and gardens, Bangkok boasts of a spectrum of attractions.

Of the attractions in Bangkok that deserves a special mention are its magnificent royal palaces. Just few among many of them are the Grand Palace, which is exquisitely decorated and attached with areas such as Borombinan Hall, Amarindra Hall, and Dusit Hall; Chitlada Palace, which is the current residence of the king; Vimanek Mansion – a stupendous as well as expansive wooden palace made from golden teak; and Suan Pakkad Palace, with a collection of traditional style Thai mansions.

Equally interesting is the Buddhist wats and temples found in the city, such as, Wat Phra Kaew, which is considered the most prominent Buddhist temple in the country; Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn; Wat Pho, whose centerpiece is a 46 meters long statue of Lord Buddha in reclining posture; and Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of Golden Buddha.

A visit to Bangkok would not to be complete without taking a tour to many of its interesting museums such as Bank of Thailand Museum, located within Bangkhunphrom Palace; Erawan Museum, in whose front one can find a statue of three-headed elephant that stands on an gargantuan pedestal; Bangkok National Museum, which has on display an amazing collection of Thai art and artifacts; Bangkok Folk Museum, with exhibits such as traditional utensils and ceremonial related artifacts.

Human Imagery Museum, which throws light on the Thai life and culture; Corrections Museum, which is located at the site of the Bangkok Remand Prison; Forensic Museum, where you can see preserved corpses; Science Museum, with an interesting aquarium, a planetarium, and several other sections for entertainment and education; Philatelic Museum, which is a must-see for stamp collectors; and Royal Barge National Museum, which has on display an array of royal barges that were used during royal occasions.

Additionally, Bangkok is also home to much famed Ancient City, which is the world’s largest outdoor museum. On display here are gigantic-sized replicas of renowned monuments and temples found across the nation.

Other not to miss attractions in Bangkok are Lumpini Park, the largest as well as the oldest park in the city; Dusit Zoo, boasting of more than 200 mammals, 150 reptiles, and 1000 birds; Thai Cat Palace, featuring several breeds of cats such as Siamese, white pure Maeo Khao Mani, and diamond-eyed cats; Snake Farm, also known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, which is one of the leading producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia; Crocodile Farm -the largest of its kind in the world, where you can see more than 60,000 fresh as well as sea water crocodiles; and Rose Garden, a well-manicured area where cultural shows are conducted.

Bangkok has something for everyone. For instance, if you are a golf enthusiast, then the city has some excellent choices in the form of Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Bangkok Sports Club, and Royal Thai Army Sports Center. If you are looking something different, then one of the best options would be to spectacle Thai boxing, which is conducted on the two main stadiums of Bangkok, such as, Ratchadamnoen Stadium and Lumpini Stadium.

In short, Bangkok boasts of everything that is required for an enjoyable vacation. It is therefore not a wonder why people from every nook and corner of the world flock here per year. Hence, in order to cater to the growing number of tourists, Bangkok comes with an array of accommodation choices, ranging from high-end hotels and upscale resorts to boutique hotels and budget lodgings.

Plan Your Holiday to Thailand

Tour Suggestions

Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market.

You might also take an out – of – town excursion (Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi are top choices). Check out some of the suggestions listed under our Bangkok section.

If a beach vacation is your priority, Bangkok could be followed by a week at Phuket or Samui Island, which offer the most exotic settings. Should your time be limited, the resorts of Pattaya, Rayong, Cha – am and Hua Hin are closer to the capital.

For a different scene, northern Thailand affords plenty of scope for both cultural sightseeing and refreshing escapes into the countryside. Chiang Mai is the best base for exploring the region, offering its own sights as well as numerous hiking and trekking options, and a stay of three or four days gives a good introduction. If you have more time, overnight visits to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai are well worthwhile.

Travellers who already know Thailand will find the Northeast region rewarding. The most traditional part of our country, it is best toured by car or bus allow five to seven days.

Thailand further provides excellent facilities for sporting vacations – golf, scuba diving, yachting, and mountain biking. A two-week stay gives time for general sightseeing and special interest activities.

The variations for a visit to Thailand are never endless, and perhaps the best advice to bear in mind when arranging your trip is to plan on coming back.

When you plan your holiday to Thailand, you will want to experience some of the culture. The first place you stop at should be the Chiang Mai Culture Centre. You can see a traditional tribal and folk show, and intriguing displays about the northern culture. The National Museum also exhibits all the culture of Thailand. The rooftop is fascinating as well. You will learn about the culture and the history of the area. The Tribal Museum is down the road and has many beautiful exhibits. The exhibits of the hill tribes are amazing to see. You will learn many interesting things about Thailand by visiting these two attractions.

While deciding about the other things to do when planning your holidays to Thailand, you should include a trip to the zoo. You will see the Pandas as well as African and Asian animals. Then there is the Art Museum. The exhibits are fascinating to see and read about while learning about the type of artworks that are custom in Thailand. After a few indoor activities, you might enjoy a day outdoors at the National Park. You will see birds, plants and some smaller creatures. The waterfalls are beautiful and the hiking trails are enjoyable and easy to walk.

Another place to plan to see is the waterfalls called Namtok Huai Kaew located by the zoo. Then you can take a trip to the Doi Pui Tribal Village. The village is a true Hmong village that has all the older traditions and a beautiful view of Doi Inthanon. The Royal Winter Palace is another spectacular place to see. It is a palace on the mountain with a beautiful garden adorning the grounds. If you visit from December to February, you will not be allowed inside because the Royal family will be there.

Holidays to Thailand are about culture and what better way to experience the culture than with a Khantoke Dinner. The dinner consists of many different dishes, which are a northern tradition. They have culture dances and other shows during the meals, which are courtesy of the hillside tribes. It is a real treat to visit Thailand and see how they live and celebrate different holidays. The Hmong New Year is a spectacular tradition and if you can travel during that time, you will see beautiful costumes and enjoy a cultural experience like you never have before.

If your holidays to Thailand are going to include some shopping, you will want to visit Night Bazaar. You will find souvenirs and handmade items. The Night Bazaar does not open until six at night. You can find just about anything you want. The fabrics are fascinating and reasonable priced. You can enjoy a great vacation to Thailand and see how everyone lives and how the tribes live. The culture is amazing to see and learning more about the culture is exciting. You will enjoy a week or longer in Thailand experiencing the customs.

The Glitz and Glamour of Bangkok Hotels

Bangkok welcomes tourists to a fascinating, vibrant and colorful experience which at times can even get mind-boggling. The hotels in Bangkok dot the landscape alongside glinting skyscrapers which grace the city.

Bangkok never fails to impress one with its attractions, past and present, which blend harmoniously together. Bangkok provides one an opportunity to explore experience and discover the range of unending hidden secrets that abound in the fantastic city. Bangkok is all about exciting boxing matches, glitz, glamour, elegant cuisine, massages and spa treatment in the luxurious star hotels in Bangkok, bargain shopping and much, much more.

Travelers and tourists who want to truly understand what Bangkok is all about must take a deeper look far beyond the visual images one is familiar with even before one touches down. This will provide one with a sensory thrill that never ceases to delight. Bangkok is a city of contrast and diversity. Here a tourist can expect to find anything from floating markets and fruit carvings to robed monks.

The more fashionable tourists prefer to book their rooms in hotels in central Bangkok which are in close proximity to the most of the city’s nightlife. The experience of watching a Muay Thai Boxing match or the glitz and glam of a ladyboy show is absolutely marvelous. An elegant dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River is a blissful, fanciful experience to enjoy.

Travelers to Bangkok can expect to experience a cocktail of mesmerizing sights, intoxicating aromas and multi-ethnic pleasures representative of what the city’s character is all about. The experience is sure to hook the tourists! The classical attractions are educative, enchanting and inspire the wildest of romantic thoughts.

The malls and markets are of the highest international standards and shopping is a truly heavenly experience. Imagine what you can experience if all this is just the scratching of the surface of all that the city has to offer! The fantastic experiences of Bangkok tourism can be savored to stay with you forever.

The warm hospitality of Bangkok has today acquired legendary proportions and one can expect to experience the same hospitality during their stay in Bangkok Hotels. The hippest and most happening city in the world also offers a range of cheap hotels Bangkok so that the budget traveler does not miss out on an opportunity to experience the great fun that is on offer. The travelers can book rooms in advance in hotels Bangkok including the best cheap Bangkok hotels to delightfully enjoy the rich cultural heritage, fantastic cuisine, wild and rowdy nightlife which is relaxed and safe.

A luxurious spa treatment or a famous traditional Thai massage should not be missed for its rejuvenating experience. These experiences are the perfect antidote for tourists after a grueling day of shopping and sightseeing. Bangkok has emerged as a food haven providing a sensational culinary experience which is guaranteed to delight one’s taste buds. The range of cuisine is varied and the international traveler can expect to find every famous type of cuisine in the world. The safe, relaxed, enjoyable, wild and rowdy nightlife of Bangkok has established it as Asia’s capital of cool.

Top Cities to See During a Holiday in Thailand

5 Cities to see-during a Holiday in Thailand is:

1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.

The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.

One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.

There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.

2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.

Not to be missed are:

Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.

Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.

3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.

Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.

The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.

5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.

Enjoying Bangkok: The Great City Of Angels

It is very easy to enjoy a luxury Bangkok vacation because the city seems almost to have been designed for tourists.  To the Asians it is Krungthep Mahanakhon (Great City of Angels):  they do not like the name ‘Bangkok’ so try to refer to as the locals do when you visit.  The official name of this city contains 21 words and 167 characters, and is named by the Guinness Book of records as the world’s longest place name.  It shall not be repeated here!

A vacation in Bangkok is an experience of the traditions of the East together with the best of western culture, and this great city has much to offer to those interested in Oriental history and the way of life that people in this part of the world live.   It offers some of the best hotels in the East and the Bangkok Oriental is one of the finest hotels in the world. A stay here is worth the vacation itself, but you get much more than that from a visit to this great city. You can enjoy your vacation while retaining the civilization with your are familiar – if that is what you want.

It’s a shame that this wonderful city has the unsavory reputation it has gained, but the authorities are taking steps to stop all that, and a Krung Thep vacation can now be enjoyed by everybody, including young families. The food, history, architecture, sports and entertainment has something to offer everybody of all ages.  The transportation systems are excellent, with trains, buses and other local means of transport, although due to the river and delta, many people travel in boats.

The Chao Phraya River is the life-blood of this part of Thailand, and a cruise along it is the most pleasant way to see the city on your Bangkok vacation, and it is because of this and its associated waterways and canals that it is dubbed the Venice of the East. The canals and rivers are known as khlong and maenam, and are a vey important means of transportation for many of the people of this part of the country.  It is by the river that you find most of the traces that are left of the early Rattanakosin period of Thailand’s history.

The city itself is low-lying, only around 6 – 7 feet above sea level, and the monsoons can create many problems with flooding. The entire area lies on a series of delta plains and at one time, each area of land separated by these waterways was a separate district of the city, although that system has now been superseded.

You can use these waterways to enjoy the city and the outlying districts, and you can take anything from a speedboat to a converted rice boat to enjoy a luxurious cruise through the city. Why not finish it off with a wonderful relaxing meal on board or even some Thai dancing and entertainment on your boat?  You could even visit the water market, where all the goods are sold from boats, and you need a boat to visit. That’s where you will find the real Thai delicacies, though you might be better off not examining some of them too closely!

When visiting this city, you are advised to do so with professional guides and escorts that are familiar with the city and its history, since otherwise it is easy to get entrapped in the popular downbeat culture that many visit the city to enjoy, rather than experience the true history and flavor of this great oriental city. It contains many unique Buddhist temples, or Wats, that are well worth a visit but easily missed without a guide. The Wat Trimitr (Temple of the Golden Buddha) and Wat Po (Temple of the reclining Buddha) are two of the more famous that you must visit.

Thai food is famous the world over, and although spicy has something offer all tastes.  Krung Thep has a fabulous selection of restaurants, and if you can’t get used to traditional Thai food, then there is also a wonderful selection of restaurants of various types.  To finish off, why not enjoy some traditional Thai dancing after your meal.

Perhaps you will be so impressed by the Thai style of cooking that you want to take some of back home?  Well, why not learn yourself?  Enjoying your Bangkok vacation can also mean learning how to cook Thai food. Visit a local market and choose your ingredient – don’t worry, your guide will keep you right. Then cook it in the Thai style and eat it yourself.  What could be a better way to enjoy Thai food than to choose the ingredients, cook it and then eat it!

Wouldn’t that be great skill to take back home with you?  How about that for a great dinner party in Beverley Hills or Brooklyn?  You would be the talk of the neighborhood with your new-found Thai cooking skills. It’s always good to go on vacation and return home with something that is going to be useful for you, and what more useful than a Thai dinner in a room decorated with all those wonderful Thai souvenirs and decoratives you purchased in Krung Thep – as you can take delight in calling it.  It would be a great conversation topic.

Singapore V Bangkok

Singapore has seen an unprecendented boom in property prices within the last 18 months and whilst there are those amongst you who will not see an obvious comparison between the Lion City and The City of Angels; there are nevertheless, some things that do deserve comparison. Bangkok’s concentration of sought after condiminium developments has until recently largely been centred around Sukhumvit and Ploenchit but despite concerns over transport the Chao Phraya river has now become an area of high interest. Likewise one of the most expensive condiminium projects undertaken in Singapore has been at the mouth of the river.

It is obvious to me why buyers should be looking to these locations. Not necessarily the people who want or need to be in the centre of everything and close to their workplace but the wider circle of buyers, those who wish to own a property in a Capital city as a stopover or those who do not need to be at the business centre of the city. The life of a river is ever moving, particularly in Bangkok where the river is still very much a working river and a hive of activity that never appears dull. Why therefore should a prospective condominium buyer not want to have as his window this great living canvas?

I can recall when London first opened up the great River Thames to residential development and the huge Victorian warehouses were first converted into apartments, and where the riverside did not suit warehouse conversion; modern tower blocks rose in their place. Many thought that the old dockside areas would never be seen as desirable places to live and again there were concerns about transport, however, now multi-million dollar penthouses are common place. This scenario has been repeated all over the world from Chicago to Cologne to CapeTown.

So why compare Bangkok to Singapore?
Because in the price of real estate there is no comparison. Current per square metre selling prices of similar type developments run at about four times the price in Singapore. Yet Singapore is still seen as an attractive proposition to the real estate investor Take a look at a copy of the Straits Times in particular the Sunday edition and see how many real estate agents there are. Now compare two similar ground breaking projects; One Shenton in Singapore and The River in Bangkok. One Shenton had a very successful launch and is being built to a very high specification employing all of the latest technology and positioned overlooking the Straits. The River is a fabulous twintower project designed by Hans Brouwer and being developed by Raimon Land located directly on the river, as the name suggests, next to The Peninsular and opposite The Shangri-La and Oriental Hotels. Both projects have stunning views yet prices of The River start at about 115,000 baht per square metre, a fraction of the prices now being asked for similar apartments at One Shenton. Little wonder The River’s launch has been one of the most successful in Bangkok’s history. It is also worthy of note that much of the interest in The River has come from overseas.Perhaps, at last, the investors are realising that in terms of capital growth Bangkok’s riverside offers much greater potential. There are of course those investors that still see Thailand as a potential risk. Once their doubts are put aside, just watch the prices, like the towers, go sky high!

Backpacking In Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand appeals to travelers of all shapes, sizes and budgets because it is quite easy to navigate about the different cities and main attractions. The travel is also inexpensive, leaving you with more money to explore the booming silk industry, as well as the delicious cuisine. Thai food melds a combination of mind, body and soul into their spicy and sweet balanced meals, offering some of the best dishes in the world.

Why Thailand is So Popular

When planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, you may have heard of what attracts tourists to the various areas about the country. In the North, trekking through the mountains is quite popular. More than 300 temples can be located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Chiang Mai. Top-notch quality and inexpensive stays can be found at every corner, offering flavorful food and interesting shopping outlets.

As a backpacker, you will find an abundance of places to stay at in the area, including Julie’s Guesthouse. At this establishment, you will be able to sign up for a couple of days trekking through the jungle that features lovely views and a first-hand look at how the locals thrive. To avoid getting hit by the monsoon rains, plan an adventure for this area between the months of October and April.

Central Thailand brings the allure of Bangkok, which overflows with shopping, addicting cuisine, palaces and temples. The Chao Phraya River provides a great scene to explore. Main attractions to consider include the Royal Palace, the Wats and Chinatown, as well as the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Notable festivals can be experienced in Ayuthaya, where scenic riverside gardens await in Sukhothai. The endless possibilities for exploration are mind-boggling. The islands of Southern Thailand bring you closer to white sands and warm waters. The largest of the bunch is called Phuket, where other notable selections include the Phi Phi Islands and the waterfalls of Krabi.

Nightlife

Many tourists enjoy the overall aspect of Thailand nightlife. This is one of the main reasons a large amount of travelers backpack throughout the country: nature, culture, food and fun. If it’s a good time you’re looking for, try the many go-go and beer bars in Pattaya, as well as Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui) that parties into the wee hours of the night. Koh Phangan is the site where thousands of locals and tourists gather to celebrate by the light of the full moon. It’s a world famous beach party that never seems to end, offered once every month. It is one of the best places to experience the food, drink and dance of Thailand island life in an event that literally rocks the senses.

The law of the land states that bars and nightclubs close at 2 in the morning when visiting Bangkok, but there is always somewhere to go, whether it’s just a delicious restaurant tucked away on a side street. The largest area to explore is called Patpong, which provides three streets to explore. For more information on the ins and outs of Thailand, check out the latest information posted on www.jeng-thailand.com.

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