Bangkok: A City Of More Than Angels – Travel Information

Simultaneously the geographic, cultural and political heart of Thailand, Bangkok bustles with enthralling nightlife, charms with enchanting histories, and sooths with its blooming relaxation industry. Therefore, the world explorer may find that travel to Bangkok is an all-encompassing experience of modern Southeast Asia’s many diverse offerings. And luckily, finding airfare to Bangkok right here on cFares is not nearly as mysterious as navigating the charming but winding streets and canals of the city itself.

Bangkok is officially known as Krung Thep, “City of Angels” in Thai, and Bangkok is actually only a small district that is home to the original village situated along the Chao Phraya River. The Bangkok of today certainly offers a taste for every palate. The infamous nightlife is overactive while the temples, museums and walking tours are abundant.

Travel Bangkok through the Ages

The palaces and wats are a wonderful place to begin your Bangkok journey. Begin with the Grand Palace, which was the home and headquarters of the King of Thailand from the 18th to 20th centuries. The breathtaking complex sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and is built in moat-wall fortress fashion to shield the Royal Family from invasions. Do not miss the Wat Phra Kaew, which contains the legendary Emerald Buddha – a solid jade figurine donning pure gold robes that are changed by the King with the seasons. To the north, Wat Pho is home to the world’s largest reclining buddha, 15 by 46 meters of solid gold. The modern Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace, a phenomenon of architectural landscaping and a bastion of education (there is a school on the grounds) and environment.

The best way to experience the different districts of Bangkok and the city’s evolution resulting from global and local events over the last few centuries is to walk down the main avenues as they pass through changing scenes. Khao San Road is famous for its international diversity marrying east and west, if not solely for the funky hippy charm and somewhat diluted sense of reality you may feel yourself walking into. Make sure to also explore the stretches of Sukhumvit Road for a more downtown Bangkok feel teeming with clubs and restaurants.

Indulge the Thai Way, It’s Your Way

Many associate a vacation to Thailand with a jaunt into the lap of leisure, and you should consider Bangkok the capital. Bangkok boasts some of the most famous hotels in the world, including the Oriental and The Peninsula, which are full service spa experiences. Seek and you shall find the Thai massage of your dreams. Bangkok is filled with hundred of full service spas and simple massage houses, something to fit every budget. The canals also offer a nice break from the exhaust and motors of congested city streets. A boat tour for every fancy is available, including a market tour to experience the unique Bangkok street markets from the convenience of the canal, or a temple tour by water that explores 5 different temples and their histories.

Now the pleasures, wonders and tastes of Bangkok are at your fingertips. A few clicks on cFares is sure to land you airfare to Bangkok in no time. See for yourself the dynamic cultural mesh of ancient Thailand and western post-war Bangkok, a beautiful melting pot of expats, students, young vibrant locals and the old generation.

Travel diaries: Thailand

To most Westerners, the name Bangkok evokes images of ramshackle urban landscapes and sleazy massage parlors. Sure, you can still find it if you go looking for them, but today Bangkok is a surprisingly modern city with all the amenities we’re used to, plus a whole lot of exotic flavor of which we’re not. My own stay was limited to only two nights, but in that short time it became evident that this fascinating city in Southeast Asia is just as exotic as its name sounds.

First of all, for any potential visitors I have to say this: It is going to be hot. And not just hotsteamy, to the point that if you are coming from a more temperate clime, you should exercise caution so that you don’t suffer heat exhaustion before becoming acclimated. That said, you’re ready to explore a city unlike any other.

Like many major metropolises, Bangkok lines the banks of a riverin this case the Chao Phraya. There are numerous water taxis waiting to take you to various points along the bustling riverside lined with luxury hotels and ancient temples. One such complex, just south of the impressive Grand Palace, is Wat Pho. Here you will see an astounding display of Thai architecture as well as a monolithic 45 meter long reclining Buddha. Still not impressed? Look up at the ornate carvings and colors found in the eaves and above the doorways. It’s not the kind of thing you’ll see everyday, and remember that this is just one of the many such offerings Bangkok boasts scattered about the city.

For those looking for more modern experiences, trendy Siam Square will make you feel right at home with its Western chain stores and American restaurants. No trip to Thailand would be complete without an authentic massage, and the good news is that there are plenty of reputable places to be found without a trip to the red light district. The even better news is that an hour foot massage with a little work on the shoulders and neck will run you about $5US. To be honest, I would have paid that just to sit in the air conditioning.

Another memorable and rewarding experience in Bangkok is shopping, and the best place to do it in by far is the sprawling Chatuchak Market. This enormous bazaar holds over 7000 stalls selling everything from the mundane to the highly exotic. Great bargains are to be foundand haggled foron everything from silk textiles to ornate carvings to bric-a-brac of all sorts. Again, you’d be amazed at how far $5 will get you.

For less than $5, you can get a round trip bus or train ride some 50 miles north to the town and ancient ruins of Ayutthayaa UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of Siam until it was sacked by the Burmese in centuries past. Climbing over the crumbling ruins and looking up at towering spires of stone rising out of the lush greenery leaves no doubt that you are definitely not in Kansas anymore. For an authentic experience, rent a tuk-tuka tiny open-backed truckto take you from site to site. This may be a bit more expensive, like say, maybe $10, but hey, when are you going to be in Thailand again?

So if you have a taste for the Far East yet don’t want to leave the comforts of modern civilization, consider a stay in Bangkok. And whether you’re cruising down the river, receiving a rubdown, or enjoying the warmth of smiling Thais, remember where you heard about this fabulous secret, and bring an extra twenty to live it upif only for the air conditioning.

Travel destinations in Thailand – Part 5

Thailand is a magical mix of an ancient traditional culture with a country that is really making waves as modern up and coming situation.

The Thai people are some of the most pleasant people in the world, if you smile at a Thai person they will give you twice the smile back. They are fiercely proud of their country and their monarchy and will gladly talk to you about them if you were to ask.

Some say that all the tourists in bangkok ruin the experience, but that is just not the case, Bangkok is a city where everyone is welcome, you will meet people from all over the world, the Thai people are very liberal and are very accepting of Race and Sexuality which adds to their appeal.

Places in Bangkok that you must visit are:-

The Night Bazaar, you will find a huge market of wonderful and amazing things along with street performers that will dazzle your imagination.

The Jade Buddha, a beautiful statue of the Buddha made from Jade.

The Reclining Buddha, an immense statue of the Buddha. The sheer size of it will leave you breathless.

The Market at Pat Pong, a market that gets very busy at night, giving you the buzz of this Asian metropolis. Definitely worth a visit and pick up afew presents for friends and family back home.

The Grand Palace, an amazing palace, home to the monarchy of Thailand.

Khoa San Road, the epicenter of all backpackers in Bangkok, a road full of affordable food, drink and accommodation, this was the highlight of my trip when i visited. During the day there are stalls spanning its entire length, at night the bars really come alive and is truly an experience not to be missed.

One night in Bangkok