Find The Best In Bangkok, Thailand!

Bangkok, capitol of Thailand, is its largest city with over 11 million people. Most people think of it as ancient, dangerous and mysterious but it’s actually quite modern, safe and westernized to a great extent. The Thai people are friendly and very appreciative of tourists; most will go out of their way to help you. Since Thailand is just fourteen degrees north of the equator, the city as well as the country is awash with color from exotic tropical plants and beautiful varieties of orchids. In Bangkok you will see the past embrace the present as monks in saffron robes, bright neon signs, colorful markets, loud traffic snarls and graceful ancient architecture all blend together in an exciting hubbub of sight, sounds and scents.

There is something for everyone in Bangkok, from palaces and museums to temples and markets. Tourist boats travel up and down the Chao Phraya River, stopping at different piers, cruising past such splendid sights as the Grand Palace and offering comments in English, among other languages. You may enjoy cycling rather than travel by car or walking. Cycling is a wonderful way to investigate the true nature of Bangkok, meet the people who live there and see how they really live. There are beautiful parks, teeming marketplaces and small inexpensive neighborhood restaurants that offer dishes rivaling the four-star restaurants most tourists frequent. If you are traveling alone and would like company on your biking tour, there are many companies that specialize in group biking excursions.

Bangkok’s temples are treasures no one should miss and every visitor should visit at least two of them. Early morning is the best time to avoid the crowds and the heat. Remember, these are religious centers as well as tourist attractions so act accordingly. Monks make their homes in these temples and can be seen at dawn in their saffron robes, making their daily excursions for food. The Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a magnificent treat for the eyes with its 46 meter long Buddha covered in gold leaf. The feet alone are three meters long and decorated with mother-of-pearl illustrations of Buddha’s personality and character.

The Grand Palace is a must-see! The city’s most famous landmark was built in 1782 and is the home of the Thai King, Royal court and administration. The intricate detail and stunning architecture is typical of the creativity and loving craftsmanship of the Thai people. The inner court used to be small city where the wives, daughters and pre-pubescent boys of the King lived. Although it’s no longer used, it’s closed to the public but tourists can enjoy Dusit Hall, the museum, the Grand Palace Hall and the European style reception room.

The Bangkok Museum has items from Thailand’s prehistory to modern times, with collections of gold treasures, gems, musical instruments, woodcarvings and much more. There is even a funeral chariot hall containing carriages used for royal cremations. Tours are provided in English, German, French and Japanese.

Bangkok is kaleidoscope of beauty, excitement, culture, tradition and nightlife that you’ll be as sorry to leave as glad that you visited.