Bangkok City of The Angels
Bangkok is the First City you should visit if you are going to Asia for the first time. Bangkok City Travel is really easy and well organised - the airport is modern and well connected to the City. Even Taxi rides to Central Bangkok are reasonably priced and Hotels are always a bargain here.
If you really fall in love with Thailand you might consider buying a property here or in a coastal resort. You may have to form a limited company to do so however. Local estate agents will advise you on this.
Bangkok History
The city of Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (, ) or Krung Thep () for short, it was a small trading post at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when it was given the status as the capital city in 1768 after the burning of Ayudhya, the former kingdom seat and capital of the Ayuthaya province.
However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom did not begin until 1782 when the capital was moved across the river after being sacked by the Burmese. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called "Phra Nakorn", pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis' core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.
In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has been the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for much of South East Asia and Indochina as well. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education and entertainment as well as being a business, financial and cultural center of Asia has given Bangkok the status of a global city.
Bangkok is the world's 22nd largest city by population with approximately 8,160,522 registered residents (July 2007), but due to large unregistered influxes of migrants from the North East of Thailand and of many nations across Asia, the population of greater Bangkok is estimated at nearly 15 million people. This has in turn shifted the country from being a rather homogenous Thai population to increasingly a more vibrant mix of Western, Indian and Chinese people. The capital is part of the heavily urbanized triangle of central and eastern region of Thailand which stretches from Nakhon Ratchasima along Bangkok to the industrialized eastern seaboard.
The Bangkok Province borders six other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom, and all five provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area.
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China Town, Bangkok
This area is always crowded - especially a week before Chinese New Year like this.
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Unmissable Bangkok
In Order...
First BUY a MAP !
- Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
As this is a religious and Royal area its advisable to wear long slleved clothes and not too revealing clothes at all or you may be refused entry. Great Statues,temples and frescoes.May close at luchtime. - Wat Po Temple - next to Grand Palace - super temple and has a great MASSAGE SCHOOL where you can get a real massage from a student at a very reasonable price.They also offer a massage course at a low price but it takes 30 hours. Unusual Statues in courtyard
- National Museum - interesting Thai History with free English speaking tours (check for details)
- Wat Rajnadda - strange temple with large Amulet market nearby
- Wat Traimit Temple has a Huge Solid Gold Buddha on the edge of Chinatown
- Chinatown - Fascinating markets and alleyways selling just about everything
- Wat Arun - low cost boat takes you across from Royal Palce - iconic view of Bangkok and great views from up the temple spire.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market - hundreds of stall selling everything you can imagine (and a lot you can't !)upsetting tiny caged animals and bird sections including ones banned by CITES - not for animal lovers... stick to silks,copy watches (VERY Cheap !)and silver jewellery at bargain prices
- Jim Thompsons House (just off Siam Square) Silk entrepreneur and probably CIA Agent,He disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia. He was responsible for the growth of the Silk Industry in Thailand. Silk is a great souvenir and fairly cheap in Bangkok.
- Erawan Shrine - small temple with colourful dance troop who perform religious dancers.Bird sellers sell birds to release to bring merit to your soul.
Only place you can regularly see Real Temple Dancers.
Other dancers are in Big Hotels and Nightclubs or restaurants.Try Dusit Thani Hotel for good evening Dancer show with dinner. - Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 - a bit tacky by day this red light district becomes a las vegas style street (s) complex by night. Don't take your maiden aunt - its really VERY naughty indeed. Has a good but slightly expensive street market at night - don't forget to haggle - they expect it ! There are also Gay areas nearby and Soi Cowboy reminds me of Vietnam in the 60's !
*** HIV is rife in the clubs of Bangkok. *** - Snake Farm - a bit of a shocker and slightly tacky IMHO.Demonstrations of slithery things and milking them - Also put Puthons round tourists necks for photo
- Ayutthaya is the ancient capital and has fabulous ruins (full day tour or taxi ride) Take mineral water - you'll need it.
- Thai Dancing - often with thai dinner in larger hotels like the Dusit Thani. Good fun but sitting on low seats may be uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Damnoern Saduak is the Floating Market about 60 K from Bangkok - usually a full day tour starting at 6.30 am and including a visit to the Rose Garden with martial arts and elephant displays this is a great day out - may also include the crocodile farm and zoo according to your tour company or taxi driver !
- Jam Factory .....
Oh says the taxi Driver - the Royal Palace doesn't open for 2 hours -
would you like to see a jam factory ?
** Its a GEM FACTORY ** and its NOT cheap... tell him you are meeting someone at the Palace.... - Getting around :
Taxis now have meters.
Tuk-Tuks (three wheelers) are cheaper.
If you have to get somewhere FAST there are motorcycle taxis - you take your life in your hands with either of the last two !
Bangkok Hotels
All Accomodation from Guesthouses to Super Luxury Hotels is here !
The best medium price areas to stay are on Rama IV Road and in the area surounding Lumpini Park (A little more expensive but still good value)
Luxury Hotels are to be found overlooking the Chao Prya River and these are still excellent value.
Value accomodation is to be found in the Backpacker guesthouses in the Khao San Road in the Banglamphu area and these are really cheap.
Areas to avoid staying in (unless you are actually looking for Sin) are in the Patpong Road 1 and 2 Redlight district which also has a night market area and the Sukhumvit area immediately near Soi Nana (another Red light District).
In fact you won't have to look very far for Sin anywhere in Bangkok - pretty much every hotel and taxi will try to punt you on to a massage parlour or entertainment complex. However it's not compulsory !
Bangkok has superb restaurants and I would advise keeping to Thai food - excellent quality almost everywhere.
There are a number of food markets (mostly open in the evening) and your hotel will guide you to the nearest one.
I have found the Airport Hotels to be a bit on the expensive side and not as helpful as central Bangkok ones. A Hotel booking service is in the arrivals part of the AIrport and they will find you a hotel (only book for one night - its cheaper if you stay one night and then either rebook through a local tour company or find another hotel it could halve your hotel costs for your stay)
Bangkok Video Kaoh San Road
Bangkok Guide Books
Bangkok (City Guide)
Amazon Price: $12.91 (as of 12/02/2008) 
LUXE City Guides: Bangkok (LUXE City Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
Top 10 Bangkok (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 12/02/2008)
The Rough Guide to Bangkok 4 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $12.91 (as of 12/02/2008)
Bangkok Videos
Bangkok News
- Thai court orders ruling party dissolved
- Pro-government demonstrators gather outside Bangkok city hall on Sunday. The ruling, which found Somchai's party guilty of electoral fraud, ...
- Thai Loyalists Show Strength As Tourism Falls
- At least 10000 red-shirted government loyalists filled the square outside Bangkok's city hall, listening to speaker after speaker denounce the airport ...
- Thailand, air/15 nights, from $1795
- Why it's a deal: According to a recent Kayak search, the lowest round-trip airfare between LA and Bangkok is $1077 for a flight departing May 13 (Asiana). ...
- How to Cut Travel Costs
- It's been overshadowed by last week's horrific events in Mumbai, but there's a travel crisis in Bangkok. Anti-government demonstrators have kept the city's ...
Bangkok Links
- Welcome to Bangkok Tourism Division @ bangkoktourist.com
- Has responsibility for promoting Bangkok as a tourist destination as well as supporting tourism activities involving Thai customs and culture.
- Bangkok & Thailand online guide book - 1stopbangkok.com
- Where to shop:. Plush malls, busy markets & fake Rolex's. Health and help:. Emergency services, tourist police, hospitals. Bangkok tours: ...
- Bangkok Hot Guides
- Markets in Bangkok are still the best places to find some great bargains. Apart from the popular tourist markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market and Suan Lum ...
- Destination Guide : General Information in Bangkok
- Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com ...
- Bangkok Tourism and Travel Guide - IgoUgo
- Visit IgoUgo for the best online travel guide to Bangkok tourism, hotels, restaurants, things to do, and more. Submit your own Bangkok reviews and photos to ...
- Scams and Conmen - Bangkok Tourist Traps - VirtualTourist.com
- Travel tips: Bangkok tourist traps, including Scams and Conmen, courtesy of real travelers and Bangkok, Thailand locals. Get real travel advice from real ...
- Thailand Dental, Thailand Dental clinic by Bangkok Dentist Tourism.
- Thailand Dental, Thailand Dental clinic by Bangkok Dentist Tourism. Thai Dental Tourism is a union of Asia's most accomplished doctors specializing in ...
- Welcome to Bangkok Tourism Division @ bangkoktourist.com
- A free city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT office . ...
- Bangkok Tourism - Bangkok Vacations
- Bangkok tourism - plan your next vacation to Bangkok using our comprehensive travel guide.
- Bangkok Temples and Attractions
- Bangkok Temples and Attractions - Grand Palace, Temples, Grand Palace, River Cruises.
- Bangkok City & Temples Tour
- Discover three of Bangkok's finest temples: Wat Trimitr, with its 900-year old solid gold Buddha, Wat Po, with its reclining Buddha and traditional massage ...
- Bangkok temples and wats in Thailand
- Temples Bangkok, guide to wats, temple and wat info for Bangkok Thailand.
- Wat Arun, Bangkok's Temple of Dawn
- Wat Arun, Bangkok's Temple of Dawn. ... A Small Pavilion, Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn, Bangkok · Wat Arun's Khmer-style Prang · Temple Details at Wat Arun, ...
- Bangkok Temples - Bangkok Wats - Bangkok, Thailand
- Perhaps the most beautiful of Bangkok's temples, Wat Benajambophit combines western religious influences (stained-glass windows! ...
- Bangkok Temples Tour including reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Bangkok Temples Tour including reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, per person. Season, Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008, Apr 01, 2008 to Mar 31, 2009 ...
- Travel Talk - Which Bangkok Temple to Visit Next?
- To post a message in "Which Bangkok Temple to Visit Next?", compose your text in the box below, then click on "Post My Message" (below). ...
- Temple of Great Relic (Wat Mahathat), Bangkok, temples in Bangkok ...
- AsiaRooms.com provides information about Temple of Great Relic (Wat Mahathat), Bangkok.
- Wat Arun - Bangkok's Temple of Dawn
- Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, by Supachai Panyaviwat Wat Arun is almost an icon - the symbol of Bangkok dating back to before this city was the capital of ...
- Travel Thailand - Bangkok temples pictures from thailand photos on ...
- Travel Thailand - Bangkok temples pictures published by rfna70.
- Bangkok Temples
- Bangkok Temples Bangkok Temples - the spiritual inside the modern. buddhadownaisle. Buddhas-ear_DSC0069. Form-on-Buddha_DSC0074. reclining-buddhaDSC_0075 ...
- Keyword Album: bangkok temples
- Keyword Album: bangkok temples. Size: 1 item. Temples & Monks. Album: Temples & Monks. Size: 64 items. Keywords: bangkok temples ...
Bangkok DVDs
Bangkok Girl : A Documentary about Thailand's Night Life
Amazon Price: $14.49 (as of 12/02/2008)
Lonely Planet Six Degrees Series 3: Bangkok
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
Global Treasures WAT ARUN Temple of the Dawn Bangkok, Thailand
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/02/2008)
Touring Travel to Bangkok Thailand from SuperCities
Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
Beautiful Thailand - Travel
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/02/2008)
Thai Food
Great Food - Low prices
Although there are many other nationalities restarants,I personally stick to Thai restaurants - there is such competition that almost all are great quality.
Hotels usually have both restaurants and coffee shops and the same kitchen serves both !
Want to Visit Bangkok ?
Try Booking here -
Orbitz will find great prices on flights and accomodation to Bangkok.
Dusit Thani
The hotel offers valet parking, conference and banqueting rooms for up to 1,600 persons, business centre, Devarana spa and fitness club, outdoor hexagon shape swimming pool, sauna, golf driving range,...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Jw Marriott
Public areas are a reflection of the high quality at this property. A wide range of services and facilites are offered including traditional Thai massage, sauna, world class jacuzzi, state of the art fitness...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Chateau de Bangkok Managed by Sofitel
Located in the growing business district of central Bangkok, this exclusive residence is situated near the embassies, the stock exchange, major department stores and within walking distance of Lumpini...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Asia Bangkok Hotel
The Asia Hotel Bangkok : is centrally located for easy access to all the business, shopping and popular attractions of Thailand's exciting capital city. The hotel is 30 kilometers from Don Muang International...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Hotel Ibis Huamark Bangkok
The Ibis Huamark is located in the Ramkhamheng precinct of north east Bangkok, just 30 kilometres from the airport and next door to one of the largest shopping malls in Bangkok. The Assumption University...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Ambassador Hotel Bangkok
Located on the main shopping area Sukhumvit. Easy access to elevated expressway for travel to Airport and other destinations in Thailand.
This Hotel has an excellent night market stle outdoor restaurant where you choose from food stalls - great fun !
*Rates found for: Nov 30 to Nov 30
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
President Park
Welcome to President Park Executive Serviced Apartments Situated in a verdant and tranquil oasis yet perfectly placed at the heart of Bangkok's business district, President Park Executive Serviced Apartments...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn
It has no facilities and no swimming pool. Another choice for budget travellers seeking budget accommodation in the heart of the Sukhumvit area. (03/05PC) A low rise yellow modern concrete building with...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Sawasdee Khaosan Inn
No swimming pool available. Other basic facilities include souvenir shop and counter tour. This is good budget hotel in Khao San road area with plenty of shops and entertainment outlets. Complimentary...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Meritus Suites State Tower
Other facilities are offered such as business center, fitness center, club lounge, launderette, swimming pool, poolside cafe as well as brasseries. Small meeting facilities of up to 80 pax is also...
*Rates found for: Oct 5 to Nov 4
- Pool
- Pets allowed
- Room Service
- Restaurant
- Fitness Room
Bangkok Blogs
- One Day in Bangkok
- Two other powerful factions?the Bangkok Police and the Army?have avoided entering the present conflict, though their reluctance to do so nonetheless has ...
- Cargo flights resume from Bangkok intl airport
- By Vithoon Amorn BANGKOK, Dec 2 (Reuters) - A cargo plane operated by K-Mile Air left Bangkok's besieged Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday, the first to take ...
- Thai airport blast kills activist
- A blast has killed at least one Thai anti-government protester and wounded 22 others at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport, emergency officials have said. ...
- Israelis stress while stranded in Bangkok
- By Tibor Krausz · December 1, 2008 BANGKOK (JTA) -- Shmulik Masa frowns and rolls his salad with a fork in a Jewish-run restaurant in this city's backpacker ...
Bangkok Photos
Claps
Waving
The crowds
Demo in the sunshine...
The speaker
One clapper
The poster
Tongue in cheek.
This is just my day...
"It's full of s...
A Star is Born.
Thanks for playing.
Heavy industry.
Tell me no secrets.
It's never too late.
"I am Pagliacci...
A thousand words.
Truly, I do.
Behind blue eyes.
On the warpath.
You can tell me.
Winner's Circle.
That's the kicker.
Wheee!
Rising sun.
Impressive fundament
Cheerleaders rehears...
The moon was smiling
Soldiers and an ange...
School sports day
Want to Discuss Bangkok ?
Ask other readers - or tell YOUR Bangkok experiences here !
GHouse wrote...
Hi!! Just come to see your nice lens. I did my lens too. It's about my hotel in hua hin Thailand. Hua Hin is a charming town of clean white sandy beach. If you come to Thailand, please visit us.
Posted November 23, 2008
SaraMu wrote...
I'm visiting Bangkok next week so this was very helpful. Thank you.
Posted October 25, 2008
Travelpartners4u wrote...
My roomate is from Thailand! I will show him this as I will add it to my favorites!
Matt
Posted March 09, 2008
Travelpartners4u wrote...
Nice lens here I Just started my 3rd lens with China Video on it check it out. I have my own online travel agency for all to book from www.squidoo.com/travelpartners4u
Thanks I give you 5 stars!
Matt F.
www.wizzardmarketingpro.com
Posted March 09, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Great lens and beautiful pictures. Welcome to All Things Travel!
Posted February 19, 2008
Current Weather
Current weather conditions in Bangkok, Thailand
Local Pollen Reports
23°C (Feels like 23°C)
Last update: 12/3/08 7:30 AM Local Time
Humidity: 78%Visibility: 6.0 km
Dew Point: 19°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1010.8mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 8km/h From: Airport Conditions
Today
Mostly Cloudy
High: 32°C
Low: 21°C
Sunrise: 6:27 AM
Sunset: 5:49 PM
Thursday
Dec 4
Partly Cloudy
High: 33°C
Low: 23°C
Sunrise: 6:27 AM
Sunset: 5:49 PM
Friday
Dec 5
Sunny
High: 32°C
Low: 21°C
Sunrise: 6:28 AM
Sunset: 5:50 PM
Saturday
Dec 6
Mostly Sunny
High: 31°C
Low: 20°C
Sunrise: 6:28 AM
Sunset: 5:50 PM
When NOT to visit Bangkok ...
This could (with global warming) change however and you should make enquiries through your airline about the weather.
***Bangkok smells rather a lot when it floods. ***
I've found that October is reliably sunny and not too hot.. Summer can be very humid and close.
