Bangkok,or Krung Thep, is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. 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 Ayuthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom didn't 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.

• Famous for:
• The Grand Palace & temples
• Excellent shopping – department stores, night markets and local markets
• Floating Markets (just outside of Bangkok)
• Night life – restaurants, bars, markets
• Chao Phraya river and river life
• Tuk Tuks

• Climate:

Season	Months	Aveg Temp (Celcius)
Cool	Nov - Feb	25 - 28
Hot	March - June	29 - 30
Green	July - Oct	27 - 29

 

• 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. (see Getting Around for more information).

  
  

• In Thailand:

• Thai Airways International flies to Bangkok from most major cities in Thailand, as does Bangkok Airways. New competition in the form of budget airlines, now offers Air Asia, One-Two-Go, Orient Thai and Nok Air.
• Bus and train routes are available from most major destinations, from the North, South, East and West into Bangkok.

There are so many wonderful things to do in Bangkok, here are some suggestions to entice you!

The Grand Palace – Built in 1782, this is a square mile of royal temples, palaces and pavilions, all shimmering in gold leaf, porcelain and glass.  The Emerald Buddha, most sacred religious figure in all of Thailand, is housed here.
Lunch or Dinner Cruise Enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on a rice barge or river cruiser.  Eat your meal whilst drifting down the river, passing Bangkok life by! www.manohracruises.com www.mekhala.com
Shopping – at the day markets, in the department stores or at the night markets is great value.  Everything from designer clothes and accessories to traditional handicrafts or local cuisine is available … it’s hard to find better variety and value anywhere else.
Klong Tour – Hire a long-tail boat or join a tour and zoom down the canals of the Chao Phraya River.  See how Thai people live on the river, using the water for their daily uses, including washing their clothes, themselves and dishes.  Visit the local markets and temples and immerse yourself in real Bangkok river life.
There are over 400 temples in Bangkok with three MUST SEES.  1. The Grand Palace 2. Wat Arun 3. Wat Pho These are three of the best in Bangkok.
Jim Thompson’s House – a collection of traditional teak-wood houses, previously belonging to silk-magnate, Jim Thompson.  Due to his entrepreneurial efforts after World War II, the Thai silk industry is now world-famous.  On display are his small but unique Asian art collection and personal belongings.
Floating Markets – located 90 minutes outside of Bangkok, Damnuern Saduak is one of the few sites where goods are still sold from boat to boat.  Colourful fruit and vegetables, meat, spices and fresh flowers are sold from merchant to merchant, as well as to the many tourists.
Cooking Lessons - learn the authentic way to cook one of the most popular cuisines in the world!  There are a number of different courses to choose from, with options to go to the markets and buy fresh ingredients, or have everything prepared when you get there.  Highly recommended is Baipai Cooking School. www.baipai.com
Eat and drink! There are so many wonderful restaurants and bars to visit.  Some special ones are: Restaurants Sirocco (lebua hotel pictured) Vertigo (Banyan Tree), FACE, Anna's Cafe, The Mango Tree Bars Bed Supper Club, Q-Bar, Moon Bar (Banyan Tree), Three Sixty (Hilton Millennium)	Sirocco - State Tower, lebua Hotel
See Worldclass Spectacular Siam Niramit - this cultural extravaganza should not be missed!  150 performers, 500 costumes, the world's tallest stage, elephants, waterfalls, you name it!! www.siamniramit.com

TRAVEL TIPS

Skytrain, Subway & Tuk Tuk – be sure to travel around Bangkok by the Bangkok Transit System or Sky Train.  This monorail is very easy to use, convenient, fast, air-conditioned and cheap.  Information centres with English-speaking staff are available at every station.  A one-day tourist pass is Baht 120 (approx A$4.00).  The newest form of public transport is the subway, which opened in 2004.  For those more adventurous travellers, a ride on a tuk tuk is a must – just remember to hold on!

For a skytrain map, click here