|
Touristically, Thailand divides itself into
Bangkok & The Central Plains, the North, the Northeast,
the East, and the Southern Beach Resorts. Pure leisure seekers
may simply combine a few days in Bangkok with the reminder
of their time at one of the many beaches. Others may wish
to include an extension to the North and the Golden Triangle;
explore the ancient cities of follow the tragic history of
the Thai Burma railway, and the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi
province.
One excellent choice is to take an "Around
Thailand" inclusive tour arranged by a reputable local
travel agency. With several itineraries to choose from, a
typical tour lasts five to ten days, uses various means of
transportation, and is led by a qualified tour guide. This
comfortable and well organized option provides the visitor
with a condensed and fascinating glimpse of Thailand's history
and culture.
Three nights is considered the minimum time
need to see and appreciate the Thai capital's myriad attractions
including its many temples, palaces, museums and markets.
Serious travelers can spend a week or more exploring many
other little-visited corners of the city. A whole day for
example can easily be spent on the river.
PLACES
WORTH TO VISIT AROUND BANGKOK!
Click Here
Bangkok
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kae
This Bangkok landmark, which features some
of the most spectacular architecture in Southeast Asia, should
be the first place on a visitor's itinerary. Its huge compound
on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang is surrounded by high
white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile.
The palace, begun in 1782, consists of several
buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The
magnificent Royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same
compound, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha
image in Thailand.
Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion
located behind Bangkok's National Assembly,
this is the world's largest building made entirely of golden
teak. The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and
anterooms, excluding terraces and verandas. Other building
in the same compound also display various items and art objects:
for example, H.M. King Bhumibol's photography, H.M. Queen
Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by
rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks,
ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Located near Chitralada Palace, this exquisite
temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The
best time to visit is early in the morning when Buddhist monks
are chanting in side the chapel.
The interior of the main building is magnificently
decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection
of bronze Buddha images lines the walls of the spacious, inner
courtyard.
Wat Suthat
Located on Bamrung Muang Road next to the
Giant Swing, this temple took 27 years to build. It is best
known for its exquisite murals in the main building which
date from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) and the collection
of gilded Buddha images in the Viharn. The surrounding shops
selling many items of worship add nicely to the overall ambience.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya
River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road
or by crossing the river by boat from ha Tien Pier, near Wat
Pho.
Its highlight is the 79-metre high pagoda
or " Pra Prang" Despite its name, "Temple of
the Dawn" is at its most attractive when viewed at sunset
from the Bangkok side of the river.
Wat Pho
This famous attraction, located next to the
Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples.
Wat Pho was conceived by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago
as a source of public education, providing information on
subjects such as literature, archaeology, astrology and medicine,
and is therefore sometimes referred to as "Thailand's
first University". The chapel houses a huge gold-plated
Reclining Buddha, 15 metres high and 46 metres long, with
beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles depicting the 108
auspicious signs of thee Buddha.
Jim Thompson's Thai House
This remarkable Thai-style house was the
work of Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at
the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk
industry. The beautifully appointed house, now a museum, is
filled with rare Asian antiques. It is located at the National
Stadium where can be easily reached by the Skytrain.
|
