bangkok is situated in central thailand
on the chao praya river delta starting
life is a small trading post in the 15th
century today the thai capital is home
to over 8 million people and is a
southeast asian financial and political
powerhouse
tropical bangkok enjoys one of the
world's steamiest climates
it's also one of the world's hottest
travel destinations
judged on criteria like culture
attractions cuisine shopping and value
for money
bangkok repeatedly wins the highest
travel awards for world's best city
bangkok is a kaleidoscope of contrasts
that charms and assaults the senses
simultaneously
and it's these contrasts between the old
and the new the energetic and the serene
that keep travellers coming back
bangkok is also known as krungthep
the city of angels
first timers confronted with this steamy
sprawling metropolis
might wonder where all the angels are
but they're here
watch the gentle gestures of the people
and you'll begin to understand
at the city's heart lie its river and
canals
climb aboard a long tail boat to
experience the city from the cool of its
waters
then hop off at one of the many temples
which line the river
one of the most important is wat po home
of the reclining buddha
be sure to admire the statue's feet
inlaid with 108 mother of pearl symbols
which symbolize the buddha
then drop coins into the 108 bronze
bowls for blessings and good fortune
the thai attention to detail you'll see
in the temples spills out into bangkok's
daily life
each year during the festival of
loikerthong thais gather to create
incredibly decorative offerings for the
water spirits
releasing these offerings represents the
letting go of anger and negative
thoughts perhaps that's what keeps
bangkok's locals so calm and
good-natured even when the monsoonal
waters occasionally rise
thailand is a country of great
traditions
even the simplest acts are done with
skill and grace especially its culinary
arts
from the five star to the funky there
are over 50 000 places to eat in bangkok
but if you're a foodie in search of
paradise you'll find it on bangkok
streets
many travelers come to bangkok just for
the street food and it's a bargain
and while some come to eat others come
to shop
at times it seems the entire city is one
gigantic street market
from fabrics to spices handicrafts to
clothing
bangkok is a shopaholic heaven
central to the thai mindset is the word
sanuk which means fun
thai nightlife is legendary
for a great night out head to khaosan
road for over 20 years khao san road has
been a major backpackers hub
a great place to pick up vacation tips
and to party with travelers from all
over the globe
while bangkok is a complete destination
in itself other treasures lie just
beyond the city
an hour's journey to the north lies the
ancient thai capital of ayutthaya
rent a bicycle and spend a day exploring
the network of ruins of this once great
city
for a completely different experience
head south and explore the nightlife in
the seaside resort town of pattaya
bangkok is just a short flight away from
some of the world's best beach island
jungle and cultural destinations
but don't just stop over or pass through
do as the angels do and stay a while in
bangkok
you