Bangkok
Bangkok , the capital city of Thailand, was founded in 1782 by the
first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. Nearly 15 million
people live in and around Bangkok accounting for approximately
one fifth of the total population of Thailand. Thailand was not
colonized by western powers, so its distinct culture is still well
preserved. Within Bangkok, there are hundreds of Buddhist temples,
beautiful palaces and modern amenities like shopping malls, the
incredible Chao Phraya River and many more attractions. Bangkok
is Thailand’s political, commercial, cultural, and spiritual centre.
Grand Palace
All Thailand tours to Bangkok should visit the Grand Palace. The
Grand Palace consists of three main buildings: the Amarin Vinitch
Throne Hall, the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace, and the Chakri Maha
Prasat Palace. The Amarin Vinitch Throne Hall was originally a
Hall of Justice.
Now it is used for coronation ceremonies. The Dusit Maha Prasat
Palace was first used as a venue for royal audiences but now it has been turned into a Royal Funerary. The Chakri Maha Prasat Palace is not open for public tours. It is used for royal banquets to honour visiting heads of state.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaeo (or “the Temple of the Emerald Buddha”) is a royal
chapel that contains the 14th century jade statue called the Emerald
Buddha. The relic is said to have been formed when a lightning bolt
struck a chedi in Chiang Rai, around 1434. It was later discovered
that the nose had a crack and the interior was green. In 1778, King
Rama I brought the Emerald Buddha to Bangkok. Each year, the
reigning king gives it three different seasonal ceremonies: one for
summer, one for winter, and one for spring.
Floating Market
The floating market in Bangkok provides an entertaining experience
of local life. The small canals (called klongs) are crowded with flat
boats full of fruits and vegetables, fresh coconuts and even cooked
specialties in flat boat kitchens. Thailand vacation packages usually
include a trip to this vibrant marketplace.
Canal Banks
The canal banks of Bangkok are truly an amazing experience for
Thailand travellers. On the journey, visitors can watch local people
busy with daily activities. The Saen Saeb Canal is the longest canal
in Bangkok and connects the Chao Phraya River to the Bang
Prakong River.
Rose Garden
Suan Sam Phran (also known as “the Rose Garden”) consists of 30
hectares of beautifully designed and well-crafted gardens and a lake.
In the Rose Garden, Thai tourists can experience local restaurants,
Thai boxing, sword fighting, an elephant show and various cultural
shows. There are also many areas to have a quiet picnic. The Rose
Garden is a perfect day excursion from Bangkok’s busy city life.