Approximate flight times: From New York: 17 hrs. From Chicago: 10:30 p.m. From Los Angeles: 7:25 p.m.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, forget about the alarm clock. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is very close to second. The city was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the current Chakri dynasty. Today it is the spiritual, commercial and educational center of the country, home to approximately ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai population.
City of contrasts and confusion.
Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai, meaning “city of angels”) is an exciting high-energy melting pot between East and West. A dynamic city that has embraced technology and modern life with its busy highways, daring skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. Yet underneath it all, it remains a traditional haven of time-honored culture, history and customs, where the elderly are respected and family always comes first.
As you travel from the airport, you will see many examples of modern architecture dotting the city’s landscape, and proudly among them are gleaming Buddhist Wats (temples) such as Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Winding through the concrete jungle, you’ll see the echoes of “old Bangkok” below you: ancient canals and waterways that are well worth exploring on a boat trip.
All Thai homes and buildings, even the most modern, have a traditional spiritual house built outside for good fortune and to honor the spirit of the land. Each day, small offerings of fruit and water are placed, often with garlands of orchids. If you’re an early riser and want to make the most of your vacation time in Bangkok, don’t be surprised to see saffron-robed Buddhist monks doing their morning rounds of “alms” accepting food and donations from local people, young and old.
Some like the heat, but not all the time.
Thailand has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of around 75 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack light clothing for your trip. Natural fibers are often more comfortable when walking and on tour in hot weather. Virtually wherever you go in Bangkok, you will find some relief from the heat, with blasts of cold air conditioning in shops and hotels.
March to May is the hottest time, with the highest temperatures and humidity. June to October is the monsoon season, so remember to bring an umbrella. From November to February it is cooler and less humid. Keep in mind that the monsoon season varies across the country and can affect the weather you experience.
Hotels in Bangkok for all budgets.
You will find all types of accommodation, from luxurious 5-star international names to smaller hostels preferred by backpackers. Book online and see what special rates you can find. Websites like http://www.hotel.com.au/bangkok have more than 100 hotels in Thailand, ranging from the natural peace and luxury of The Sukhothai on South Sathorn Road, to business hotels in busy downtown Bangkok and Hard Rock. Hotel on Pattaya Beach, Bangkok’s favorite seaside resort.
Getting around is easier.
One of the first words you will learn in Bangkok is “Rot tip” or “rot tit”, which literally means “cars that stick”, in other words, traffic jam. But Bangkok’s cosmopolitan transportation system has vastly improved traffic jams and everyday traffic jams.
Now you can travel by subway, the Hua Lamphong – Bang Sue line has 18 stations along the 12-mile route. It is fast, quiet and modern.
Get on a BTS skytrain. BTS air trains run on the roads of Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin. The routes connect major Bangkok hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong, and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Of course, you can’t go to Bangkok without a tuk-tuk ride. These fast outdoor three-wheeled motorized taxis are popular for short trips. Rates need to be negotiated in advance, it’s part of the fun.
The 5 highlights you must see.
The Grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace grounds to get a feel for this grand architecture. Since the founding of Bangkok as the capital of nations by King Rama I, the Grand Palace has been the main architectural symbol of the Thai Royal Family. The Royal Family actually reside in the Chitralada Palace, while the Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
Wat Pho: possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, medical science and is a traditional massage training and meditation center. Give yourself a massage while you are here, at a very fair price.
Chatuchak Weekend Market – With over 9,000 shops and stalls, you’ll be tempted time and time again. Close to everything for sale in Bangkok is here, including antiques, Buddha amulets, handicrafts, clothing, flowers, and furniture. (You will notice that some maps write it “Jatuchak”. Many English words have multiple spellings, so if in doubt, ask the hotel concierge to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)
Vimanmek Mansion Museum – The largest golden teak building in the world located in the grounds of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-story royal mansion has 81 rooms, corridors, and antechambers containing unique memorabilia.
Jim Thompson House – This exquisite Thai house and buildings stand as a museum for the man who revived the Thai silk industry after WWII. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is world renowned for its sparkling fabrics, home accessories and fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle that mimics the untidy beauty of nature in the center of the city.
Shopping till you drop!
Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two streets. You’ll find dozens of upscale shopping malls, markets, and retail stores throughout the city. The most popular are around the Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong, Sukhumvit Rd and Silom-Surawong-Patpong area, including the fantastic Patpong Night Market where you can shop for your Thai souvenirs, fashion and crafts. Don’t be shy about trading the market (okay) as your dollar can be of great help.
Rocks of Bangkok.
Bangkok does not have a single area for nightlife, it has several. Bars are scattered throughout the city in places like Patpong, Silom Soi 2 and 4, Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 33, among others.
One of the newer venues is called “Bed” and it is an extraordinary space age design lounge in trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11. The Bed Supper Club is a “dinner in bed” experience. It is best described as a unique combination of luxury restaurant, club, art gallery, theater and stage fused into one.
Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
If you need another good reason to visit “The Land of Smiles”, this is it. This year marks the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty. The King has reigned for nearly 60 years, making him not only the longest reigning Thai monarch, but also the longest reigning King in the world today.
A once in a lifetime show.
In true Thai style, the Bangkok celebrations promise to be a spectacular tribute to the Royal Family, full of color, pomp and ceremony. One of the highlights is the Royal Barge Procession from June 12-13, 2006. It will be an international event with twenty-eight monarchs from around the world in attendance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors, as the Procession is only held to mark important historical events such as Her Majesty’s ascension to the throne.
A river of splendor.
Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Phraya, will become the ideal place. Imagine a real army stretching as far as the eye can see. A flotilla of superbly carved royal barges slowly sails into view, manned by the Royal Thai Navy dressed in ancient ceremonial uniforms. Each sailor paddles in perfect unison, perfected through months of intense practice. If you plan to be in Bangkok in June, drop the bargains for a few hours and be part of the adoring crowd, and bring your camera.
By the way, two major dress rehearsals are planned for June 6 and 9, so if you can’t make it to the actual event, this is as close as you can get.
Thailand has a well-deserved reputation as “The Land of Smiles”. You will receive a warm welcome and feel the genuine friendliness of the locals. One thing is for sure, the memories of a vacation here will stay with you for a lifetime.