Bangkok
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ABOUT BANGKOK
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep for short,
is the capital of and largest city in Thailand, with an official year 2000
census population of 6,355,144. Bangkok is located on the east bank of
the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.
Bangkok is the 22nd most populous city in the world. Although Bangkok
now has roughly 7 million registered inhabitants, the actual population is much
higher, and including commuters from the surrounding areas, may reach an
estimated 15 million people during the day time, making the city one of the
most densely populated in the world. Recently, the value of Bangkok's economic
output has matched that of Singapore, making Bangkok a major economic
and financial center in Southeast Asia. Bangkok has one of the fastest
rates in the world for construction of high rise buildings. The city's wealth
of cultural sites makes it one of the world's most popular tourist
destinations.
The Bangkok Province borders 6 other provinces: Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon,
Chachoengsao, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom.
BANGKOK'S TOURISM
Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots and
is currently Asia's top tourist destination - the third in the world according
to Travel and Leisure magazine. The city boasts some of the country's most
visted historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the various
monuments and shopping malls. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's
historic sites such as the Rattanakosin area and river districts. Bangkok
is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign
tourists arrive in Bangkok. An estimated 15 million foreigners arrive in
Bangkok every year and many are lured back for a second visit due to the cheap
cost of living and the quality of services provided.
Wats and Palaces
The Wat Phra Kaew temple complexThe Bangkok Metropolitan Area is home to two
capitals of Thailand's history, the short reign of King Taksin after the fall
of Ayutthaya and the modern Bangkok, historically known as Rattanakosin. When
King Taksin led his troops out of Ayutthaya and into Thon Buri, they took
refuge in Wat Arun as the sun rose in the early morning. This pre-Thon Buri era
structure, rises to 85m and has held the status of tallest structure in Bangkok
for longer than any other modern skyscraper.
Further up and across the river is the Grand Palace, this building dates back to
1782 and has housed Bangkok's monarchs for over 150 years. Up to the early 20th
century and before the 1932 Revolution, the complex was key in Thai government:
it included royal courts, administrative branches and was similar in layout to
that of previous Thai capitals. Today, it is one of the most visited locations
in Bangkok and within the complex is the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall, a European
styled building with a traditional stucco Thai roof and Wat Phra Kaew, which
houses the Emerald Buddha and is often considered the most important temple in
Thailand.
Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a 19th century styled building with a
traditional Thai stucco roof, one of the marvels of the Grand PalaceAnother
famous palace is Vimanmek Royal Mansion, the world's largest building made
entirely of golden teak. Removed from Ko Sichang in Chonburi province, it was
rebuilt in the Dusit Palace in 1900 by the command of King Rama V. It was
recently renovated by HM Queen Sirikit, and made into a museum paying homage to
the late King. As well as antique furniture, the Palace houses glassware,
porcelain, old photographs and memorabilia from the late King's reign (1868 -
1910). Rooms are well maintained and are a good reminiscence of the past. Most
of the compound is now a museum with guided tours available.
There are a large number of palaces in Bangkok which some of them open to the
public and some of them become a part of the government buildings like:
-
Grand Palace, Bangkok - Official residence of the King of Thailand
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Chitralada Palace (New Palace) - Private residence of the Thai royal family
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Sukhothai Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family
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Srapratum Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal famil
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Nonthaburi Palace - Former private residence of the Thai royal family
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Chakri Bongkot Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family
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Le Dis Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family
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Dusit Palace - Private residence of the Thai royal family
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Vimanmek Palace (Vimanmek Mansion) - Former royal residence
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Suan Pakard Palace - Presently, as a museum
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Front Palace - Presently, as Bangkok National Museum
-
Wat Suthat - One of the oldest temples and the site of the original Giant Swing
ceremony
BANGKOK'S NIGHTLIFE
As with many large cities in developing countries, a large proportion of wealth
situated in one area causes that region to develop quickly. In the case of
Thailand, this area is Bangkok. Bangkok, like nearby Pattaya, is
notorious for some concentrations of massage parlours, go-go bars and karaoke
places, with Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza being the main areas catering
to tourists. There are, however, many places to find a relaxing spot and enjoy
one of Asia's most diverse cities. Bangkok offers a widely varied nightlife.
There are Westernized clubs and cafes for the rich, and lower-cost bars and
pubs that are very popular with the locals. The city's renowned district of
Phra Nakhon is home to one of the world's very first international streets-Khao
San Rd. A walking street, it allows visitors to see the diversity of the world
on one single road where East meets West. Sukhumvit Road boasts some of Asia's
most exclusive clubs and restaurants along the 5 km section between Ekamai and
Withayu, with a number of activities available for the city's thousands of
night owls.
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