Bangkok

BANGKOK, official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is the capital of Thailand and, with a population of approx. eleven million inhabitants, by far its largest city. Its high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense heat may not immediately give you the best impression. But don't let that mislead you. It is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone. The city occupies 1,569 square kilometers (606 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River Delta in Central Thailand. The population of Bangkok City is 10,7 million, resp. 16,2 million for the whole Bangkok Metropolitan area. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire. Bangkok's rapid growth coupled with little urban planning has resulted in a haphazard cityscape and inadequate infrastructure. Despite an extensive expressway network, an inadequate road network and substantial private car usage have led to chronic and crippling traffic congestion, which caused severe air pollution in the 1990s. The city has since turned to public transport in an attempt to solve the problem, operating five rapid transit lines and building other public transit, but congestion still remains a prevalent issue. The city faces long-term environmental threats such as land subsidence, which contributes to frequent flooding, an issue expected to be exacerbated by sea level rise and other effects of climate change.

HISTORY. Bangkok traces its roots to a small trading post at the banks of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, which eventually grew and became the site of two capital cities, first Thonburi in 1768 and then Rattanakosin in 1782 by King Rama I, the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. This after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders. Since then, Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam, later renamed Thailand, during the late 19th century, as the country faced pressures from the West. The city was at the center of Thailand's political struggles throughout the 20th century, as the country abolished absolute monarchy, adopted constitutional rule, and underwent numerous coups and several uprisings. The city, incorporated as a special administrative area under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Bangkok grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s and now exerts a significant impact on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society. The Asian investment boom in the 1980s and 1990s led many multinational corporations to locate their regional headquarters in Bangkok. The city is now a regional force in finance and business. It is an international hub for transport and health care, and has emerged as a center for the arts, fashion, and entertainment. The city is known for its street life and cultural landmarks, as well as its red-light districts. The Grand Palace and Buddhist temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho stand in contrast with other tourist attractions such as the nightlife scenes. Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations, and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

GETTING THERE. Bangkok is served by two airports, Souvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport is used by all major international and domestic airlines except for Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, which mainly use the old Don Muang Airport. Both these airports are about 30 km from the city center. If you arrive at one of these and have a flight within a few hours from the other, then there is a free shuttle bus service which uses the tollways. You need to show your ticket to get on board. Souvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is located 30 km to the east of Bangkok in Samut Prakan Province and one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. It is used for almost all international and domestic flights to Bangkok. There are plenty of ways to get into the city from the airport. Many people opt for the Airport Rail Link, by far the fastest way to get into downtown (not recommended if you have big luggage), although taxis are also reasonably priced by world standards. Some bus services are available as well. Don Muang Airport (DMK) is located 30 km north of downtown and was Bangkok's main airport until 2006. The airport handles mainly international and domestic flights by Air Asia, but also domestic flights by Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and a few others. The main mode of transport from Don Muang to the city are taxis. A bus service is available as well. Across a covered overpass from the airport is Don Muang Train Station. Most trains from Bangkok to the north and northeast of the country (or v. v.) will stop here. Beside travel by air inside Thailand there are bus services in all categories to all provinces. There are 3 major bus stations. The largest, busiest, and most modern terminal is the Northern Bus Terminal (also known as Mo Chit). It serves mainly the northern region (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Lampang etc.) and northeastern region (Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani etc.) of Thailand. Eastern Bus Terminal (also known as Ekamai) is located in Sukhumvit Road and serves destinations in Eastern Thailand, such as Pattaya, Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat. Then there's the Southern Bus Terminal (also known as Dai Tai Mai), that serves all destinations west and south of Bangkok from its location on the Thonburi side of the river. Long-distance buses leave from here to destinations throughout Western Thailand, such as Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, as well to Southern Thailand incl. Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani (Koh Samui) and Hat Yai. The State Railway of Thailand serves Bangkok with railway lines from all four directions of Thailand. Bang Sue Grand Station is the new main train station of the capital. All major provinces in the north, northeast, east, west and south are served. Trains are still slower than buses, anyhow many tourists still prefer this mode of transport. For long distance there are night trains with 1st and 2nd class sleeper available and tickets can be booked 60 days in advance.

ATTRACTIONS. Bangkok is everything you'd expect from the capital of Thailand: it's noisy, crowded, colorful, exciting, infuriating, and smile-inducing. There are temples, ancient sites, and other attractions to be visited, as well as modern shopping malls that have a kitschy yet high-end ambience. Bangkok can be overwhelming, but it's also a fascinating city that represents Southeast Asia's tension between the developed and developing worlds. For major tourist attractions in Bangkok, most of them are historical sites or religious sites such as temples. Most famous and visited are Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn on the banks of the Chao Phraya River). But there is also some beautiful architecture, wall painting and important in history at Wat Sra Ket, Phra Bor Banphot (Golden Mountain), Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Bowonniwet etc. Not to forget Erawan Shrine, the site for prayer and traditional Thai Dance. But the Thai capital is not short of other interesting places such as museums (National Museum, Jim Thompson House etc.), parks (the biffest one is Lumpini Park), palaces, as well as various shopping centers. Last but not least you should not miss the bustling and colorful markets like Chattuchak Weekend Market, Sampeng Market, Yaowarat (Chinatown) and Phahurat night market. Get some snacks from the street food stalls is also a must. Another great way to see the Chao Phraya River and the original canals of the city is by a canal tour. Most of these special boat trips start at the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya and head through the backwaters of Thonburi, taking in Wat Arun, the Royal Barges National Museum and a floating market. About Festivals. All of Thailand's major festivals, such as Songkran (12-15 April) and Loy Krathong (November) are also celebrated in Bangkok. Others are the Chinese New Year Festival (January/February), the Royal Ploughin Ceremony (May), Vegetarian Festival (September/October) and Trooping of the Colors (December).