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| Bangkok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Walking inside the Grand Palace Walking inside the Grand Palace Adriana Selage Thailand's capital city is a fantastic place to visit. It is the travel hub for the whole Southeast Asian region. Most people come back and forth if they visit the different regions of Thailand, for example Chiang mai, Koh Samui or Phuket or Trang. Its bad reputation for long traffic jams and pollution is no longer justified. At the end of 2000, the new BTS Sky Train went into service and new roads have been built. To get around there is also now the MRT metro (underground railway), which serves a number of locations in the centre of the city. Tuk Tuk is an other way of transportation (taxi), it is an open air ride, however the polution is very high and the weather is very hot and humid it is not recommented to ride with it. It will be a noisy ride also inhale all gas from cars in front of you.. In comparison to other mega-cities, Bangkok is also a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. In the 'City of Angels', you’ll soon find out that walking, instead of taking a taxi or bus, is often the quickest option. Another good option is the water-taxi (catch it at the end of the Silom sky train line at Saphan Taksin). Besides the fact that it is an experience in itself -defy the polluted canals with the wind in your hair and see the back part of life in Bangkok, many of the city’s attractions are near to the various stops along the river. Make a stop at the Temple of Dawn and tour the klongs in order to find the floating market (sorry to disappoint you, but it has been transferred to solid ground) or just get off nearby Kao San Road. There are three monkeys and a gorilla in the haystack. Despite the fact that most of them are located in the center of the thriving modern metropolis, Bangkok's sights, temples belong to the finest ones in Asia. The most spectacular are located on the same compound: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The rooflines and spires are extravagant, ornamented richly and will probably leave you dazzled at the spot...and this is only one compound away from Bangkok's Chinatown. Other sights in Bangkok include the National Museum (a great introduction to the county’s history and artifacts), the Red Cross Snake Farm (to watch venomous snakes being milked) and the Weekend Market near Chatuchak Park (there’s a little bit of everything, including giant dead roaches neatly arranged for sale in the food section). Also worth a visit is the Suan Lum Night Market at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. It is right next to Lumpini MRT station. The Jim Thompson’s House brings alive the era of a U.S. citizen who was almost solely responsible for reintroducing Thailand’s silk-weaving industry. His home is a tribute to Thai art and architecture. Bangkok offers also an amazing nightlife with bars, discos, live music and even Latin Salsa is becoming popular. A lot is said about and done in Patpong, Bangkok's red-light district. It's not particularly different from red-light districts elsewhere. At night-time, Patpong's brightly and colorfully lit streets are packed with people who parade along the clubs lining the streets —some of which might even shock the most worldly visitors. Maybe there is already enough excitement for you going on Kao San Road and its neighboring area. This is the street to go when you're looking for cheap accommodation, small restaurants and fellow travelers full of good stories (of which one might give you a treasure-map of one of the unknown deserted islands just off the coast...) If you want to get a personal advice how to get the best out of your one day Bangkok visit, check out the "A perfect day..." section. By the way, do you know the real name of Bangkok? It's Krungthep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit. The english translation would be something like: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna ________Sights Edit This Wat Phra Keow Wat Phra Keow Jost Wagner There is so much to see in Bangkok that you can easily spend a week in this city to visit all the interesting sights in and around Bangkok. Bangkok's temples, despite being in the center of a busy metropolis, are some of the finest in all of Asia. The museums in Bangkok are mostly devoted to Thai art and architecture, but the National Gallery is a place to view art from other countries. Be sure to see the National Museum and the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, as well as the Shed of the Royal Barges—a one-of-a-kind experience. Display all or display just: Galleries Hotspots Landmarks Museums Parks, Gardens and Zoo's Temples Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Sight] Grand Palace Edit This The Grand Palace (actually the palace consists of four separate buildings) is incorporated into the grounds of Wat Phra Kaew. The Royal Thai Decoration and Coin Pavilion is the only part open to the public, but it is nice to stroll around. Admission to the temple & the Royal Palace is 200Bht. This includes entry to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall as well. Do not forget to wear long trousers and no topless shirts. Opening hours from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.affiliate.viator.com Wat Arun Edit This Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the temple can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road or by boat from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. The most attractive structure is the 79 metre high pagoda, which is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-coloured porcelain. It is also called the ‘Temple of Dawn’, and the most beautiful view of it is from the east side of the river at sunset. To get there, take a ferry from the pier at Thanon Thai or at the end of Thanon Na Phra (near Grand Palace). Costs: 1 Baht. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Phra Kaeo Edit This Grand Palace Grand Palace photo by: www.fargotravel.com Wat Phra Kaeo , relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] openingHours: 9am-11pm Wat Benchamabophit Edit This The temple was built in 1899 by King Rama V and houses the Buddha image, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered one of the most beautiful images in Thailand. The so-called Marble Temple is located on Sri Ayuttaya Rd, near the King's official residence at Chitrlada Palace. The temple got its name from the Carrera marble used in its construction. The temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm and admission is 10 Baht. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] National Gallery Edit This The National Gallery is located near the National Theatre. It is quite interesting to see the mixing of western and Thai art, but to visit the gallery is rather recommended for art fans. Ocasionally there are special exhibitions. Call 02) 2812224 for more information, Admission: 30 Baht type: Galleries World66 rating: [rate it] address: kbjkjlh openinghours: Wed-Sun 9am-4pm email: meir12@012.net.il openings: 098u tel: i-i00-i= zipcode: 0i9[i[0 url: -0890u09u National Museum Edit This The National Museum located at Sanam Luang contains the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country, from Neolithic times to the present. It is open only from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission: 40 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for Thais. Phone 224-1333. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 4 Na Prathat Rd openinghours: 9 am - 12 am, 1 - 4 pm National Gallery Edit This A few minutes walk away from the National Museum, the Gallery exhibits both contemporary and classical art from Asian and other schools. Wednesday-Sunday 8 am-4 pm. Small admission fee. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] address: 4, Chao Fa Rd. openinghours: 8 am - 4 pm Erawan Shrine Edit This Located on Ratchadamri Road next to the Grand Hyatt Erewan hotel, the shrine devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu god, is greatly revered by people. Laced flowers and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to the statue by grateful devotees. Come in the evening to experience this amazing mixture of cultures. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] The City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Muang) Edit This The graceful, temple-like structure houses a wooden pillar placed there by King Rama I in 1782 as the foundation stone for the new capital of Bangkok. The shrine is across the street from Wat Phra Kaeo. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Patpong Edit This Much is made of Patpong, the red-light district. Not much goes on there that doesn't occur in other countries, but, rightly or wrongly, people feel safe on the bustling, brightly lit streets in the area. It doesn't really feel sleazy at all, unless you actually go into the clubs lining the streets--some of which might shock even the most worldly of visitors. If explicit, sex-oriented shows offend you, don't go into the clubs. Prurient considerations aside, you might stroll into the area just to see the busy night market. It starts at 7 pm. If you come around one or two hours more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Benchasiri Park Edit This type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] Lumphini Park Edit This Bangkok's foremost park offers profuse exotic greenery to shade you from the afternoon heat. Try to visit in the early morning (around 6 am) to see locals practicing tai chi, singing and ballroom dancing. The park houses a jogging track and two lakes with rowboat rentals (40 baht per hour). type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] Safari World Edit This Safari World is a genuine safari park, populated by a variety of African animals including giraffes, lions, rhinos, etc. It's great value at only 100 Baht per head, you just drive yourself around in your own car. There's also a bus that can take you around if you're carless. Phone: 518 1000-19. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] Jim Thompson's House Edit This Jim Thompson's House is one of the best-preserved examples of the traditional Thai house in the city. Once home to the American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, this remarkable house museum accommodates Thompson's vast collection of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region. Jim Thompson's House is located alongside Saen Saeb Canal on Soi Kasem San 2, off Rama I Road. Opening hours are 9.00 am to 4.30 pm daily except Sundays. Photography is not allowed in the house. The admission fee is 100 baht. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Democracy Monument Edit This The democracy monument on the busy Ratchadamnern Road was built in 1940. It was constructed to commemorate the establishment of the constitutional monarchy in Thailand. Most days associate the monument rather with the events of 1992 when scores of Thais were killed as they protested against the dictatorship of General Suchinda. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Rose Garden Edit This Elephant Show Elephant Show photo by: Fely Solito This beautifully landscaped resort with orchid and rose gardens, aviaries and a re-created Thai village is located about 1 hour or 32 km west of Bangkok. There's a spectacular one-hour cultural show with all the Thai trimmings — dance, martial arts (sepak takraw exhibition!), religious ceremonies and spectacular elephant tricks. Admission: about 200 baht. For more information call (02)253-0295. type: Hotspots World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: 8 am-6 pm Vimanmek Teak Mansion Edit This The world's largest teak building, built by King Rama V in the late 1800s as a summer palace on the island of Ko Si Chang. It was moved to its present location in 1910. With 100 rooms, it's a fine tribute to Thai architecture and art and is filled with priceless antiques and paintings. type: Museums World66 rating: [rate it] Lak Muang Edit This This small temple located at Sanam Chai Raod on the east side of the Grand Palace, contains the foundation stone of the city. Lak Muang rather attracts a local crowd who believes the stone has the power to grant wishes. If you're lucky, you may see traditional lakhon dancing in the nearby open-air sala. The dancers have been paid by the faithful whose wishes have been granted by the foundation spirit. Open 24 hours. No admission. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Shed of the Royal Barges Edit This North of the Grand Palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Shed houses gilded vessels once used for war and currently used by the king for ceremonies of religious importance. Similar to ancient Viking boats but more ornate, these royal yachts are a spectacle even on land. Klong (canal) tours often stop there. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Chinatown Edit This Chinatown is located east of Hualampong Station, and is not a bad place to wander around for a couple of hours Like most Chinatowns, there are plenty of temples and traditional-style Chinese shop-houses, with different areas specialising in different things, for example, shoes and gold. If you pass through Chinatown in the night, it looks totally deserted. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] The Golden Mount Edit This The golden Mount is actually located near the Democracy Monument and next to the Western final stop of the Klong (Canal) Boat connecting East Bangkok with the west of the city. Admission to the sight is about 50 Bht, but locals pay less. This 80-meter tall artificial hill, also known as Phu Khao Thong, features an impressive golden chedi at its summit and is part of Wat Saket. Walking up the more than 318 stairs to the top takes can be quite tiring, but the view on Bangkok is definitely worth the effort. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Victory Monument Edit This This monument is located at one of the most busiest intersection in Bangkok. It is rather an orientation point for Non-Bangkokians (but do not pronounce the name in Thai, if you have problems with tonal languages - it is very difficult!). The monument was built at the conclusion of the Indo-Chinese War of 1940-1, when Thailand reclaimed parts of Laos and Cambodia. The monument commemorates Thailand's general militaristic achievements. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Traimit Edit This Located at the end of Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road near the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lam Phong), this temple is known for its famous Golden Buddha. The beautiful image of solid gold is three metres high and weighs five and a half tons. The temple is open everyday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Saket Edit This Wat Saket’s major feature is the Golden Mount, dating from the 1800. It is an artificial hill topped by a gilded pagoda which is 260 feet in height from its base. Begun by King Rama III and completed in the reign of King Rama IV, the golden mount is one of the most celebrated landmarks in Bangkok’s old area and offers a panoramic city view from the top. It costs 5 Baht to get to the top. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Maha Uma Devi Temple Edit This This small Hindu temple is located at the corner of Thanon Silom (Silom Road) and Thanon Pan. It contains three main deities: Ganesh, Uma Devi and Khanthakumara. For people who have not been to India or Malaysia it might be interesting to check out. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Pho Edit This Wat Phi is located south of Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace. It is the oldest and biggest temple in Bangkok. The temple dates back to the 16th century, but it was completely rebuilt in 1782. Wat Pho is famous for its Reclining Buddha, the largest in Thailand at 46m long and 15m high. The image is covered with gold leaf, while the soles of the image are inlaid with mother-of-pearl designs depicting the 108 auspicious signs by which a Buddha can be recognised. Located within the grounds are the headquarters for the teaching of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage. Visitors can more.. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] Wat Suthat Edit This Located a mile east of the Grand Palace, this temple from the mid 1800s is an interesting blend of Thai and Chinese architecture. It houses some lovely Buddhist relics and ornate murals. Admission: 10 Baht. type: Temples World66 rating: [rate it] address: Tri Thong and Bam Rung Muang Roads openinghours: Daily 9 am-5 pm Queen Sirikit Park Edit This type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] Dusit Zoo Edit This type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] King Rama IX Royal Park Edit This type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] Princess Mother Memorial Park Edit This type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] King Rama IX Royal Park Edit This Set on 200 acres/80 hectares, this park was opened to commemorate the current king's 60th birthday. It has botanical gardens and great spots for picnicking. Lying 15 mi/24 km outside the city center, it's a bit inconvenient but worth the drive if you're yearning for cleaner air, and it's far less crowded than Lumpini, Chatuchak or Sanam Luang Parks. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] address: Soi Udomsuk, Sukhumvit Soi 23 openinghours: 6 am - 6 pm Chatuchak Park Edit This Next to Chatuchak weekend market and close to the Northern Bus Terminal is Chatuchak Park. This huge expanse of landscaped grounds, with a jogging track and a large lake where you can rent rowboats (40 baht per hour), is a good place to visit before or after shopping at the Weekend Market. Very popular with the Bangkokians. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] address: Phahalyothin Road openinghours: 5 am - 9pm Sanam Luang Edit This These large, oval, open grounds are best enjoyed in the evening. Aside from a ring of trees around its perimeter, the park offers little escape from the afternoon sun. Kite flying and watching sunsets over the gilded Grand Palace are favorite activities. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoo's World66 rating: [rate it] openinghours: 24 hours __________History Edit This i Sometimes it is said that Rama II is supposed to be the founder of Bangkok as his capital while before the capital has been Thonburi. To be accurate Bangkok has existed already for some time and European merchants had stopped at Bangkok on their way to the first capital Ayutthaya. The story behind the foundation of Bangkok was the Burmese invasions of Siam in both the 16th and 18th centuries, capturing Chiang Mai and destroying Ayuthaya. The Thais expelled the Burmese and moved their capital to Thonburi. In 1782, the current Chakri dynasty was founded by King Rama I and the capital was moved across the river to Bangkok. King Taksin's rationale had been to have the river flowing through the capital as he feared another Burmese attack after Ayutthaya had been leveled by Burmese armies in 1767; in the case of a new attack he wanted to have an easy escape option. _________Getting Around Edit This River Kaew, Kanchanaburi River Kaew, Kanchanaburi Pim Bangkok suffers from what is maybe the worst traffic congestion in the world, that combined with the heat, humidity and pollution makes getting about a little more difficult than most other places. Don't expect to walk far either, most of the time the pavements are occupied by street stalls and double up as gangways for motorcycles. However all is not lost, here are a few tips to help get around in Bangkok. Contributors May 28, 2006 change by siamsource (2 points) January 09, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Local transport mode] BTS Edit This The BTS, (Bangkok Transport System) was opened on the Kings birthday in December 1999, Also known as the light rail railway or the sky train (Thai's call it 'lot fi far' which means electric train, it's an elevated railway tranversing some of the busiest areas of Bangkok avoiding all the traffic, it consists of two lines, crossing at Siam Station (near Siam Square). Prices are cheap, and unlike many other forms of transport, is not affected by the traffic jams in Bangkok. Generally speaking is the safest and fastiest way of getting around, and quite often the cheapest. All signs more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Klong Saen Sap Edit This My favourite route goes from the near the Democracy Monument all the way down to Ramkhamhaeng Open University (and beyond) in the east of Bangkok. The trip takes about 25 minutes, but in comparison with the bus, the boat is much faster and there is no Skytrain going in this area of town. The trip costs approx. 15 Baht depending on how far you go. You have probably to change the boat at the World Trade Centre. Keep in mind that is a really popular means of transport with the locals, so it can be busy at the end of office hours. type: By Boat/River Taxi World66 rating: [rate it] By Taxi Edit This Taxis can be a bargain if you follow a few simple rules. Try to stick with the metered taxis. Make sure the meter is turned on. If the driver refuses demand him to pull over and hale another one. They come along quite frequently. If using a tuk-tuk, be sure to negociate the rate ahead of time. Beware of those drivers that are eager to take you any where other then what you requested. It isn't unusual to be taken somewhere that pays the drivers a commision and charges you much more than what you could normaly find on your own. If your being taxed any where you haven't been more.. World66 rating: [rate it] Chao Phraya Express Boat Edit This These boats run up and down the river and they only stop at certain piers. Make sure your boat stops at the desired destination by pointing on a bilingual map or asking the locals or fellow travellers if you are not sure. The boat costs between 6-15 Baht depending on the distance. The express boat goes upriver as far as Nonthaburi, a small town 10 kilometers north of Bangkok. Down the river the final stop is the Shangri-La Hotel. From there you can continue by other means of transport to Thanon Sathorn (Sathorn Rd.) where a number of hotels and embassies are located. Some boats more.. type: By Boat/River Taxi World66 rating: [rate it] Klong Banglampoo Boat Edit This Approx. every twenty minutes until 7 pm there are small boats going from Klong Banglampoo near Khao San Road to Hualompong Railway Station (Central Station) and back. This is a nice way to catch your train if you do not have too much luggage and stay in the Khao San Rd. area. 5 Baht only. type: By Boat/River Taxi World66 rating: [rate it] ________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Don Muang Airport Edit This Don Muang International Airport is located north of the city. A departure tax of 500 Baht is levied on all international departures. International and Domestic flights are now from Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkoks new airport. Unlike the old airport there is no rail link to getting into Bangkok and that means taking a bus or taxi. Taxis into central Bangkok will cost about 300 baht + the freeway tolls (50 baht) so if two or more of you are sharing its probably the best option. For those wanting to save a few baht or if are travelling to Pattaya or further, more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.SigmaHotels.com Suvarnabhumi airport Edit This International and Domestic flights are now from Suvarnabhumi airport, Bangkoks new airport. Unlike the old (Don Muang) airport there is no rail link to getting into Bangkok and that means taking a bus or taxi. Taxis into central Bangkok will cost about 300 baht + the freeway tolls (50 baht) so if two or more of you are sharing its probably the best option. For those wanting to save a few baht or if are travelling to Pattaya or further, the airport buses run into some handy locations where you can also use the BTS (skytrain) to get a round. Some more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.sigmahotels.com address: Bankok International Airport _______Thai Language Edit This There are four main Thai languages spoken in Thailand (Central Thai, Southern Thai, Northeastern Thai (the same language is used in Laos) and Northern Thai, but the language referred to as Standard Thai is close to Central Thai. Being in Bangkok you might notice that Bangkokians skip the "r" in words like the polite ending "khrap". They also (mostly) emphasize the last syllable of a word heavily when they speak English, which makes it difficult to understand them. Learning Thai as a "farang" is not really easy. It would be more realistic to call the language very difficult to learn for westerners. But the Thai people really appreciate if you make an effort. If you want to learn basic words and sentences buy a Thai language course which is available in every book shop selling English language books. However, if you really want to make an attempt to learn the language, the only way to possible success is a course that uses the Thai alphabet as a basis. The Thai alphabet - and only that - contains the keys to the tones of the language. Thai is a very complicated language to learn with a unique alphabet to make it even more difficult. To master a few words is not difficult however and will be greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are some essential words. For more information on the Thai language go to Travlang. Notice that Khrap is used as a polite ending for men and kha for women: Yes = chai No = mai-chai Thank you = khop-khun Thank you very much = khop-khun-mark You're welcome = mai-pen-rai Please = ga-ru-na Excuse me = kaw-tote/kor-a-nu-yart Hello = sa-wat-dee Goodbye = lar-korn So long = narn/yao-narn Good morning = sa-was-dee-torn-chao Good afternoon = sa-was-dee-torn-bai Good evening = sa-was-dee-torn-khum Good night = ra-tree-sa-was I do not understand = chan-mai-kao-jai (f) pom-mai-kao-jai (m) How do you say this in = khun-ja-pood-nee-pen-[pa-sa-ang-grit]-wa-young-lai? [English]? Do you speak ... = khun-pood ...? English = pa-sa-ang-krit French = pa-sa-fa-rang-set German = pa-sa-yer-re-man Spanish = pa-sa-spain Chinese = pa-sa-jin I = chan (f), phom (m) We = puak-rao You (singular, familiar)= khun You (singular, formal) = khun You (plural) = khun They = puak-kao What is your name? = khun-cheu-a-rai Nice to meet you. = dee-jai-tee-dai-pob-khun Welcome = yin-dee How are you? = khun-sa-bai-dee-mai? Good = dee Bad = mai-dee So so = kor-young-narn-lae Where is the bathroom? = hong-nam-you-tee-nai? Where is the toilet? I want it. = Ow I want this one. = ow-an-nee. I want that one. = ow-an-nan. I don't want it. = mai-ow to go = by I'm going to [Chiang Mai] = by-[Chiang Mai] My Thai Language School in Bangkok is an interesting school with qualified teachers where you can learn Thai Language from beginner to advanced level. ________A perfect day Edit This Make sure you get up early if you want to see and experience most of Bangkok in one day. You should stroll around in the streets and stop by at one of the thousands of food stalls you can find at every corner. Most Thais start the day with a simple rice soup called khauw tom (but you can also have European breakfast in every hotel or tourist area of Bangkok). Another short excursion would be to the world famous Khao San Road, which has just recently gotten even more attention due to the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. You find Khao San Road about five minutes walk from Sanam Luang. Here you can find everything that an independent traveler might need. The place is also a good shopping area and if you want to pretend that you have been to India, Nepal, Indonesia or even Ecuador you can find all sort of clothes and jewellery. There you can also buy tickets for traditional Thai boxing events or book a canal tour if you have another day to spend. Having checked out the National Museum and/or Khao San Road, it is now time to go to one of the most beautiful Asian temples in the world: Wat Phra Kaew. It is the home of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace, another touristic highlight located on the same compound. You can either hire a guide or stroll around yourself on the 940.000 m2 big compound. Do keep in mind that visitors should dress in a respectful manner. Many people had to miss out an outstanding site because they were wearing short trousers, sleeveless shirts and slippers. The palace guards are very strict when it comes down to dress codes (the same applies actually for the expensive hotels in the evening). Do not forget to remove your shoes before entering the inner temple halls. Are you already a little bit tired? No problem. What you should have then is a traditional Thai massage. Behind the Royal Palace you will find the oldest and largest temple - Wat Pho. Wat Pho does not only host the largest reclining Buddha statue, but it also the most famous center for traditional Thai Medicine. On the eastern part of the compound you will find the Traditional Thai Massage school where you can get a massage for 30 minutes up to 2 hours. You should have an hour at least. By the way, if you want to learn Thai massage, that is easily possible, doesn't' cost much for a 10 day course and you will see quite a large number of foreigners doing it also. Your loved ones will be grateful for the rest of your life! Now head for the nearest pier at the Chao Phraya river. The pier is a little bit hidden at the eastern side of Wat Pho. From there, you can get to another beautiful temple. Ask for the boat to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The Khmer style temple is actually located on the other side of the river, but small ferries cross the river every few minutes. Probably you have seen this temple on brochures of Thailand. If you are already too tired you can immediately take an express ferry down the river and jump off at the best town hotel in the world, the Oriental. The express stop has the same name. Go through the main entrance to the garden terrace. Sitting next to the river and enjoying the probably best milk-shakes of Bangkok or, for example, sipping a real Italian cappuccino while watching the river is really great and relaxing. If you come back in the evening it is even nicer and you can pretend to belong to the rich and famous of the world - if you are not part of them already. Be forewarned that they won't let you in if you're wearing shorts. If you want to move on it is only a short walk to the beginning of Silom Rd. You can walk slowly up the street and check out the shops and stalls, but I suggest it is now time to try out a Tuk Tuk, one of the three-wheeled vehicles. Do not forget to negotiate a price. It should not cost more than 80 Baht to go to Patpong, the old Red Light District of Bangkok at the other end of Silom Road. The famous street (actually there are two and the neighboring Thanon Taniya, which caters for Japanese tourists) is actually located in the middle of restaurants, business offices and department stores. Despite its doubtful reputation it is an area stuffed with good restaurants. At seven o'clock, the night market will be built up and you can buy imitations of designer clothes or watches and many more things. Hordes of foreign tourists are passing by every night. I would rather recommend to come back around 10 o'clock and jump on the newly built Sky train, which has a stop on Silom Road. In a few minutes, you will be at Siam Square and Maa Buu Krong Shopping Centre. This is probably the best place for shopping in Thailand, but if you are more into international expensive brands like Gucci, Boss & Co., you can find these on the other side of the Square in one of the department stores there. If you have not eaten yet and you want to try one of the food stalls my recommendation is always: Do it as the Thais do it. If you see a lot of Thais having lunch or dinner in one place, then this is most likely a good sign for good food. By the way, there is a saying about Thais, that if they are not actually eating, there are thinking about what they are going to eat next. If you have never eaten Thai food before you should definitely try the famous Tom Yam Kung soup (prawn & lemon grass soup with mushrooms) and Phat Thai (Thin rice noodles fried with Tofu, vegetables, egg, peanuts and very often with shrimps or chicken), but the Thai cuisine has much more to offer. It really deserves to be rated as one of the best in the world. For Nightlife the possibilities are unlimited. Before you go to one of the numerous discos, pubs or night-clubs, go to Spassos. A very popular hangout place for both Bangkokians and foreign expatriates. The Spassos is an Italian Bar and Restaurant at the ground floor of the Hyatt Erewan close to the World Trade Centre. Do not forget to check out the Erawan shrine next to the hotel. There you can find all different kind of cultures and religions integrated in single place. The hotel is only one Skytrain stop located from Silom Road On Fridays or Saturdays Spassos is packed with people dancing to the disco beats of highly professional bands from the US or Canada. You can also check out the night bar of the disco located in the basement of the Novotel, which is less than a five minutes' taxi drive away from the Hyatt Erawan or go to Siam Square by Skytrain and walk back 250m. The alternative is to find a classical Thai dance and music place. Many restaurants offer them. Check out the Bangkok Post newspaper for more information. Last but not least, if you are on a weekend in Bangkok do not forget to visit the giant Chatuchak weekend market located in the north of Bangkok. Because it is the final stop of one of the Bangkok Skytrains you can go there without any stress. Typical skytrain cost is about 40 baht. It is the best market in Thailand. Fridays and Saturdays are normally wholesale trading days with Sunday heavily dominated by retail trade. I have known 0.5million people attend over a weekend. Dear traveler, I hope you enjoyed your stay in Bangkok. There are so many things to see and do, so do not forget to come back. ________Tours and Excursions Edit This There are many tours and excursions available out of Bangkok. You could join group tours, or even get private tours designed to your requirements. Tour agencies abound to arrange for such. 1. Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) 2. Floating Market 3. Bridge over River Kwai 4. Ayuthaya and Bang Pa-In Palace ________Museums Edit This Interesting Museums in Bangkok include: - The National Museum along Sanam Luang with an overview of the history of Thailand. - The National Portrait Gallery with portaits and pictures by various Thai artists, and - among others - pictures painted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: fioricet specials _________Day Trips Edit This Dhammakaya Cetiya Dhammakaya Cetiya Here are a few suggestions for a daytrip. Contributors January 23, 2006 change by giorgio [Add Day Trip] Dhammakaya Temple Edit This Dhammakaya Cetiya Dhammakaya Cetiya Located 28 km northeast of the city center near Bangkok Airport in Pathum Thani Province, this rural center was founded 20 years ago to offer instruction in Thamathayard meditation. The central bot is a marvel of modern Thai architecture which, unlike that of most Siamese temples, is characterized by pure, simple lines rather than highly ornate decoration. The theme of simplicity continues in the interior, where a black marble floor and plain white walls accent the presiding Buddha image illuminated with a single spotlight. Dhammakaya Temple honors the legendary more.. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] Songkran Edit This This national holiday lasts for three days or more. The word 'Songkran' originates from the Sanskrit meaning 'beginning of the solar year'. Traditionally, Thais visit temples at this time of year to offer food to the monks and to participate in bathing ceremonies for Buddha images. At home, young people pour scented water into the hands of their parents and elders as a mark of respect and to receive the blessing of the older folk. These days, Songkran has turned into a water-throwing funfest, in which anyone and everyone is liable to get thoroughly drenched-a blessed relief in more.. type: Fairs & Festivals World66 rating: [rate it] Floating market Damnoen Saduak Edit This Floating Market Bangkok Floating Market Bangkok photo by: biblord Damnoen Saduak is a village at about 60 km South of Bangkok. This has become an enormous tourist attraction with tens of buses visiting the market everyday, so it is definitely not the "off-the-beaten-track floating market" as it used to be. From 9 am onwards, you'll see more tourist boats then people selling stuff, and there are also plenty of tourist stalls. You can go there either on a half day tour with one of the travel agents or you can go on your own by public bus. Take bus nr. 78 at the Southern bus station in BKK. The trip takes 2 hours and costs approx. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] Snake Farm Edit This The Snake Farm, near the city center, is great fun for kids and adults alike. Run by the Red Cross as a center for collecting venom (to make antitoxin), you can watch as handlers milk poison from cobras, black mambas and other fearsome snakes. Daily shows 10:30 am and 2 pm. Monday-Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am-noon. Admission: 30 baht adults, free for children. Rama IV and Henri Dunant Roads (adjacent to the Red Cross Building), Phone 252-0161 or phone 252-0162. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] Crocodile Farm Edit This The Crocodile Farm is located at Samut Prakarn Rd. If you like to see crocodiles, this place has more than 30,000 of them. There are shows and lots of interesting exhibits. Daily 7 am-6 pm. Admission: 300 baht. Phone 387-1166. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] Safari World Edit This Safari World is in Minburi District at Km 9 on Ramintra Road, 10 km northeast of downtown Bangkok. Southeast Asia's largest wildlife park includes a wildlife section toured by coaches, a bird park with walk-in aviary, Macaw Island, restaurants, and an amusement park. To get there take bus No. 26 from Victory Monument to Minburi, then a direct minibus. Open daily 1000-1800. Admission is 400 Baht. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] Nonthaburi Edit This A pleasant day-trip can be made by express riverboat to Nonthaburi, the final northern stop. Disembark at the final stop. If you see a large clock tower you know you arrived (or if you are alone on the boat!) You can walk left up to the Nonthaburi Prison, where you can find a small museum with displays of torture used to execute prisoners during the Ayuthaya and modern periods. Also worth visiting is the modern mosque, several Ayuthaya Period wats, and the Singha Brewery, where Thailand's most popular beer is brewed. Nonthaburi has also a small, typical vegetable & fruit market more.. type: Daytrips & Excursions World66 rating: [rate it] HM Queen Sirikit's Birthday Edit This On the 12th of August the Thai people celebrate HM Queen Sirikit's Birthday. A nationwide event of love for Queen Sirikit, the mother of the nation. type: Fairs & Festivals World66 ra _________Beaches Edit This This is Trash, someone needs to moderate this junk. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: one piece hentai [Add Beach] 0py3f31nr4 Edit This 2xr5wb3zvm9 http://www.452855.com/509981.html qbjz1ecj13wl Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: fw34977fbi World66 rating: [rate it] tel: ym0bfhxk9e url: b6ivfvhoww email: wkubox@hotmail.com address: oojycta2zu _________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This photo Bangkok has amazing nightlife and offers something for every taste. Most places foreigners go to are actually located either near Silom Road, on Sukhumvit Road or between Siam Square and the World Trade Centre. Khaosan Road, the main backpack traveller center in Bangkok also hosts a vibrant nightlife scene that draws a large amount of Thais as well. With a range from classical dance to techno parties, there's always something happening. They also have restaurants, food stalls and night markets selling fake goods. Despite the legal opening hours for nightclubs and bars being drastically shortened, people in Bangkok still tend to go out very late. People don't tend to turn up to many night clubs before 11pm and the party doesn't really get going until about midnight. The peak hours of nightlife tend to be short, the legal closing hour for most bars is 1:00am, with some special night life zones allowing places to stay open until 2:00am. These closing times are usually regiously enforced depending on the local police's mood, however some places manage to aviod being closed and stay open to as late as 6:00- 7:00am. Which places avoid being closed and stay open late can change from week to week, the best way to find these places is too ask around or try to follow the crowds. Bangkok offers English-language movies, with Thai subtitles. Bangkok also has two orchestras and a cultural centre for those seeking more classical entertainment in Bangkok will not be disappointed. There is an English magazine (METRO) with all the information on what's going in Bangkok available in nearly every book-store in the above mentioned areas. Even better is the free fortnightely BK Magazine. For the expat community some of the most popular places are Q-Bar and Bed Supperclub in Sukhumvit soi 11. Display all or display just: Bars & pubs Cabaret Casinos Clubs Clubs and dancing Disco & Dancing Erotic clubs and bars Gay Scene Jazz Latin Live music Opera Pubs Salsa Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Spassos Edit This On the lobby level of the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Spasso's offers lively rock bands from the USA or Canada. Right now from September 21, 2008 until January 10, 2009 you can find a very versatile 7 piece band called EARTH BEAT (6 Canadians and 1 Italian) if you want you can check their web page www.earth-beat.com .It is a very expensive place, but also one of the most popular for expats and richer Thais alike. Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant. Do not wear short trousers, otherwise the security will not let you in. Very crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. Address: 494 more.. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] email: enzo56@hotmail.com Lucifer Edit This photo Lucifer takes the look and feel of the inferno and brings it to the dance floor. A look at hell with firey red lights, devil-dressed waiters, and a cave effect, but the pumping tunes and great selections make this a bit of heaven on the strip. With its blend of Trance, Techno, Dance and Underground, it is certainly one of the hottest locations among the bars and clubs in the Patpong area. This nightclub is one of the oldest and most popular clubs in town and gets going when the Patpong bars finish. A mix of young upscale Thais, resident Expats, young and old more.. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: 3rd Floor of Radio City, Patpong 1, Bangrak, Bangkok ClosingTime: 03.00 AM tel: +66 2 266-4567 url: www.LuciferDisko.com email: info@LuciferDisko.com Rock Pub Edit This photo This is a good place for fans of Heavy Metal 80-90, Hard Rock 70, and Nu Metal music. This pub is located opposite of the Asia hotel on Phayathai Rd. in walking distance of Siam Square. This place, surely they play farang music, is a place for farangs and thais. You could ask for your favourite metal stuff in english, absolutely!! the band understands english cos they play farang music!!! For those who love Heavy Metal or Rock music, Don't miss it!!! type: Pubs World66 rating: [rate it] Narcissus Club Edit This pic of Narcissus Club - Bangkok pic of Narcissus Club - Bangkok Narcissus Club is a huge place with an aimed at an upscale and dressed-up clientele. It has a terrific light and sound system and occasional International guest DJs. It is very popular with the foreign expatriates. Narcissus Club opens daily from 9.00 pm to 2.00 am. The admission is 500 baht (price includes 3 drinks) on weekends and 300 baht (includes 2 drinks) on weekdays. Address: 112 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Wattana, Bangkok 10110. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] address: 112 Suhkumvit 23 road ClosingTime: 02.00 a.m. tel: +66-0-2258-4805 url: www.narcissusbangkok.com email: narcissusbangkok@hotmail.com Mambo Edit This Address: Washington Square, Sukhumvit Soi 22. Located near the Phrom Phong Skytrain Station the Mambo features the usual mix of Broadway highkicks, pop songs spoofs and gap-toothed talok. Daily shows from 8.30 pm - 10 pm. No credit cards taken. Phone +66-2-2595128 for more information. type: Cabaret World66 rating: [rate it] Calypso Edit This This revue featuring dance, song and burlesque performed by a "slew of lovely ladies" (actually, they're men). This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the show has a touch of class. Daily shows start at 8:15 pm and 9:45 pm. 700 baht Located at the Asia Hotel, 296 Phyathai Road, phone 261-6355. type: Cabaret World66 rating: [rate it] Freeman Dance Area Edit This Busy gay disco. Open daily until 2.30 am. Located at 60/18-21 Silom Rd.,in subsoi opposite Silom complex. Check out their website for more information at: www.freemanclub.com type: Gay Scene World66 rating: [rate it] Saxophone Pub Restaurant Edit This The Saxophone pub and restaurant is an old favorite of expatriates and Thais alike. The purely jazz format has been relaxed to allow some blues and rock to sneak in. The bar is located near the Victory monument on Phayathai Rd., so it is highly recommended to go there by Skytrain. No cover charge. Call 2465472 to enquire what's on. type: Live music World66 rating: [rate it] O'Reilly's Irish Pub Edit This Typical Irish Pub. If you do not want to miss your lager or guiness away from home. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: 62 Silom Road tel: +66-26327515 Soi 22 (Soi Cowboy) Edit This i A short alleyway with several beer bars. type: Erotic clubs and bars World66 rating: [rate it] The Barbican Edit This This rather british-style pub is good place to meet business expatriates. It serves good food and drinks and has a friendly staff. Unfortunately it is located in Thanon Thaniya, a side street of Silom Rd., which caters for Japanese sex tourists, but this should not keep visitors away if you like these kinds of pubs. type: Bars & pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: 9/4-5 Soi Thaniya, Silom Road tel: 2343590 La Rueda Edit This La Rueda is a small Salsa club lotacted in Sukhumvit 18. On Thursday and Saturday it is packed with people. There are free Salsa classes for different levels from Thursday to Saturday from 7 pm onwards. 10 pm the free dancing starts. type: Salsa World66 rating: [rate it] address: Sukhumvit 18 ClosingTime: 1 am accessibility: close to BTS Asok Concept CM2 Edit This Christmas '06 Christmas '06 photo by: steve We can be found at the basement of the Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, the heart and soul of Bangkok, City of Angels. the entertainment complex consists of an Italian Restaraunt, Huge nightclub with two rooms and 14 separate private karaoke rooms. The party starts here. Top DJs, Live band, award winning cuisine, exclusive karaoke, all at Siam Square. Concept CM2 has been open for 10 years and has been leading the way in entertainment in Bangkok. Open every night till 2 AM. Don't forget your identification to join our fun filled more.. type: Clubs and dancing World66 rating: [rate it] ClosingTime: 2am tel: +66 (0)2209 8888 url: www.cm2bkk.com address: NOVOTEL BANGKOK ON SIAM SQUARE, Siam Square Soi 6, Bangkok 10330 email: opm@novotelbkk.com Brown Sugar Edit This This is one of Bangkok's best places for jazz music. The bar is located north of Lumpini parc on Sarasin Rd. Live music usually starts at 10 pm. Call 2550103 for more information. type: Jazz World66 rating: [rate it] Patpong Edit This Patpong used to be known as the red light district of South-East Asia. It probably does not live up to its international image any more, but it is still seedy and easy to avoid. Still, there are plenty of go-go bars remaining and enough touts to retain a raucous atmosphere. Patpong is a marginal place to take visitors - they think they’re somewhere famous, and there is also an excellent market selling all the fake watches and designer goods that tourists feel are essential to take home. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] @Oraphin's Edit This Oraphins is fantastic and friendly open air bar in traditional batik styling. Very clean with a good straight pool table, excellent music from dance to reggae to rock and roll, latin and jazz all available by perusing the selections and asking. Most importantly you will be made welcome by great hosts (Oraphin, her sister Lyn and sister in Law to be Kwan) I cannot speak highly enough of these girls. If you are looking for a friendly place to have a drink and some fun without the hassle of go-go (incedently if you change your mind Oraphins is surrounded by 15 or so of these bars more.. type: Erotic clubs and bars World66 rating: [rate it] address: 14/3 Queens Park Plaza, Sukhumwit, Soi 22(located at the rear of the complex) email: oraphin_b@hotmail.com openinghours: 4.00pm - 1.00am tel: +66(0)92036829 Nana Entertaiment Plaza Edit This Enclosed multi-level plaza with beer bars. This area caters mainly for single male tourists. type: Opera World66 rating: [rate it] Hard Rock Cafe Edit This Also Bangkok has the unavoidable Hard Rock Cafe. Nevertheless it hosts the best Top 40, soul, rock and reggae cover bands in Bangkok. The bar is located near Siam Square. It's popular with Thais and foreigners alike. They offer also a good choice of Western food. Admission is free, but it is rather expensive. type: Live music World66 rating: [rate it] Delaney's Irish Pub Edit This Very nice Irish Pub. Occasionally live music. Popular with expat community. type: Bars & pubs World66 rating: [rate it] NASA Spacedrome Edit This One of Bangkok's flashy discos which can cater for more than 2000 visitors. At midnight, a spaceship descends to the floor amid smoke, flashing lights, and the theme song from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Located at 999 Ramkamheng Rd., 100 meters north of New Petchburi Rd. and therefore rather far away from tourist areas like Silom Rd. or Khao San Rd./Banglampoo. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This photo Bangkok has amazing nightlife and offers something for every taste. Most places foreigners go to are actually located either near Silom Road, on Sukhumvit Road or between Siam Square and the World Trade Centre. Khaosan Road, the main backpack traveller center in Bangkok also hosts a vibrant nightlife scene that draws a large amount of Thais as well. With a range from classical dance to techno parties, there's always something happening. They also have restaurants, food stalls and night markets selling fake goods. Despite the legal opening hours for nightclubs and bars being drastically shortened, people in Bangkok still tend to go out very late. People don't tend to turn up to many night clubs before 11pm and the party doesn't really get going until about midnight. The peak hours of nightlife tend to be short, the legal closing hour for most bars is 1:00am, with some special night life zones allowing places to stay open until 2:00am. These closing times are usually regiously enforced depending on the local police's mood, however some places manage to aviod being closed and stay open to as late as 6:00- 7:00am. Which places avoid being closed and stay open late can change from week to week, the best way to find these places is too ask around or try to follow the crowds. Bangkok offers English-language movies, with Thai subtitles. Bangkok also has two orchestras and a cultural centre for those seeking more classical entertainment in Bangkok will not be disappointed. There is an English magazine (METRO) with all the information on what's going in Bangkok available in nearly every book-store in the above mentioned areas. Even better is the free fortnightely BK Magazine. For the expat community some of the most popular places are Q-Bar and Bed Supperclub in Sukhumvit soi 11. Display all or display just: Bars & pubs Cabaret Casinos Clubs Clubs and dancing Disco & Dancing Erotic clubs and bars Gay Scene Jazz Latin Live music Opera Pubs Salsa Show best rated on top | Show in alphabetical order [Add Entertainment place] Wild Bunch Beer Garden Edit This Enjoy live country music while downing cold draught beer and plenty of snacks. type: Bars & pubs World66 rating: [rate it] address: Windsor Suites Hotel openinghours: Open daily from 7 to 10pm. tel: +66-22621234 ext 1224 The Balcony Edit This 86-88 Silom Rd., Soi 4 near Sala Daeng Skytrain Station. Popular bar with cheap drinks and nice food. Happy hour. Popular with the gay community. type: Bars & pubs World66 rating: [rate it] D.J. Station Edit This Bangkok's most known gay dance club features excellent music and a large dance floor packed until 0400 with gays and lesbians, heterosexuals. Located at Silom Soi 2, tel. (02) 266-4029. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] Cool Spot Edit This Thi bar is also located at Silom Soi 4. The music-and-dance bar is set with stone flagging and curvy mirrors facing a long enamel bartop fashioned in the shape of a snake. Tel. (02) 266-4820. type: Clubs World66 rating: [rate it] The Rome Club Edit This This is probably one of the most famous dancing places in Bangkok. It is located in Silom Road, Soi 4, a small alley just next to the Silom Road Skytrain Stop. Having seen better days it is a good place to go on Fridays and Saturdays. There you will find also another of dancing places popular with the Thai youth. Its closed. type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: 90-96 Silom, Soi 4 tel: 2338836 Paradise Music Hall Edit This This giant disco is located on the other side of the Chao Phraya river in Thornburi. It is actually not far away from Banglampoo and therefore a convenient place to go for people staying in this area. The Paradise is on Arun Amarin Road. Cross the Pin Klao bridge and turn the next major crossing to the left. Ocassionally there is also live music. type: Disco & Dancing World66 rating: [rate it] El Nino Edit This Located at Ploenchit Rd. next to Planet Hollywood and not far from the World Trade Centre you find this popular place. Good Live music, but not so much Salsa as the local Salsa community is rather limited. Nice interior, but drinks are slightly overpriced. Busy on weekends. Sunday no live music. type: Latin World66 rating: [rate it] Baila Baila Edit This 1 Ekemai Soi 4, Sukhumvit Soi 63. Daily 6 om - 2 am. This places serves good Mexican food, but the music is rather the regular Latin pop. Nothing for the Salsa maniac. type: Latin World66 rating: [rate it] Bar Latino Edit This Address: RCA Plaza, Phetpuri Rd., Phone: +66-2-6414169, Open dialy 7 pm - 2 am. All white them bar. No live music, but good Salsa CDs. A salsa leader motivates the the crowd. type: Latin World66 rating: [rate it] La Havana Edit This Located at 6/5/6 Sukhumvit Soi 22, opposite Washington Square you will find the most authentic Latin venue in Bangkok. Serves also good Cuban food. Run by Felix and Claudio from Chile. Open daily 11 am - 2am type: Latin World66 rating: [rate it] The Babylon Edit This This is the most famous sauna catering for Thai-Foreigner couples. It has recently moved (november 2000) to Soi Nantha, off Sathorn Soi 1 (also known as Soi Atthakarnprasit 1). Phone: +66-2-2132108. type: Gay Scene World66 rating: [rate it] The Balcony Edit This This bar got an award of the well-known magazine METRO as one of the best gay bars in town. It is located at Soi 4, off Silom Rd. and is very popular with foreigners. It serves only OK food, but it has a balcony to watch the action on Soi 4 on Friday and Saturday. mungorn: Balcony has now won 2 METRO awards, plus dragoncastle.net's award for Best Gay Bar and Best Gay Restaurant. The food is much improved following the introduction of a new menu, and the upsatirs is now air-conditioned with internet terminals and karaoke. in addition the popular outside terrace more.. type: Gay Scene World66 rating: [rate it] DJ Station Edit This Bangkok's most known gay disco. It is always crowded. There is a daily show at midnight. Located at Soi 2 at Silom Street. type: Gay Scene World66 rating: [rate it] _________Things to do Edit This photo [Add Activity] Thai cooking Edit This There are quite a large number of courses to attend. Probably the best, but rather expensive is the Oriental Hotel Thai Cooking School. They offer five-day courses under the direction of a well-known chef.n Phone: 439-7587, Soi Oriental, Thanon Charoen Krung. Also the Landmark Hotel offers a five-day course. Phone 254-0404 ext. 48. For alternative possibilies contact a travel agency. type: Courses World66 rating: [rate it] Meditation Edit This A lot of farang (foreigners) come to Thailand to take part in meditation courses. Bangkok is definitely not the best place. A few places offer courses, but I recommend to go to the south, e.g. Suan Mokkh near Chaya if you are really interested in it. type: Courses World66 rating: [rate it] Thai Language Courses Edit This Several language courses in Bangkok offer courses in Thai language. The most famous by far is the American Alumni Association (AUA) at Thanon Ratchadamri. It is also easy to find private teachers. Beginners can buy audio materials at every Asia Bookshop. As follows some addresses: type: Courses World66 rating: [rate it] Bangpoo Country Club Edit This photo Wide fairways, big greens and not too much water provide excellent golf for the average player. The course is located near the seaside and provides a nice breeze to keep you cool even during the hottest of months. Sometimes tricky wind conditions. There are fewer water hazards than at most Bangkok courses, but the course is still challenging without being too difficult for the majority of players. Located near the sea, 40km south-east from central Bangkok, this course boasts conditions perfect for golf. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course my lack water hazards but makes up more.. type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] President Country Club Edit This Address: 42 Moo 8, Phone (988)7555563 type: Golf World66 rating: [rate it] |
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Bangkok dal fiume Chao Phraya al tramonto, luglio
2004
Bangkok, (in Thailandese กรุงเทพ ฯ, กรุงเทพมหานคร, o Krung Thep, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon), è la capitale e più grande città della Thailandia. La città è situata sull'argine orientale del fiume Chao Phraya, vicino al Golfo della Thailandia. Bangkok è una città che ha conosciuto uno dei più rapidi sviluppi industriali e rappresenta una delle città più economicamente dinamiche del Sud-est asiatico. La popolazione locale ama pensare che stia emergendo quale centro regionale competitiva nei confronti di Singapore e Hong Kong, ma è minata da infrastrutture precarie e imponenti questioni sociali dovute alla sua rapida crescita. È anche una delle destinazioni più popolari del turismo mondiale.
[modifica] StoriaBangkok all'inizio era un piccolo centro commerciale e portuale, chiamato Bang Makok, e serviva la città di Ayutthaya, che era la capitale del Siam quando questa cadde nelle mani della Birmania nel 1767. In seguito la capitale fu stabilita a Thonburi (ora parte di Bangkok) sopra il lato occidentale del fiume, e successivamente, nel 1782, il Re Rama I si fece costrure il palazzo reale sulla riva orientale e scelse Bangkok come sua nuova capitale, rinominandola Krung Thep, che significa "città degli angeli". Gli abitanti di Bangkok spesso continuano ad usare il vecchio nome, ma ormai in tutto il mondo non viene più utilizzata. Il nome cerimoniale completo di Bangkok è:
[modifica] AmministrazioneDal punto di vista amministrativo, Bangkok è una delle due zone ad amministrazione speciale della Thailandia (l'altra è Pattaya), nella quale i suoi abitanti eleggono il governatore cittadino, a differenza delle altre 75 provincie statali (changwat). Nelle ultime elezioni governative è stato eletto governatore Apirak Kosayothin. La città di Bangkok si estende oltre la sua provincia toccando anche quelle vicine di Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan e Pathum Thani. La provincia, come è attualmente, fu creata nel 1972, quando la precendente provincia di Bangkok (changwat Phra Nakhon) venne fusa con la provincia di Thonburi. Lo scudo della città mostra il dio Indra che cavalca tra le nuvole una creatura mitologica simile ad un elefante (rappresentata a volte con tre teste). Nella sua mano Indra mantiene un raggio lampeggiante, che è la sua arma. Lo scudo si basa su una pittura fatta da Somdej Chaofa Kromphraya Narisra-nuwattiwong. Il simbolo della città di Bangkok è una pianta, il ficus benjamina. Bangkok è suddivisa in 50 distretti (khet, chiamati anche amphoe), che sono suddivisi in 154 kwaeng (แขวง).
[modifica] EconomiaBangkok è il centro economico della Thailandia. Il fiume Chao Phraya permette il funzionamento del suo porto. La Borsa tailandese ha sede nella città. Il turismo è una delle fonti principali di ricchezza. La città è anche un famoso centro di gioielleria, ricco di botteghe artigianali che lavorano l'argento e il bronzo. Nonostante sia illegale, la prostituzione è una della attività principali e più lucrose di Bangkok. La città è conosciuta in tutto il mondo per il suo turismo sessuale.
[modifica] CulturaBangkok è anche la capitale culturale del paese con le sue varie università, l'Accademia delle Belle Arti, il Teatro Nazionale e il Museo Nazionale. La città è ricca di templi buddisti (conosciuti in Thailandia con il nome Wat). I più famosi sono il Wat Pho ed il Wat Phra Kaeo (Tempio del Buddha di smeraldo), situati nei pressi del Palazzo Reale, e il Wat Arun a Thonburi, centro sulla sponda destra del Chao Phraya, e capitale del periodo Rattanakosin prima di Bangkok. Si segnala per l'importanza delle sue raccolte artistiche e per la conservazione di alcuni esempi di abitazione ed arredi tradizionali la casa di Jim Thompson, ora trasformata in museo.
[modifica] Trasporti
Lo Skytrain al tramonto sul Thanon Silom
Una complessa rete di canali (khlong) ha dato alla città l'appellativo di Venezia dell'est. Ancora oggi i canali sono ricchi di traffici e di imbarcazioni, abitate come in passato, dove si tengono anche numerosi mercati.. Numerose autostrade sopraelevate e un anello autostradale, che circonda l'intera città, stanno per essere completate. Queste infrastrutture dovrebbero attenuare il problema del traffico della città. Altri progetti autostradali sono stati abbandonati per mancanza di fondi, in seguito alla crisi finanziaria asiatica degli scorsi anni. Nel 1999 è stata aperta una doppia linea ferroviaria sopraelevata (Skytrain), chiamata ufficialmente BTS. La prima linea della metropolitana sotterranea di Bangkok è stata aperta invece al pubblico nel luglio del 2004. Sempre nel luglio del 2004, un nuovo sistema metropolitano, l'MRT, è stato inaugurato, e ha unito la stazione di Bang Sue con quella di Hua Lamphong, passando attraverso tutta la città. L'Aeroporto Internazionale di Bangkok, comunemente chiamato Don Muang, è il più trafficato dell'Sud-est asiatico, e si trova nella zona nord della città. La costruzione del nuovo aeroporto Suvarnabhumi, nel distretto di Bang Phli, della provincia di Samut Prakan, nel sudest della città è iniziata nel 2002 e verrà portata a termine nel 2006. Quando quest'aeroporto sarà terminato ospiterà tutti i voli internazionali, mentre il vecchio verrà utilizzato solo per i collegamenti interni.
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[modifica] Altri progetti
[modifica] Collegamenti esterni |
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| ____Ballo e musica Orlo Naam ( telefono di Sala: (02) 437 3080 o 6211) sono presenti nell'hotel orientale e sono sulla lato oppostodel fiume di Chao Phraya, vicino all'hotel della penisola. L'esposizione nightly tradizionale di ballo e di musica comincia a 20:30, preceduto dal pranzo a 19:00. Ristorante tradizionale di pavilion-stile del teck. Baan tailandese (telefono: (02) 258 5403), sulla strada di Soi 32 Sukhumvit, hanno nightly un'esposizione di ballo e di musica regolata in una vecchia casa tailandese. _________________________Aeroporto Internazionale De Bangkok Linee aeree importanti ______Facilità di affari _____Bangkok Nightlife :::::Bar :::::Casinos _____Attrazioni Chiave Palazzo Di Vimanmek Wat Pho (tempiale del Buddha adagiantesi) Museo Nazionale Wat Arun (tempio dell'alba) |
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Guida Di Corsa De Bangkok |
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| Bangkok Travel
Guide Bangkok Travel Guide and Bangkok Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com 'An ancient land of grace and harmony’ Love it or hate it, sweaty, buzzing, exotic Bangkok is a city that is really larger than life. The frantic pace, heat, traffic and the shortage of personal space can be overbearing, but the sheer dynamism is intoxicating. An exotic combination of the traditional East and the modern West, there is a surprise in store for everyone on every street in Bangkok. Ramshackle buildings close to unusual and interesting temples surrounded by delightful gardens, which in turn are viewed by modern hotels and offices. Bangkok has come out as a main world city with the traffic to match, including the must needed mobile phones and designer clothes that are easily seen on the streets. The chaos on the streets is mirrored by the busy traffic on the Chao Phraya River, which dissects the city and is crisscrossed by long-tailed boats, river taxis and small rowing boats, all somehow missing each other. However, the traditional Thai life is never far away. The saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting their food, while just outside the city centre huge communities live in stilt houses by the river, managing to live with very little money using skills that have not changed in centuries. In 1782, Bangkok became the capital of then Siam, due to the defeat of Ayutthaya, the previous capital. Local people do not call their capital "Bangkok" but "Krung Thep" which is a very shortened version of its extremely long full title. The absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with an almost religious reverence, and it is an offence punishable by imprisonment to insult any member of the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, and has been in power in 1946. With the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy but this has been interrupted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The role of the military in politics has now been curtailed but the 1990s saw governments come and go although there has been stability since the government took on the job of tackling the economic crisis in the late 1990s. This tropical country is hot most the year, and the ideal time to visit Thailand is from November to March, during the dry season. During the rainy season, humidity is extremely high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of Bangkok often get flooded. _________Bangkok Festival - Events Bangkok Festivals and Events Guide - TravelPuppy.com The following is a listing of festival - events in Bangkok in 2005-2006: New Year’s Day Celebrations traditionally begin with merit-making in the mornings, when Buddhists take gifts of incense, flowers or donations to the temples, followed by parties and entertainment around Sanam Luang for the rest of the day, 1 Jan, Sanam Luang area Bangkok International Film Festival Bangkok International Film Festival Makha Puja Buddhist Holy day featuring various day and night candlelit ceremonies. February, temples around the city International Kite Festival Kite fighting and demonstrations, March and April, Sanam Luang International Bangkok Motor Show International Bangkok Motor Show Mar/Apr, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre Bangkok Fringe Festival Innovative theatre productions, April, Patravadi Theatre Songkran (Thai New Year) Religious ceremonies and public festivities involving lots of water, April. Coronation Day Public holiday, 5 May Royal Ploughing Ceremony Celebration of the start of the rice-growing season, May Visakha Puja Buddhist holiday, May Asarnha Puja Day/Khao Phansa Day Commemorates Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of Buddhist Lent, July, temples around the city Queen’s Birthday Celebrations Public holiday with display of lights decorating public buildings, 12 August, throughout the city Chulalongkorn Day Public holiday in memory of Rama V, 23 October Bangkok Marathon Late November, Sanam Chai King’s Birthday Celebrations Public holiday with display of lights decorating public buildings, 5 Dec, throughout the city Constitution Day Marks the start of the constitutional monarchy, 10 Dec ___________- Bangkok International Airport Bangkok International Airport - TravelPuppy.com Bangkok International Airport Suvarnabhumi International Airport Call center: (02) 132 1888. Web site:www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/sun/index.asp The new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is located in an area of 8,000 acres, approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) of on the east-bound Bangna-Trat Highway in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakarn Province and is approximately 25 kilometres (15 miles) from downtown Bangkok. It is designated to be the aviation hub in Southeast Asian region and has restrictive development to accommodate the air traffic growth in the future, which is estimated to be up to 58 million passengers per year in 2008 while the full-scale development of provided plot of land at Nong Ngu Hao with its capacity to accommodate 45 million passenger per year, 76 flights per hour and 3 million tons of cargo per year. The Passenger Terminal complex can be reached by the following routes. a) Access route from the North via the motorway. The elevated frontage of the terminal is divided into inner and outer parts of both the arrival and the departure halls. b). Access route from the Northwest via the Rom Klao elevated highway and Wat King Kaew Road which passes the customs free zone before arriving at the terminal. c) Access route from the South via the Bang Na-Trat highway and the service road which passes the long term parking area and the public transportation centre before arriving at the terminal. d) Access route from the Northeast via the Lad Kra Bung (Onnuj Road), then through the East-West main service road within the airport, the long term parking area and the public transportation centre before arriving at the terminal. e) Access route from the West via Wat King Kaew Road. There are elevated frontages on the 1st, 2nd and 4th floors of the terminal buiding; these divide into 2 parts: inner and outer. Public transport vehicles are not permitted to park in this area. Major airlines Thai International (telephone: (02) 513 0121) is the national airline and Bangkok Airways (telephone: (02) 265 5555) operates domestic flights and a number of international routes in the region. Other major airlines include: ANA, Air China, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Northwest, Qantas, Qatar, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, and United Airlines. Approximate flight times To Bangkok from: London 11 hours 35 minutes New York 16 hours 55 minutes Los Angeles 18 hours 50 minutes Toronto 19 hours 50 minutes Sydney 9 hours 25 minutes Airport facilities Include 24-hour shopping, duty free, tourist information counters, restaurants, snack bars, postal services, bureaux de change, hotel reservations, left-luggage and medical centre. Car hire companies include Avis and Budget among others. Business facilities There are 2 business centres at the airport. One is in International Departure area level 4 and the other is near Transit West Intersection area level 3. Airport tax There is no arrival tax but a B700 ( international ) is payable in local currency on departure. There is a tax of B100 on domestic flights but this is included in the price of the ticket. Children under 2 years old are free of charge. Transport to the city Several kinds of transportation are available for passengers which include limousine, car rental, metered taxi and airport bus. The Suvarnabhumi Airport Public Transportation Centre covers an area of 42,000 sq metres or about 26 rai; it is located adjacent to the catering facilities of Bangkok Catering Company Limited and LSG Sky Chefs. The interior of the public transportation centre is used for parking by taxis, limousines and rented cars; there is a bus terminal within the centre for the public mass transport system and petrol stations and convenience stores. Services provided at Suvarnabhumi Airport Public Transportation Centre include shuttle bus, public taxi, limousine, car rental, airport express and public bus. Please find more information below. BMTA Public Bus and Luxury Van Service hours: 24 Hour Service Bus Fare: 35 Baht Van Fare: between 40-50 Baht Airport Bus Express Service hours: 5.00 am to 12.00 noon. Contact at Airport Bus Counter Level 1, near Entrance 8. Fare: 150 Baht per person per trip. Intercity Bus Service hours: 6.00 am to 9.00 pm. Take a Shuttle Bus (free of charge) at Level 2 or 4 (Entrances 3,6 and 9) to the Public Transportation Centre and Contact Intercity Bus Counter. Fares are collected according to destinations, tickets are available at the Public Transportation Centre. Airport Shuttle Bus (24 Hours Service) Services points of interest in Suvarnabhumi Airport using 2 routes (Ordinary and Express). The services are free of charge for passengers and staff in the airport. AOT Limousine (24 Hour Service) Contact Limousine Counter, Level 2, Baggage Claim Hall and Arrival Hall. Traveling expenses are charter rates. Public Taxi (24 Hour Service) Contact Taxi Counter, Level 1, near Entrances 3, 4, 7 and 8. Pick up area: taxi stand Level 1 Traveling expenses: metered taxi fare plus 50 Baht surcharge, and expressway fees. Car Rental (24 Hour Service) Service providers: AVIS, Hertz, Budget and Thai car rent Association. Car rental center is situated at the Public Transportation Centre. Gate B: contact the car rental service counter in the arrival hall. Get a car at the car rental office located at the car rental center Drop off: car rental office _______________ Bangkok Getting Around Getting Around Bangkok - TravelPuppy.com Public Transport The public transport in Bangkok is abundant and inexpensive, even though most tourists use taxis or the 3-wheeled taxis called tuk tuks (see below). A monorail system, called the Bangkok Transit System (telephone: (02) 617 7300; e-mail: nuduan@bts.co.th) and known as Skytrain, operates on 2 lines across the city. The Sukhumvit Line goes from On Nut along Sukhumvit Road to Siam Square, Phaya Thai Road, Victory Monument and Mo Chit. The Silom Line runs from Saphan Taksin and goes through Silom’s business area, Siam Square, and ends at the National Stadium. Since opening about five years ago, the proficient Skytrain has immensely improved the time it takes to move around the city. The government has approved expansion lines across the river and to the south. Trains operate from 6.00 am to 12.00 midnight, every 3–4 minutes during the rush hour and every 5–6 minutes off peak. Tickets are bought from automatic ticket machines, with prices costing B10–40 across seven zones. Passes can be purchased for 10, 15 and 30 journeys, costing B250, B300 and B540 respectively to be used within 30 days. Three-day visitor/tourist passes are available for B280. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (telephone: (02) 246 0973; e-mail: 184.bmta@motc.go.th) operates a highly complex bus system, which runs across the city from 5.00 am to 11.00 pm. Fares on common buses go from B3.50 (cream and red) to B5 (white and blue), whilst on air-conditioned ones (cream and blue) are between B6 and B16 relying on distance travelled. Fares on the yellow and orange Euro II air-conditioned buses are B18 and use fuel-efficient engines to attempt to reduce air pollution in Bangkok. There is also limited night service (cream and red) running from 11.00 pm to 5.00 am with a fare of B5. Hotels and bookshops have route maps available. The 20 kilometre or 12 mile subway system was opened in August 2004. It is now the quickest method of transportation. Taxis Taxis can be flagged on the streets. Metered taxis will always have a taxi meter sign on the rooftop. Tourists are advised to check if the meter is turned on when starting a journey. The meter rate starts at B35 for the first 2 kilometres, increasing by B2 for each kilometre. The meter will increase by the minute if stuck in heavy traffic. The unmetered taxis are also available and fares must be agreed upon in advance. Passengers will normally pay for any toll roads used and should make sure they have enough small change to pay for the taxi service. Many hire a taxi through the concierge at their hotel where the price is fixed and they can pay directly to the hotel before departure. Hiring a taxi for longer trips is also feasible. Taxi fares should be agreed in advance, even with metered taxis. Tipping is not usually expected but much appreciated. Tuk Tuk 3-wheeled taxis or Tuk Tuk are suitable for short rides. Fares must be agreed before starting a journey and normally between B40 and B150 relying on the journey distance. The number of tuk tuks in Bangkok is slowly decreasing but it is not hard to find them around hotels and tourist areas. River Taxis River taxis, run by Chao Phraya Express River Taxi (telephone: (02) 222 5330), travel up and downstream on the Chao Phraya River, acting more like buses than taxis. They operate from 6.00 am to 6.40 pm daily and fares are from B5 to B15. There are also some special express boats running during the morning and evening rush hours with limited stops. The destinations and stops are indicated by different coloured flags. Some smaller boats just provide the services from one side of the river to the other. A new service from Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (telephone: (02) 623 6001) runs from Sathorn Pier near the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station to 10 piers near the main tourist attractions and ends at Bamglumpoo Pier. It operates from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm daily and a one-day unlimited pass is about B75. Motorcycle Taxis Motorcycle taxis are available and they can maneuver between the cars to reach their destinations faster. Fares are between B20 and B100 relying upon the journey distance. It is compulsory for riders to wear helmets, which are supplied by the driver. Drivers wear coloured vests/tabards for identification and wait at road intersections. Limousines Limousines are available to hire and provided by the main car hire companies (see Car Hire below) or at the airport (telephone: (02) 535 2801, terminal 1, counter 7, and terminal 2, counter 5). Limousines to the city from the airport start from B650 with tolls included. Driving in the City Driving in the city requires a great deal of patience and a certain stubbornness. Few visitors hire cars, as good knowledge of the city is required to be able to drive around. The density of the traffic and the number of lanes means that you always need to know which lane to drive in. There are many expressways crossing the city with clearly signposted exits but traffic is grid locked during rush hour (7.00 am to 9.00 am and 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm). Traffic direction, entry and exit locations change during the day without warning. Drivers in Bangkok, particularly buses, taxis and motorbikes, are very aggressive and unlikely to give way. For those who do want to risk driving, car parks are available at a number of the large shopping malls and hotels. Siam Centre on Rama I Road is a convenient place which is open 24 hours a day. A car park costs about B20 for up to 3 hours and B10 for each subsequent hour. Car Hire Companies for car hire vary but drivers must be at least 21 or 23 years old and have held a driving licence for 1-2 years. An International Driving Permit and National licence are required. It is compulsory to buy Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection and they are usually included in the hire price. Customers must make payments by credit card. The office for Avis is at 2–12 Wireless Road (telephone: (02) 255 5300), and Budget is at 19/23 Building A, Royal City Avenue, New Petchburi Road (telephone: (02) 203 0250). Hire of a standard saloon car range from B2,000 a day to B12,000 a week. Bicycle Hire On Rattanakosin Island, footpaths have been transformed into cycle paths, which pass places like the Royal Grand Palace and Sanam Luang. Bicycles are available to hire at Bangkok Tourist Bureau (telephone: (02) 225 7612) at a cost of B200 for a full day (deposit B500). ____________Bangkok Nightlife Bangkok Nightlife - TravelPuppy.com Much of the nightlife in Bangkok is located in the 2 red light areas of Bangkok – Patpong which is between Surawong and Silom Roads and Soi Cowboy which is on Sukhumvit Road, named after the 1st bar that opened here. Bangkok’s sex industry is as thriving as ever. However, apart from a number of massage parlours and sex clubs, a wide variety of great cocktail bars and restaurants are also easily found. Most places are open until late, though nightclubs and bars are supposed to close at 1.00 am. Some places charge an admission fee but it normally includes 1 or 2 drinks. The dress code is relaxed, even though a few of the more upscale nightclubs enforce smarter dress. Nightlife places come and go and news of the up-to-date hot spots are available in the city’s listings magazine, Bangkok Metro. Bars The Bull’s Head, 33/1 Sukhumvit Road, is a favourite place among the expatriates of Bangkok. This British-style pub has regular quiz and theme nights. Irish pubs are popular and the busy Dubliner Irish Pub on Sukhumvit Road (Washington Square) is no exception. A classy watering hole is The Barbican on Soi Thaniya, Silom Road which offers a great choice of drinks and good food. The attractively named Skunk, Ekamai Soi 10, Soi 63 Sukhumvit Road, draws a crowd and has interesting decor, such as car parts on the walls. Casinos Gambling is illegal in Thailand. Clubs Concept CM2 is a large disco and bar located in the underground level of the the Novotel Hotel on Siam Square, very popular, especially on Thursday, its retro night. The wonderful light and sound system and extravagant Art Deco-style of Narcissus, 112 Soi 23 Sukhumvit Road, fascinates a group of people who like house, trance and techno. Ministry of Sound, 2 Soi 12 Sukhumvit Road, has guest slots with internationally known DJs. The favourite haunt for stylish local residents and ex-pats is Q Bar, 34 Soi 11 Sukhumvit Road, which also has top international DJs. Both clubs have house to rap music. Live music Ad-Makers, 51 Soi Lang Suan (off Ploenchit), has many bands that play folk, pop and hard rock music and the audience often sing along. Saxophone Pub, 3/8 Victory Monument, Phayathai Road, offers excellent acoustics, a lively setting and a range of music which include funk, jazz and blues. Top-quality bands frequent La Lunar, Soi 26 Sukhumvit Road, which has a multi-screen video system and impressive lights and lasers. The Bamboo Bar in the upmarket, The Oriental (see Hotels), is an intimate, refined club, well-known for its guest jazz bands. With great live music, Radio City, Patpong Soi 1, has bands playing old rock and roll music. ____________Bangkok Shopping Bangkok Shopping Guide - TravelPuppy.com Bangkok is probably the best place for shopping in Asia and travellers will be spoiled for choice with a wide variety of shopping centres, department stores, retail outlets, stalls and markets. Bangkok is a bargain hunter’s paradise, and to haggle with street sellers is expected and all part of the fun enjoyed by both buyer and seller. One of the major shopping districts is the Silom Road area where visitors can find many shops which include a number of specialist shops, and many department stores include Robinson's, shopping plazas and a wide selection of silk and antique shops, as well as tailors. Next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, the River City Shopping Complex boasts four floors selling antique products. Most department stores sell fixed price products but usually offer discounts to interested shoppers. The Emporium on Sukhumvit Road features brand-name clothing, accessories, cinemas, restaurants and supermarkets, making it an ideal place for shopping. A number of street vendors are widely found in the Sukhumvit Road area which are open during the day but are busiest at night. There are hundreds of stalls selling clothes, bags, silk items and gifts. Aside from the colourful and wild nightlife in Patpong, there is a lively night market where souvenirs and clothes are at good prices. "Chatuchak", the weekend market located at Chatuchak Park, on Phaholyothin Road, has everything that Thailand produces or grows, which include furniture, carpets, ceramics, watches, clothes, food, pets and flowers. Chinatown is loaded with gold shops, and the adjacent cloth market at Phahurat sells a wide variety of great fabrics. Woeng Nakhon Kasem, known as the ‘Thieves’ Market’, is situated between New and Yaowarat Roads, where you can find antique porcelain, copperware and furniture. Ideal purchases that are available in Bangkok include silk items, silver and gold, gems (rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, painted umbrellas and fans, wickerwork, ceramics, woodcarvings and leather items. This is also a good place to have clothes made with high standards. Many shops and stores are open 12 hours a day and 7 days a week, and the street markets are open even longer, even though some are busier in the mornings and others at night. Other places for shopping are the Pratunaam Market, Siam Square, and last but not the least is the MBK centre (Maboonkrong), one of the most famous shopping centres in Bangkok. A Duty-Free Shop of Thailand is in the World Central Plaza on Ratchadamri Road. Tourists can pay for their items here and collect them at the airport prior to departure from Thailand. The 7% Value Added Tax will be be refunded on items purchased in shops labelled ‘VAT refund for tourists’, where there is a minimum transaction of B2,000. Tourists are necessary to complete the VAT Refund Application forms at the time of purchase and passports must be shown. Cash refunds (minimum B5,000) can be collected in the airport departure hall and the bought items must also be shown. ____________Bangkok Sightseeing Bangkok Sightseeing Guide - TravelPuppy.com Overview This sprawling city, Bangkok, has a great choice of attractive places for visitors. However, it is not easy to reach many of them in a single day due to the traffic congestion in Bangkok. Visitors are advised to select sightseeing in one area per day, though there are Skytrain and subway to travel across the town. A great way to enjoy Bangkok's city views is going to the observation deck on the 77th floor of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Thailand's tallest building or one of the tallest hotels in the world. There is an admission charge. A number of important tourist attractions which include the National Museum, Wat Pho and the Royal Grand Palace, are all located in the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River (west of the north–south railway line) in an area called Rattanakosin Island, where there are also many hotels. Some travellers may stay in the east of the railway line in the Sukhumvit Road area, with a great choice of shopping centres, exciting nightlife and many places of interest, including Suan Pakkard Palace Museum and Jim Thompson Thai House. Aside from the main sights (see Key Attractions), which are all ‘must-see’, there are many other places of interest which include more than 400 temples. Sanam Luang, located north of the Royal Grand Palace, is a large public area with a lot of old tamarind trees, which is used for many ceremonies throughout the year, including the Ploughing Ceremony. It is also a favourite haunt for kite-flying enthusiasts and just passing the time. On Bamrung Muang Road, the 19th-century Wat Suthat is famous for its murals depicting the lives of Buddha. Just opposite this temple lies Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing), which was the site of Brahmin ceremonies until the 1920s. Only the posts of the swing are present today. Situated between Hualampong railway station and the river, Chinatown is a cheerful and enchanting area with its maze of narrow roads and many shops that sell almost everything one can imagine. Wat Trai Mit, situated on Yaowarat Road, is home to a sparkling solid gold Buddha, 3 metres or 10 feet high and weighing more than 5 tons. Phahurat, which is adjacent to Chinatown, is the major Indian area, filled with colourful fabric stores and great Indian eating outlets. In an graceful area, Si Ayutthaya Road has many government offices. Wat Benjamabopit, the recent royal residence, is principally constructed with Italian marble and a combination of Thai and European styles. An escape for peace and serenity in Bangkok city centre, Lumphini Park has pavilions and 2 small lakes. For tourists who don't have enough time to visit the rest of the country, the Ancient City, an open-air museum boasts full-size and scaled-down replicas of legendary buildings, temples and monuments from all over Thailand. This museum is set in 112 hectares or 280 acres of ground, and is 33 kilometres or 20 miles southeast of the city centre. Bang Pa In, the former summer residence of the royal family in the 17th century, is 60 kilometres or 37 miles north of Bangkok. It has a cluster of buildings constructed in Oriental and European styles. Please be advised that it is essential to dress reverently when visiting temples or palaces. Visitors may not be allowed if the rule is not observed. Tourist Information Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 1st Floor, 1600 New Phetburi Road, Makkasan, Rachathewi Tel: (02) 250 5500. Fax: (02) 250 5511. E-mail: center@tat.or.th Web site: www.tat.org.th Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Another office is located at 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, Pomprab (opening hours : 8.30 am to 4.30 pm). The Tourist Service Centre on Khao San Road (in front of Chana Songkram Police Station) is open from 8.00 am to 12.00 midnight every day. Tourist police offer 24-hour services for complaints, accidents and emergencies from their office on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue or through the toll-free hotline (tel: 1155). Key Attractions Royal Grand Palace Set in over 53 acres of land and encircled by 1,900-metre walls, the Royal Grand Palace was built in 1782 when Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand. It is home to government offices and Wat Phra Kaeo, the holiest of all temples, where the sacred Emerald Buddha sits (it is not carved from an emerald but from jade). A scale model of Angkor Wat is also seen here. Several palaces are all highly furnished with tiles and ceramics. The dress code is strict, and visitors who wear shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops will not be allowed to enter, even though it is feasible to rent trousers and plastic shoes. Na Phra Lan Road Telephone: (02) 222 6889. Web site: www.palaces.thai.net Transport: Served by many buses. Opening hours: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm daily. Entry fee: B200. Vimanmek Palace It is the world’s largest residence which was made of golden teak. Vimanmek Palace was a former royal Summer Palace built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V. This 81-room mansion is nestled within manicured lawns, close to the recent royal residence, and consists of 31 exhibition rooms. There is an entry fee, and visitors must take a guided tour, which is available every 30 minutes. Worth seeing are Thailand’s first indoor bathroom and the oldest typewriter with Thai characters. The dress code is strict, and visitors who wear shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops will not be allowed to enter. Ratchawithi Road Telephone: (02) 228 6300. Web site: www.palaces.thai.net Transport: Served by many buses. Opening hours: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm daily (last tour is at 3.15 pm). Entry fee: B50. Free if visitors have bought a ticket to the Royal Grand Palace (ticket valid for 30 days). Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) The largest and oldest temple in the city, Wat Pho has a huge gold-plated Reclining Buddha, which is 46 metres or 150 feet long and 15 metres or 49 feet high. Today, it is also famous for its teaching of herbal medicine and traditional Thai massage. Thai Wang Road Telephone: (02) 222 0933. Transport: Served by many buses. Opening hours: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Entry fee: B20. National Museum The National Museum is one of the most extensive museums in this region. It is home to a wide selection of artefacts ranging from the neolithic period through the more recent periods. Built in 1782, the traditional Thai style building is wonderful in its own right. The museum is so enormous that several visits are needed; however, if you don't have enough time, the lovely teak pavilion containing personal royal belongings is worth a visit. There are free guided tours provided by volunteers at 9.30 am every Wednesday and Thursday, and these are highly recommended. Na Phrathat Road Telephone: (02) 224 1333. Transport: Served by numerous buses. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Entry fee: B40. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) Wat Arun, built in the 17th century, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It has a 79 metre-high or 259 feet tower furnished with multicoloured ceramic tiles, making it a landmark along the river. The effect of the tiles is best seen at a distance. Wat Arun was the 1st place to keep the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Wat Phra Kaeo in the year 1785. There is a nightly light and sound show from October to May. Arun Amarin Road Telephone: (02) 465 5640. Transport: Boat from Tha Tien Pier. Opening hours: 7.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Entry fee: B10. Jim Thompson Thai House An American man, Jim Thompson moved to Bangkok after World War II and the Jim Thompson Thai House was his home until his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia in 1967. He completely developed the Thai silk industry, and his traditional Thai style house is currently a museum presenting his collection of Asian artefacts. Completed in 1955, the home is a complex of 6 traditional Thai teak structures brought to Bangkok from different parts of Thailand. It provides compulsory guided tours around the house. 6 Soi Kasemsan 2 Song, Rama I Road Telephone: (02) 216 7368. E-mail: info@jimthompsonhouse.com Web site: www.jimthompsonhouse.com Transport: Skytrain National Stadium station. Opening hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily (last tour is at 4.30 pm). Entry fee: B100. Royal Barge National Museum The royal barges are hardly used by the royal family due to their age. A few of them are currently shown in the Royal Barge National Museum on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River. The 8 long, narrow boats are elaborately gilded and each need between 50 and 60 rowers to take their oars. The figure on the bow of each vessel indicates whether it carries the King and Queen or other members of the royal family. The foremost barge is the Suphannahong, used exclusively by the King. Khlong Bangkok Noi Telephone: (02) 424 0004. Transport: River taxi. Opening hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily. Entry fee: B30. Other Distractions Suan Pakkard Palace Museum Suan Pakkard Palace was the residence of Princess Chumphot, one of Thailand’s leading art collectors. 5 traditional wooden Thai houses, brought to Bangkok from different parts of Thailand, are set in one of the most beautiful gardens in Bangkok. It contains a significant collection of antiques. Si Ayutthaya Road Telephone: (02) 245 4934. Transport: Skytrain Phaya Thai station. Opening hours: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily. Entry fee: B100. Ban Kham Thieng Brought from Chiang Mai and rebuilt in the capital, this 200-year-old classic northern-style teak home was owned by a worker and shows the simplicity of rural life in the north. Ban Kham Thieng boasts a good range of traditional implements used by farmers and fishermen. 131 Soi Asoke (Soi 21), Sukhumvit Road Telephone: (02) 661 6470. Transport: Skytrain Asoke station. Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Entry fee: B100 __________Bangkok Tours - Excursions Bangkok Tours Guide - TravelPuppy.com Walking Tours It is not really ideal to explore Bangkok on foot; however, Diethelm Travel (telephone: (02) 255 9150) provides a walking tour of Chinatown, called ‘Bangkok Way of Life’, which lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes, and costs US$17.90 per person as part of a group. Bus Tours World Travel Service (telephone: (02) 233 5900) operates small group tours with free pick-ups from a number of hotels around the city. Tours can be reserved direct or through some hotels. Half-day city tours include the ‘Royal Grand Palace Tour’ which includes Wat Phra Kaeo; and the ‘Temples Tour’ which covers Wat Pho, Wat Trai Mit and Wat Benjamabopit. Each tour lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes; the ‘Royal Grand Palace Tour’ costs B850, while the ‘Temples Tour’ costs B750. Diethelm Travel (telephone: (02) 255 9150) also provides similar tours. The Bangkok Tourist Bureau (telephone: (02) 225 7612) has daily 90-minute tours passing the major tourist attractions on a vintage-style double-decker bus. The bus leaves the Grand Palace at 9.00 am, 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm and Vimanmek Palace at 9.30 am, 11.00 am, 12.30 pm, 2.00 pm and 4.30 pm. The fare is B200. Bicycle Tours The Bangkok Tourist Bureau (telephone: (02) 225 7612; fax: (02) 225 7616) operates a 2-and-a-half-hour bicycle tour on Saturdays at 7.00 pm around the historical area of Bangkok. The trip starts at their offices at 17/1 Phra Arthit Road, Phra Nakhon and passes Sanam Luang, Wat Pho, the Democracy Monument and the Khao San Road backpacker area. The fare is B290 per person, and includes the hire of a bicycle, snacks and drinks. Boat Tours Bangkok is lined with canals or khlongs and life along the canals is far removed from the busy Bangkok. A good way to see this area of the city is a boat trip, passing temples, orchards, orchid farms and typical houses on stilts. World Travel Service (telephone: (02) 233 5900) and Diethelm Travel (telephone: (02) 255 9150) provides this service. Diethelm provides a 4-hour boat trip for US$25.10 per person or a full-day visit to the floating market at Damnoan Saduak for US$58.90 per person (prices as part of a group). Half Day Excursions Rose Garden The Rose Garden (telephone: (034) 322 588; fax: (034) 322 775) is a place of interest situated 32 kilometres or 20 miles to the southwest of the city. The Rose Garden in its well-kept gardens offers daily cultural shows at 2.45 pm including dancing, Thai boxing, cock fighting and an elephant show. It is open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. Entrance to the resort costs B20, tickets for the show are B380. Damnoan Saduak Floating Market The Damnoan Saduak Floating Market is 80 kilometres or 50 miles west of the city and is much more attractive than the floating market in Bangkok, as it has not been turned into one of places of interest. There are many small boats that carry fruits and vegetables sold by native females in the early morning. This very interesting and atmospheric market is all over by 11.00 am, which makes an early start from Bangkok. To take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to the market is also possible but probably easier to join an organised tour from a hotel (see Tours of the City). Whole Day Excursions Kanchanaburi Kanchanaburi is situated 122 kilometres or 76 miles from Bangkok and it is the place of the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. Constructed by Allied Prisoners of War during World War II, it is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with forest-clad hills and valleys covered with trees. There are 2 well-preserved Allied war cemeteries just in a suburb of the town. Kanchanaburi is easily accessible by either bus or train or by tour buses from the city. For additional information, please contact the local Tourist Authority of Thailand office (telephone: (034) 511 200) which is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm daily. Ayutthaya Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand for more than 400 years until its destruction in 1767. Ruins of many temples, buildings and palaces cover a large area and this was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ayutthaya is situated 76 kilometres or 47 miles north of Bangkok and is easily accessible by bus or train or on a boat trip. For more details, please contact the local Tourist Authority of Thailand office (telephone: (035) 246 076/7) which is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm daily. |
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Bangkok dal fiume Chao Phraya al tramonto, luglio
2004
Bangkok, (in Thailandese กรุงเทพ ฯ, กรุงเทพมหานคร, o Krung Thep, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon), è la capitale e più grande città della Thailandia. La città è situata sull'argine orientale del fiume Chao Phraya, vicino al Golfo della Thailandia. Bangkok è una città che ha conosciuto uno dei più rapidi sviluppi industriali e rappresenta una delle città più economicamente dinamiche del Sud-est asiatico. La popolazione locale ama pensare che stia emergendo quale centro regionale competitiva nei confronti di Singapore e Hong Kong, ma è minata da infrastrutture precarie e imponenti questioni sociali dovute alla sua rapida crescita. È anche una delle destinazioni più popolari del turismo mondiale.
[modifica] StoriaBangkok all'inizio era un piccolo centro commerciale e portuale, chiamato Bang Makok, e serviva la città di Ayutthaya, che era la capitale del Siam quando questa cadde nelle mani della Birmania nel 1767. In seguito la capitale fu stabilita a Thonburi (ora parte di Bangkok) sopra il lato occidentale del fiume, e successivamente, nel 1782, il Re Rama I si fece costrure il palazzo reale sulla riva orientale e scelse Bangkok come sua nuova capitale, rinominandola Krung Thep, che significa "città degli angeli". Gli abitanti di Bangkok spesso continuano ad usare il vecchio nome, ma ormai in tutto il mondo non viene più utilizzata. Il nome cerimoniale completo di Bangkok è:
[modifica] AmministrazioneDal punto di vista amministrativo, Bangkok è una delle due zone ad amministrazione speciale della Thailandia (l'altra è Pattaya), nella quale i suoi abitanti eleggono il governatore cittadino, a differenza delle altre 75 provincie statali (changwat). Nelle ultime elezioni governative è stato eletto governatore Apirak Kosayothin. La città di Bangkok si estende oltre la sua provincia toccando anche quelle vicine di Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan e Pathum Thani. La provincia, come è attualmente, fu creata nel 1972, quando la precendente provincia di Bangkok (changwat Phra Nakhon) venne fusa con la provincia di Thonburi. Lo scudo della città mostra il dio Indra che cavalca tra le nuvole una creatura mitologica simile ad un elefante (rappresentata a volte con tre teste). Nella sua mano Indra mantiene un raggio lampeggiante, che è la sua arma. Lo scudo si basa su una pittura fatta da Somdej Chaofa Kromphraya Narisra-nuwattiwong. Il simbolo della città di Bangkok è una pianta, il ficus benjamina. Bangkok è suddivisa in 50 distretti (khet, chiamati anche amphoe), che sono suddivisi in 154 kwaeng (แขวง).
[modifica] EconomiaBangkok è il centro economico della Thailandia. Il fiume Chao Phraya permette il funzionamento del suo porto. La Borsa tailandese ha sede nella città. Il turismo è una delle fonti principali di ricchezza. La città è anche un famoso centro di gioielleria, ricco di botteghe artigianali che lavorano l'argento e il bronzo. Nonostante sia illegale, la prostituzione è una della attività principali e più lucrose di Bangkok. La città è conosciuta in tutto il mondo per il suo turismo sessuale.
[modifica] CulturaBangkok è anche la capitale culturale del paese con le sue varie università, l'Accademia delle Belle Arti, il Teatro Nazionale e il Museo Nazionale. La città è ricca di templi buddisti (conosciuti in Thailandia con il nome Wat). I più famosi sono il Wat Pho ed il Wat Phra Kaeo (Tempio del Buddha di smeraldo), situati nei pressi del Palazzo Reale, e il Wat Arun a Thonburi, centro sulla sponda destra del Chao Phraya, e capitale del periodo Rattanakosin prima di Bangkok. Si segnala per l'importanza delle sue raccolte artistiche e per la conservazione di alcuni esempi di abitazione ed arredi tradizionali la casa di Jim Thompson, ora trasformata in museo.
[modifica] Trasporti
Lo Skytrain al tramonto sul Thanon Silom
Una complessa rete di canali (khlong) ha dato alla città l'appellativo di Venezia dell'est. Ancora oggi i canali sono ricchi di traffici e di imbarcazioni, abitate come in passato, dove si tengono anche numerosi mercati.. Numerose autostrade sopraelevate e un anello autostradale, che circonda l'intera città, stanno per essere completate. Queste infrastrutture dovrebbero attenuare il problema del traffico della città. Altri progetti autostradali sono stati abbandonati per mancanza di fondi, in seguito alla crisi finanziaria asiatica degli scorsi anni. Nel 1999 è stata aperta una doppia linea ferroviaria sopraelevata (Skytrain), chiamata ufficialmente BTS. La prima linea della metropolitana sotterranea di Bangkok è stata aperta invece al pubblico nel luglio del 2004. Sempre nel luglio del 2004, un nuovo sistema metropolitano, l'MRT, è stato inaugurato, e ha unito la stazione di Bang Sue con quella di Hua Lamphong, passando attraverso tutta la città. L'Aeroporto Internazionale di Bangkok, comunemente chiamato Don Muang, è il più trafficato dell'Sud-est asiatico, e si trova nella zona nord della città. La costruzione del nuovo aeroporto Suvarnabhumi, nel distretto di Bang Phli, della provincia di Samut Prakan, nel sudest della città è iniziata nel 2002 e verrà portata a termine nel 2006. Quando quest'aeroporto sarà terminato ospiterà tutti i voli internazionali, mentre il vecchio verrà utilizzato solo per i collegamenti interni.
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[modifica] Altri progetti
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