Travel Guides > Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Travel

Founded in 1782, Bangkok lacks the history of some of Asia's older large cities but has nonetheless continued to make its mark of the Asian tourist industry. Boasting some of the most luxurious hotels in the Far East and with an excellent tourist infrastructure stimulated by a growing international economy, Bangkok is becoming a more and more popular destination for international travelers.

As the capital of Thailand and economic center of the country, the population of this city is a whopping 10 million, making it at times a difficult place to get around. But thanks to recent improvements in public transportation, Bangkok is a more hospitable place to visit than it was decades ago.

First-time visitors (and many repeat visitors as well) will head straight for Bangkok's number one tourist attraction. The Grand Palace was one of the first structures that King Rama I had built here when he moved the capital from Thornburi to Bangkok in the late 18th century. The palace's architecture is a blend of Victorian and colonial and its most famous resident was not a king, but rather Anna of The King and I fame. Visitors must wear proper attire (long pants, no sleeveless shirts) to enter the gates of the Grand Palace.

Another much-revered site is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, called Wat Phra Kaeo in Thai. This is the royal chapel and the religious site most treasured by the Thai people. Don't expect a huge Buddha statue, however. The one inside this temple stands just 2 feet tall and is made of jadeite, not the precious gem.

If you want to see a larger Buddha, head to Wat Po, otherwise known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is Bangkok's largest and oldest Buddhist temple and the reclining Buddha is an immense 140 feet long and 50 feet high! The temple dates back to the 16th century but the statue was constructed sometime during the mid 19th century.

Bangkok's National Museum is the largest in southeast Asia and its collection of art and archaeological artifacts is extensive. This is an ideal place to learn more about Thai history and to explore many fascinating prehistoric relics.

Don't let the American name fool you! A visit to Jim Thompson's House is well worth your time. Thompson was an architect from New York who worked with U.S. Intelligence during WWII and after the war, settled in Bangkok. He is credited for single-handedly reviving the country's silk industry but was also a great collector of artworks. Besides beautiful silks, visitors can also view his collection of porcelain, carvings, sculpture, and Thai scroll paintings.

When it's time to do some serious shopping in Bangkok, guests have a wide variety of venues from which to choose, including many modern malls. The small community markets, however, are a much more interesting place to shop and you can certain try your hand at striking a bargain with local vendors. Check out the Weekend Market at Chatuchak or the many stalls on Khao San Road.