My original plan was to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, but due to some fire in Laos the air quality in Chiang Mai was very bad, I have to cancel my trip to the north of Thailand and stay longer in Bangkok.
I was in Thailand at the end of March and it was not the best period of the year.
Bangkok is a city with lots of contrast, very old habitations mix with very modern building, modern lifestyle and street food.
Bangkok is well developed and to move around the city is very easy with the very good pubic transportation system.
BANGKOK
About little bit history of Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has undergone significant changes since the 1980s. It has become a major place for trade, commerce, and tourism, with modern infrastructure and a vibrant cultural scene.
One of the most notable changes in Bangkok has been the development of its transportation system.
In the 1990s, the city began construction on a skytrain system (BTS), which opened in 1999. This elevated rail system has been expanded in recent years, making it easier for people to navigate the city.
Another major development in Bangkok has been the growth of its tourism industry. The city is known for its vibrant street food scene, historical landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, and its nightlife.
However, this growth has also brought challenges. The influx of tourists has led to issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.
Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, has a long and complex history that dates back to the 15th century.
The area that is now Bangkok was originally a small trading post called Ayutthaya, which was established by the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century.
However, Ayutthaya was later destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.
After the fall of Ayutthaya, a general named Taksin established a new capital at Thonburi, which was located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Thonburi became an important trading center, and Taksin worked to expand the city’s military and political power.
In the late 18th century, Taksin was overthrown by a rival general named Chao Phraya Chakri. Chakri established the Chakri Dynasty and moved the capital across the river to what is now known as Bangkok.
Under Chakri’s rule, Bangkok grew rapidly, with the construction of numerous palaces, temples, and public buildings. The city became known for its elegant architecture and cultural heritage, and it was considered one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia.
In the late 19th century, Bangkok began to modernize, with the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This was part of a larger effort to modernize the country as a whole and to resist European imperialism.
During the 20th century, Bangkok continued to grow and change. It became a major center for trade and commerce, and it attracted people from all over the country and the region.
TRANSPORTATION:
Bangkok is well developed and to move around the city is very easy with the very good public transportation system.
The best way is by using the Metro or the BTS, very fast, clean and modern.
The ticket fee depend where you going, further you go more expensive is it.
The taxis too are cheap, just make sure you negotiate with them and always ask to be charge by the meter, is always cheaper, if they do not want, try another one, use google map to make sure the driver take the shorter way.
Here the for the metro and skytrain map
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BANGKOK
In Bangkok there is a lots of accommodation for every budget
To make your life easy I recommend to find a hotel close to the MTS and BTS.
We stay at the evergreen laurel hotel, very nice hotel, very good service, very clean, excellent breakfast, the breakfast was a buffet with a lots of choices and their restaurant have good food too.
Evergreen laurel hotel:
68 88 Soi Sathon 6, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
www.evergreenlaurel.com-bangok.com
WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK
The food in Bangkok is excellent, no matter where you go, street food, food court, restaurants the food is very tasty and cheap, which usually doesn’t go together.
Of course the most interesting food is the street food.
THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER
On the CHAO PHRAYA RIVER, there is a company who provide the hop on-off boat service along the river, the Chao Phraya Express Boat co, Ltd established itself on June 5th 2012.
This service is very convenient to visit Bangkok tourist attraction along the river.
https://chaophrayatouristboat.com
the schedule is from 8:00 to 17:00 daily. There is 9 stops.
For the ticket’s choice there is 2 option:
The first option is the blue line for 30 THB and good only for 1 stop, the second one the most interesting is 150THB but good for the all day until 5pm, because night time there is another trip, and you have to pay a new fare.
THE GRAND PALACE
The grand palace is the actual residence of the king of Thailand.
The Grand Palace complex is relatively new on the Thailand historic scale
The complex has been established in 1782, it include not only the royal residence and his throne hall, but also the government offices and the temple of emerald Buddha
The palace have been built after King RAMA 1 ascend to the throne
Before this event the administration office was located in Thonburi on the west bank of the river.
HOW TO GET THERE:
There is various ways, taxis, walking, public transportation, but my favourite way is by using the CHAO PHRAYA tourist boat, see the link above.
Using the BTS go to the SATHORN station, from there take the boat and stop at the stop number 9.
Entrance fee 500 thb, the Grand palace is the most expensive entry fee of all the temples in Bangkok, but it also include the emerald Buddha temple.
To visit the grand palace you have to make sure to wear long pant and covered shoulders, and inside the temple no hats.
If you wear shorts, don’t worry outside the palace you have lots of shops, ready to sell you long pants, around THB 100.
Depending the time of the year, (I went there in end of March) make sure you carry enough water, because the visit can last about 2h.
THE EMERAD TEMPLE
The Emerald Temple, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is one of the most important temples in Bangkok and the entire country of Thailand.
It is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, and it has a rich and fascinating history.
The temple was built in the late 18th century by King Rama I, and was designed to be the most important Buddhist temple in the new capital, Bangkok, and it was built to house the Emerald Buddha, a highly venerated statue that was believed to have been created in India in the 4th century.
The emerald Buddha image was carved from a block of jasper measuring 66cm high including the base and 48.3 cm wide.
The emerald Buddha is represented in different costumes, one for each season, summer, rainy season and winter, all made of god and jewelry.
The particularity of the temple is, there is no living quarters for Buddhist monks.
Over the years, the Emerald Temple has played an important role in the religious and cultural life of Thailand. It has been the site of numerous ceremonies, festivals, and royal events, and it has been visited by countless pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
The temple has also undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, as new kings and queens added their own touches and embellishments.
These changes have helped to preserve and enhance the temple’s beauty and cultural significance.
CHINATOWN
Chinatown in Bangkok, also known as Yaowarat, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century.
The area that is now Chinatown was originally a trading center for Chinese merchants, who came to Bangkok to trade goods such as tea, silk, and spices.
The Chinese community grew rapidly, and by the 19th century, it had become one of the largest ethnic groups in Bangkok.
During this time, Chinatown was known for its vibrant markets, temples, and cultural events. The area was also home to a number of prominent Chinese families, who built large mansions and established businesses such as banks and pawnshops.
In the early 20th century, Chinatown underwent significant changes as the Thai government sought to modernize the city.
However, Chinatown remained an important center for Chinese culture and commerce.
In the mid-20th century, the area became known for its gold shops and jewelry stores, and it attracted visitors from all over Thailand and beyond.
The area is known for its lively street food scene, and it remains an important center for Chinese culture in Bangkok.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The best way is to take a taxi.
ICONSIAM
Iconsiam, stylized as ICONSIAM, is a mixed-use development on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It includes one of the largest shopping malls in Asia, which opened to the public on 9 November 2018.
There are over 7,000 shops in this 10-story mega lifestyle complex, perched across the renowned Chao Phraya River. Inside we can find a themed zone fitted with an indoor floating market.
The food court is already unique by himself, you can eat anything you feel like, from fried squid eggs, rock lobster, giant prawns to durian fruits.
HOW TO GET THERE
There is a free shuttle from the SATHORN station.
GOLDEN MOUNTAIN
This Landmark, on the only hill in Bangkok, is of great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. 320 stairs take you up to the top for panoramic views of the Rattanakosin Island.
The mount has a somewhat unusual history. It was started by King Rama III early in the nineteenth century. He wanted to build a large Chedi on the site to mark the entrance to the city. However, the soft marshy ground could not support such a large structure and it collapsed before it was completed.
The Golden Mountain is very well know at the sunset time.
The nearest MRT metro station is Sam Yot, a 15-minute walk to the south, otherwise the best way is to go to the golden mount is by taxi.
KHLONG LAT MAYOM FLOATING MARKET
The accessibility of Khlong Lat Mayom makes it one of Bangkok’s best floating markets. Although the market is located in the city’s Taling Chan District.
The best way to go to the market is by taxi from Bangkok.
The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is only open on weekends and public holidays, with opening hours between 8am and 5pm. It can get quite busy, so visiting earlier in the day than you can explore the market when it’s quieter.
One of the highlights of visiting the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is the chance to take a boat tour around the surrounding canals. These boat trips range from one to two hours, and should cost no more than 100 Baht per person.
Food
Like many of the markets in Southeast Asia, there’s plenty of food and drink at the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
It’s a great place to try some local dishes at an affordable price, and the food is cooked right in front of you, It’s worth having a wander around to see what’s on offer and trying a dish or two!
One of the absolute best things to eat at Khlong Lat Mayom and at any Bangkok floating market is pla pao, Thai salt crusted grilled fish.
WAT ARUN TEMPLE
WAT ARUN is a Buddhist temple in the Bangkok Yai district, it situated on Thonburi on the west ban of the Chao Phraya river directly opposite Wat Pho.
The temple get its name from the Hindu god Aruna.
In the reign of king Rama III, there was a construction of a large pagoda that is 82m high and 234m wide. It was completed in the reign of King Rama IV the great, and changed its name to Wat Arun Ratchawararam like it is still called today.
HOW TO GET THERE
The best is to take the ferry from the Tha Tien Pier, this ferry takes you to Wat Arun for only 3 Bath.
Open daily 8:00 to 18:00, Entry fee is 100 bath.
THONBURI MARKET
Delicious and affordable food, plus a huge chandelier, are the attractions at Thonburi Market Place.
Thonburi Market Place is open daily from early in the morning until as late as midnight, but the food market is only open from 07:00 to 20:00.
The market is sectioned off into four different zones.
The first is dedicated to a variety of uncooked ingredients, like raw meat and fresh seafood, while the second accommodates stands selling everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and home equipment.
It’s in the third zone where you can indulge in a wide range of mouthwatering bites from street food vendors.
There’s an area where you can sit and enjoy your food as you marvel at a ridiculously huge and expensive-looking chandelier hanging over the food zone.
My original plan was to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, but due to some fire in Laos the air quality in Chiang Mai was very bad, I have to cancel my trip to the north of Thailand and stay longer in Bangkok.
I was in Thailand at the end of March and it was not the best period of the year.
Bangkok is a city with lots of contrast, very old habitations mix with very modern building, modern lifestyle and street food.
Bangkok is well developed and to move around the city is very easy with the very good pubic transportation system.
BANGKOK
About little bit history of Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has undergone significant changes since the 1980s. It has become a major place for trade, commerce, and tourism, with modern infrastructure and a vibrant cultural scene.
One of the most notable changes in Bangkok has been the development of its transportation system.
In the 1990s, the city began construction on a skytrain system (BTS), which opened in 1999. This elevated rail system has been expanded in recent years, making it easier for people to navigate the city.
Another major development in Bangkok has been the growth of its tourism industry. The city is known for its vibrant street food scene, historical landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, and its nightlife.
However, this growth has also brought challenges. The influx of tourists has led to issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and strain on infrastructure.
Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, has a long and complex history that dates back to the 15th century.
The area that is now Bangkok was originally a small trading post called Ayutthaya, which was established by the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 14th century.
However, Ayutthaya was later destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.
After the fall of Ayutthaya, a general named Taksin established a new capital at Thonburi, which was located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Thonburi became an important trading center, and Taksin worked to expand the city’s military and political power.
In the late 18th century, Taksin was overthrown by a rival general named Chao Phraya Chakri. Chakri established the Chakri Dynasty and moved the capital across the river to what is now known as Bangkok.
Under Chakri’s rule, Bangkok grew rapidly, with the construction of numerous palaces, temples, and public buildings. The city became known for its elegant architecture and cultural heritage, and it was considered one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia.
In the late 19th century, Bangkok began to modernize, with the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. This was part of a larger effort to modernize the country as a whole and to resist European imperialism.
During the 20th century, Bangkok continued to grow and change. It became a major center for trade and commerce, and it attracted people from all over the country and the region.