Bangkok, a wonderful blend of historic and modern times

Posted by admin on November 13th, 2007 filed in Bangkokians, Culture shock, Sightseeing, Temples

If you are planning to visit a South Eastern Asian holiday destination, it might be possible that you have to pass through the Thai capital and metropolis of Bangkok. The fascinating city of Bangkok offers a weird ambience that might be experienced by visitors as both; very likeable or as a hectic, chaotic and over-crowded cesspool from which where to escape as soon as possible!

However, despite the travellers that seem to loathe the city, there are numerous other visitors, experiencing Bangkok as one of the most gorgeous, vibrant, and fascinating huge urban centres on our planet. To be honest, a stay in Bangkok can be experienced just as a particular visitor would like it to be. The Thai capital boasts a unique blend of Buddhist serenity, ultra-modern architecture, trendy shopping malls, ancient temples and pagodas and one of the world’s most comprehensive tourist infrastructures. Off course Bangkok’s pulsating nightlife is legendary while visitors also have the opportunity to sample the mouth-watering and extremely healthy Thai cuisine. Gastronomists, shopping addicts and party animals will definitely all have a good time in Bangkok.

About 50 percent of the people living in Bangkok have an age of under the 30, and compared with many other worldwide huge cities, they are friendly and relaxed. Bangkok city and the surrounding areas offer plenty of things to do and see, from which such a few include: historical sights, recreational options, leisure, fun-filled amusement parks, a range of great daytrips, city sightseeing trips, excellent museums, atmospheric markets, huge shopping malls, a great choice of superb Thai and international restaurants, various courses, and a booming and naughty nightlife scene.

Everyone who stay here for at least a three days will notice the fascinating mixture of the old and the modern. Bangkok’s skyline comprises of tranquil Buddhist temples, first-class hotel establishments, skyscrapers and gigantic department. Under the thin veneer of new found Western influence you will find that the Thais are not devoid of traditional values. The scene of ubiquitous food stalls, groups of Buddhist monks walking their daily morning begging route and young and old woman making jasmine garlands near the religious temples will display an important part of Thailand’s cultural heritage, which has not been lost yet in modernity’s arc lights.
Per square mile you will find more tourist sights in Bangkok than in any other city on the globe. The city’s most famous attraction is probably the Grand Palace and the Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Khaew. Bangkok’s highly reputed National Museum and the interesting Wat Po temple along with the lively and colourful Chinatown are some of the other must-see attractions on offer here.

Wat Po

Sites of historical interest like Rattanakosin Island (the central spot where the city was founded) are notable as well. Bangkok’s most significant symbolic sight is arguably Wat Arun on the vital River Chao Phraya.

You can reach Thonburi by crossing the River Chao Phraya and once you arrive here, there’s the unforgettable option to navigate the klongs and appreciate the culture and heritage of ‘the land of smiles’. The breathtakingly beautiful Vimanmek Palace was excellently restored, especially due to Queen Sirikit’s efforts. Made out of golden teak, the palace characterises Thai ancient royal life’s exquisite splendour.

Vinmanmak Palace

The city of Bangkok provides a great base from which where to explore the surrounding region by making use of some unusual and interesting daytrip adventures.

One of the most popular day trippers’ destinations is historical Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In. Ayutthaya is Siam’s historical capital and is located approximately 50 miles outside of Bangkok. This internationally acclaimed sight is a must-see for history buffs as many previous visitors described this sight of sparkling temples, palaces and Buddhist images as one of our planet’s most enchanting places. Unfortunately Siam’s arch enemy’s Burmese army destroyed the city’s glories in the year 1767.

There are plenty of other available daytrip options. Just take your time and discover yourself what this amazing city has to offer. Bangkok’s magnetism is of such strength that even if visitors have been here a couple of times, they still tend to come here again.