BANGKOK

     Established in 1782 as Thailand's capital by the King Rama I, Bangkok offers and abundance of sight and attractions. It is one of the most intriguing places worth visiting in Southeast Asia.
     Referred to today as the City of Angles, Bangkok's official, full name is the longest in the world.
Bangkok Metropolis, home to about 8 million residents, with area of 1565.2 square km., is a sophisticated and fast-growing city. Bangkok is a tourist Mecca of the East offering a greater variety of things. Some famous Buddhist Temples, such as the Emerald Buddha Temple, War Arun, Wat Pho etc. are tourists' must-see.

    Bangkok was once called the Venice of the East because of its many canals. Cruising the Chao Phraya River and the remaining canals offers a glimpse of traditional riverside lifestyles, affording insight into the history and character of the wondrous city.
Bangkok probably has the highest concentration of luxury hotels to be found anywhere in the world. Hotel accommodation in the city covers a variety of selections but all offer high standards of service presented by friendly staff. In the Asian Hotels Top Ten by CONDE NAST TRAVELER, 5 hotels are in Bangkok and the Regent Hotel rank the top.
For those in search of bargaining, Bangkok has excellent examples of Thai handcrafts: Thai antiques, paintings, T-shirts, high-fashion accessories, high-grade Thai silks, and high -quality jewelry.

    Bangkok's traffic conditions has changed enormously. Bangkok is now a aviation hub of Southeast Asia serving an average of more than 25 million passengers and 750,058 tons of freight annually. Another new Bangkok International Airport will be completed in 2005. Most streets have 8-10 lanes. The new expressway and the overhead electric train are put into use.
Thai people are always outwardly friendly, greeting visitors with their usual gracious hospitality and sincere expression of friendship traits which have earned Thailand the 'land of Smile'. When the time comes, we hope you will leave the city of Bangkok feeling a deep warmth of its many charms and find it fascinating enough to enable us to welcome you again and again.

Grand Palace :

     This city or even nation landmark should be the first place on any visitors itinerary. It is a huge compound on Na Phra Lan Road surrounded by high white walls and occupies an area of 210,000 sq. meters. Begun in 1782 when Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand, the royal palace consists of several building with highly decorated architectural designs and is famous for its very beautiful architecture and decorative elements.

     On the right hand side, before entering the palace's inner gate is the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion which displays coins and other monetary exchange units used in Thailand since the early 11th century Ad, as well as Royal regalia, decorations and medals used in the former royal courts.



Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) :

     Wat Phra Kaeo, situated in the same compound of the Grand Palace, is the only temple in Thailand where there is no area is allotted for monk’s accommodations. It is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

     Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the 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.

     Wat Phra Kaeo has a gallery on all four sides surrounding the temple. There are 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin artisans.

     You may photograph monks, wats, aimages, except for the Emrald Buddha.

Damnoen Saduak :

     Despite the growing number of shopping centers an malls, markets both "floating' and "wet" remain one of the most popular ways for Thais to shoppers. Floating markets are the most appealing to tourists, but a visit to a wet market is more authentic.

     Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is 104 kilometers south of Bangkok. Here, you can hire a sampan, for an hour or more, travel the canal and witness true gridlock—a mess of boats, each trying to shove its way along the klong. The traffic jams of sampans, with vendors selling fresh vegetables, meats and other, are a memorable sight. From 6:00 every morning, women dressed in baggy pants, blue long-tail shirts, and straw hats sell product from their sampans, paddling back and forth or rather pushing and barging their way through the congestion. Other women, cooking tasty treats on their little stoves, sit ready to ferry sustenance to the hungry, in other boats or on the shore. It's an authentic and colorful slice of Thai life.

Wat Arun/Temple of Dawn

     Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the most atrractive structure is the 227 inches high pagoda, which is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-colored 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 dawn.

Safari World :

     Safari World covers a area of 680,000 sq. meters and is divided into 2 parts: the Safari Park and the Marine Park. The Safari Park has a large variety of wild life in Natural habits. Visitor must drive their own cars, or have a look from Safari World's coach. In the Marine Park, visitors can enjoy performances of well-trained animals like dolphins, birds, seals and monkeys.

Open daily 9:00 am --5:00 pm.

Marble Temple :

     As known as the Wat Benchamabophit, this temple is on Sri Ayutthaya Road near Chitralanda Palace.

     The main building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The temple is constructed of white Italian marble. It employs European ecclesiastic details, such as stained glass windows, and contains a superb collection of bronze Buddha images. Its interior is magnificently decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection of bronze Buddha images line the wall of the spacious inner courtyard.

Crocodile Farm :

It's the largest crocodile farm in the world. There are more than 2000 crocodiles. Daily performances at the farm include crocodile wrestling and other animal show. On weekdays, the shows are at one hour intervals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farm hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The most interesting time at the farm is the feeding hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.