Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, in Thai the city is known as Kung Thep which is short for Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , it is also the largest city in terms of population it has an population of up eight million people, and this is only the figure for those who are registered if were to consider migrants and other people flocking into the city the population exceeds fifteen million people which makes it the worlds 22nd most populous city , besides being the largest city in Bangkok it is also rated amongst the largest in Asia. The city of Bangkok started off as a tiny trading post on the mouth of the Chao Phraya River but only became the capital city in 1768, Bangkok has since then been the heart of Thailand social, political, religious, economic, and cultural activity, and its sphere of influence not only in Thailand but to the rest of south east Asia, Indochina and the rest of the world.
Bangkok is a very diverse city with influence in Fashion, arts, entertainment, politics, culture and education. The city has a wide array of cultures, such as Chinese, Thai, Buddhist, Indian, Muslim and even western cultures. Bangkok city is situated in the Bangkok province which shares its borders with six other provinces: Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Prakun, these five provinces combined form the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. Bangkok is a huge city, westernized, modern and buzzing with life, The city is split in 50 districts or Khet for administrative purposes, the Khet are spilt into a further 154 Khwaeng. There are some important business districts in Bangkok such as the Sathon, Phetchaburi, Silom, Pinklao, Phra Ram 2, Bangrak and Phra Ram 3.
Bangkok is situated near the equator, which makes this a tropical metropolis, and as you would expect of a city near the equator the heat and humidity is quite high, Bangkok has a pollution problem and other problems such as traffic jams which would be expected of a giant metropolis like this, however this should not deter any one from visiting Bangkok because it is one of the most visitor friendly cities in the world and the smiles you will get from all Thais will make you feel welcome and at home. Bangkok is a safe travel destination, and any visitor will be delighted at the great things they will find in Bangkok for example garish neon lights, exotic orchids, saffron-robbed monks, Thai architecture, traffic jams, tropical climate, fruit, Frangipani and Bougainvillea bloom everywhere, and Thai cuisine. Bangkok has a tropical climate because of its location on the equator and is said to have a tropical monsoon climate, temperatures within the city average at around forty degrees Celsius.
Because of its tropical climate Bangkok naturally has a huge section of greenery in areas designated as green zone or in areas persevered by the national forestry department, however rapid economic growth continues to encroach on the cities green belt. The city is famous for its large forest parks which lie between Yannawa and Samut Prakan which cover an area of over 50square kilometers. One of the cities most popular green areas is the Lumphini Park, also known as Bangkok’s central park. The park is nearly a century old and is used to hold ceremonies, pageants, and for recreational purposes.
Get around Bangkok can be a bit difficult because of the traffic jams, however an alternative means of transport in Bangkok is by boat. The city has an good network of canals known as Khlongs. However most of the canals have been covered up and converted into roads however a few still exist and are still functional and are a great way to explore the city. Bangkok boosts of several newly built intersections, and elevated highways however Bangkok is one of the worst cities in the world when it comes to traffic as it take you ages just to get a few kilometers. The mot popular means of transport is by bus, the bus service in Bangkok is offered by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) the services connects all the places in the city and surrounding provinces, you can opt for a cheap public bus or for a more expensive air conditioned private bus, and you can also get a bus route map from a bookshop. The rail system is another reliable means to travel; you can use the MRT subway system that connects the Bang Sue and the Hua Lamphong rail way stations. If you are arriving into the city by air there are many world class airports in Bangkok there is the Don Mueang International Airport which hosts over 160.000 flights, 38.000.000 passengers, and 700.000 tons of cargo each year, there is the official Bangkok international airport the Savarnabhumi Airport. Other methods of traveling around Bangkok include private taxi, or Tuk-Tuks which are motorized taxis with three wheels, these are good because fares can be negotiated and they are very cheap, motor bike taxis are another popular means of transport in Bangkok
Visitors to Bangkok can visit various tourist attractions such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, this area is known as Rattanakosin historically, and the area boosts of numerous palaces of several are still in use by the royal family. Visitors can visit the Grand Palace which is the King’s official home. The palace has rich history which dates back to 1782 and it has housed over 150 of Thailand’s monarchs. There is the Wat Pho which is situated behind the temple of the emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace, it houses the reclining Buddha. If you are into art and history then you can visit the National Gallery, Museum which host exhibits of Thai arts, the National Museum, the Suan Pakkad Palace and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum are also worth visiting. Nature lovers can visit the Dust Zoo, Siam Ocean World, the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute which is a snake farm, the Queen Sirikit Park, and the Lumphini Park.