Posts Tagged ‘Bangkok’

Exploring Bangkok

Travel | Posted by admin
Feb 19 2009

One of the best cities to visit is beautiful Bangkok. The capital of Thailand was actually voted the “World’s Best City” and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. With a growing economy and rapid development, the city attracts not only holiday travelers, but an increasing number of businessmen and women. Whatever the purpose of their trip, visitors will find lots to explore in Bangkok.

Although it is considered by many to be an exotic and ancient city, full of historic architecture and landmarks, Bangkok is, in fact, quite modern. There are over 1000 skyscrapers which form a breath-taking skyline while serving as testimony to the city’s position as a major economic and financial center for the region.

The city was once known as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive system of canals or “khlongs.” While most of these have been filled in and paved as roads, a number of khlongs are in use and taking a boat taxi or visiting the floating market in the Taling Chan district provide a unique view of the city.

Since Bangkok is a capital city, it is home to the usual National sites. Here is where you’llf find the House of Parliament, the National Gallery, and the National Museum. Bangkok is also the home of the royal family and their official residence, the Grand Palace. The National Theater is also in Bangkok.

Bankok is known for contrasts. Home to some of the best deals for shoppers (esp. for clothing and locally-produced goods), the best Bangkok hotels offer unparalleled luxury. Food in this multicultural city ranges from local Thai dishes served from street vendors to fine dining restaurants offering international cuisines.

Other things to do in Bangkok include visiting the Bangkok Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art or strolling through one of the city’s many parks. There are also wildlife sanctuaries and zoos offering a wide range of animals, birds, snakes, and reptiles.

For a unique experience, try to schedule a trip during one of the city’s many annual festivals. Some of the more popular annual events include the Bangkok Songkran Festival (a celebration of the traditional Thai New Year) and two international film festivals. The city also hosts huge celebrations honoring the birthdays of the Queen and King of Thailand.

Bangkok’s Greenery

Travel | Posted by admin
Dec 26 2008

Known as the commercial and business center of Thailand, Bangkok has managed to balance its bustling urban landscape with well-placed parks throughout the city. Each is an oasis of green in the exotic city known for its skyscrapers and modern development. While visitors come for the shopping, food, historical and cultural sites, and to stay in modern accommodations such as the five star hotels of Bangkok, they may find that taking time to visit one (or more) of the parks will offer them easy access to the slower pace of this cosmopolitan city.

Lumphini Park which was designed by Rama VI in the 1920s as the Bangkok’s answer to Central Park. Lumphini serves as the location for ceremonies and grand pageants celebrating the Tahi constitution. It is also a haven for runners, with the western gates being opened on most Sundays allowing access to Silom Road.

Two of the largest parks in the city are Suan Luang Rama IX park and Chatuchak Park. Rama IX is a 200 acre park commemorating the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It features botanical gardens as well as public park areas. Chatuchak is known for its nine ASEAN sculptures. In these two parks you’ll find large lakes and ponds, sporting clubs, and gardens in the Japanese, French, and English styles.

Sanam Luang is home to an annual kite festival, as kite flying is a popular sport in the city. Princess Mother Memorial park includes a full scale mode of the Princess Mother’s house. Other parks with historic sites as well as public greenary include Benchasiri Park, Rommaninat Park, Saranrom Park, and the Santi Chai Prakan Pavilion and Public Park.

Bankok has also designated a number of “green zones” to preserve areas from development. This includes the large forest park located between Samut Prakan and Yannawa. Covering over 50 square kilometers, it serves as a buffer between the large industries of the south and west Bangkok metropolitan area and the CBD.