Bangkok was founded
in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty.
It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic,
commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more
than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely
ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s
population.
Over the last few decades, Thailand’s
capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting
and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the
cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities,
but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions.
Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised
and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok
offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating
glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle
of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had
astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.
For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions
to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist
temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces,
classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and
traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice
of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River
of the "River of Kings" winding through the city.
It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring
further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.
Useful tourist information on Bangkok can
be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism
Division : www.bangkoktourist.com
How to get there
By Taxi
Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum
of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5
baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change,
as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the
case of using an expressway.
By Bus
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum
fare of 7 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok.
Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10
and 22 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge
a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available
at bookshops and the TAT office. Visit www.bmta.co.th for
more information on Bangkok’s public buses.
By
Tuk Tuk
These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular
for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum
fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately
30 baht.
By BTS Sky Trains
BTS sky
trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads.
The routes connect Bangkoks leading hotels and major shopping
areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak
Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according
to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok
Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th
By
Boat
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally
convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River.
Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many
landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up
as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi .
