- The island as "the highest jewel"
- Religious buildings
- Bangkok landmarks
- Parks and gardens
- Bangkok for kids
- Shopping in Bangkok
- Delicious points on the map
- Siam Niramit Theater
When Thais gave a name to their capital, they did not skimp on the number of letters. So the city got into the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the longest name. Today, Bangkok is home to almost 6 million people, and the number of tourists visiting it daily exceeds tens of thousands. The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand is attractive in all respects, and you can easily find what to see or try and where to go in Bangkok. The metropolis is famous for sacred temples, huge parks, restaurants on the rooftops of skyscrapers, modern shopping centers and a surprisingly cosmopolitan atmosphere in which everyone feels at home.
The island as "the highest jewel"
This is how the name of the island of Rattanakosin, located in the very center of the capital of Thailand, sounds in translation from Thai. The island appeared in 1782 as a result of the irrigation project of King Rama I. The monarch ordered to dig several canals, connect them with the Chao Phraya River, and build a residence and several temples on the created island.
Rattanokosin is called the Old City. The easiest way to get there is by boat, scurrying along the Chauphray like water "minibuses".
In addition to the most important architectural attractions, the main island of Bangkok houses a museum, parks and a national theater. The island is loved by fans of a healthy lifestyle: bike paths are laid along Rattanakosin, and runners can be found in its parks.
Religious buildings
In the Thai capital, there are several temple complexes that are not only religious, but also of great cultural value:
- In the architectural ensemble of the Old City, the most important place is occupied by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Thai shrine is a green stone statue located in the sacred room of Ubosota. The Emerald Buddha was found in the 15th century. monks, but when and by whom it was made, no one knows for certain.
- White marble from Italy became the building material from which the Benchamabophit Temple was built. Its main building is on the list of the best architectural examples of the oriental style in architecture. The gallery has fifty sculptures depicting Buddha and copying the most famous deity statues known in the world.
- The imposing size of the Golden Buddha in the temple of the same name impresses visitors. The sculpture weighing 5.5 tons and about 3 m high is cast of pure gold. During the war with Burma, the inhabitants of the kingdom covered the deity with plaster to protect it from being kidnapped. As a result, the true value of the plaster sculpture was subsequently discovered quite by accident.
Do not forget to go to the Temple of the Morning Dawn, on the top of which there is an observation deck. All of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River are visible from above at a glance. Especially beautiful landscapes seem in the rays of the rising sun.
Bangkok landmarks
Do not think that apart from the temples in the capital of the kingdom there is nowhere else to go! In Bangkok, there are hundreds of useful addresses that would be interesting for an inquisitive traveler to visit:
- The National Museum of Bangkok has a unique exhibition of objects that allow you to trace the history of the kingdom, dating back to ancient times. You will see ancient coins and national musical instruments, ceramic household items and jewelry, medieval weapons and Thai theater masks on the stands. There is also a Russian-language version in the schedule of excursions around the museum.
- A mysterious man named Jim Thomson has played an important role in the Thai economy. He revived the production of natural silk, and then, moving to Bangkok from the United States, took an active part in the cultural life of the country. The Thompson House Museum is popular with tourists. Surrounded by a picturesque park, he tells about the life of a businessman and demonstrates his collection of antiques. Silk items can be bought at the gift shop.
- At a time when the main public transport in Bangkok was water, residents moved by boat, and the Chao Phraya River served as the most important artery. The Royal Barges Museum showcases the vehicles of monarchs and their families - eight luxurious barges, carved from teak and adorned with gilding and elaborate ornamentation. The museum also houses other ships participating in the ceremonial Processions of the Royal Barges.
The Thais called the residence of their king Rama V "Castle in the Clouds", built of teak beams without the use of nails or other hardware. The Victorian palace is open to the public today. The Royal Family Museum showcases luxurious interiors filled with beautiful things: furniture, dishes, musical instruments, books, jewelry and paintings.
Parks and gardens
You can cool off a little from sightseeing, spend time on a fresh lawn in the shade of evergreen trees and enjoy the singing of birds in the parks of the capital of Thailand. Many green areas, like giant lungs, saturate the city with oxygen and fill with energy no less than a session of the famous massage:
- The Kukrit House Museum is a secluded corner in the heart of the Sathorn business district. The architectural ensemble of five teak mansions, cool ponds, luscious greenery and many installations allow not only breathing fresh air, but also imbuing with the atmosphere of Thailand. The park is dedicated to the artist and poet Pramot Kukrit.
- In Lumpini you can go in for martial arts, run along shady alleys and lie on the grass, looking at the skyscrapers that surround the park like fantastic giants. However, there are enough monsters in Lumpini: if you come here early in the morning, you are guaranteed to find one and a half meter monitor lizards peacefully basking in the sun by the reservoir.
- The gym in Benjaziri Park is a popular training spot for locals. Tourists often come to this park in the center of Sukhumkvit at sunset: in the evening, circus performers practice their skills here.
- Renting a boat and enjoying a boat trip on the lake is a great idea for a hot day in Bangkok. For this purpose, you can go to Benjakiti Park.
- Getting to know Bang Kra Chau Park can be combined with a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River from Klong Toi Port. On weekends, tourists will find a nice bonus - a floating market on the river.
Most of Bangkok's parks close at night.
Bangkok for kids
Young tourists will love the Thai capital. Bangkok has prepared a lot of entertainment, including the Dream World Park. In addition to classic rides, go-kart tracks and restaurants with a special menu for toddlers, you will find world sights in miniature and perfectly proportioned dimensions.
Young naturalists in Bangkok are expected at two addresses: the local Dusit Zoo and the Safari World Park.
Shopping in Bangkok
Prices, assortment, richness of choice and other arguments “for” attract many buyers from all over the world to the Thai capital every year. The main address for fans of inexpensive shopping is Chatuchak Market, where it is easy to buy carpets and T-shirts, jewelry and souvenirs, natural silk and precious stones.
Large shopping centers will suit fans of a more civilized version of shopping. Summer and winter sales are well organized at MBK Center, Siam Center and Emporium. In Siam Square you will find designer Thai clothing and fashion products from other countries of Southeast Asia.
Delicious points on the map
It is very easy to taste non-Thai food in Bangkok. The city is so supportive of other cultures and customs that there are plenty of restaurants with cuisines of all peoples of the world in it. Tired of the ubiquitous Pad Thai and chicken hearts on street stalls, book a table where they serve cute and familiar European dishes without extreme exoticism:
- The Italian trattoria Appia is praised not only for its delicious pasta, but also for its setting reminiscent of a classic Roman cafe. The decoration of the restaurant is very modest, the visitors are moderately colorful, and the chef, if you are lucky to get to know him, looks like the head of the Sicilian mafia.
- Hemingway's in a colonial mansion near the Asoke subway station, BTS will educate visitors about Ham's old days. You will find in the institution the romance of Havana evenings, Parisian chic, and the freshness of South Florida at sunset. Local chefs are especially good at steaks, and it is customary to drink rum in Hemingway's, as Ernest Hemingway did.
- Lighter drinks are preferred by visitors to The Corner. The restaurant, whose menu is dominated by Mediterranean cuisine, is popular with Europeans accustomed to the Pyrenean-Apennine culinary traditions.
- Guests of the capital will be offered to try the ideal paella in Viva 8. To do this, you will have to go to the Chatuchak market. In Bangkok, which is accustomed to seafood, you will always find a plate of the freshest squid or shrimp, but in Viva 8 you can feed the whole company with one serving.
Russian travelers often flock to Khaosan Road. The most "Russian" street in the Thai capital offers many inexpensive establishments with traditional oriental cuisine.
Siam Niramit Theater
One of the best theatrical shows in Bangkok is dedicated to the history of Siam and its cultural heritage. The show is very popular and takes place on a special site every day at 20.00. Hundreds of actors take part in a vivid performance, more than 500 costumes are used throughout the show, and during the production, the viewer is introduced to the culture of Siam, its legends, the tradition of celebrating the New Year and the ordination ceremony.
