 |
|
|
|
Click here to return to AsiaExplorers Thailand Travel Guide
Hostels in Bangkok | Hotels in Bangkok | Books on Bangkok
Hostels in Bangkok | Hotels in Bangkok | Books on Bangkok
Bangkok Travel Guide
|
|
Rattanakosin, the Old Royal City Those who are keen to absorb a bit of Thai history - and that of Bangkok in particular - are recommended to head to Rattanakosin, or the Old Royal City. This is the section of Bangkok where it all began, so to speak. It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. If you view it from the air, you will appreciate that Bangkok, like Ayutthaya before it, was build on a manmade island. When General Chakri, who later became King Ramathibodi - and posthumously called Rama I - transferred his administrative capital from Thonburi across the river to the present site in 1782, he carved an island by digging canal - the Khlong Lot - across the bend of the Chao Phraya. As it was with Ayutthaya, water served as protection for the city. During the construction, he even brought bricks dismantled from the ruined Ayutthaya (which was just destoyed by the Burmese). This section of the city is today called Rattanakosin, and until 1932, it housed all the royal quarters. Among the sights at Rattanakosin are the Grand Palace, which contains among others, Wat Phra Kaeo, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the golden Phra Si Ratana Chedi, and the Chakri Maha Prasad, the king's audience hall. Next to the Grand Palace is Wat Po, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha. North of the Grand Palace is Sanam Luang, or Royal Field, a circular-shaped lawn. This green space was a ready venue for mass protest, and unfortunately, the pro-democracy demonstrations of 1973, 1976 and 1992 resulted in massacres here. West of Sanam Luang is Wat Mahathat, Temple of the Great Relic. This is a very common name for a Thai temple, and you will find many Wat Mahathats as you explore Thailand. The one in Bangkok is rather undistinguished, though it is Bangkok's oldest shrine. Within here is the Buddhist University, one of only two in Thailand. During Buddhist holidays, Wat Mahathat is crowded with medicine vendors and stalls. Next to Wat Mahathat is the National Museum, housing a find collection of Thai and Southeast Asian treasure. It comprises half a dozen old and new buildings, the oldest is Wang Na, dating from 1782. This was once part of the old palace. When his heir-apparent attempted to overthrow him, King Chulalongkorn had most of the old palace buildings torn down, and Wang Na was one of those left standing. It houses khon masks, gold and ceramics, weapons, musical instruments and an ivory howdah. |
 Phra Si Ratana Chedi, one of the buildings in the Grand Palace complex. |
 Wat Arun |
A little further on the east is the Golden Mount. Until 1960, this 256ft (78m) mount was still the tallest point in the city. Going the other way, one arrives at the Chao Phraya river. Across it is Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. One of Bangkok's most distinctive landmarks, Wat Arun looks gorgeous during brilliant sunsets. It was named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn and its centrepiece is its 82-meter prang. Dusit North of the old royal city of Rattanakosin is the quiet Dusit area. Wat Benchamabophit, or Marble Temple is located here. Started by King Chulalongkorn in 1900, it is the last major temple to be built in Bangkok. Within its courtyard is a huge bodhi tree said to be derived from the same one from Buddha's birthplace in India. Also in Dusit is Vimarnmek, or Cloud Mansion. It is regarded as the world's largest golden teakwood mansion. Used to house works of art, it is as much a treasure as the items within it. Built by King Chulalongkorn in 1900, the Vimarnmek shows how much the royal family was influence by European culture and art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. |
Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is situated to the east of Rattanakosin, and south of Dusit. The Chinese merchants who lived here were relocated here when the Grand Palace was built in 1780s.
Bangkrak
Located further south and just east of the Chao Phraya, this is a vibrant expatriate neighbourhood. The Oriental Hotel is located here, on the bank of the Chao Phraya.
Silom
This is one of the more exciting sections of Bangkok. Between the bustle of tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis, there are banks, handicraft stores, restaurants and shopping malls. At night, you find night markets selling fake watches, jeans, t-shirts, and more. Silom Road takes you to one of the most notorious places in Bangkok, Patpong. Consisting of two streets Patpong I and Patpong II, this is where you find street vendors by day, and adult entertainment by night.
Central Business District
Bangkok's Central Business District is located at the intersection of Thanon Ratchadamri and Thanon Rama I. This is a very busy intersection, with Skytrain lines running overhead. Within a radius of one kilometre are most of Bangkok's shopping malls and hotels. Thailand's largest Central Department Store is located along Soi Chitlom nearby. For a concentration of handicraft shops - and prime prices - visit Narayana Phand, on Thanon Ratchadamri. On the opposite site of the same road is the World Trade Center. For international designer brands, head to Gaysorn Plaza, at the corner of Ratchadamri and Ploenchit. The Grand Hyatt Erawan is on the other side of Ploenchit. In front of it is the Erawan Shrine which draws believers offering thanks and seeking to improve their fortune. At the next intersection to the west is more shopping, with Siam Discovery Center on one corner and the Mahboonkrong or MBK Center on the other.
Going north along Thanon Ratchadamri takes you to Pratunam, where you find the tallest building in Thailand: the Baiyoke Sky Tower. Rising 88 storeys, it is also presently the world's tallest hotel.
 |
|
Click here to return to AsiaExplorers homepage
 
| |||
|
Copyright © 2003-2008 AsiaExplorers. All rights reserved. | |||
|
| |||
|
AsiaExplorers takes every reasonable care to check and verify the content on this website. However we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at this email address for your enquiries. |
