Where is Bangkok located? Detailed information. Which country's capital is Bangkok?
1. Territory Thailand equal to France, population 67,500,000 in 2013.
2. Thailand throughout the South East Asia it is the only country that has never been a colony of anyone.
3. Official name Bangkok completely sounds like this - Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintarayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Nopparat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchanivet Mahasatan Amon Piman Avatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit, which means "City of Angels, great city, the city is an eternal treasure, the impregnable city of God Indra, the majestic capital of the world, endowed with nine precious stones, a happy city, a grandiose Royal Palace full of abundance, reminiscent of a divine abode where the reincarnated god reigns, a city donated by Indra and built by Vishvakarman. King Rama I a small trading port of Bang Kok (which, according to the most common version, means "The place where olives grow"), having built a palace there and declaring this city the capital of Thailand. The modern population of Bangkok calls their capital short Krung Thep - " City of Angels" and foreigners call- Bangkok. Full title the capital of Thailand - is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest city name in the world.
4. Official Thai the calendar is based on the Buddhist Era and differs by 543 years from the Western calendar.
5.Thailand is among the top ten cities in the world by the number of holidays and weekends.
6. Many Thais before 1913 did not have surnames, only given names.
7. The Thai alphabet contains 44 letters and is the second largest in the world.
8. There are more than 32,700 Buddhist temples in Thailand, in which about 370,000 monks and novices live.
9. Every man in Thailand, according to tradition, is required to be a monk for at least one day.
10. In Thailand, there is a village of descendants of Russian guardsmen, their ancestors arrived as a gift from Emperor Nicholas II.
11. The popular breed of Siamese cats were brought to Russia from Thailand as a gift to Nicholas II.
12. The Russian cruiser "Aurora" took part in 1911 in the celebration in honor of the coronation of the King of Siam in Bangkok
13. Russian beauty Ekaterina Desnitskaya was a Thai princess, having married in 1906 the Siamese prince Chakrabon, son of King Rama V, their marriage lasted until 1919.
17. Similan Islands Thailand, are in the top ten the best places for diving in the world.
18. The largest cave in the world in terms of volume is also located in Thailand. This is Tam Nam Lang cave
19. The usual fly swatter In Thailand - is one of the royal regalia and symbols of power. The royal hilt is made of engraved ivory, and the hair is from the tail of an albino elephant.
20. About 6000 years ago, rice as a cultivated plant was bred on Thai soil.
21. A unique educational institution of its kind, the monkey college is located in the city of Surat Thani.
22. Contrary to popular belief, Thailand, outside the tourist area, a country of strict family values.
23. Thailand is one of the world's record holders for the number of entries in the Guinness Book of Records. In particular: the most expensive pet wedding, the biggest hamburger, the man with the longest hair, the longest living with scorpions, the fastest typing on a smartphone, the longest catwalk, the hairiest boy, the longest kiss.
24. In Thailand There are thirteen officially recognized ways to smile.
25. According to a recent survey by a renowned Scottish travel site, Thailand entered the top five most hospitable countries for tourists in the world.
More about Thailand:
While Bangkok often tops lists of most desirable destinations, it ranks 14th in the Safe Cities Index, according to The Economist's Safe Cities Index 2015, released yesterday.
Based on expert assessments of digital security, health security, infrastructure and personal security, in the Economist Intelligence block, Bangkok is ranked 39th in the world, out of 50 selected cities, and 14th in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The top of the rankings tend to be occupied by wealthy cities in Europe, East Asia and North America. Meanwhile, cities like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta join the bottom half of the list," the report says.
At the same time, the city with the highest population in the world, Tokyo, is the safest, according to the report. Singapore ranks second regionally and globally while Jakarta sits at 50th.
The ranking was based on a wide range of research and in-depth interviews with several experts in the field, and the 50 participating cities were selected based on regional representation and data availability.
The tallest man in Thailand, whose height is 257 cm, was admitted to the hospital for treatment from his illness. We are talking about a hormone that makes him still grow, although the giant is already 23 years old.
Pornchai Sawsri from Surin has been unable to walk for the past 4 years and weighs 225 kg. After conducting preliminary tests and analyzes, he will be taken to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok.
Arthit Jiaranaisilawong, Deputy Director of Rama 9 Hospital, said that it was likely that the hormones in Mr. Pornchai's brain were not functioning properly, causing him to continue to grow and gain weight, and they also affected the vision in his right eye.
It is possible that Mr. Pornchai may be the tallest man in the world. At 2.51m, Turkish Sultan Kosen is now officially the world's tallest man. . He was then 2.47m tall.
It is expected that after Mr. Pornchai is able to walk, Thailand will ask for the Guinness Book of Records to confirm him as the world's tallest man.
Wen Sawsri, the giant's mother, said that already in the sixth grade, he set a growth record by eating 5-6 bowls of rice a day. Now his parents are taking care of him, so he moves mostly by crawling. His legs became weak due to an accident that happened about 4 years ago. But the mother hopes that he will be able to walk and live a full life after treatment.
Another place in Bangkok where you can spend the whole day-" Ancient city», ancient city, or "Muang Boran", is located on the outskirts Bangkok and is the largest museum in the world open sky with a unique collection of copies of architectural and historical monuments, many of which are made in full size.
AT ancient city: ancient temples, royal palaces, famous pagodas, national villages and other attractions Thailand, located on an area of 1,300 thousand sq.m.
Muang Boran has copies architectural monuments, which are either very difficult to get to - they are located in hard-to-reach jungles or impossible at all, since they have already been destroyed. You can travel around the park on foot - you suffer or see little, you can take an open sightseeing tram or bicycles, you can also rent a 2-seat electric car 300 baht per hour, a bicycle is free
Bangkok - unique city, which annually receives about 20 million tourists. What draws them here? It is a dynamic, fast-growing metropolis. There are more than four hundred temples and more than 8.5 million people live here. Bangkok is the largest center of arts and religions.
Location of Bangkok
What country is Bangkok in? To know this, it is not at all necessary to understand geography. The name of the city is always on the lips of people who love to travel.
Bangkok is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. political, spiritual, tourist centre. In addition, it houses the King's Residence, the Government of the country and the Administration. The city is also the focus of the Thai economy.
The Kingdom of Thailand is located on the famous Indochina peninsula. Bangkok was built on the banks of the great Chao Phraya River. It is separated from the Gulf of Thailand by only a few kilometers.
The capital of Thailand is located on a flat area and has great amount small rivers and canals. No wonder Bangkok is called the "Venice of the East".
Climate
Bangkok is famous for its hot tropical climate. The average temperature in the year is 28-30 degrees.
The hot season here starts in March and lasts until the end of May, the rainy season starts in June and ends in October, and the cool season is from November to February.
Tourists go on vacation to Bangkok all year round. They are not afraid of the cold seasons, but the maximum number of travelers is observed in winter.
Attractions
The main attractions of the city are located in the old area on the island of Rattanakosin. The most famous are:
- Royal Palace;
- Temple of Wat Po;
- Temple Wat Arun.
Most tour operators offer travelers educational excursions around. They are aimed at studying architectural and historical sights. Unlike the resort provinces of the country, Bangkok is rich in unique architectural monuments.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, it literally smells of money, everything here is decorated with gold and luxury is felt in everything, and on the other hand, you can see a lot of slums, poor people and beggars.
Even avid travelers will find Bangkok a little strange. Different people, mixed smells public transport and unbearable heat - all this is unusual for many tourists accustomed to European cities.
How to get from Moscow
As with many Asian countries, the most convenient way to get there is by air. There are several ways to fly to this city:
- Direct flight - lasts approximately 9-10 hours.
- Transfer flight - lasts at least 12 hours or more, depending on the route and waiting time at connecting airports.
The distance is about 7000 km. The air flight is long and difficult, but it is worth it, because as a result, the unique city of Bangkok will open up to the gaze of the tourist.
Bangkok is simultaneously the capital, port and most Big City kingdoms. The official language is Thai. On the site of this megacity, there used to be an ordinary village, whose inhabitants were engaged in the cultivation of olive trees. The village was called Kok: "bang" - village, "kok" - olive. Bang Kok served the majestic Ayutthaya one of the first capitals land of smiles". However, in 1767, the Burmese (inhabitants of modern Myanmar) attacked the kingdom and completely destroyed the city. King Rama I of Thailand built a palace near the village and renamed the area Krung Thep. In the future, the name of the new capital was expanded and now it is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest city name in the world. The Thais themselves call the capital Krung Thep, but in the designations on the map and among foreigners, the simplified "Bangkok" was fixed. The name proposed by Rama I translates as " abode of angels; the city where there is no death; the great, jeweled Indra; land that cannot be subjugated to someone else's will; residence of the royal family; a land where there are countless palaces and temples; the abode of the god Vishnu and reborn spirits". On the seal of the city in the form of an elephant with three heads and a lightning bolt in his hand, the god Indra is depicted. It is believed that the weapon in the form of lightning allows him to drive away the drought.
Modern Bangkok has expanded and united the metropolitan cities into an agglomeration Greater Bangkok. The following provinces are included in the Greater Bangkok: Nonthaburi(surrounding the floating market), Samut Prakan(district Suvarnabhumi airport), Pathumthani(educational and cultural center), Samut Sakhon(out to the Gulf of Siam) Nakonpatom. Bangkok is divided into 50 Khet districts. Most popular tourist areas are in Patunam - accommodations for inexpensive hotel, Chinatown - a shopping center of the city based on Chinese small shops, Silom - a modern part of the city with skyscrapers and premium hotels, Siam Square - an organized shopping center with supermarkets, Rattanakosin - a historical area with narrow streets and a canal system. Residents of the province of Bangkok independently choose the governor, in other provinces the governors are appointed.
The stock exchange and key enterprises of the country are located in Bangkok: woodworking factories, shipyards, oil refineries and rice factories, jewelry and textile factories. For example, Thaitexindustries produces jeans and T-shirts, Gems Gallery produces quality jewelry. The main export is timber. Bangkok is not suitable for beach holiday: the nearest beach is 130 km (in Sattahip), seaside resort Pattaya - 150 km. But the capital is rich in sights and is suitable for those who like to discover new Amazing places(excursion type of rest). Often tour operators one of the days excursion program taken to the capital of Thailand, but in one day to know all aspects of life " city of angels' will fail. Be sure to visit Bangkok on your own and take a leisurely walk along the main streets.
Climate and weather
Bangkok has high humidity and very hot all year round. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in September, slightly less - in October and August. The minimum amount of precipitation occurs in December (average 12 mm). During the year, Bangkok receives 1500 mm of precipitation, which corresponds to the norm of the subequatorial climatic zone. For the past few years, during the rainy season, the capital has been actively flooded: starting from the eastern outskirts, water moves towards the historical center. The average temperature during the year is +28.7 ˚С; it reaches its maximum in April, the coldest of all in December. From April to September, the ideal water temperature here is about 28 ˚С.
Nature
You will not be able to see nature in the capital. However, there is an opportunity to observe the thoughtful combination of natural beauty and man-made masterpieces. Cultural landscapes are realized in the form of parks and gardens. A few minutes walk from the underground stations Silom and Lumphini (overground Saladaeng) spread " green heart of the capital» - Lumpini park-forest area on an area of 56 hectares. The largest park in Bangkok has two natural lakes, a boat station, and all conditions for outdoor activities. You can visit the park until 9 pm.
Another "lungs of the concrete city" are located in the area of the Asok underground metro station or the Queen Sirikit NCC elevated train. Benjakitti Park was created on the basis of Lake Ratchada for residents of areas with especially intensive development, but the park closes at 20.00.
The best way to get acquainted with the nature of Thailand is to go fishing on the lake bungsamran, which is located in the suburbs of Bangkok. Freshwater inhabitants (Siamese carp, arapaima) are so impressive in volume that among tourists the name " monster lake». bungsamran was created decades ago in the wetlands by enterprising fishermen and to this day enjoys an enviable popularity. A fishing license can be purchased locally (about $30), and a fishing rod will be offered here for $15. Accompanying services will cost $30.
Attractions
The main attraction of the capital is considered Royal Palace, in whose territory Temple of the Emerald Buddha(Phra Nakhon area). The territory of the palace can be conditionally divided into two parts: the temple (monastery) and the palace. The building covers an area of 218.5 thousand m² and is surrounded by a white stone wall that stretches for almost two kilometers. Europeans are amazed by the grandeur of pagodas and numerous sculptural compositions based on Thai mythology. Mahamontien and the Chakri Complex- one of the oldest buildings in Bangkok as part of the palace. Mahamontien includes the hall that was formerly used for the sessions of the Supreme Court, as well as the Paisal coronation hall and the building of the residence of Rama I. The Chakri complex on the basis of the Throne Hall now receives diplomatic missions arriving in Thailand. Only a small part of the Royal Palace is available for tourists - only two pavilions.
Entrance to the Royal Palace costs about $8. Strict requirements are imposed on the appearance of visitors. It is forbidden to be on the territory of the palace complex in shorts, short skirts, sleeveless T-shirts. In the wrong form, you are guaranteed to be turned back at the entrance, and it's not just about traditions. The Royal Palace is not just an administrative building, but a religious center. At the entrance it is recommended (but not forced) to take off your shoes. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is remembered for fantastic figures garud(something between a bird and a man), Cambodian lions at the entrance and, of course, the main relic - a jadeite sculpture of Buddha.
Located next to the Royal Palace National Museum Bangkok, where the history of the country from the beginning of the Neolithic to the present day can be studied by the objects of the exposition (entry - $ 1.2).
The capital is rich in religious objects of architecture. There are temples in Bangkok that received their main shrines only due to a miraculous combination of circumstances. One of them - Temple of the Golden Buddha(Wat Trai Mit), located in Chinatown. When transporting an ordinary plaster sculpture of Buddha from an abandoned to a rebuilt temple, the figure split from impact, and under a layer of chipped plaster, everyone saw a similar sculpture, but made of pure gold. The age of the find was over seven hundred years. Entrance to the temple is possible until 17:00, the ticket price is $ 0.25.
No less famous and noticeable by the high spire of the main pagoda is the temple of Wat Arun ( Temple of Dawn or Dawn). The temple is named after the Indian god of dawn Arun, decorated with Chinese porcelain and decorated with numerous sculptural compositions illustrating the life of the Buddha (admission - $ 2).
Will not leave indifferent any tourist and benchamabophit temple where everything is made of white Italian marble.
« Temple of the Resting Buddha» (Wat Pho) - the most big temple in the city - it is also famous for the largest number of sculptures in the world of Gautama sitting in different poses. Giant sculpture " resting buddha» is recognized as one of the main attractions of Bangkok.
Recommended to visit Royal Botanic Garden, to which tourists, as a rule, do not reach. The park is divided into six zones, each with its own theme and style: a reservoir, the land of Rama IX (territory for ceremonies and celebrations), a water garden, a Rommania garden, a royal garden and a botanical garden itself. The Rommania Garden is a combination of all the natural landscapes of Siam in miniature. Having been there, you can safely say that you have visited all parts of Thailand. Different shades of soil, the shape and color of boulders, a sharp change in vegetation types are the result of long and painstaking work. The water garden is a habitat for all kinds of fish and waterfowl. In the royal garden, you can visit the Hall of Remembrance dedicated to the king. The exhibition presents all the items that are associated with the life of Rama IX from the moment of his birth.
There is also an analogue of Disneyland Paris in Bangkok. Thai entertainment paradise is named dream world. Conventionally, the park is divided into four sectors. Upon entering, you will be taken to the main Dream Park area". Here are collected all the seven wonders of the world and famous buildings (only in miniature). Second sector - dream garden» - looks like a combination of long alleys, bordered by fragrant flowers. Only here lovers can find their paradise shady corner - " garden of love". AT " fantasy land» (third sector) live famous fairy-tale characters. Both adults and children will be able to enter the house of the real giant, touch all the extraordinarily large objects, and take pictures. In this part of the Dream Park, the mood is controlled by the fabulous attraction "Hurricane", where only children can be the main characters. Most attractions in " Adventure land". In the heat, visitors to the Dream Park prefer to have fun in the fabulous Snow City: play snowballs, ride a sleigh down the hill. A visit to the park with lunch included will cost $30.
You can get to know the local fauna better in the Bangkok park " Safari World» (at Soi Ramindra 109). The territory of the park is divided into two parts: in one you can admire exotic inhabitants from all over the world almost in their natural habitat (zebras, giraffes, lions, tigers), in the second you can see the inhabitants of the oceans (fur seals and dolphins). The park covers an area of 43 hectares, which allows you to organize even a small river cruise through the real jungle. And all this without leaving Bangkok. Entrance to the park costs $8-10.
More a budget option to get acquainted with the local representatives of the animal world - the State Zoo of Bangkok "Dusit". Dusit is conveniently located next to the palace complex of the same name at 71 Rama V Road, open from 8:00 to 18:00. The entrance ticket is offered at very affordable prices - $ 1.5-3. The highlight of the zoo was the rare red pandas donated by colleagues from South Africa. Basically, the presented animals are the indigenous inhabitants of the Thai jungle.
Nutrition
Thai cuisine is distinguished by a variety of flavor combinations and spiciness. But a European in a restaurant can always ask not to add hot spices. A traditional Thai dish is sweet and sour shrimp soup. tom yum kun". This is a kind business card countries. The durian fruit, which has a specific smell, enjoys special respect among Thais. Many of the most exquisite dishes are prepared on its basis.
You can eat at every turn in Bangkok. Do not be afraid of street food - believe me, it is easier to get poisoned in an expensive restaurant. The most budget lunch option in Bangkok is $3 per person. Such a service is called coupon nutrition”, it is implemented in almost every department store. It is enough to buy pieces of paper of different colors at the entrance to the "canteen" at the store, which here replace money (the color corresponds to a certain denomination). Then, at the food stalls, choose whatever you like, giving away coupons in return. If any colored pieces of paper are still left, you can "turn" them into money at the exit.
The best of these places is located in the Ma Boon Krong (MBK) shopping center on the sixth floor. If you want to try the dishes of neighboring countries, come to the Central Chitlom shopping center. On the seventh floor there is a FoodLoft inexpensive food center based on seven restaurants. Each of the restaurants prepares its signature dish: for example, Noodle Thai-Asian - noodles with fish meatballs, Mud-Mee Thai - fried pork with papaya salad and shrimp paste, Yahata Sushi - Japanese delicacies, Dao Vien - pork with spicy lotus salad according to Vietnamese recipes and others. At the entrance to FoodLoft, you receive a credit of trust in the form of a $30 cardboard card. The cost of lunch will be deducted from the carton and payment will be made at the exit. Lunch for one person will cost about $ 8.
One of the best and relatively inexpensive restaurants in Bangkok according to American ratings is Sara-Jane. It is recommended to try the salad " catfish there» and marinated chicken with special marinade. One of the most pretentious establishments in Bangkok, but with affordable prices and an atmosphere of high society, is the Harmonique restaurant next to the Oriental Hotel. For fun, you can visit an institution with an extravagant name "Cabbages & Condoms". Literal translation - " cabbage and condoms"- does not carry anything negative. It's just that the proceeds from the restaurant are donated to the Thai Family Planning Center. Accordingly, when calculating, you will receive a branded saucer with a cabbage leaf and a condom.
Out of competition - Chinese restaurant Nguan Lee, where they cook right in front of the client. The atmosphere is simple, but the food is of high quality and inexpensive.
If you have a desire to enjoy non-standard food for a European, go to Khaosan, Patpong, Phahurat and look out for handcart vendors. The menu includes: water bugs, spiders, crickets (salty and crunchy), bamboo worms (nutty flavored), silkworm larvae (nutty flavored), scorpions. Ants are sold in packs of betel, which is also edible. The widest range of such food is in the floating market area.
Accommodation
In Thailand, the star system is not tied to the international hotel classification. Therefore, service even in a hotel without stars can be of better quality than in a three-star one. However, the Thais have created an alternative to stardom - the Standard catalog. The hotels of this catalog have passed the necessary certification in all hospitality parameters. If you decide to stay in Bangkok, the best option for booking can be found through the Thai service Sawadee. The TOP 50 Asia ranking highlights two hotels: The Mandarin Oriental (4th) and The Peninsula (5th). The Mandarin Oriental is highly recommended as it is ranked 12th in the World's Best Spa Hotels.
Bangkok has a developed hostel system, which is so in demand among European youth today. Visit a kind of hostel-museum called "Suk 11", where antique objects are laid out in all rooms, including the kitchen. There are also ancient Thai masks, Buddha sculptures, an altar, antique lamps, many other small figurines and books. For $5 per night in a guesthouse on Khaosan, you get a place in a shared bedroom for eight to ten people (for example, Phiman River View or Hello Hostel). There are offers for $ 2, but you will have to spend the night in a room designed for 15 people, on sleeping mats (The Overstay Hostel).
A single room in a guesthouse with a shower, fan and cable TV will cost $10; double - from $ 12. For this amount, you can live in the city center, near the Royal Palace (KS Guesthouse). Double bungalow surrounded by palm trees with breakfast - from $25.
If you have any difficulties finding accommodation on the spot, you can contact the numerous tourist offices in Bangkok, where you will be offered a catalog of hotels. In addition to the cost indicated in the catalog, you will need to pay an additional bureau commission (about $ 15). The desk clerk will take you directly to the hotel. Please note that most hotels in Thailand take a security deposit upon arrival: for the use of a bar, massage services. The amount of the deposit varies depending on the number of days of stay. Upon departure, the remaining money will be returned to you.
The cost of renting an apartment in the center of Bangkok ranges from $400-2000 per month. A comfortable studio apartment in the central part of the city with an area of 40 m² will cost $500. On the periphery, you can rent a decent apartment from $200 per month. These amounts are indicative as they do not include fees. utilities(about $75). Cleaning is usually included in the price. Desirable rental period is one year, but monthly and weekly rentals are possible. The longer the lease term, the better the final price.
Entertainment and recreation
The Thai capital offers a wide variety of recreation options. If you are spending time in Bangkok with family or friends, be sure to visit crocodile farm(at 555 Taiban Road). This is a kind of park where they grow and keep crocodiles and other amphibians. The number of inhabitants is constantly growing, in this moment it reaches 62 thousand crocodiles different types. On this farm, a new species was bred that can live even in salt water. You can move around the park on foot, on an elephant or on a camel. It is possible to walk along the lake and taste crocodile meat. In the evenings, "crocodile shows" are held: spectacular performances with dangerous tricks. The cost of the entrance ticket is from $8.
Positive emotions are also guaranteed when visiting the largest in Southeast Asia Siam Ocean World Aquarium(admission ticket from $30). The aquarium is located in mall Siam Paragon on the ground floor on an area of 10 thousand m². Having appreciated the living collection of 30 thousand species of marine life, you can "plunge" into the world of the ocean depths in the 4D cinema.
For tourists with children, a real holiday can be a visit to " Museum of Children's Discoveries» (next to Queen Sikirit Park). The guys here are allowed to do whatever they want, even to dismantle the exhibit. Each exhibited item can teach a child a useful thing. In the "kitchen for very young" your little one will even be able to cook their favorite meal. Learning is interactive and interesting. The museum has four galleries: body and mind», « Culture and Society», « Technology», « Environment". The Museum of Children's Discoveries is open seven days a week from 9:00 to 18:00.
Another of the favorite children's entertainment, but with a Thai flavor, is the water park " Leoland". The water park is located in the eastern part of Bangkok on the sixth floor of Bangna Shopping. It works daily, the cost of the entrance ticket is only 5-8 $. A similar water park, only with the name "Fantasy", is located on the roof of the shopping center The Mall Ngam Wong Wan. Especially popular with tourists is the huge "Siam Park" with an artificial sea and surf, as well as a 400-meter attraction "Superspiral". Prices there, of course, are higher, since the water park also includes a mini-zoo with an aviary and its own botanical garden.
If you want to hide away, you can look into the world-class IMAX cinemas. They are found everywhere in all parts of Bangkok. You can also “cool off” by visiting one of the ice rinks, which are even too many for a country located in the subequatorial climate zone.
An amazing sight will open to those who decide to visit the tower Baiyoke Sky. Exactly this high building Bangkok is 305 meters high. On the upper floors there is an observatory and an observation platform. The platform platform allows you to see the whole city at a glance. The cost of the entrance ticket is $10.
There are a lot of unusual museums in Bangkok, which compare favorably with their "European counterparts" in grandeur and simplicity at the same time. For example, a museum Erawan(located in Samut Prakan) is visible from afar thanks to a giant sculpture of an elephant (approximately 30 by 40 meters). The elephant on the pedestal is the hallmark of the museum. There are three levels inside: underworld, the realm of men and heaven. The human realm is at the level of the pedestal, heaven is in the womb of an elephant. "Heaven" symbolically called a Buddhist temple with a mirror vault, images of stars and Buddha. The ticket price for Erawan is $5.
A curious museum is located at 85 Soi Ratchaphan - this is the Doll Museum at the Bangkok Dolls factory. Admission is free, you can visit the exposition until 17:00 on any day except Sunday. Tourists usually buy Thai national dolls, but the museum is also famous for many other original exhibits. Fans of technology will be interested in the Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force. This museum has a rare collection of aircraft that took part in the battles in Indochina. The culmination of the collection was the Sokol 3 combat aircraft, the only surviving aircraft in the world. It is also recommended to visit the Museum of Royal Boats on the banks of the Noi Klong Canal (entry - $ 1). The exposition of the Boat Museum has 51 ceremonial boats made of teak wood. It is better to devote time to such museums in the first half of the day, since their work schedule is extremely changeable.
A fuller and more relaxed life begins in Bangkok in the evening. Of all the drinking establishments, Bangkok's pubs, which are oriented exclusively to business foreigners, can be recommended to the most demanding customers. Anglopubs offer only elite drinks. In bars, the atmosphere is simpler.
Visitors call Check Inn 99 one of the most "heartfelt" bars in Bangkok, which provides a warm welcome to everyone without exception. True, from alcohol only beer of different varieties is offered. The bar at the Oriental Hotel is well-deservedly popular; the best jazz in the city is played here. Cocktail bars are in the higher price range, but the service is better. At the entrance you will be solemnly greeted and welcomed, regardless of whether you are a regular or not.
There are a lot of discos in the capital, but they all have one feature - most of the halls are stylized as caves. All clubs are equipped with excellent laser systems, the sound is also usually pleasing. A peculiar attraction of the evening is the Calypso cabaret show of transvestites, which can be seen in the ASIATIQUE The Riverfront complex. There is a similar but less well-known Cabaret Mambo. Tour operators usually include in the obligatory program a visit to the colorful show Siam Niramit, where the atmosphere of Ancient Siam is recreated.
Purchases
The cheapest shopping in Bangkok can be done at the market. However, there are places with spontaneous trade near the attractions, where prices will be inflated. The Patpong market is open from 19:00 to 2:00 ( Patpong Night Bazaar), where a wide range of any goods is presented. The market in Chinatown Sampaeng Lane deserves attention, where the Chinese mainly trade.
At the Penary market (a reference to the Toy Market channel), you will find interesting goods from Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Sunday market in Chatuchak Park near the Central Plaza Hotel is also popular with tourists. The local population prefers the Patumak market, where good textile products are sold. It is better to buy clothes in the capital, as they will be more expensive in the resorts. To broaden your horizons, be sure to visit the Bangkok floating market ( Damnoen Saduak). True, it takes more than two hours to get from the city center to it.
The disadvantage of market shopping is that no one guarantees you the proper quality of goods. Of course, Thailand is not China, but there are quite a lot of Chinese goods in Bangkok. Everything bought in Thai department stores in operation will never disappoint you. Shopping center "Siam Paragon" in the Siam Square area offers luxury goods, children's and women's clothing, Thai electronics. Be sure to visit the boutique complex "Emporium" where you can choose branded clothes and high-quality perfumes. Especially popular is MVK is the biggest mall in Bangkok. If you prefer personalized service, check out Geysorn Plaza. All shopping centers accept international credit cards.
At the jewelry factory Gems Gallery you can buy jewelry made of natural stones much cheaper than in shops. Similar products at a lower price than the factory one should alert you: this is most likely a fake. Any purchased goods can be sent to your home country by mail.
Transport
Bangkok is very Big city with disorderly construction. The fastest and cheapest way to get from one point to another is the metro. There are two types of metro in the capital - ground ( bts skytrain) and underground ( MRTA Mass Rapid Transit"). Each station has a subway map. The BTS skytrain is assigned shades of green and, accordingly, two lines: Sukhumvit (light green) and Silom (dark green). MRTA is marked in blue on the diagram. There is a direct interchange station between the two types of metro called "MRT Subway". Tickets are purchased in advance. There are no combined tickets for the two types of metro. For a one-time trip on the ground metro, you need to buy a smart token in the machine, the price of which will vary depending on the distance of the trip (from $0.5 to $1.5). The machine accepts coins in denominations of 5-10 baht (15-30 cents). A single ticket is valid for 20 minutes, so to "ride", buy several. Please note: tickets are checked at the entrance and at the exit. When leaving, you must insert the ticket into the turnstile device again. A ticket for a day with an unlimited number of trips will cost $ 4. There are options for multi-use travel cards for a certain number of trips per month (20, 40) and in the form of a prepaid card with a fixed amount ( Stored Value). Metro stations are three-level, so the transition from one to another takes time.
In addition to the metro, Bangkok has developed bus service, but in order to navigate it, it is best to buy transport card capital Cities. The fare is less than $1.
The official taxi in the city is represented by yellow-green and red-blue cars. It is obligatory to have a “taxi-meter” board on the roof, all the rest are private traders. Motorcycle taxis, tuk-tuks, river taxis are developed. You can get from one coast to another for $ 0.2.
Connection
In Thailand, mobile communication is focused on tourists, so there will be no problems with buying a local SIM card. In Bangkok, you can buy a SIM card immediately upon arrival at the airport "Suvarnaphumi" on the second floor or in any supermarket (Seven Eleven and Family Mart). However, the most popular way for tourists to contact their relatives is street international telephones. The situation is explained by the availability of the service and low cost. Please note that if the telephone set has a red front panel, then it is intended for domestic calls only. International calls are available on phones with a silver or green panel. To use the device, you need to purchase a prepaid calling card at a newsstand or chain store (from $ 7). Instructions for use are printed on one side of the card.
Tourists during their holidays actively use the resources of the global network. Very cheap Internet can be used in Internet cafes ($3-5 per hour). Mobile Internet considered expensive. A 3G network has been implemented in Bangkok and some major cities to expand the customer base. The best price offer for those who want to be "online" is offered by the Thai operator DTAC. GPRS from a local SIM card is always charged per minute with a minimum rate of $0.03 per minute. Domestic operators in roaming charge the Internet for 10 kilobytes, which is very unprofitable.
Security
You have to be careful when interacting with strangers. Bangkok, due to its internationality, is conducive to friendly manifestations and a desire to help, but very often it is scammers who take advantage of such situations. Usually strangers start a conversation when they see a person with tourist card. Such people literally "graze" near the cultural sites of Bangkok, but from the outside they give the impression of intellectuals reading a newspaper. A stranger will claim that the place you are looking for (shop, restaurant, hotel) has not existed for a long time or is closed. However, you are lucky, and he can offer an even better option, and even guide you. Here it is worth thinking about the fact that a person most likely receives “bonuses” for each client brought.
In all markets of Bangkok there are "stickers". Such scammers do not look for a client, but pick him up a few minutes before he makes a purchase. Let the seller know that this person is random. The Thais are very hospitable, but still be suspicious of a local who invites you to their place for the night. As a rule, by the evening a men's club with traditional card games is formed in the apartment. As a result, the guest leaves his Thai "friend" in the morning without money.
The most unsafe place in Bangkok at night is Patpong. A tipsy foreigner will easily be left without money. They work especially well." katoi” (lady boys): while one lady is dancing, the rest can gently pull the wallet from her partner. Recently, the police have been registering a lot of complaints from tourists about the "bar" girls pouring sleeping pills into alcohol. Unfortunately, it is difficult to prove anything in such a situation. special kind scams thrive around illegal "sex shows". Street barkers attract customers with "free" entry. In about ten minutes it turns out that you still need to pay for the entrance ($ 30-45). It is recommended to pay the bill and request a check. If the check is issued, contact the police: there is a chance that the money will be returned. However, keep in mind that in such situations it is difficult to seek protection from Thai law, because such representations are illegal.
If you encounter scammers or pickpockets, contact the tourist police hotline in Bangkok 1155. Universal emergency number medical care- 191, Bangkok ambulance - 1669, traffic police - 1193, fire department - 199.
Business climate
Thailand has all the conditions to attract investment. Benefits are provided for certain types of activities. Among these are the production of ceramics, light industry, the creation of transport equipment, electronics, paper production, the chemical industry, and the service sector. These are exactly the destinations that Bangkok needs. The attraction of investments is restrained by a mandatory requirement on the part of the state: the participation of Thais in any production. The amount of benefits provided will depend on the size of the initial capital, the foreigner's share in the share capital, and the location of production.
The property
Purchasing real estate in Thailand is a very profitable investment, since apartments grow in price by 5-7% every year. The apartment is issued in the property without problems with the issuance Tabien Baan(local certificate). To become the owner of a house, you need to open a company and register real estate for it. This process is more costly and labor intensive.
The cost of apartments in condominiums in resort areas, about half a kilometer from the sea, starts at $30,000. For 80,000 you can already buy a spacious apartment with a sea view. The cost per square meter of luxury real estate in the Thai capital fluctuates between $5,000-7,000 (however, keep in mind that the area of apartments here is measured along the outer walls, and this results in a loss of several meters of "useful" living space).
If you don't own English language, do not rush to despair: only very educated Thais can speak it fluently. But how do you explain to an ordinary tuk-tuk driver or taxi driver where you need to get to? If you want to return to the hotel, then show the business card taken at the reception (do not forget to take it!). The business card specifically indicates the location of your hotel with Thai designations. If the driver is illiterate, then he will find a colleague who will tell him the direction. As a rule, the taxi driver carries the client until he delivers to the destination. You are not required to pay during the wanderings.
Once in Thailand for the first time, you will surely be outraged by the riots on the local roads. A pedestrian crosses the road at his own peril and risk, "maybe lucky." There are a lot of foreigners who have rented a motorcycle in the capital and resorts, so due to the imperfection of Thai laws and the large number of novice motorcyclists, it is highly recommended to use a taxi. In any accident, only the tourist will be to blame, not the Thai driver.
Bangkok- the capital and largest city of Thailand with a population of 6,642,566 people. (2005). This is not just the capital of Thailand, it is the main gateway to the country. Bangkok is located on the banks of the large Chao Phraya River, a few kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand. It is called the "Venice of the East" because of the many canals (khlongs) that are used for the movement of citizens and tourist walks.Bangkok is one of the fastest growing (including economically) cities in Southeast Asia. It is the largest commercial, political, economic, cultural and religious center of Thailand. Modern shopping and commercial centers, supermarkets, numerous hotels in Bangkok, the level of which is considered one of the highest in the world, skyscrapers, lush parks and botanical gardens, restaurants and zoos adorn Bangkok and give it a modern look.
Bangkok is stunning in its contrast: high-rise, ultra-modern buildings of glass and concrete and pitiful bamboo shacks; luxurious palaces and temples, sparkling with millions of small mirrors, wealth, European gloss and poverty; narrow narrow streets below and high-speed modern flyovers at a height of 15-30 meters above the ground; huge streams of honking cars, elephants and Buddhist monks in orange robes; fruits in incredible abundance and variety, spicy aroma of food, unusually tempting lobsters, oysters, snails and squids in ice on trays open restaurants and street cafes...
Tourism is Bangkok's main source of income. There are many Buddhist temples in the city (in Thailand they are called Wat), the most famous are the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Wet Rice Street (Khaosan Road), near the Royal Palace, is one of the most popular tourist places. A large number of tourists come to see Loy Krathong - a festival of worship of the goddess of water (Mae Khong Kha), celebrated in November and accompanied by beautiful fireworks and a parade of a huge number of boats decorated with lights up and down the river.
History of Bangkok
Initially, Bangkok was a small trading center and port, at that time called Bang Kok (Bang Kok) - a place where olives grow, serving the capital of Thailand at that time - the city of Ayutthaya. In 1767, Ayutthaya was destroyed by the Burmese and the capital was temporarily moved to the west bank of the Chao Phraya River at Thonburi - now part of Bangkok. In 1782, King Rama I built a palace on east coast and proclaimed Bangkok the capital of Thailand, renaming it Krun Thep, which means "City of Angels". Thus, the village of Bangkok ceased to exist, however, foreigners continue to call the capital of Thailand "Bangkok".
Attractions of Bangkok
With rapid industrial development, Bangkok surprisingly manages to maintain its cultural heritage at a very high level. Roofs flying into the sky and shining spiers of the Grand Palace and numerous city temples, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of Dawn and other treasures - all this appears to the guests of the city as a picture of a medieval, oriental miracle. There are more than four hundred temples in Bangkok, each of which is attractive in its own way. Opens the list of attractions Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the state shrine. Wat Raybonite is distinguished by its extraordinary design and decoration, and Wat Suvankaram attracts with beautiful drawings. The same can be said about museums. The National Museum is simply magnificent, but equally impressive are the Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Palace and Wang Suan Pakkad, which hold excellent art collections.
80 kilometers from Bangkok are the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, within 400 Main Attractions: One of the easiest ways to explore the city's many attractions is to take a trip on a river cruise ship. It is interesting to visit the royal palace of Chakri; temple morning dawn, covered with porcelain mosaics; temple "Emerald Buddha", where there is an image of a deity made of green jasper; temple of the Golden Mountain, Viman Mek Palace - the favorite residence of King Rama V (1868 - 1910) and the largest building made of "golden" teak wood, the Pasteur Institute Snake Farm, where poisonous snakes are bred, the Dream World Park with attractions and show programs , Rose Garden - a real sea of tropical flowers, roses, orchids. Of great interest to exotic lovers is the Damnoen Saduk floating market.
With a population of over 15 million (2012). The metropolis is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, about 20 kilometers from the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The area of the territory is over 1500 km².
Bangkok is the main economic and political center of Thailand, as well as one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Asia.
It is also a major transport hub and a popular tourist center of the country. But still, despite the prevailing opinion that tourism brings a significant part of the capital's income, this is not so, it brings only about 4-5%.
Thanks to a complex system of canals dug in the middle of the 19th century, by order of one of the Thai kings, Bangkok was given another name - "Eastern Venice". In those days, boats were the only means of transportation here. Now most of the canals have already been filled in and in their place are ordinary streets.
However, some of these canals have survived to the present day - people still live along their banks, trade flourishes and large markets operate.
One of the main problems of modern Bangkok is gas pollution, the causes of which are, among other things, constant traffic jams.
It is also worth noting that the city has very high humidity, the canals are very dirty water and in general on many streets, especially not the main ones, unsanitary conditions flourish.
Bangkok is a popular destination for sex tourism in Asia. Although formally prostitution here is illegal, nevertheless, it is one of the types of employment in Bangkok.
Districts of Bangkok
Island Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin)- this is where it is historical center of Bangkok. This area is a densely built-up "Old Bangkok", surrounded on all sides by numerous canals, walls and towers built in the distant past to defend the city. Here are the main city attractions, including Wat Pho Temple and the Grand Royal Palace.
District Chinatown- in this shopping district they sell about the same as in the Chinese markets of Russia, well, plus local Thai souvenirs.
District Silom is the modern center of the metropolis with office buildings, the tallest buildings in the city. It is here that the most expensive hotels in Bangkok are located.
District Siam Square- This quarter has the largest supermarkets in Bangkok, as well as many smaller shops, all of them are united by low prices, in comparison with shops located in tourist areas.
District Pratunam (Pratunam)- is the most popular tourist area in Bangkok, and it is here that a significant part of Russian tourists stay.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Climate in Bangkok
Climate in Bangkok- subequatorial.
It is warm and humid throughout the year, average temperature+ 28 ... + 33 ° С, there are no noticeable seasonal temperature fluctuations.
The period from May to October is the wet season, and the period from early November to the end of April is the dry season.
In the winter months (December, January, February), precipitation is relatively rare, and their maximum occurs in September and October.
History of Bangkok
In the distant past, Bangkok was a small trading and port village called Bang Kok and serving the capital of that period - the city of Ayutthaya.
In 1767, the capital city of Ayutthaya was destroyed during the attack of the Burmese, because of which the King temporarily moved the capital to the western bank of the Chao Phraya River in the settlement of Thonburi (now part of modern Bangkok).
And 15 years later, in 1782, King Rama I built a palace on the east bank of the river and proclaimed Bangkok the permanent capital of Thailand, giving it a new name Krun Thep, which translates as "City of Angels".
However, the new name somehow did not really take root in the country, and throughout the world, because local residents, like foreigners, usually call the city Bangkok.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Bangkok urban public transport
The main public transport in Bangkok is buses. There are several categories of buses with different fares: regular, superior air-conditioned, "mini-buses" and "micro-basses", serving routes with low passenger traffic. A trip in an air-conditioned bus will cost ~10 THB, without - ~4 THB. From 11 pm to 5 am, night buses run on some routes, the fare is ~ 5 THB.
The city has a huge number Taxi There are two types of taxis: "taxi" without a meter and "taxi-meter" with payment by the meter. The fare is from 35 to 200 THB depending on the distance. In "taxi" you can and should bargain: the price is usually agreed in advance.
Also common auto rickshaw(knock-knock) and motorcycle taxi(the passenger simply sits behind the back of the motorcycle driver).
Often, tuk-tuk drivers bring foreign tourists (of course, without the consent of the latter) to dubious shops, the owners of which pay them extra for this. In general, all this happens quite intrusively (like Arab sellers in Egypt) and, most importantly, your valuable time on vacation is taken away. We recommend using regular taxi services.
City streets are heavily loaded, a fairly large number of high-speed elevated highways and a partially completed ring road around Greater Bangkok have been built to combat traffic jams. As a rule, these highways (express way) are paid.
Underground
Two lines were opened in 1999 overpass subway Skytrain (bts). The Sukhumvit Line is 16.8 km long with a travel time of 27 minutes; Silom line - 6.3 km, travel time 12 minutes. Siam is a transfer station on two levels, with transfers through the platform. The movement of trains is automatic.
The fare in BTS depends on the distance and ranges from 15 to 40 baht. There are day tickets for 120 baht. You can also buy tickets for a certain number of trips. The gate machine at the exit compares the cost of the trip with the cost of the ticket. If the second is insufficient, a siren sounds and the passenger has to buy an additional ticket.
BTS website - bts.co.th
In 2004, the first underground metro line (MRT), which runs along the eastern part of the city and connects the Bang Sue northern railway station with the Hua Lamphong railway station located near the center of Bangkok. The line is 21 kilometers long and has 18 stops. The fare depends on the distance and ranges from 14 to 36 baht.
MRT website - bangkokmetro.co.th
MRT and BTS are owned by different private companies and do not have a common tariff and direct transfers. Transfers can be carried out due to the proximity of the stations of two systems: Chatuchak Park - Mo Chit, Sukhumvit - Asok and Silom (Si Lom) - Sala Daeng.
Water transport
The presence of a large river in the city, as well as the swampy, heavily watered area in which Bangkok is located, led to the widespread use of water transport, both for external communication and for intracity transportation.
Urban water transport includes several river tram routes, plying the Chao Phraya River, and row ferry crossings linking its shores. River trams are of two types: regular (stops at all points) and express. The cost is 10 THB.
Taxi transport is also developed, which has both transport and tourist significance, and is carried out mainly by typical Thai longtail boats, narrow wooden motor boats with a propeller located on a long “tail” console. The helmsman on such a boat maneuvers, turning on the "turret" the entire structure, consisting of the engine, console and propeller.
The water in the canals of Bangkok is very dirty and “smells” - during a trip on low boats, its splashes fly into the faces of passengers (protective polyethylene walls rise along the edges, but there is not much pleasure from such trips).
The canals on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River have trails speedboats large capacity. The low cost of the trip (10-15 THB), short intervals (about 5 minutes) and independence from traffic jams make them an attractive alternative to ground transport.
Intercity buses
From Bangkok, it is easy to get to any corner of the country using the intercity bus.
Buses heading west or southwest depart from the South Bus Station, located in the western part of the city.
In order to get to the southeast, for example, to Pattaya or Koh Samet, it is convenient to use buses departing from the Eastern Bus Station - Ekkamai BTS Station.
Buses to the north and northeast depart from the Northern Bus Station - Mo Chit MRT station, which can be reached using both BTS and MRT.
Bangkok airports
Bangkok has 2 airports:
Don Mueang – international Airport Bangkok, the 2nd largest airport in Thailand in terms of domestic traffic. It began to operate on March 27, 1914, was opened on the basis of the Thai Air Force base.
Before the opening of Suvarnabhum Airport, which took place in the fall of 2006, for almost a century it was the main airport in Thailand, in 2006 it was the 2nd busiest airport in Asia and 18th in the world.
In the period from September 2006 to March 2007, it was used for charter and military flights, on March 24, 2007 it was reopened for domestic commercial flights, including low-cost carriers.
Don Mueang has railroad station, through which trains pass from Hua Lam Phong Station to the north and northeast and back.
Suvarnabhumi- the new international airport of Bangkok, the largest airport in Thailand, one of the largest air hubs in Southeast Asia. Started operating on September 28, 2006. Located 30 km southeast of Bangkok.
In 2010, a new 28 km high-speed elevated railway line Airport Rail Link (ARL) came into operation connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with Bangkok. ARL has two interchange stations for the intra-city lines MRT (Makkasan Station) and BTS (Phaya Thai Station). Makkasan Station serves as the city's air terminal, where you can check in your luggage and check in for a flight.
ARL is open daily from 6 am to 12 am. There are two types of trains: Express Line (from 15 to 45 THB, 15 minutes on the way) and City Line (150 THB, with stops, 27 minutes on the way).
Suvarnabhumi Airport website - suvarnabhumiairport.com
Railway stations
The city has two railway stations serving four directions. The intensity of train traffic in Thai railways relatively small, frequent delays.
Most passengers traveling by train start their journey from Hua Lam Phong Station - the terminus of the subway. From here there are trains to Malaysia to the south, to Chiang Mai and further north and to Khon Ken and further to the northeast.
The western direction to Nam Tok (Kanchanaburi province, including the famous bridge over the River Kwai) is served by Thonburi station.
How to get to Bangkok from Russia
There are numerous regular and charter flights from Russia to Bangkok:
From Moscow
– from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok
- from Moscow
– from Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk and Krasnoyarsk
- from Moscow
Attractions of Bangkok
One of the main attractions of the city is the residence of Thai monarchs with a magnificent park and buildings in the traditional Thai style. It is located in the historical center of the city, in the Rattanakosin area.
Grand Palace served as the residence of the kings of Thailand since the XVIII century. The construction of the palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, when he moved the country's capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The palace was constantly expanding; over time, many new buildings and structures for various purposes were built. Currently, the palace is not used for the residence of the kings of Thailand.
North of the royal residence is located Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha connected to it by a gate. This is one of the most sacred places in Thailand.
Inside the temple is kept the "Emerald Buddha" - a statue 66 cm high, carved from solid jadeite in the 15th century. According to one of the legends, it was covered with gold plates, according to another, it was inside another statue, but molded from clay. The image was found in 1431 in one of the temples of Chiang Rai, and later it was taken over by King Rama I. Several times a year, the servants of the temple, chaired by a monarch or prince, change the robes of the statue.
Outside the temple, at its entrance, there are two bronze lions, which were brought from Cambodia by King Rama I. The base of the building is decorated with gilded figures of mystical half-birds, half-humans (garuda), windows and doors are decorated with patterns. The interior decoration of Wat Phra Kaew stands out thanks to the wall paintings made during the reign of King Rama III. The Royal Pantheon is also located here, where life-size statues of eight previous kings of the Chakri dynasty were erected.
- a Buddhist temple in the center of Bangkok, located on the island of Rattanakosin next to the Grand Palace. Known for the origin of the art of Thai massage. This is the oldest church in the city, built in the XII century.
Here in 1782, General Chakri proclaimed himself King Rama I and founded a new dynasty of rulers of Thailand. He gave the order to expand the ancient monastery located on this site and build a stupa 41 m high, covered with a green mosaic depicting the Buddha of the Ayutthaya school. Later, Rama III built a white stupa in honor of his father, and a yellow stupa was erected in his honor. The blue stupa was built by order of King Rama IV in honor of the Queen of Ayutthaya Si Suriyathai. The four stupas symbolize the first four reigns of the Chakri dynasty. Next to the stupas is a traditional medicine pavilion.
The most famous temple brought the image of the Buddha in anticipation of reaching nirvana. Its length reaches 46 m, and its height is 15 m. The feet of the statue are covered with 108 mother-of-pearl ornaments that convey the individual features of the Buddha himself. The walls of the temple itself are covered with paintings that tell about the lives of seven prominent disciples of the Buddha. The balustrade is decorated with marble bas-reliefs reproducing scenes from the Ramayana. In total, there are 4 assembly halls and 95 stupas, as well as a gallery with 400 Buddha statues on the territory of the monastery.
On the territory of the monastery there are stone statues depicting bearded creatures in hats, brought here from China in the 19th century. They act as guardians of the temple.
Located next to Wat Pho library decorated with Chinese mosaics containing ancient manuscripts.
- a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, located on west bank Chao Phraya river. Known for its 79-meter pagoda, decorated with ceramic tiles and multi-colored porcelain. Built at the end of the 18th century.
- a Buddhist temple in Bangkok, located in the eastern part of the Old City, overlooks the streets of Ratchadamnoen Klang and Maha Chai.
Construction began on the orders of King Rama III of Thailand in 1846 and completed in the 20th century. The name of the temple means "King's Granddaughter" and is in honor of Princess Somanas Wadhanawaddy.
Wat Ratchanadda occupies an area surrounded by a fence and consists of several buildings. The most notable of these is Loha Prasat, built like a chedi and made of metal. This is the only metal temple building in Bangkok. Loha Prasat is modeled after a now-lost Ceylon temple from the 3rd century BC. e. Of the surviving styles, Prasat is the closest to Burmese.
The height of Loha Prasat is 36 m. It consists of four floors, each of which has metal spiers. The total number of spiers is 37, which corresponds to 37 virtues leading to enlightenment. Each floor is a labyrinth in which meditation rooms and spiers are connected by walkways and stairs.
On the territory of the temple there is a large market of amulets.
Wat Saket or Golden Mountain- a Buddhist temple in the eastern part of the Old City (Phra Nakhon district), opposite Wat Ratchanadda, overlooks Bori Phat Street.
The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era when it was called Wat Sakae. King Rama I renovated the temple and renamed it Wat Saket. During the reign of King Rama III, a gold-plated chedi was built on a high artificial hill, and because of this, the title Chedi Phu Kau Thong (Golden Mountain) was added to the temple. The mountain represents one of the symbols of Buddhism, Mount Meru.
However, the construction was unsuccessful due to the weakness of the ground, and the mountain sank. Repairs were carried out under King Rama V, after which the temple was again renamed Suvannabanphot - the same as the Golden Mountain, only in Sanskrit. This building has become a popular attraction in Bangkok, however, the rest of the temple is less visited.
At the end of the 19th century, wat was used for cremation, mainly by the poor.
Before the construction of skyscrapers began, the Golden Mountain, with a height of 76 meters, was the tallest building in Bangkok.
- markets on the water, where every morning merchants sell their goods (fruits and vegetables, clothes and souvenirs, household goods) directly from specially equipped boats, and the peasants continue to meet and exchange goods in the old fashioned way. Markets are open until noon from dawn. There are a lot of locals and tourists here.
For a small amount, there are many who want to ride you around the market. rental motor boat will cost an average of 300 baht, and boats with oars 100 baht. The sellers have stoves right on the boats, and they will be happy to cook something for you if you get hungry.
There are several floating markets in and around Bangkok. The most famous is Damnoen Saduak, located 80 km southwest of Bangkok.
- one of the largest shopping centers in Bangkok. Includes a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as a multiplex cinema (consisting of 15 large cinemas, one of them has the largest screen and maximum capacity in Asia), the Siam Ocean World aquarium (the largest aquarium in the Southeast Asia), an exhibition hall and a Thai art gallery, as well as an opera concert hall. There is also a large bowling center and karaoke.
is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, featuring a variety of marine life, such as penguins, gray sharks and giant spider crabs, etc. The aquarium also offers a "shark dive program" where visitors can swim underwater in the open sea side by side with sharks and rays. The aquarium is also equipped with a modern Sanyo 4D X-venture cinema. Located in the shopping center Siam Paragon.
Siam Ocean World website - siamoceanworld.co.th
- the tallest building in Thailand, located in central area Bangkok - Ratchathewi.
In the building, from 5 to 17 there is a multi-storey car park, from 22 to 74 floors there are 673 rooms of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel - the highest hotel in Southeast Asia. There is a public observatory on the 77th floor. On the top floor there is an observation platform (with a 360-degree view). A high-speed elevator with panoramic windows moves along the end of the building.
The height of the building is 309 meters. First and top floors separated by 2060 steps.
- a skyscraper located in the business district of Bang Rak. After being built in 2001, it has become the largest building in Southeast Asia. The total area of the building is 300 thousand m², height - 247 m, number of floors - 68 floors.
The skyscraper houses condominiums, apartments, offices and a hotel. Inside the building there is a forty-story atrium, and on the 64th floor is the Scirocco restaurant, which is the world's highest outdoor restaurant.
Attractions around Bangkok
- a safari park in the suburbs of Bangkok. The park consists of two parts (Safari Park and Marine Park), the first, where animals are free, and tourists watch them from a car or bus. The second part is a classic zoo where you can see performances with animals: dolphin shows, fur seals, monkey boxing, bird shows, cowboy shows, water shows and much more. Worth a visit, especially with children. You can feed giraffes from a special balcony, as well as fish, or rather a flock of large multi-colored impudent fish.
On the territory of the park there are two restaurants, a fast food zone, tents with ice cream, drinks and light snacks.
The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. On weekends - a little longer - up to six.
Excursions to Safari World are sold at many travel agencies in Bangkok. You can also come here on your own.
Safari World website - safariworld.com
- This farm with more than 30,000 freshwater and saltwater crocodiles is considered the largest in the world. It is located 30 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Samut Prakarna.
In addition to the actual crocodiles, there is a zoo with elephants, gibbons, lions and snakes, as well as a museum of dinosaurs.
To the west of Bangkok, near the town of Nakhon Pathom, is world's largest stupa, 127-meter . It was built in 1870 on the site of another more ancient stupa.
Located 33 km from Bangkok the parkMuang Boran or Ancient City, in which the entire territory of the kingdom is reproduced with the most famous historical monuments.
Muang Boran Park website – ancientcity.com
76 km north of the city is ancient capital Siam - famous for the ruins of ancient temples and the ruins of the Bang-Pa-In Palace.
Video of Bangkok
