Information and Tourism

Thailand’s spectacular capital city, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most famous tourist destinations and contains a mixture of gleaming skyscrapers and ancient oriental shrines. Bangkok’s elevated Skytrain is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel around the city, while for others, a river taxi or cruise along the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River is hard to beat. Bangkok was founded in 1782 and has grown dramatically in size since then, gaining almost epic proportions and a vast metropolitan area. However , beneath the multi-lane highways, traffic jams and modern concrete jungle is the appealing Old City district (Ko Rattanakosin), where you will discover a huge concentration of old temples, museums, bazaars, theatres (wats) and also Bangkok’s original palace. All over Bangkok, tourism is an important part of day-to-day life. Various tourist information offices are located around Bangkok and in addition at the city’s nearby Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the head office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is located along New Phetchaburi Road and features many English-speaking staff.

There is more than enough within Bangkok to keep even the keenest tourist occupied throughout their holiday. Look out for the sightseeing town tram and the river cruises, both of which are a great way to see many of the city’s premier sights. For families in Bangkok, many attractions suit children, such as Dusit Zoo (Khao Din), and also the Bangkae Amusement Park, home to both funfair rides and a water park. Indoor roller coasters are available in the air-conditioned Leo Land, sited within the Central Town Bangna Shopping Centre, while for various the countless parks around Bangkok are a great place to relax, with the centrally located Lumpini Park being especially popular.

There is certainly plenty of inside Bangkok to hold actually the keenest visitor occupied through their vacation. Consider the sightseeing city tram as well as the river cruise trips, both which are a smart way to see most of the city’s leading sights. Intended for family members in Bangkok, many sights match kids, such as for example Dusit Wildlife (Khao Din), as well as the Bangkae Amusement Recreation area, house to both funfair rides and a drinking water recreation area. Interior roller coasters can be found on the air-conditioned Leo Property, placed within the Central City Bangna Shopping Center, while for various a variety of leisure areas around Bangkok are a good way to unwind, with the located Lumpini Recreation area becoming specifically popular.

Bangkok is truly steeped in history and apart from its contemporary skyscrapers, of which the Baiyoke Tower is the tallest at 304 metres / 997 feet, the most impressive landmarks are its historic structures. Be sure to find the Grand Palace, where you can also enjoy a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Bowonniwetwihan (Ratchaworawihan), the Wat Benchamabophit (Wat Ben), the Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), and also the Wat Pho, the city’s oldest and biggest temple.

Culture abounds within Bangkok and tourists will enjoy the city’s many outstanding museums. Located within the Sanam Luang region, the National Museum contains everything from information about traditional Thai art and textiles, to literature and weaponry. Completely unique is the Royal Barges National Art gallery and its extensive collection of large boats. Those with a love of aviation should search out the Royal Thai Air Force Memorial, while artwork lovers in Bangkok will be overwhelmed at the traditional and contemporary pieces on display with the National Gallery.

Almost the epitome of everything that Asia has to offer, Bangkok has plenty to offer tourists. Nevertheless , should you choose to venture outside of this sprawling metropolis, you will find a wealth of tourist attractions within easy reach. Particularly close to Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm and Zoo and Samut Prakan is always extremely popular, as are the countless wats or temples within Samut Songkhram, which is located just a short distance to the south-west. To the north of Bangkok, the Ayuthaya Historical Park contains such as wealth of temples and shrines that it has gained the status of World Heritage Site.