Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is situated half way between the top of the country and the bottom. The bustling metropolis is a sprawling labyrinth with a population of over six million. The global city is not only the central business hub for Thailand but for much of Southeast Asia as well. With a long and rich history dating back to the early 12th century, there is much heritage and culture to see and experience.
The city has many tourist attractions including numerous Thai temples and Royal Palaces. One of the most visited attractions is the Grand Palace, which was built in 1782. The impressive grounds of the palace include the famous Emerald Buddha located in Wat Phra Kaew, which is considered Thailand's most important temple.
Shopping Around Bangkok
Known for its shopping, Bangkok is home to many markets and luxury shopping centres. The famous Chatuchak weekend market is filled with everything you could imagine from clothes and electronics to exotic pets. The floating markets, which are situated along the canals of the Chao Phraya River, are slowly disappearing but still remain popular with tourists.
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to accommodation, with an array of hotels, ranging from five-star luxury to smaller boutique style and also backpacker guesthouses. The city is also spoilt with a range of entertainment options, including river cruises, great bars with live music, trendy clubs and fine restaurants serving international and local cuisine.
Transportation Around Bangkok
Bangkok's newly built Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a central hub in the Southeast Asia region, with many flights arriving daily from all over the globe. The airport is located approximately 40 minutes from the city's centre, with many taxis available from the airport to take you there.
Bangkok is considered a safe city to visit but like all major cities there are some dangers to be aware of. Many confidence scams selling fake gems to unsuspecting tourists are common, as are pickpockets in busy areas such as markets and airports. The traffic in Bangkok is quite crazy and care should be taken when crossing the roads; it is not uncommon to see motorcycles driving down the footpath to avoid traffic. Before leaving for Bangkok it is recommended to take out a travel insurance policy for you and your family.
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