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Bangkok City Guide
Thailand > Bangkok
Once known as the Venice of Asia for the network of canals
or klongs crisscrossing the city, Bangkok is one of the
most vibrant capitals of Southeast Asia. Bangkok or Krung
Thep which means the City of Angels is considered one of
the biggest city in the world. For a city of this size,
Bangkok is surprisingly full of quiet escapes.
The Must see attractions include Wat Phra Kaew and the
Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Traimit, home to the impressive
3m tall, 5 1/2-tonne solid-gold Buddha image. So, don't
forget to snap the beautiful photos as a remembrance, especially
the Wat Sai floating market in Thonburi, an ultimate spot
that is not simply found from other parts of the world.
For a moment of serenity, Lumphini Park is a haven of tranquillity
in the heart of the city, dotted with pavilions and two
small lakes. This should be a perfect place to suit your
need.
Food can be as simple as a bowl of tom yum kung soup (lemon
grass shrimp soup) prepared before you at a floating market,
or as ceremonious and complex as a five-course French meal
at one of the city's many exclusive restaurants. There is
also a wide array of sumptuous international cuisine for
you.
Another well worth a visit spot is Bang Pa In, 37 miles
north of Bangkok, the former summer residence of the royal
family in the 17th century, which is a collection of buildings
reflecting oriental and European influences. Whether visiting
palaces or temples, it is important to dress respectfully.
Entry can and will be refused if this rule is not followed.
Getting There and Moving Around
By air
Bangkok International Airport, located 25km (15miles) north
of the city center is operated by the Airports Authority
of Thailand. It is a major gateway in South East Asia and
one of the region's busiest airports catering for over 80
international carriers. It serves many inbound and outbound
of flights daily.
Traveling from Bangkok International Airport to downtown
and around Bangkok can be made by the express way system,
which is the elevated electric train.
By rail
State Railways of Thailand have four lines all terminating
in Bangkok. The main station in Bangkok is Hualampong on
Rama IV Road and this serves most of the long-distance routes.
Noi station across the river in Thonburi serves Kanchanaburi
and a few destinations to the south.
By road
Bangkok has three main bus terminals serving different
areas of the country. There are both air-conditioned and
non-air-conditioned buses, and the air-conditioned ones
tend to be faster, making less stops on route.
The Southern Bus Terminal on Boromratchonnani Road operates
south to Hua Hin, Phuket and the Thai-Malaysian border.
The North/northeastern Bus Terminal, on Kampaeng Petch 2
Road (northeast)) has routes to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
in the north and Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai in the northeast.
The Eastern Bus Terminal, on Sukhumvit Road operates to
Pattaya and Trat in the east.
Taxis can be hailed on the streets and if they are metered
there is a taxi meter sign on the roof. Tuk Tuk, three-wheeled
taxis ply the streets and are ideal for short journeys.
There are numerous river taxis operated by Chao Phraya
Express River Taxi travel upstream and downstream on the
Chao Phraya River, acting more like buses than taxis. Motorcycle
taxis are now available as they can manoeuvre between the
cars to reach their destination. Car hire services are also
available for you to move around this fascinating town.
Moving Around
The availability of various transportation mode here is
an advantage of moving around the city.
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