The road to Chiang Mai - Bangkok, oriental city

The road to Chiang Mai: Bangkok, oriental city brings you inside the city of Bangkok, the present capital of the Thailand. We visit the famous Buddhist temples of the city with exquisite decoration and riches, containing gold statues and the famous reclining Buddha, the city palaces and exotic markets, taking also a trip on the canals that penetrate the city that have on floating markets.

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Global Treasures WAT ARUN Temple of the Dawn Bangkok, Thailand

WAT ARUN Most sightseers travel by boat to see the fascinating Wat Arun Temple that is located close to the shore of the Chao Phraya in the historic heart of Bangkok. According to legend, Wat Arun, The Temple Of The Dawn, existed long before the founding of Bangkok. King Taksin who reigned in the 17th century A.D. chose this sanctuary as his royal temple and also gave it its present name. The journey up to the higher sections of the sanctuary travels past several splendid images including various mythological and religious figures such as the Moon God, Soma. Over the years the temple was further extended and decorated and the central 'prang' of the building complex grew taller and taller. It symbolizes Meru, the Holy Mountain, upon which the Earth rests. The Hindu god Indra that rides on the three-headed elephant, Erawan, was also included in the impressive temple complex of Wat Arun. The main tower and magnificent decor of the buildings are one of the most famous sights inThonburi, the historical area of Bangkok. Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

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Bangkok's Temples

Thailand is known to be a buddhistic country where people still practice a strong religion while also living in a very modern and trendy world.

It's interesting to see the combination of modern, gigantic shopping malls where you can buy everything from Giorgio Armani to Louis Vuitton but at the same time you have hundreds of temples all over Bangkok where monks in orange robes meditate, pray, perform rituals and other social functions.

Bangkok truly is a "melting pot" in every sense, and it's grounded in a very typical Thai characteristic: being able to assimilate different cultures, no matter how much they might differ, and integrate them into "Thainess".

Currently there are around 400 temples in Bangkok, and the number of mosques is also growing, specially around the area of Bangkapi.

Generally it's free to enter a temple, only the main tourist attraction temples charge an admission fee for foreigners - if you have ever witnessed how many tourists flood the Wat Pho temple on any given day you are not surprised though about the fact that managing such an influx of people actually needs to be funded somehow.

The Wat Pho is in fact the most famous temple in Bangkok. Here the gigantic "Reclining Buddha" can be found - it measures 64 metres in length and 15 in height and as far as I know there isn't even one photograph that actually fit the whole Buddha inside because of the way the temple is designed.

Around the Reclining Buddha there are 108 small bowls where people can drop coins inside for good luck.

Buddhist monks from all over the world - including Tibet, Japan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Burma and other nations come here to pray respect to the Buddha.

The whole Wat Po temple complex overs around 20 acres of land, and in fact while the reclining Buddha is almost always crowded if you just walk around a bit you might find yourself to be the only person around (specially if you come early in the morning).

Bangkoks temples are still great to explore and you will make many interesting encounters here. Many of the monks have very interesting life stories.

Visit my website on Bangkok's temples for more information.

What You Must See in Bangkok

Bangkok is an exhilarating destination, with her interesting mix of traditional sights and attractions, exotic aromas and western influence. To unravel the layers of this city, you'll need to understand its history and culture. A trip to this Kingdom of smiles will allow you to do this if you allow yourself enough time to see some of the treasures this place has to offer. At least three days, and this is not a problem with an abundance of cheap flights and good hotels available in Bangkok throughout the year. This article features some of the highlights and traditional must-see attractions.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok and located next to the Grand Palace. It is most famous for its grand and splendid reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf and measuring more than 150 feet long. There are some cool spots under the trees beside the temple for rest and rejuvenation as well. Treat yourself to their famed massage services where they offer trained professionals in the school of traditional massage housed within the temple itself. You will also enjoy the action of dropping coins into a long line of small containers around the reclining buddha, as an act of accumulating blessings for yourself and others.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, with its glittery, extravagant architecture, is simply grand. This famous palace was built in 1782, and it continues to capture visitors' imagination with its magnificent buildings and intricate details. It gives you an insight into Thai royalty, in local Siamese style with its wonderful mix of colours.

Entering the palace grounds, you will have to wear long trousers or skirts. The dress code states no jeans, but don't worry, you can always rent the appropriate clothing for free if you turn up in them. Audio guides are avaliable near the entrance and are helpful if you are not in a tour group.

There's always touts outside the palace scamming unaware tourists that the grand palace is closed, and suggesting to follow their tours. Just don't be fooled by them.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)

Located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, and regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Pra Kaeo enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

This temple is a huge incredible riot of glittering gold and colours, everywhere you look. There are a million details not to be overlooked and part of visiting the Grand Palace is seeing this Emerald Buddha. If you happen to visit the palace on the same day as the King himself, grab the chance to see the Emerald Buddha clad in its gold outfits!

Floating Market

The floating market has been reduced to a touristy state nowadays, but even though transactions are more involved and to do with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market boats are still piled high with tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh coconut juice and local food cooked right on the boat itself.

With each boat jostling for space within the narrow canals, it's absolutely frantic and disorderly. The paddling skills of each boat-woman are to be admired at and they will stop and bargain with you at any time. It's vibrant, noisy but great fun.

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River flows through the capital and is where Bangkok's historic roots lie. One of the most fascinating and scenic areas of Bangkok, the riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night. The river is also one of the major transportation systems of the city, with massive traffic jams along the roads all day. The water-taxis ferries commuters up and doen the river, and heavily laden rice barges can also be seen in the waters.

The river is set against a backdrop of glittering temples, palaces and historical landmarks. You can also find luxury, five-star hotels, as well as cheap hotel deals along the riverside.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a busy area, packed with market stalls and has probably the greatest concentration of gold shops in the city. Always crowded, especially during the Chinese New Year period, this area still retains its old look and relatively untouched by modern high-rise developments. The Chinese community here still continues their own traditions and religious practices. Restaurants can be found abundant along the streets, offering Chinese cuisines, delicacies and seafood. One of the best places to enjoy sumptuous seafood at relatively cheap prices, and this area has lots of budget hotels for any backpacker.

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson or James Harrison Wilson Thompson was born in Greenville, Delaware in 1906. He is an American who started the Thai silk industry in Thailand after World War II. With his natural flair for design and color, and his dedication to reviving the craft, Thompson gained worldwide recognition for his success in generating international demand for Thai silk. This former residence of his houses a magnificent collection of Asian art and many unique displays, in addition to it being best place to purchase silk in Bangkok.

This place has an intriguing history to boot as well. During the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Cameron Highlands, a northern Malaysian resort. An extensive and extended search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance. Theories abound about his disappearance, but there has been no answer as yet.

Vimanmek Mansion

Built by King Rama V upon his return from Europe in 1897, this palace is the world's largest golden teakwood mansion featuring an elaborate and unique blend of Victorian and Thai architecture. Altogether there are 31 exhibition rooms, with the bedrooms, the throne room and the bathrooms maintaining the atmosphere of the Thai past. Some display rooms house exhibitions of Thai art including silverware, ceramics, crystal ware, and ivory.

Having a desire to know the world, Hosh loves travelling and peeping into other countries' cultures, food, lifestyles and attitudes, infusing herself with the spirit and soul of each foreign place. Go out explore the earth, it will not be a wasted trip on this planet, she believes.

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One Night In Bangkok - Recommendations For Women Travelers

Bangkok, or the City of Angels, is a popular stopover destination for many thousands of air travelers every year. It is famed for its historical temples and its male oriented nightlife, as the song from Chess, the musical, implies. But what are the options for women travelers if you find yourself with a day and a night to spare in this vibrant city?

A lot depends on whether this is your first visit or indeed you first time in Asia. If so then you need to get a real flavor of the city by visiting some if its famed temples, historical sights and shopping opportunities.

If your time is limited to a 24-48 hour stopover the best way to do this is by taking two half day tours - a morning tour of the Grand Palace with its famed Emerald Buddha and an afternoon boat trip down the Chao Phraya River on a traditional rice barge. There are many similar tours available and can be booked either from your hotel or the plethora of tour operators scattered along the main streets. These tours usually last around 4 hours, giving you time to rest before taking on more of Bangkok's exciting sights and sounds (and shops.)

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace, a former home of the Thai Royal family has been portrayed in many a Hollywood movie and is breathtakingly beautiful, with its Golden Cheidi, Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and Eight Colored Towers. In the palace grounds is the Wat Phra Kaew temple, which houses the much revered Emerald Buddha, considered to be the protector of the kingdom and is the holiest Buddhist site in the country.

Make sure you have your camera with you and dress respectfully. You can be refused entry if you are wearing slip on sandals, shorts or sleeveless tops, as the Grand Palace has a strict dress code policy. Should you be refused entry then go across the road to the many tourist shops and they will rent out shoes etc, or you can buy cheap clothing to cover up any offending parts! The same applies for men, no sandals, vests or shorts.

If you have time, then walk around the corner to Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest temple with its huge reclining Buddha - a great photo opportunity. It is also the home of the famed Thai massage school, where on a longer stay you can take their course in Thai massage, a Wat Po massage certificate is one of the most widely respected in the world.

A Rice Barge on the Chao Phraya River

An afternoon boat trip, setting off from the River City complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya gives you a great chance to see some of Bangkok's historical monuments in the shortest space of time, whilst giving you an authentic slice of Bangkok life, weaving in between the many houses along the city's klongs (waterways) and passing some of the amazing temples including the magical Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, the most photographed temple in Bangkok. The tour will take you up river by long tail boat and you will return on the more sedate rice barge, where you will get the chance to sample some of Thailand's delicious spicy cuisine. Be warned, the long tail boats can go at quite a pace, especially if your pilot is intent on racing other boats up river!

Shop Til U Drop

Following our 24 hour stopover theme this then leaves you plenty of time in the evening to explore Bangkok's many shopping malls and markets. Shopping in the city can continue until late into the night with most shopping malls closing around 9pm but smaller stores and markets will remain open longer, especially in tourist areas.

Depending on your taste then a trip to the tourist night market in Patpong is an experience. You might have to run the gauntlet of touts try to entice you into the many girlie bars in this area, but this can be fun if you are a first time visitor to Bangkok, as you get the chance to experience its more infamous side. For a quieter, more sedate VIP night market try the Suan Lam Night Bazaar, near Lumpini Park. There are also many eateries here and if you are lucky you can take in some live music.

Some of the best of the shopping malls are The Siam Paragon and Central World Shopping Complex. Or, if you prefer a more upmarket choice then Gaysorn Plaza and The Emporium are at the exclusive end, with their world famous fashion house stores. The Siam Paragon also houses a huge aquarium, which is also worth a visit. If it's Thai silk you are after then visit one of the exclusive Jim Thompson Stores or the popular Thai chain called Naraya Phand, which is famous for Thai handicrafts.

If you are fortunate enough to have your visit co-incide with a weekend, then the Chauchak weekend market by Mo Chit Skytrain station is a "must see". With over 15,000 stalls, this market is thought to be the largest in the world. Prices are cheaper here than the shopping malls and this market sells everything imaginable, from simple cotton T-shirt to exotic pets and plants.

Restaurants and Bars

After your shopping trip you many want to sample some of the many restaurants and bars. Food is everywhere in Bangkok, all hours of the day and night - eating seems to be the Thai national pastime. Some good eateries can be found around the shopping mall areas of Siam Square (Siam Paragon), Sukhumvit (The Emporium) and Chidlom (Central World) so pick your area and then do a bit of reading up. Famous bars and nightclubs with a more exclusive feel include Sukhumvit's Bed Supper Club, with, as its name suggests, beds suspended from the walls. This amazing designer lounge has an all white interior and plays funk and techno music. The Q Bar, also in Sukhumvit is themed around a New York style club and plays the latest sounds from the west. Instead, you may be interested in sampling some Thai culture with a formal Dinner and Thai traditional dance show; this can be booked through a tour operator.

Extra Time

If you have more time to spare then a visit to Jim Thompson's House near the National Stadium skytrain stop is a good way to experience some traditional Thai architecture and learn more about the father of the Thai silk industry and his mysterious disappearance in the Malaysian jungle in 1967. There is a lovely quiet café here where you can sit and enjoy the garden. Then of course there are the myriad of Thai spa's - take in a Thai massage before your ongoing flight and pamper yourself with some herbal beauty treatments, all at a fraction of the cost of back home.

Bangkok is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, rich in history. Whilst a short stop over is nowhere near enough time to take in all its temples, cultural sites and shopping opportunities, some of these suggestions will give you a taster for your return trip next time!

Gill Hart is a freelance article writer and journalist in her spare time. She is also an English teacher and has worked in many countries including Thailand, Turkey and the Middle East.

Best Things to Do in Thailand, Beaches Near Bangkok and Andaman

Thailand's white and turquoise beaches, golden Buddhist temples, bloody history and marketplace culture are loved by both end of the travel budget scale. Some visitors just swing though the country on a beeline to the coast, while some take months meandering though; either way Bangkok, nearby beaches and the islands are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

Most visitors to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Bangkok has a reputation for a lot of different things, but most visitors will want to see the temples, eat and shop in the markets and make time to tour the city in a canal, and these are some of the best things to do in Thailand. Unless you're a fan of your local red light district you might want to swap a trip to the seedy, now touristy, red light district in favour of some cheap pampering elsewhere.

Top things to do in Thailand: Bangkok, includes visits to the Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, who is actually made of jade or jasper, the Temple of the Standing Buddha, Wat Traimit: and Wat Benchamabophit: also called the Marble Temple, made all of white, polished Italian marble and both one of Bangkok's most beautiful and most popular temples. The Grand Palace, the ornate European building with the Thai style roof made famous by 'The King and I', and home to Thailand's parliament since the 18th Century, and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, a national museum, the world's largest teak building and a good place to come to see classical Thai dancing, Thai folk dance and martial arts demonstrations, are two of more of the best things to do in Thailand.

Go shopping, of the best things to do in Thailand, another thing people travel to Bangkok for, at Talat Kao Market for Chinese specialities, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, for a truly unique veggie shopping experience, or for everything else at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with around 15,000 stalls. And if you're not a shopper, maybe duck off to see some Muay Thai boxing at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Another of the best things to do in Thailand is to visit some of the islands, of which Thailand has hundreds, but the two most visited groups are Ko Tao, Ko Samui and co. in the Gulf of Thailand near the Ang Thong Marine Park and Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lipe and co. in the Andaman Sea near Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, out of which James Bond Island - the one used in 'The Man with the Golden Gun' - sticks like a dagger - seeing it is definitely one of the best things to do in Thailand.

The islands sprinkled round the Gulf of Thailand are fringed with coconut groves and white beaches, and warm, footprint-less, sandy coves; many of them have lush interiors, especially those of the Ang Thong Archipelago, or interesting limestone formations. Ko Samui is probably the most idyllically famous, but Ko Tao is supposed to be the new Ko Samui - more 'The Beach', than 'The Beach' beach, and is popular with divers and those on more modest budgets. Most visitors to these islands come for some resort and relaxation time - another one of the best things to do in Thailand.

On the other side of Thailand, the Andaman Sea Islands are the ones that look like giant limestone daggers with a sprinkling of bright green alfalfa jungle on top, plunging deep into sandy bottomed, turquoise seas, in dispersed with sandier islands totally ringed with perfect tropical beaches. Hundreds of islands make up this group, loved by divers snorkellers, paddlers, sailors and people who appreciate luxury resorts or just really lovely beaches.

WorldRevier.com has independent travel reviews written by many travel experts including the best things to do in Thailand, Beaches near Bangkok and Andaman Park

Bangkok - How to Spend a Perfect Day in Bangkok

Do you have a day in Bangkok while waiting for your connecting flight or have allocated a day to tour the city before heading out to a more secluded destination. Well there is so much to do in Bangkok how do you plan your day. Do you pack in as many temples as possible or just head to one of the famous shopping centres. There are some hard choices to make and it definitely depends on how much you enjoy your shopping or temples but there are a few must sees while you are in Bangkok. Why not try this itinerary as a perfect day in Bangkok.

Try to start early to avoid the crowds and head straight to the Grand Palace, which opens daily at 08:30. The palace was built by King Rama I when he became king in 1782, and resembles in almost identical detail the Royal Palace in the former capital Ayutthaya. On completion of the Palace King Rama I moved the centre of his administration to the location of the Grand Place, so for about 150 years, Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court but the entire administrative government. The Thai Kings stopped living in the complex at the start of the 20th Century but the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

After spending the morning at the Palace see Wat Pho one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples housing a gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha with beautifully in laid mother-of-pearl soles. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called Thailand's first University. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educate people on varied subjects; such as, literature, warfare, astronomy, meditation, and Thai traditional massage.

Take a short walk down to the Chao Phraya River where you will have lunch by the river before taking a scenic boat trip. After lunch head to the house of Jim Thomson an American who stayed in Thailand after the war and set up the Jim Thompson Thai Silk company revitalising the whole Silk industry. Jim Thompson stayed in Thailand for 22 years after the war and became one of the most popular post-war legends of Thailand and Asia. Unfortunately he disappeared without a trace in 1967 whilst on holiday in Malaysia.

Jim Thompson's House is one of the best preserved examples of the traditional Thai house and architecture in the city showing a remarkable display of antiques and artworks from all over the Southeast Asian region.

That is already a pretty full day and one might expect you would want to relax but if you still full of energy or need a shopping fix, Bangkok is just the place. So why not try to squeeze in a trip to one of the shopping malls such as MBK, Pantip Plaza or CentrealWorld are just a few of the well known names.

If you are after electronics or anything computer related such as DVDs, Laptops or ever repairs Pantip Plaza is the place to go, MBK or Mah Boon Krong, is one of Bangkok's most famous malls for both tourists and locals, 8 floors packed with 2,000 shops with everything on offer. For the title though CentralWorld wins, newly launched with 550.000 square metres of retail space and officially the largest lifestyle shopping complex in Southeast Asia.

After all that you must try a traditional Thai massage to help relax your body and mind from the action-packed day. Thai massage involves using not just the masseuse's hands but in fact fingers, elbows, forearms and feet are also to put pressure on your tissues to help relieve tension. A great experience to finish of a great day.

Alex Aziz has been travelling and setting up tours in South East Asia since 2000 with vast experience and knowledge of many on and off the beaten places he now spends his time between the UK and Asia. A relaxing break takes him trekking along the Ho Chi Minh trail or kayaking the rivers of Laos http://www.xplore-asia.com