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Bangkok

Travoley
Bangkok
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Bangkok Travel Guide

  • About Bangkok
Buzzing, humid and exotic, Bangkok is the larger-than-life city where magnificent temples, historic markets, skyscrapers and rooftop bars create an intoxicating vibe that’s hard to resist.A blend of the traditional and the modern, Bangkok’s every street has a surprise in store. Ramshackle buildings crouch next to striking holy shrines, which are overlooked by modern hotels and offices.But traditional Thai life is never very far away. Saffron-robed monks weave among the morning rush hour to collect alms; communities dwell in stilt houses by the Chao Phraya River, eking out a living using centuries-old skills.Most visitors begin in Rattanakosin, drawn by the Grand Palace and Wat Po. It’s here the Chao Phraya River separates the city proper from its old capital Thonburi, a spot where quiet, narrow canals and floating markets illustrate why Bangkok was once called the ‘Venice of the East.’Banglamphu, the city’s backpacker hub, still draws visitors to the non-stop action of Khao San Road, while the markets and restaurants of Chinatown lie just south. North is the leafy district of Dusit, home to Vimanmek Mansion and numerous government buildings.East of the canals is modern Bangkok, a hive of activity with countless businesses, markets and shopping malls, handily connected by the BTS Skytrain. Around Siam Square and Victory Monument, and up to Sukhumvit Road, is where Bangkok’s top hotels, restaurants and bars vie for attention.The weekend market at Chatuchak remains an essential Bangkok experience. Locals, tourists and ex-pats flock here on the weekend to bargain for household goods, souvenirs, clothes and original Thai art before grabbing a bite to eat or a quick leg massage.Those heading straight for Thailand’s beaches, or to the countryside of the north, miss out on experiencing one of Asia’s most exciting, ever-changing capitals.Spend a few hours in its charm and it’s easy to see why the great South East Asian gateway is one of the world’s most visited cities; spend a few days in Bangkok and become hooked for life.
  • Bangkok History
Bangkok has been on one heck of an economic and political rollercoaster ride.It started out as a quiet farming and trading community on the banks of the Chao Praya river, but grew in the 15th and 16th centuries, when a new waterway was created, easing the passage of ships up the river.When Bangkok became the Thai capital in 1782, the town was mainly inhabited by Chinese merchants and customs inspectors.The growth of the city started with the construction of Wat Phra Kaew. Defensive moats were dug, canals built and a city wall erected. Bangkok soon became a hub for Chinese trading ships.King Mongkut (Rama IV) and his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) modernised the city in the 1850s, adding roads and railways.By the end of the 19th century, the population had swelled to around 500,000 and Thailand was successfully fending off interest from colonial powers.Bangkok expanded east and north in the 20th century. The first bridge over the river (Memorial Bridge) was built in 1932, the same year an absolute monarchy was replaced by a constitutional monarchy.Following Japanese occupation during WWII, the 1950s saw a period of political turmoil in Thailand, with several coup d’états.Come the 1960s, Thailand’s fortunes rose. Yet the country wavered between civilian and military rule over the next decades.Thailand’s economy spectacularly crashed in the 1990s and it was only after tough reforms that Bangkok’s economy started to pick up again.The 21st century hasn’t been smooth either. In 2006, a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was accused of corruption and who now lives in self-imposed exile.Anti-government demonstrations took place in 2008 amid calls for reform. But in 2011, Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was elected PM, then ousted three years later.Since then, the reins of power have been in the hands of the military.
  • Did you know?
Red Bull was inspired by a Bangkok creation called Krating Daeng. Though many are now filled in, Bangkok’s khlongs (canals) earned it the nickname ‘Venice of the East’. In Thai, Bangkok is known as Krung Thep.
  • Weather in Bangkok
Thailand is a tropical country, so it is hot throughout the year, but the best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February during the dry season. During the rainy season between May and September, humidity is very high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of Bangkok often flood. The hottest time of year is between March and May when the air-conditioning is on overdrive and the sweat pours from the pores.

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