As Thailand’s capital and most populous city, Bangkok is not only the country’s business and tourism center, it is also the country’s focal point in terms of cultural events, and should be your first stop when considering general nightlife merriment. In addition to the royal family calling the city of 8 million home, the state government and regional administration are both located here, with most of the country’s industrial, commercial, and financial enterprises using the city as a hub. All of this combined, Bangkok makes for a fascinating place for young and old alike.
Location
Bangkok sits along the Chao Phraya River delta in Thailand’s central plains. Travel to any corner of the country or neighboring country takes just a few hours, making it easy to arrange your travel plans, as even flights to some of the more remote destinations are made daily.
Sights
Although a week is not nearly enough to see all of the ancient temples and palaces in Bangkok, the main shrines – Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha – can be visited in a single day. As the city’s historic center, Rattanakosin Island should also be on your must-see list, where you will find the country’s oldest buildings and historical monuments, such as the city’s first residential buildings and what is left of the 19th century city wall. But more modern constructions and monuments, such as the Democracy Monument erected in commemoration of the Black May protests of 1992, are also tucked in and around this historical area too. This also happens to be where Thailand’s legislature lives, along with Bangkok’s Chinatown – one of tourists’ favorite spots.
Bangkok is known as a city of phenomenal food, appearing in the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest restaurant, all thanks to the Royal Dragon Restaurant, whose seating capacity is 5,000!
Cultural Life
In recent years, Asia has proved itself as a powerful new cultural environment, and Bangkok has played an important role. The city regularly hosts exhibitions, huge concerts featuring world-class stars, and other cultural shows.
Entertainment
If you’ve got the time, whole days can be spent in entertainment parks dotted in and around the city, where there is something for the whole family. Siam Park for example boasts fabulous rides of all sorts, while Dream World is the Thai version of Disneyland. And then there’s Safari Park – an open zoo featuring animal shows of all sorts.
For those coming to Thailand for the nightlife, clubs, bars, and discos of all type and genre are in abundance, among which thousands of night owls gather each and every night. If that’s not racy enough for you, check out the pedestrianized Khao and Patpong district, which can only be described as a sexual fantasyland!
Shopping
Bangkok is the city to spend some time in if shopping is what you’re after. With more than three dozen shopping centers in town, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for, and more! The largest among them are Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, MBK, and Pantip Plaza. Come the weekend, skip the malls and head over to the massive Chatuchak clothing market.
Please note:
tourists should take caution if traveling the city alone. Not all taxi drivers speak English.
The capital, like any big city, suffers from traffic congestion, despite the extensive network of roads with multi-level interchanges and paid highways. As a result, air pollution is also a concern, with thick smog creating a greenhouse effect, making long walks in the city during the hottest months unadvisable for foreigners.
