September 15, 2014

154: Bangkok (Revisited)

22 minutes

In this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok.

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The show covers the following and more:

Observations:

Bangkok is capital of Thailand (Thai = free so Thailand means land of the free)

Never been colonised unlike so many other Asian countries - sided with Japanese in WWII and supported USA in Vietnam war.

Monarchy which is highly respected and revered offence to say negative against the monarchy.

Bangkok used to be "Venice of the East" as so many rivers and canals - but now mostly filled in.

Lots of traffic and traffic jams.

Relatively safe despite political troubles and street demonstrations - more likely affect by tourist scams !

Getting there Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airportGetting around

Sky train

Underground Metro

River rides - express boat up and down Chao Phraya river

Buses harder to navigate as most routes in Thai

Taxis - metered but ensure is switched on

Motorbike taxis - ensure you given a helmet

Tuk-tuk - 3-wheeled open sided - most drivers focus on where they want to take you to..!

Must see things to doSights are fairly concentrated in one area close to each otherWat Phra Kaew and Royal Grand Palace ComplexGrand PalaceIncluding some key buildings:Borombhiman HallAmarin Vinitchai Throne RoomChakri Maha PrasatDusit Maha PrasatEmerald Buddha temple - Housed inside the Wat Pra KaeoRoyal Thai Decorations and Coin PavillionWat PhoClose by is oldest and largest temple in Bangkok - contains country's largest reclining BuddhaGolden BuddhaHoused in Wat Traimit - 5,5 ton Solid gold Buddha - 3 metres high

Wat ArunTemple of Dawn named after Indian god of dawn

Museums:Dolls museum National museumJim Thompson HouseRoyal Barge MuseumShoppingBargaining expected in markets Chinatown and Little IndiaBangkok floating market Central World MarketPatpongRed light district

...more