A Brilliant Place in Bangkok

If New York is the city that never sleeps, forget the alarm clock. Bangkok, Thailand's capital, comes a very close seconds. The city was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. Today, the country's intellectual, industrial and educational hub, home to some ten million people or more than 10% of the Thai population.
CityContrasts and confusion.
     Bangkok (or Krung Thep in Thai, meaning "City of Angels") is an exciting, high energy melting pot west meets east. A dynamic city, technology and modern living with its busy highways, has taken bold skyscrapers and designer-filled shopping malls. But hidden behind it, it remains a traditional place of culture, history and ancient customs, which are respected elders, and family always come first.

     During the ride from the airport you will findsee many examples of modern architecture dotting the skyline and among them all, was proud of glittering Buddhist Wats (temples), such as Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Snaking through the concrete jungle, you are
echoes of the "old Bangkok spy" on you - the old canals and waterways, it is worth exploring on a boat trip.
     Every Thai household and buildings, including the most modern, has a traditional spirit house outside built-up areas forHappiness and to honor the spirit of the country. Every day, laid out small supply of fruit and water, often with garlands of orchids. If you are an early riser, trying to make the most of your vacation time in Bangkok, do not be surprised if you see Buddhist monks in yellow robes, making their morning alms "Round accepting food and donations from the local population, young and old.

Some like it hot, but not all the time.
     Thailand has a tropical climate with an annualaverage temperature of about 75 to 92 degrees Celsius, so pack light clothing for your trip. Natural fibers are often more comfortable when you're walking and hiking in hot weather. Virtually anywhere you go in Bangkok you will find some relief from the heat, with blasts of icy cold air conditioning in shops and hotels.
     From March to May is the hottest period, with the highest temperatures and humidity. From June to October is rainy season, so remember to arriveUmbrella. November to February is cooler and less humid. Note that the monsoon season varies throughout the country and the weather can interfere with you.

Bangkok hotels to suit every budget.
     You'll find every type of accommodation - favored by lush 5 star international names to smaller hotels, from backpackers. Book online and see what special rates you can find. Web sites such as http://www.alltripthailand.com/  have more than 1,600 hotels in Thailand, bythe natural tranquility and luxury of The Sukhothai on South Sathorn Road, the bustling business hotels in downtown Bangkok to the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya Beach, Bangkok's most popular seaside resort.

Transportation is easier.
     One of the first words you learn is in Bangkok, "Red Tip" or "rot tit" literally means "cars, the whip," in other words, a traffic jam. However, growled the everyday and arrest have been considerably improved by cosmopolitan market in BangkokSystem.
You can now ride the subway, which has Hua Lamphong - Bang Sue line 18 stations along the route 12 miles. It's fast, quiet and modern.
     Hop on a BTS Sky Train. BTS Sky Trains locations along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin streets. The routes connect Bangkok's leading hotels and major shopping centers such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Of course you can not go to Bangkok without a ride in a tuk-tuk. This zippy three-wheeled open-air --motorized taxis are popular for short distances. Fares must be bargained in advance, it is part of the fun.

Top 5 must-see highlights.

     The Grand Palace: the number one attraction. Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings in the Grand Palace compound to get a feel of this great architecture. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I. The Grand Palace, the most important architectural landmarks has been the Thai royal family. The RoyalFamily lives actually Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.
Wat Pho: The most interesting temple in Thailand. It combines history, medicine, and a center for meditation and traditional massage training. Have a massage while you're here at a very fair price.
     Chatuchak Weekend Market: with more than 9,000 shops and stalls, you will be tried again and again. Close to everything, to be sold in Bangkok is hereincluding antiques, Buddha amulets, crafts, clothing, flowers and furniture. You'll find (that there are some cards spell "Jatuchak." Many English words have multiple spellings, so if you are unsure, ask the concierge to write it in Thai for the taxi driver.)
     Vimanmek Mansion Museum: the world's largest golden teak building in the compound of the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road. The three-storey royal mansion has 81 rooms, halls and lobby with uniqueMemorabilia.
     Jim Thompson's House: This exquisite Thai house and buildings are like a museum, the man who the Thai silk industry again after the Second World War. The company he founded, Jim Thompson Thai Silk, is recognized worldwide for its brilliant fabrics, home accessories and fashion items. The gardens are equally impressive with a lush tropical jungle imitating nature's random beauty right in the center of the city.

Shop till you drop!
     Shopping in Bangkokis not limited to one or two streets. They are dozens of shopping malls, markets and luxury will find outlets in the city. The most popular are located around the Ploenchit area Ratchaprasong, Sukhumvit Road, Silom, Patpong, Surawong, including the fantastic Patpong Night Market, where you can guarantee your souvenirs, fashion and Thai handicrafts. Do not be shy, you can shop around the market (nice) and your dollar go a long way.

Bangkok rocks.
     Bangkok has no single area forNight life - it has several. Bars are all over town in places such as Patpong, Silom Soi 2 a.m. to 4 p.m., Soi Sarasin and Lang Suan, Royal City Avenue, Banglumpoo, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi 33 spread, among others.
One of the hottest new spots is called "Bed" is an extraordinary space-age designer lounge in fashionable Sukhumvit Soi 11th The Bed Supperclub is a "Dining in bed" experience. Best described as a unique combination of upscale restaurant, club, art gallery, theater andStage merged into one.

Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
     If you are a good reason to visit "The Land of Smiles", here it is. This year celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty. The King has reigned for nearly 60 yeas, what was not only the longest reigning Thai monarch, but the longest reigning king in the world today.
A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
     In trueThai-style, promise the Bangkok celebrations to a spectacular tribute to the royal family, full of color, pomp and circumstance. One of the biggest highlights is the Royal Barge Procession on 12-13 June 2006. It is an international event with twenty-eight monarchs from around the world present. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for visitors, as the procession is held to highlight important historical events, such as His Majesty's ascension to the throne to mark it.

A stream of Splendor.

     Bangkok's most important river, the Chao Phraya River is the place to be. Imagine a royal armada stretching as far as the eye can see. A flotilla of magnificently carved go royal barges slowly into view, manned by the Royal Thai Navy dressed in ancient ceremonial uniforms. Every sailor rowing in perfect unison, honed through months of intense practice. If you're planning in Bangkok in June, you can bargain for a few hours and be part of the worship set - and bring yourCamera.
     By the way, two important dress rehearsal for the June 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are provided, so if you are unable to participate, the actual event that is as close as you can.
Thailand has a well-deserved reputation as "The Land of Smiles". You will be warmly welcomed and feel the genuine friendliness of the locals. One thing is sure that the memories of a vacation here will stay with you for a lifetime.