(Part 1 – Bangkok)
Coastline View
Bordered by Burma, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand, popularly known as the Land of Smiles lives up to its name in all respects. Tourism is one of the major industries which probably explains the pro-tourist people-culture, but the hospitality of the people is so renowned only because it is genuinely warm and welcoming. Add to this, the spectacular natural beauty of the place and you have a place definitely worth visiting.
General Information
Thailand (capital, Bangkok) is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been ruled by a European power. Sobriquets include ?Land of Smiles? and ?Land of the White Elephant?, the latter given to Siam, its former name. Above 90% of the population are Buddhists, followed by Muslims and a very negligible number of Christians. The major ethnic group consist of the Thai, followed by the Chinese. Major language is Thai. English is the secondary language of the elite. Among the Southeast Asian countries, Thailand attracts the largest number of tourists.
Thailand is ruled by King Rama IX, His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The birthday of the King on 5th December is not only celebrated as National Day but also Fathers Day as the King is considered a father to his people. King Bhumibol holds the record of being the longest reigning monarch in the world.
Tourist Attractions in Thailand
Scenic Coastlines, Exotic Beaches, Ancient Historic Temples, Shopping, Nightclubs, Water Sports, Thai Dancing, Thai Boxing, Zoos, Botanical Gardens etc etc.
Some Places to see in Bangkok
Ayuthaya Historical Temple
Ayuthaya is a Unesco World Heritage Site and has ancient ruins scattered over its premises. Once occupied by the Burmese, Ayuthaya was the ancient capital of Siam for 417 years. It is presently considered as a sacred source of national pride by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The Grand Palace
Grand Palace, Panoramic View
The palace complex houses the Royal Residence, the Throne Halls, Government Offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Gold plated domes, Glittering mirror work, Intricate carvings, Murals and Shrines of deities adorn the palace. Gold, jewels and mother of pearl is extensively used. The subsidiary buildings include a mausoleum containing the crematorial ashes of the Royal Family members and a Scripture Library.
Guilded Pillars and Rooftops of the Palace
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Emerald Buddha is in fact carved from a block of green Jade. It is enshrined on a golden traditional throne made of gilded carved wood. The walls of the monastery in which the Emerald Buddha is housed is covered with murals depicting scenes from Buddhas life.
Shopping
From air-conditioned shopping malls to street-side shopping, value for money is synonymous with Bangkok shopping. From handmade goods to textiles, from electronic gizmos to gems, from originals to fake labels, Bangkok has them all. Chatuchak, one of the worlds biggest markets is sprawled over 35 acres and has over 9,000 stalls. The Suan Lum Night Bazaar which opens at 4p.m. and closes around 1a.m. specialises in handicrafts and clothes. MBK is a 7 storey shopping complex that sells everything from mobile phones, CDs, Computers, Digital Cameras, Antiques, Jewellery, Silk, etc etc. If your pockets can synchronize with your wants and your feet can hold you up against your better sense, then ?Shop till you drop? can well be a reality.
Crocodile Park
Crocodile Show
Apart from the crocodile shows, the park also has the Samphran Elephant ground and zoo that houses an Elephant show. Both shows are shown three times a day at regular timings.
Rose Garden
Orchids
Situated close to the crocodile park, this garden also houses the famous orchids, the national flower of Thailand.
Floating Market
Floating Market
A must-see, in this market most of the selling and buying is done from boats. At certain strategic locations, piers and handicraft shops have been set up so the interested tourist can stop and peruse the handmade products. It is not unusual to have a traffic jam on the river with boats being rowed in all directions. Local women and men selling fruits and homemade products in their boats are a common sight. Some common fruits found in Thailand and sold here are the Mangosteen (national fruit), Rambutan, Longon, Roseapple, Pineapple etc.
Floating Market
Cuisine
Seafood
Thailand?s passion for food is much talked about, experienced and appreciated. From Italian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Greek, French, Turkish and the proverbial Thai delicacies, there?s something to suit everyone?s palate, unless of course one is a vegetarian. Trying out the vast variety of sea-food is a must ? baked, saut?ed, fried, steamed, roasted or just plain raw:(
Thai food is heavily influenced by those of its neighbours ? China, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.
Transport within Bangkok
Sky Train
Meter Taxis, Train, Bus, Tuk Tuks, Skytrain?..it is very easy to get across Bangkok with a map. Transport is cheap and fast if you?re not caught in the traffic rush. Tuk Tuks are similar to our Indian Rickshaws except for two differences. The rear end of the vehicle is open and unlike our rickshaws they make an ear-splitting, deafening noise. The drivers though are just as adventurous as their Indian counterparts.
Thai Dancing!
(To be continued…Part 2 ? Pattaya….)
All statistical information and geographical facts are taken from Tourist Information Brochures. Information about King Bhumibol adapted from ?Lookeast?, a travel publication from Thailand.
Author: Shaly Pereira- Oman