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Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. The population is approximately 10 million people, more than 10% of the country’s population. Thailand was never colonized so its distinct culture is still well preserved throughout the country. Within Bangkok, there are hundreds of Buddhist temples, beautiful palaces, all the modern amenities like shopping malls, the incredible Chao Phraya River, places to see Thailand’s cultural practices, and many more. Bangkok has become Thailand’s most diplomatic, commercial, cultural, and spiritual city.
Grand Palace
Anyone visiting Bangkok must visit the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace consists of 3 main buildings; the Amarin Vinitch Throne Hall, the Dusit Maha Prasat Palace, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Palace. The Amarin Vinitch Throne Hall was originally a Hall of Justice but
now it is used for coronation ceremonies. The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace was first used as a venue for royal audiences but now it has been turned into a Royal Funerary Hall and as for the Chakri Maha Prasat Palace, not opened for the public now because its purpose is for royal banquets to honor visiting heads of states.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha also known as the Wat Phra Kaeo, is a royal chapel which contains the 14th century old magnificent Emerald Buddha. The legend of the relic is said to have been made by a lightning bolt striking down on a Chedi in
Chiang Rai around 1434. Later discovered that the nose had a crack and
the hidden interior was green. The Emerald Buddha is actually made of jade. In 1778, King Rama I finally brought the Emerald Buddha to Bangkok and each year gave it 3 different seasonal customs; one for summer, one for winter, and one for spring. The ceremony takes place 3 times a year and is performed by the current Thailand King.
Floating Market
The floating market in Bangkok is definitely a unique way of life where the original canal was made in 1866. Located at Damnoen Saduak, the floating market provides an entertaining experience as to how daily life goes for the local residents. The small canals are called “klongs” and you can find the flat boats everywhere with anything from fruits and vegetables, fresh coconuts or even local food made on flat boat kitchens. The fast pace and rush of the floating market is a must see
site to visit.
Canal Banks
The
canal banks of Bangkok are truly an amazing waterborne experience. On the journey, you can see all the local people busying away with their daily activities. The Saen Saeb Canal being the longest canal in Bangkok, connects the Chao Phraya River to Bang Prakong River.
Rose Garden
The famous Rose Garden (Suan Sam Phran) consists of 75 acres of beautifully designed and
well-crafted garden with a lake as a main feature. In the Rose Garden, you can find restaurants, Thai boxing, sword fighting, cultural shows, an elephant show, and areas to have a nice quiet picnic. The Rose Garden is a perfect day excursion from Bangkok’s busy city life.
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