Bangkok is known as KrungThep to the locals, which literally translates to "City of Angels". KrungThep is actually an abbreviated version of its full name: -

"Krungthep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahadikok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet MahasathanAmon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit"

Which translates to:

The city of angels, great city, residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

Bangkok can be very busy but once you get used to the hustle and bustle of the city it is an amazing city with lots to offer. There is something for everyone here. If you like clubbing Bangkok now has some of the biggest and high tech clubs in Asia. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy a beer watching your favorite sport, Bangkok now has an abundance of Sports Bars and comforatable places to enjoy your sport. Other than Bangkok's legendary nightlife, there are plenty of other places to visit as well. A taste of which you can find detailed below......

Bangkok’s traffic jams are legendary, so knowing where to stay will certainly save you a lot of time. Hotels that are are located near the Skytrain (BTS) or the subway (MRT) well make a big difference to your stay in Bangkok.

 

Bangkok Attraction

 
 
Bangkok Temples ( Wat Pho in Bangkok)

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the splendid Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It's the largest temple in Bangkok and famed for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha measured 46 metres long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet are 3 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha.

If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to start. It's quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. Cost is around 120 baht for half an hour or 200 baht per hour.

Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 200 - 400 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and your negotiating skills. There are also a few astrologers and palm readers available for consultation. You can also receive a blessing from a monk for a small donation which helps to maintain the 'wat' (temple). The entrance fee is 20 baht.

   
Bangkok Floating Markets

Even though transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days, the floating market;boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.

To enjoy the atmosphere without haggling over prices, try relaxing on a guided boat tour of Damnoen Saduak market. Floating markets are Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Well on the tourist trail after the Bond films, the trip to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak is still worth doing. Totally chaotic, small 'klongs' or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colourful, noisy, totally touristy but great fun. To explore the market further, take a guided tour.

Taling Chan Floating Market
This market is in close proximity to Bangkok, and so makes a nice weekend trip if you're in for a new shopping experience. A strew of canals around the market can be visited by hired boat where small villages are revealed along the way. Homestays are also available for a truly Thai experience.

   
Bangkok Art Galleries

Bangkok has a small but very vibrant contemporary art scene. Since most of the city's small private or commercial galleries promote Thai and regional artists, a day of gallery hopping is a great way of getting a taste of the local scene. Operating in a relatively unresponsive environment, artists and gallery owners in Bangkok have become quite innovative in their attempts to attract domestic crowds.

Like with many things in Bangkok, you'll soon discover that there is no concentrated art arena and that the city's galleries are pretty much scattered all over town. Hence, if you would like to immerse yourself into Bangkok's contemporary art scene, plan your route in advance. Or better yet, have a look at our What's On - Art Exhibitions section. Who knows, you might even return with a piece of contemporary artwork to hang up on your wall.

National Art Gallery
Housed in a former Royal Mint built during the reign of King Rama V, the National Gallery displays work by Thai artists from the 17th Century onwards. Inherited by the Department of Fine Arts in 1974, it includes permanent exhibitions of works by King Rama VI and H.M. King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, traditional murals from early periods in the capital's history, and pioneering Thai modern art. Particularly evident is the influence of Western schools of art, like impressionism and cubism, on recent Thai artists. There is also an area featuring temporary exhibitions of art from home and abroad, everything from painting and sculptures to prints and installations.

 
 

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