Thais call their capital Krungthep Mahanakorn, but the rest of the
world knows it as Bangkok, City of Angels. Or sometimes it's referred
to as the Venice of the East, because of the numerous small canals
that criss-cross the city, either for drainage or as communication
routes.
Founded in 1782, old Bangkok -- what is known as Ratanakosin
Island -- lies on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, centred
around the Grand Palace. It is here that all the world-famous tourist
destinations are located: Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, Wat
Arun, Sanam Luang, Vimarnmek Palace, National Museum, National
Theatre. As the city has grown, it has moved outwards, and across the
river into Thon Buri.
Today, Bangkok is a bustling, dusty city of at least 6 million people
(large numbers of transients make it difficult to calculate) that
incorporates large chunks of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut
Prakarn provinces. It is renowned as much for its glorious temples and
palaces, as for its claustrophobic traffic jams and naughty nighteries
on Patpong Road. But there are plenty of other fun things to do, like
exploring the vibrant Chinatown, hunting for bargains at Chatuchak
Weekend Market, enjoying trips up and down the majestic Chao
Phraya River, or simply enjoying the many cultural activities that go
on. |
Location
& Access
Set astride the Chao Phraya River,
Bangkok is about 30 kms north of
the river mouth and the Gulf of
Thailand. Don Muang
International Airport is a regional
hub, accommodating flights from
more than 70 airlines from
around the world. The domestic
airport next door links Bangkok
with 23 airports around the
country. Hualampong Railway
Station and three major bus
terminals link the capital with all
of Thailand's 76 provinces.
Geography
Bangkok is part of the lower
reaches of the central plains
region, sitting astride the Chao
Phraya River as the twin city of
Bangkok and Thon Buri. The area
is very flat, basically at sea level,
with the river meandering in great
loops through the city. During the
rainy season, water from the
central plains drains through
Bangkok carrying sediments
which silt up the river and cause it
to overflow its banks, flooding
Bangkok.
Borders
North : Pathum Thani and
Nonthaburi
South: Samut Sakhon and Samut
Prakan
East : Chachoengsao
West : Nonthaburi, Nakhon
Pathom and Samut Sakhon
Highlights
Attractions: Grand Palace,
Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat
Pho, Vimarnmek Palace, Wat
Arun, Wat Rajanaddaram,
National Museum, Wat Suthat,
Chinatown, Chatuchak Weekend
Market
Festivals: Royal Ploughing
Ceremony (May 9); Trooping of
the Colours (December 3); Asian
Games (December 1998) |
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