Thailand - Land of Smiles

Bangkok - Festivals

2006-05-05T10:31:00.000+07:00

Bangkok Songkran Festival (Water War)
April 12-14
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road, Bang Lamphu area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.

H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations
December 5
H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch is well beloved and deeply respected by all Thais old and young. The occasion of his royal birthday provides his loyal subjects the opportunity to express their reverence for him. All over the country, buildings and homes are elaborated and the area around the Grand Palace is spectacularly illuminated.

H.M. The Queens Birthday Celebration
August 12
To display their loyalty and to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with coloured lights and magnificent adornments.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers is believe to be able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of a series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colourful traditional costumes. This ceremony was re-introduced in 1960 by H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

Trooping of the Colours
December
Their majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colourful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

Shopping in Bangkok

2006-05-04T03:38:00.000+07:00

Shopping Area and Markets

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of som e of the principal shopping areas.

Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong Top department stores and luxury shopping malls are concentrated in the area, namely Central, Sogo, Gaysorn Plaza, Isetan, Zen, Amarin Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, all of which together make the largest shopping promenade in Bangkok. Furthermore, the World Trade Centre and Narayana Phand Pavilion, host the official handicraft centre selling items from all parts of the country. Ratchaprasong intersection is the gateway to several shopping areas such as Phloenchit-Sukhumvit, Siam Square - Mah Boon Krong (MBK), Silom and Pratunam-Phetchaburi.

Silom-Surawong-Patpong Silom Road is the main artery of Bangkoks commercial heart and is paralleled by Surawong Road, while Patpong runs crosswise between the two. In addition to housing dozens of specialist shops and boutiques representing all the major buys, this area also boasts many branches of well-known retailers and several shopping plazas. Street stalls also abound, most notably at Patpongs famous night market.

Silom-Mahesak-Charoenkrung Road Silom leads into Charoenkrung Road which parallels the Chao Phraya River, and notable shopping opportunities include gems and jewellery stores (Mahesak Road is a gem trading centre), Oriental Plaza and River City shopping complex.

Sukhumvit, like Silom, is one of Bangkoks main thoroughfares, and the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Nana Nua) up to Soi 63 (Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and soi 21 (Asok) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkoks biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkoks tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the citys renowned garment centres.

Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.

Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

Chinatown Centre on Yaowarat Road and Sampheng Lane, Bangkoks Chinatown offers a profusion of gold shops as well as several nearby traditional shopping places such as Ban Mo Jewellery Street, Phahurat Cloth Market and the Old Siam Plaza.

Bo-be Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the citys renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.

Jatujak or Chatuchak Weekend Market Located adjacent to Chatuchak Park, the weekend market, open on Saturday and Sunday, is a Bangkok landmark where you can buy just about everything from clothing to potted plants and everything in between a paradise for browsers and bargain-hunters alike. The market also offers items of furniture and home decor. It is also where professional and amateur art-lovers and artists meet.

Pak Khlong Talat This is a wholesale market for all kinds of cut flowers and vegetables. It is located on Maharat Road near the Memorial Bridge. The market is crowded in the early morning and in the evening.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market This popular attraction is some 80 kilometres west of Bangkok, accessible by regular bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendor boats crowd the market area in the early morning till noon.

District Ratchatewi

Pratunam Center
Phetchaburi Road, Pratunam, Ratchathewi, Bangkok (This is the largest OTOP handicrafts center of Thailand)
Tel :: 0 2309 8888
Website :: -
Email :: -

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District Pathum Wan
Gaysorn Plaza
Radchaprasong Junction , Raddamri rd, Pathumwan Bangkok, BANGKOK
Tel :: 66 2658 1000-19
Website :: -

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MBK Center
444 Phayathai Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Tel :: 0 2620 9000
Website :: http://www.mbk-center.com/
Email :: marketing@mbk-center.com

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Naraiphand
127 Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok (This is the largest handicraft shopping center in Bangkok)
Tel :: 0 2252 4670-9
Website :: http://www.naraiphand.com/

Siam Discovery Center
989 Siam Tower, Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 , BANGKOK
Tel :: 0 2658 1000-19
Website :: -

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Siam Paragon
Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 , BANGKOK
Tel : 0 2658 3000
Fax : 0 2658 3019
Website : http://www.siamparagon.co.th/
Opening Hour: Daily 10:00am - 10:00pm
Restaurants on Ground floor open until 11:00pm

Bangkok

2006-05-03T00:36:00.000+07:00

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Shopping Area

Shopping Areas and Markets

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two major streets. There are many areas throughout Bangkok affording ample choices and easy access. The following is just a selection of som

e of the principal shopping areas.

Pratunam-Phetchaburi A highlight in the district is Pratunam market, one of Bangkoks biggest centres for ready-to-wear clothing.

Baiyoke Tower Located next to Bangkoks tallest hotel building, Baiyoke tower is one of the citys renowned garment centres.

Nai Lert Plaza Situated close to Pratunam Market, Nai Lert Market is one of many shopping areas in Bangkok where you can buy just about everything from clothing to handicrafts.

Bang Lamphu Situated close to the Grand Palace, Bang Lamphu has a lively market where clothing is a popular buy.

Bo-be Market Situated close to Bangkok Railway Station, Bo-be is one of the citys renowned ready-to-wear clothing centres, both wholesale and retail.

Bangkok City Guide

2006-05-01T22:45:00.000+07:00

Bangkok City Guide

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is the centre of politics, economy, education, culture, and transportation. A large number of tourists often travel to Bangkok because there are so many attractions to visit. The other attraction is the friendly people and wonderful culture. Thai people are very generous; it is a family based culture. Thais call there neighbor "pee" (older brother or sister) or "nong" (younger brother or sister). It is said Bangkok is one of the safest cities to visit.

Geography
Bangkok is located in the central part of the country on the low-flat plain of the Chao Phraya River, which is the most important river that can be compared to the main artery of the nation. The location is at latitude 130 45' north and longitude 1000 28' east. It is a tropical land with long hours of sunshine, high temperature and humidity.
Bangkok was established in 1782 as the new capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty on a flood plain delta of the Chao Phraya River. The location was then selected with the consideration as a natural defense from enemies and the richness of water for lives earning. Since its establishment, the city grew steadily in size and importance which at first covered only 4.14 square kilometers to now, a megacity that comprises of 50 districts with total area of 1568.737 square kilometers.

Climate
The climate is influenced by seasonal monsoon. There are three main seasons; Rainy (May-October), Winter (November-January) and Summer (February-April). The average low temperature is approximately in low to mid 20 degree Celsius and high temperature in mid 30 degree Celsius.

Administration
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is the sole organization at the local authority level responsible for the well-being of Bangkok residents with some financial support from the central government. The Governor is the chief of the city administration, elected by popular vote for a four-year term. The Governor will appoint four deputy governors as executive administrators.

Economy
Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports. There are two important sectors of economy in Bangkok. First, Thailand has been an agricultural country in South East Asia, so agriculture was the main source generating income. Now the expansion of the agricultural sector is steadily increasing. During the mid-1980s, agriculture accounted for an average of about 25 percent of GDP, and agricultural commodities accounted annually for over 60 percent of the value of all exports. Second, Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors coming to Thailand.

Population
During 1782 - 1900, the commencing period of city establishment, Bangkok grew rather slowly. The population then was only 600,000 and urbanized area was about 18 square kilometers. After the Second World War, the city was increasingly populated with rapid urbanization which brought about number of infrastructures and other constructions. The registered population in Bangkok increased from 1.6 million in 1958 to 5.4 million in 1986 and 5.6 million in 1999. The population of Bangkok is now close to 7 million by registered record or about 10 million of daytime population. Most residents in Bangkok are native Thais with around 25% of the city's inhabitants being Chinese or of Chinese descents as well as Indians, Arabs, Malays and Europeans. Most Thais are welcoming and friendly to visitors and thus the alias "Land of smile" is appreciated granted to Thailand.

Transportations
BTS Sky Train
BTS Sky Train stations can mostly be found in commercial areas of Sukhumvit and Silom, it is fast and safe. The sky train is divided into 2 lines: Sukhumvit line (On Nut Station-Mo Chit Station), and Silom lines (Saphan Taksin Station-National Stadium Station). The sky train has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-40 baht. Tourists may buy 30 day tourist tickets to save money, only 250 baht/10 trips, or day tickets, 100 baht (unlimited trips).
The BTS Tourist Information Centers is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. at
the following stations:Siam, Nana and Saphan Taksin. For more information, call: 0-2617-7340.

BMCL Subway
BMCL Subway is another comfortable and fast transportation choice. The beginning of "Chalerm Ratcha Mongkhon" line is Hua Lum Phong station (also the main train station in Bangkok), total of 18 stations, major stations at: The Queen Sirikit's International Convention and Exhibition Center, Silom, Suan Lumpini, Asoke, Ratchada, Ladprao and Pahonyotin road. The Asoke and Silom stations are connected to the the BTS. There are also "Park & Ride" at Ladprao and Phra Ram 9 Stations. BMCL Subway has a minimum and maximum fare of 10-15 baht (For trial period only)
The BMCL subway is open daily from 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 midnight. For more information, call: 0-2264-5200.
Buses
There are a lot of buses offered in Bangkok going to all places, with a fare starting at 3.5 baht for open air buses. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares from 8 to 16 baht. Euro II or Orange air-conditioned buses charge 10-20 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. For more information call 184 or 0-2246-0973.
A buses route map is available at bookshops. A free city map can also be picked up at The Bangkok Tourist Division office, Bangkok Tourist Information Booths throughout Bangkok and the TAT office .

Taxis
Taxis in Bangkok are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.When in Traffice the meter is timed and calculated in the fare.

Tuk-Tuk
These three-wheeled 'open-air' motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.

Boats
There are various types of boat identified in color flags. Boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Tha Nam Non Pier and ending at Saphan Taksin Pier (Sathorn).
Boat (no flag) stop at all pier, has a minimum fare of 8 baht.
Rapid boat (orang flag) has a fare of 10 baht all routes.
Express boat (yellow flag) stop at only on crowded and main piers. The Express boat has a fare of 15 baht all routes. After rush hour, these boat are used for tourist purpose. There are guide boats for travellrs with guide to give information about the riverside.
The boat with blue flag, is the fastest stopping only on 3 pier, ThaNamNon Pier, Siriraj Pier and SaphanTaksin (Sathorn) Pier.It has a minimum and maximum fares from 25-35 baht. (For trial period, it just newly had this type)
Boats run daily from 06.00 A.M-06.40 P.M.

Motorcycles Taxi
In rush hours, there is a lot of traffic jam, if your late and want to be on time you can try the motorcycle taxi. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares are 5 baht. You need to bargin the fare before taking the ride.