Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and the first point of call for most international flights and the center for domestic travel. Over 11 million people live or work here and so it is large and congested. Accordingly the choice of hotel and its location can be important. Bangkok itself has numerous tourist attractions and these are detailed in the links on the left. The principal tourist sites in Bangkok include, The Grand Palace, Wat Phrao Kaeo [ the Temple of the Emerald Buddha ], the National Musum Bangkok, Wat Arun, Wat Suthat, Wat Pho, China town, the Chao Phraya River, the Dusit District and Vimanmek Mansion, Jim Thompson Museum, and Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. Bangkok is also in the center of various tourist places of interest available on one day or several days excursions. These include, Lop Buri, The Summer Palace, Ayutthaya, the Burma railway on the Kwai River at Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin and the South West Coast and Pattaya and the South East Coast. These are also detailed in the links on the left. For those travelling around Bangkok the summary below explains the history and hence reason for the layout of the city, the location and reason for the Canals and the functions of the River.
In 1557 King Thamaracha of Ayutthaya allowed Bangkok to be the port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Later King Narai had French technicians build the Wichaiyen and Wichaiprasit Forts on the east and west banks of the River. They were called the Bangkok Forts. Between the Forts was a large chain hanging beneath the River to prevent unauthorized boat entry into and exit from Siam.
Previously in 1542 a canal was dug from the mouth of Bangkoknoi Canal to Bangkok Yai Canal for convenience of transportation at the time. The Chao Phraya River then changed course and the short cut canal became the River and the original river became the Canal.
After the Burmese sacked Siam and Ayutthaya in 1767, General Taksin selected Thon Buri [ on the west bank ] as the new capital for Siam, as it was an important port of entry and was well fortified. In 1773 King Taksin ordered the renovation of the City and named it Krung Thonburi.
Until 1767 Ayutthaya was the Capital of Siam and an international trade centre. At the same time Rattanakosin [ the area on the opposite east River bank ] was since 1557, a port of entry for the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was called Bank Kok . Bangkok became the new centre of the Siamese Kingdom. Its story has 4 periods. The first is the story of Taksin and the First Kingdom at Thon Buri on the west side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Next is the period of construction of Rattanakosin from 1782 to 1851 from the reign of Rama 1 to the end of the reign of Rama 3 [ the Era of National Peace ]. The period 1851 to 1932 is referred to as the Reformation Era before which changes in the system of government took place, and then there was the Democratic Era from 1932 from the reign of King Rama 6 until the present day.
To understand the design of Bangkok, the locations of its monuments, the River and the Canals, one needs to understand the history. To understand the design of its art and monuments one needs to appreciate mythological, religious and ethnic influences.
Bangkok has 5 separate sex districts throughout the city. Some are located near each other and some are just a bit further away. The best thing of all is that all of the sex districts are connected by the BTS Sky Train (elevated train system) and the MRT (underground train system). Both of these fast and cheap modes of transportation have stations strategically located near all of the sex districts.
The first three sex districts are where the majority of Bangkok’s world famous go go bars are found. They are called Patpong, Nana and Soi Cowboy.
Patpong’s sex district consists of two streets that run side by side called Patpong 1 and Patpong 2. It’s these two streets where you’ll find go go bars upon go go bars as well as sex shows. There are a few soapy massage parlors in this area but the best ones are found in Ratchada which you’ll read more of below.
Next area filled with go go bars is Nana Entertainment Plaza. You can’t miss this neon light filled 3 story building with an open courtyard packed with beer bars. Many popular go go bars here to check out and explore.
Soi Cowboy is the final sex district with mainly go go bar and the smallest out of the three. But don’t let the small size fool you as much of the venues here have been renovated with louder neon colors and more beautiful women.
Keep in mind, you are able to bring the go go bar girls back to your hotel. However you have to make sure your hotel won’t charge you a joiner fee. The fee is usually 500THB. To avoid this stupid fee you should stay in a hotel that is considered girl friendly. You can find these hotels near all of the red light districts. Many girl friendly hotels are some of the best hotels in Bangkok.
When it comes to sexual massages Bangkok can’t be beat. There are basically two types, oily and soapy.
Oily massage involves… well oil. At the end of the massage the girl will usually ask what kind of sexual service you require. You can use your imagination to fill in the details. Oily massage district is found in the Phrom Phong section of Bangkok. It’s very easy to find, just take the BTS Sky Train to Phrom Phong and you’re there.
Soapy massages are a bit different than oily massages except the end results which is sexual gratification. But before that the lady washes you with her hands and body in a large bathtub filled with soapy goodness. And again, you can fill in the rest about what happens next. Soapy massage parlors are located along Ratchada, which is a major street. To get there just take the MRT train and get off at Huay Kwang station.
Traveling to any of Bangkok’s sex districts is absolutely easy. All the train stop announcements are in English as well as maps in the stations.
Don’t feel intimidated about exploring these places as the areas are very tourist friendly.
Thailand has gained world fame in entertaining people and its wildest nightlife scenes are no more a secret in the whole of Southeast Asia. Every tourist, regardless of the age, comes from different corners of the world to dance, party and drink the night away. The ultra modern clubs always remain filled with beautiful ladies and handsome gentlemen and bass thumping tune blasting in high volume. Plethora of people rushes to take part in international club scenes of the city.
Thailand map can prove to be of some help, if you are visiting the city for the first time and if you are the one loving social gatherings and all, it is better to stay close to the most famous nightlife hot spots. One can easily come across some famous nightlife spots and attraction through Bangkok city map. It is always advisable to stay within commercial areas. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, search for some hotels in vicinity of the Nana Entertainment Plaza (NEP). It is a three storey complex building comprising cluster of bars, watering holes and pool tables. Go-go bars are quite common and easily accessible on all three floors. The area is also circumscribed with many brand name hotels.
Through Thailand city map, one can easily come across several hotels in proximity to this area. It can be five star hotel or budget hotel, but you can be provided with every type of modern comfort amid excellent service and well spoken English conversation of the front staff. These hotels are highly preferred by tourists as it is in proximity to NEP. Another famous nightlife area is Patpong, situated in Silom district. The area is famous for its street, so called sios by Thais. Live bands and go go bars are quite common in this area. The place is also known for the sale of fake brand name hand bags, clothes and watches. Here, vendors expect you to bargain at the things, so be cautious.
To enjoy the region of Patpong, one can choose the hotel along Silom and Surawong. The tourists, who turn up to Bangkok for the enjoyment of nightlife, should look for some commercial area for their stay. There is no doubt that Bangkok is safe Southeast Asian city as compared to others. Hence, if you want to come to Bangkok, be aware that scams by local Thais and language problem can be bit problematic, so be bit careful in this regard. One can get the best enjoyment of nightlife and its maximum pleasure by staying in the hotel in Nightlife districts.
Lying south of Dusit and Banglamphu, Bangkokâs Chinatown, locally known as the Yaowarat district, is one of the cityâs major tourist attractions. It is a showcase of Chinese culture and enterprising spirit.
The cityâs Chinatown district is an old business centre that covers a large area around the main Yaowarat Road and the adjoining Chareon Krung Road or New Road.
Chinese moved into the area as early as1780’s. It is oldest ethnic enclave in the city. When the royal family’s Grand Palace was constructed in 1782 by King Rama I to mark the foundation of Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital after Ayutthaya was annihilated by the Burmese, the Chinese community was asked to move just outside the city walls. The area then became the main centre of commerce for two centuries.
At the turn of the 20th century, Yaowarat was the most fashionable part of Bangkok. It had the smartest shops, the tallest buildings, pawnshops, cinemas and Chinese operas.
The area also had a seedy reputation for the large number of opium dens, brothels (which hung green lanterns outside instead of the Western style red lights), and a fondness for gambling and drug dealingâall of which are illegal nowadays.
At present, the charms and attractions of this area are hard to describe. Thus, exploration here is a must. Many of the buildings house beautiful decorative motifs, giving a view of Chinese religions and the unique cultural history and lifestyle. Ancient Chinese superstitions have also survived here. Look closely at the sides of some houses and you will see âfeng shuiâ mirrors, called âpat kwaâ, placed strategically to deflect and chase away evil spirits.
The Chinese in Chinatown have been living in Thailand for generations, and now generally consider themselves very much as Thais — most can no longer speak any Chinese.
The genuine Chinatown lies down the busy numerous smaller roads, narrow alleys and backstreets. Many of these are full of shops selling all types of quality goods, hence a paradise for shoppers. With market stalls strewn around, you will find many all sorts of products at very attractive prices.
Yaowarat is best known for the more than 100 gold shops that can be found along both sides of the Road. Gold shops here are mostly owned and run by Chinese, reflecting the love of gold they are often thought to have.
Some of the world’s finest gold products can be found and purchased here. At almost any time of the day, shops here are crowded with people — Thais, tourists and even wholesale buyers from neighbouring countries. All gold bought here can be resold by weight for a small markdown that is strictly controlled by the government.
Yaowarat district also teems with tiny shops and curbside vendors selling a myriad of spices, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Looking for the mysterious ingredients in the arsenal of traditional Chinese medicine is also a must when visiting Chinatown. There is an amazing variety of herbal medicines and ancient potions for every ailment on sale.
You can even try speaking to the herbalist about the properties of the medicines and hear their fantastic stories – myth and natural science – with your purchase!The area is also a steamy realm of touts, shoppers and suppliers, of carts, motorcycles and men carrying big bales of cloth on their backs, all made hazy by the smoke from roasting chestnuts and a hundred braziers cooking snacks of meat pies, biscuits, pork and chicken. It even has antique shops, tiny machine shops, clothing stores and stands offering unidentifiable junk. Traditional Chinese paintings and porcelains, Thai ceramics and figurines are also sold here at bargain prices.
At night, it is always a delight to visit Yaowarat. When getting dark, this lively Chinese community becomes the largest Chinese restaurant in Bangkok, serving a wide variety of food until well past midnight. Dozens of eating establishments offer everything from shark-fin soup to fried mussels and steamed pork innards served on rice or noodles, birds-nest soup, dim sum, shark fin soup and many other traditional Chinese delicacies.
Hundreds of hawker stalls also electrifies the atmosphere of the streets around here. These best and cheapest food stalls typically come with favourite dishes including khao tom (boiled rice), khao kha mu (stewed pork leg on rice), and many, many more.
Every year, the Chinese New Year Festival at Yaowarat is celebrated with a big bang. It features parades, dragon dances, firework displays, opera shows and other traditional Chinese performances. At this time of the year, Bangkok’s Chinatown springs into colourful and hectic life, with light, red and gold decorations. Tens of thousands of residents opt to stay home to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The celebration draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, hence a good chance to promote this area of Bangkok.
While Bangkok has many places and surroundings to offer, a visit to the district of Yaowarat would be a fascinating journey to see a way of Chinese cultural essence and heritage that could hardly be found anywhere else in Thailand.
The Chao Praya River is a wonderful escape from the noise and pollution of Bangkok. For 20baht you can hop on the Chao Praya Express Tourist boat just behind Kho San Road and take a relaxing ride on the river. Located on Thanon Phra Athit, it is easy to find with a Bangkok map. Make your way to Banglamphu, walk along Kho San Road towards the water and you canât miss it. If you really want to save money, you can take the local boat for only 8 baht. It is more crowded and there are no tour guides, but it will get you to where you want to go just fine. I prefer to take the tourist boat. It is quieter, the seats are comfortable and it doesnât spew exhaust that chokes you as ride along. It is an efficient and well-run system. At each pier the deck hand ties the boat up as he blows his whistle relentlessly to let the captain know what is going on. A tour guide will talk to you about the sights on the shores and you can sit and listen all the way to its end at the Taksin Bridge where you can grab the sky train back to your original destination. Make sure to stop and sample some of the many attractions before you leave however, because the boat stops at every major tourist attraction along the river. These sights are some of the most spectacular in the city and a must for every tourist. You an hop on hop off at China Town, the National Museum, Temple of the Dawn , Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The Maritime Museum, the Gemstone Market, the Oriental Hotel and of course the Grand Palace, Bangkokâs most popular destination. You could spend days in Bangkok and never leave the river. Every stop is either right on the rivers banks or within walking distance from the Pier. Why hire an expensive taxi or guide when you can take a scenic river cruise from sight to sight for less than a dollar. The temples are extraordinary and Wat Pho is a must see destination. The oldest temple in Bangkok, it is home to the 46 meter long reclining Buddha. Lying down, it stands 15 meters high. Wat Arun aka The Temple of the Dawn is majestic. It stands on the opposite side of the river from the other attractions and its tower stands proudly looking over the water. Last but not least is the Grand Palace. Built in 1782 it houses the Royal Temple containing the Emerald Buddha. Walk around its beautiful grounds and take in its grandeur. This is by far the most visited temple in all of Bangkok. When visiting the wats, make sure to dress properly. Have respect for the Buddhist culture and follow the guidelines. In places like the grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho wear a long sleeved shirt and a sarong or long skirt. Men should wear long pants and have their shoulders covered. Wear shoes that are easily slipped on and off, as you will need to take your shoes off before entering each temple, but make sure to have closed toes.  You will have to leave your shoes outside at the entrance of each temple so it is best not to wear your favorite Nikes or expensive leather bootâs. Be comfortable and practical. Once you are done your day of sight seeing, you can hop back on the tourist or local boat and make your way to the Taksin Bridge where you can catch the sky train back to anywhere that you are staying in the city. Be it Siam Square, or Sukhumvit. The sky train is quick, efficient, cheap and fast. Or better yet, hire a tuk tuk to experience a true Thailand tradition. Zip through the streets in a three-wheeler motorcar and feel the energy of the city. Barter hard however and never fall for the scam of a free or cheap 10 baht ride because they will take you to every tourist trap and gem market until you buy something. Once they have their commission, you may not have a lift back to your hotel. With a good map, a guide book and a firm resolve to stick to your plans, getting around Bangkok can be a lot of fun and a few days by the river can be a rejuvenating experience.
