The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is the entry point for every tourist visiting Thailand. Known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, in the Thai language, Bangkok is a visual treat. The scared temples (Wats), peculiar architecture and deemed universities hold you in its spell even many years after your first visit!
Start your journey from Sanam Luang which is the Nation's courtyard. Opposite is the Grand Palace, housing the famous Wat Pho, containing the huge reclining Buddha statue (Wat Phra Chetuphon). It's the largest wat in Bangkok and the oldest statue. The statue is 46 meters long, 15 meters high and the Buddha's feet alone are 10 ft long! The gold plated statue has the feet and eyes engraved with mother-of-pearl! The vast expanse of Wat Pho contains over 1000 Buddha images.
Another attraction of the Grand Palace is the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew), surrounded by a scenic park. Although not made of emerald, the statue is made of green jade and jasper. The robe is changed thrice in a year, by the king himself and each season heralds a different precious robe. Summer sees the robe in gold encrusted in a diamond, in winter, the robe is made of solid gold and in monsoon, its a gilded monk's robe! Children will enjoy the place, as the interiors bear murals depicting the famed Jataka Tales.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is Bangkok's main landmark, with a lengthened prang (Khmer style tower), 104 m tall. The main prang is surrounded by four others. The beauty of the prang, lies in the Chinese porcelain and glazed ceramic tiles that adorn it. The central Prang represents Mount Meru, which is the home of Gods and the four smaller ones represent the four winds.
Wat Mahathat is an important centre for Buddhist studies and is the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order. The world-famous Vipassana Meditation is taught here. Adjacent to Wat Mahathat is the Amulet Market, selling an array of amulets, charms, Talismans. From warding off evil and enemies, restoring health, ushering in prosperity, promising everlasting love to unrequited lovers, these amulets serve a purpose. Traditional medicines are also sold here.
Home to the Chinese merchants of yore, Chinatown is the oldest area in Bangkok. In Yaowarat Street, are some gold shops selling exquisite gold jewelry. The Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is located here. The entire image of the 3m high Buddha looks awesome made of 5.5 tones of solid gold! It seems that while being carried by a crane in 1957, the big stucco image was accidentally dropped. Instead of smashing, the stucco covering cracked to expose solid gold! It's believed that to protect the image from Burmese invasion, the gold was purposely covered!
Interestingly, the Monks Bowl Village in Ban Baht district makes and sells the humble black bowl that the Thai monks use to collect alms and food. You can see how bowls are made by the village families. They're made from eight separate pieces of steel representing the Buddha's Eightfold Path.
Wat Saket is an old temple which houses the giant swing of yore. Within this temple are many Buddha relics and the golden cupola looks impressive.
You'll be surprised to see South Indian influences in Bangkok. Close to Thanom Silom, is the revered Sri Mariamman Temple, built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s. Built typically in the South Indian style, it looks majestic, ornate and colorful. The temple is dedicated to Shiva's consort Shakti, her two sons Ganesha and Kartikeya. You'll find Thai and Hindu devotees rubbing shoulders as they come here for worship, as within are a few Buddha relics too!
Thailand known as the land of the White Elephants, has The Royal Elephant Museum, Bangkok which serves as stables for royal elephants. Within the Dusit Palace grounds, are artifacts related to the pachyderm. You'll find elephant tusks, white elephant figures et al.
The Gallery of Thai History showcases ethnological collections like enamel wares, mother-of-pearl inlay, wood carvings, musical instruments, ceramics, palanquins, old weapons, stone inscriptions and textiles. The National Museum exhibits European and Chinese furniture.
Relax at the Quen Sirikit Park, built to commemorate the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit. The enchanting Lotus Pond has an assortment of Thai and imported lotuses. Equally lovely is the Lumpini Park, which belonged to King Rama VI. The Princess Mother Memorial Park near Wat Anongkharam is the childhood residence of Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani. The park contains the model of the Princess Mother.
The Dusit Zoo houses many African and Asian mammals and birds in its ornamental garden. The Siam Ocean World is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, showcasing over 30,000 marine creatures. A Snake Farm at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, has a variety of poisonous snakes from whom venom is extracted to manufacture anti-snakebite serum.
Rejuvenate yourself in the many spas in Bangkok. Especially therapeutic is the Wat Pho centre for massages, where massages were introduced by the forest-dwelling Brahmin hermits. There're several massage parlours dotting Bangkok, with Soi Cowboy, Patpong and Nana Plaza catering to men.
You can enjoy live music at night at Thai pubs. There're saunas and discotheques in Bang Rak. Many women enjoy the male strip bars and gay clubs too. While in Bangkok indulge your senses and let your wild side loose.
