Bangkok
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kae
This Bangkok landmark, which features some
of the most spectacular architecture in Southeast Asia, should
be the first place on a visitor's itinerary. Its huge compound
on Na Phra Lan Road near Sanam Luang is surrounded by high
white walls and occupies an area of about a square mile.
The palace, begun in 1782, consists of several
buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The
magnificent Royal chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, which is in the same
compound, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha
image in Thailand.
Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion
located behind Bangkok's National Assembly,
this is the world's largest building made entirely of golden
teak. The three-storey wooden palace has 81 rooms, halls and
anterooms, excluding terraces and verandas. Other building
in the same compound also display various items and art objects:
for example, H.M. King Bhumibol's photography, H.M. Queen
Sirikit's collection of handicraft masterpieces created by
rural people, paraphernalia of rank and portraits, old clocks,
ancient cloth, and royal carriages.
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Located near Chitralada Palace, this exquisite
temple was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The
best time to visit is early in the morning when Buddhist monks
are chanting in side the chapel.
The interior of the main building is magnificently
decorated with cross beams of lacquer and gold. A large collection
of bronze Buddha images lines the walls of the spacious, inner
courtyard.
Wat Suthat
Located on Bamrung Muang Road next to the
Giant Swing, this temple took 27 years to build. It is best
known for its exquisite murals in the main building which
date from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) and the collection
of gilded Buddha images in the Viharn. The surrounding shops
selling many items of worship add nicely to the overall ambience.
Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya
River, Wat Arun can be reached either by Arun Amarin Road
or by crossing the river by boat from ha Tien Pier, near Wat
Pho.
Its highlight is the 79-metre high pagoda
or " Pra Prang" Despite its name, "Temple of
the Dawn" is at its most attractive when viewed at sunset
from the Bangkok side of the river.
Wat Pho
This famous attraction, located next to the
Grand Palace, is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples.
Wat Pho was conceived by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago
as a source of public education, providing information on
subjects such as literature, archaeology, astrology and medicine,
and is therefore sometimes referred to as "Thailand's
first University". The chapel houses a huge gold-plated
Reclining Buddha, 15 metres high and 46 metres long, with
beautifully inlaid mother-of-pearl soles depicting the 108
auspicious signs of thee Buddha.
Jim Thompson's Thai House
This remarkable Thai-style house was the
work of Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at
the end of the Second World War and revived the Thai silk
industry. The beautifully appointed house, now a museum, is
filled with rare Asian antiques. It is located at the National
Stadium where can be easily reached by the Skytrain.
Around bkk
Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm
Located 30 km. southeast of Bangkok, it claims
to be the world's largest, breeding crocodiles for their skin
and flesh for specialized restaurants. The highlight is the
famous daily crocodile wrestling show. There is also a small
zoo, a dinosaur museum, and multivision slide presentation
on extinct animals.
Damnoen Saduak Floting Market
Best visited early in the morning, this colorful
collection of small boats on the klong (canal) with local
ladies selling fruits, vegetables and many other items, is
one of Thailand's most appealing and famous images.
The site is about an hour's drive from the
city, and on a full day trip is best combined with either
the River Kwai, or the Rose Garden.
Rose Garden Country Resort & Cultural
Show
Located about 32 km. from Bangkok, this beautiful
60-acre site is best known for its daily Thai Village Cultural
Show which includes well produced performances of various
Thai dances, sports and entertainment, including Thai folk
dancing, Thai boxing, cock fighting and sword fighting demonstrations.
There is also a first class hotel and an excellent golf course
here.
Kanchanaburi
The Bridge over the River Kwai - About 128
km. from Bangkok, this can be visited on a one-day trip. If
time permits, it is preferable to spend at least one night
here in order to best explore the area. The famous bridge,
which is still used by the train, pedestrians and motor bikes,
is located about 4 km. from the town, and is the best known
symbol of thousands of war prisoners to construct under terrible
conditions.
An estimated 16,000 Allied prisoners of war
and 90,000 forced labourers from Singapore, Malaya, java,
Vietnam, Burma and Thailand are thought to have perished.
There are two War cemeteries, one close to the town, the other
at Chongkai, across the river. The latter is more peaceful,
and consequently, more moving.
The JEATH War Museum
(JEATH stands for Japan, England, America,
Australia, Thailand and Holland) is a reconstruction of the
atrocious living conditions imposed on the prisoners, with
chilling exhibits and photography depicting the suffering
endured by them. The museum is on the bank of the Mae Klong
River inside Wat Chai.
Hell Fire Pass
Hell Fire Pass is a railway cutting, 110
metres long, 17.5 metres deep and 10 metres wide, located
near km. marker 66 on the Sai Yok-Thong Pha Phum Road. Prisoners
excavated it by hand through solid rock in 13 weeks, working
day and night, during 1943. The pass is now the site of an
interesting Memorial Museum, under the auspices of the Australian
War Graves Commission, opened in April 1998 by Australian
Prime Minister John Howard. Hellfire is so named because the
lamps used for lighting during the night gave it a hellish
appearance. Some of the worst Japanese atrocities occurred
here alone, 68 young men were beaten to death for being too
exhausted, or too sick to work.
The Erawan Falls
The Erawan Falls are located 67 km. from
the town and are one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
A three-hour boat trip takes you to the Sai
Yok Falls, and includes a visit to the impressive limestone
cave of Tham Daowadung.
Although there are modern hotels in Kanchanaburi
town, the best way to experience the beauty of the river is
to stay on one of the floting bamboo rafts.
Ayutthaya
One of the easiest and most comfortable ways
to visit this ancient capital of Thailand (from 1350-1767)
is by boats/coach excursion operated by the river cruise boats.
This provides just sufficient time to appreciate the ancient
ruins, stupas, temples, and magnificent Buddha images. Among
the main attractions are Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon built in 1357;
Wat Phanan Choeng which predates Ayutthaya becoming the Thai
capital;
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat built in 1384 with its tall
spire; the nearby much-photographed Wat Rat Burana, and Viharn
Phra Mongkhon Bophit housing one of Thailand's largest bronze
Buddha images - one of the very few not destroyed by the Burmese.
Many important relics can be found in the Chao Sam Phraya
National Museum. The more dedicated tourist may wish to spend
one or two nights here, and the city, just 85 km. from Bangkok,
can be reached easily by local bus or train.
Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Bang Pa -In was used as a country residence
by every Ayutthaya monarch after King Prasat Thong. When the
new capital was established in Bangkok, Bang Pa-In was left
unoccupied for 80 years until King Rama IV had the palace
compound expanded. His son, King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910)
constructed the royal palace as it is now seen today.
Sukhothai
Designated a Unesco World Heritage site,
the remains of this ancient Thai capital are spread over an
area of 70 square km. with 193 historic monuments, most however,
remaining only as clusters of stones. Around 20 important
monuments still stand, including Wat Mahathat, the largest
and arguably the most beautiful, built by Sukhothai's first
king; the triple towered Wat Si Sawai, originally a Hindu
shrine, and thought to be the oldest structure in Sukhothai;
Wat Sra Si, with its beauty enhanced by a lotus-filled lake;
and Wat Phra Phai Luang, a former khmer temple surrounded
by a moat.
Many interesting exhibits are on display
in Sukhothai's Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. As in the case
of Ayutthaya, the serious visitor may wish to stay several
nights here, although the main attractions can be rushed through
in a day. It is also worth visiting the interesting much smaller
and compact site of Si Satchanalai, built as a twin city to
Sukhothai, 57 km. away.
Other places worth seeing in the central
Plains include Kamphaeng Phet with its interesting museum,
temples and fortifications; and Phitsanulok, famous for its
superb Buddha image Phra Buddha Chinnarat in Wat Yai.
Lop Buri
Conveniently located on the Northern railway
line some 155 km. from Bangkok, this small historic town was
once the provincial capital of the Khmer Empire. It featured
several interesting sites, including the Lop Buri Palace,
whose massive walls dominate the town; the Dusit Maha Prasat
Hall, Buit by King Narai to receive the Ambassador to Louis
XIV in 1685; the Phiman Mongkut Pavillion built in the 19th
century by King Mongkut. Reflecting the Khmer period is the
impressive three-spired 13th century shrine Phra Prang Sam
Yod, and 11th century Indian influence reflected in the Hindu
spire of Prang Khaek in the town centre.
Pattaya
despite its reputation for naughty nightlife,
Pattaya, some 170 km. southeast of Bangkok, ranks as one of
the best-loved beach destinations in the world, with a plethora
of fine hotels sporting opportunities, excellent restaurants,
and offshore coral islands.
The adjoining bay of Jomthien, and the fishing
village of Rayong offer more relaxed alternatives, and future
south, opposite the town of Trat, the beautiful island of
Koh Chang is finding favour with young travelers - a precursor
to being 'discovered'.
Cha-am & Hua Hin
Some 230 km. south-west of Bangkok, heading
towards Malaysia.
these more tranquil beach resorts have developed
slowly, with a small number of hotels, and a very relaxed
atmosphere.
Hua Hin used to be the summer residence of
the Royal Family in 1920's.
|
