Located in the heart of South East Asia, Thailand literally means ´land of the free´. Renowned for its idyllic white sands, crystal waters, unique cuisine and incredible temples, this independent country exudes a warmth and hospitality, along with a powerful heritage as the former Siam and a strong belief system.
The capital city of Bangkok is world-renowned for its buzzing streets and progressive, lively nightlife alongside the quiet of its many Buddhist temples. Found in the middle of Thailand, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River (or River of Kings, as it is often known), this colourful city offers a historical discovery, as well as modern, luxury resorts with a range of spa treatments and watersports.
Also known as the Venice of the East due to its canals, Bangkok’s abundant history and culture is proudly displayed through traditional Thai dance as well as in its many temples. It provides impressive attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun and Wat Phra, along with the infamous bar and club strip of Patpong, street vendors and restaurants selling the famous local cuisine and tailor-made clothing in fine wools and silks. You can also experience the huge shopping centres specialising in gold, take a memorable boat trip down the Chao Phraya River and revel in the atmosphere at the nearby buzzing floating markets that have to be seen to be believed.
There are many ways to navigate this metropolis which makes traveling around the city easy: from the tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis for the fastest way around town to the express boats on the canals and main river and the Skytrain and Metro.The city can be broken up into several smaller regions which include Dusit, the Old City, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Downtown Siam Square, Silom-Sathorn, Sukhumvit Road and Din Daeng. All can be experienced from very different viewpoints, whether you are travelling through on a budget or sampling its luxury delights. There are many impressive deluxe hotels lining the river, such as the 5 star Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, Royal Orchid Sheraton and Peninsula Bangkok, plus a variety of other 4 and 5 star hotels dotted around the city.
Tight budgets don’t have to mean low quality accommodation with value hotels and hostels such as the Niras Bangkok Boutique Hostel in Samranrach Phra-Nakorn, the Roof View Place in Banpanthom Phra-Nakorn, the HQ Hostel on the Silom Road in Bangrak and the Viengtai Hotel in the Old City near Khao Sarn. For something slightly different there is the revolving view point from the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Rajthevee, Pratunam, the glass sky-bridge at the Lebua at State Tower Hotel near the river, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok which is just 200 meters from the Erawan Shrine in the Ratchaprasong shopping area and the boutique Tenface hotel in the business district.
This city of contrasts offers a variety of different activities and experiences but one common theme in Bangkok is the high level of hospitality and friendly service you’ll receive.
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