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Bangkok, capital of Thailand over the
past 200 years, is one of the very few truly Asian cities. Unlike
many other cities, when visitors come to Bangkok they see less of
the influence of the West but more of the indigenous culture, tradition,
sights, and smells. True, Western influence can be seen in the forms
of tall office buildings, malls, and hotels. Yet they can still
see the influence of religions, in the forms of architecture of
temples and mosques, the strolling gold-robed monks and their chants,
the wholly chaotic and hubbubs of the street scene, the traditional
festivities which take place at certain times of the year, the varieties
of food openly displayed and the music and the dances. Bangkok is
vibrant and dynamic and is the centre of commerce which is growing
in importance as it is the gateway of a country of 60 million populations.
For visitors wishing
to see the real Asia and not just the sights which have been transposed
from somewhere else, Bangkok offers a gold mine unmatched by almost
any cities in the East. Moreover, if one includes immediate areas
outside the city, one would need the best part of a month to see
them all and then only superficially. Among the sights which we
recommend are:
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The
Grand Place and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
These rank as the must-see attractions. The Grand Place embodies
the finest and colourful example of unique Thai architecture
and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or the Royal Chapel is
regarded as the most sacred in the whole Kingdom.
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Wat Arun - The Temple of the Dawn
The Prang (tower) of this temple by the Chao Phraya River is
covered with porcelain. Its perfect form is very well known as
it symbolises Thailand/ Bangkok in posters and guidebooks.
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| Wat
Benchama Bophit - Marble Temple
The temple is
well known for its architectural form and for the perfect
golden Buddha image inside.
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Jim
Thompson's House
A unique Thai style house and museum.
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| The National
Museum
One of the largest museums in Southeast
Asia, it houses artifacts, sculptures from Thailand and elsewhere
in Asia.
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The National
Arts Gallery
This exhibits traditional and contemporary
works of arts by Thai artists.
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| The Snake
Farm
Where venom from poisonous snakes is
extracted to make anti-snakebite serum.
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Thai
Boxing
An ancient art worth seeing.
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| Taling
Chan Floating Market
The Thai lifestyle of buying and selling
is shown most colourfully.
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Chatuchak
Weekend Market
Very popular among visitors, a Thai
style market where everything can be bought at cheap prices
and in terrific dins.
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Kite-flying
at Phra Mane Ground
(Mar. - Apr.)
- This uniquely Thai pastime is taken seriously.
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Bangkok is also
the staging point for visits to Ayutthaya - The old capital of Siam,
Karnchanaburi and the infamous Death Railways, Crocodile Farm, etc.
There are also numerous golf courses in and within 150 km. of Bangkok,
which are of the highest standards and, oh, the green fees are so
cheap!
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