Travel Bangkok: Blissful Day in Bangkok (2)

Sawasdee Kha! Welcome to Thailand.

Today I would like to show you for places where you must be when you are here, Bangkok. Start your blissful day at beautiful Temples (Thai call “Wat”) which located in the historic center of Bangkok, shop till you drop at the largest weekend market, dining at nice Thai restaurants and where you can hang out in the night time. OK, let’s go!

Cultural Travel


Wat Phra Kaew
The Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha, full official name Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. It is located in the historic center of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace. Unlike other temples it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the highly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main purpose of Wat Phra Kaew is house of the Emerald Buddha.


Central to the temple is the Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue standing about 2 feet tall (no one is allowed near the statue except the Thai king). The Emerald Buddha is covered in a seasonal costume, which is changed three times a year to correspond to the summer (crown and jewelry), winter (golden shawl), and rainy months (gilt robe and headdress).


The costume change is an important ritual and is performed by the Thai king, who also sprinkles water over the monks and the faithful to bring good fortune during the upcoming season. The two sets of clothing not in use at any given time are kept on display in the nearby Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Thai Coins on the grounds of the Grand Palace.






The wall surrounding the temple area – from the outside only a plain white wall – is painted with scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana mythology, the Ramakian. Several statues in the temple area resemble figures from this story, most notably the giants (yak), five-meter high statues. Also originating from the Ramayana are the monkey kings and giants which surround the golden chedis.




The Temple also contains a model of Angkor Wat, as the Khmer empire of Cambodia and the Thais share cultural and religious roots.

You must know:
1.Despite the hot weather most of the year in Bangkok, no allows visitor dressed shorts, sleeveless tops or any revealing dress. No open heeled sandals. If necessary you may rent appropriate footwear and clothing from the Grand Palace authority booth.
2.Free English Tour are available daily. But you can do it yourself, visitor can rent audio headsets with a map near the ticket office booth.

How to be there:By Bus: No.8, No.12
By Boat: Chao Phraya River Expresss (disembark at Tha Chang Pier)
By Subway: Hua Lampong and catch taxi or Tuk Tuks
(Getting there by your car is not recommended due to traffic jam)
Tel.: 02-224-3328, 02-226-0255
Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Admission: 200 Baht (about $5) Ticket price includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion (largest Teak wood palace) and the RoyalThai Decorations and coin Pavilion.



Wat Pho
This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditaion and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Pho.


Wat Pho is the one of the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok, and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas). The Reclining Buddha is forty-six metres long and fifteen metres high, decorated with gold plating on his body and mother of pearl on his eyes and the soles of his feet. The latter display 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles.




Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Even prior to the temple's founding, the site was a center of education for traditional Thai medicine, and statues were created showing yoga positions. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation centre and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

For those interested in traditional Thai medicine, there is a pavilion that serves to both impart knowledge and provide treatment. The walls have marble tablets describing basic anatomy and treatments. In the late afternoon, traditional medicine practitioners are there to dispense herbal mixtures. Nearby, there is a cloister where you can have a traditional Thai massage for a very small payment.


You must know:
1.In 2008, the historic marble inscriptions in Wat Pho have been registered with UNESCO’s Memory of the World (MOW) as MOW documentary heritage for Asia and Pacific Region.
2.Dress code: same as visit Wat Phar Kaew.

How to be there:
By Bus: No. 1, 3, 12, 25, 44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 501, 508
By Boat: Chao Phraya River Expresss (disembark at Tha Chang , Tha Tien Pier)
By Subway: Hua Lampong and catch taxi or Tuk Tuks
(Getting there by your car is not recommended due to traffic jam)
Tel.: 02-222-1969 Thai Massage School : 02-221-3686
Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Admission: 50 Baht



Wat Arun
Wat Arun ("Temple of the Dawn") in Bangkok is a Khmer-style Buddhist temple and major landmark on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The full name of the temple is “Wat Arunratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan”. Despite its name (from Aruna, the Hindu god of the dawn), the best views of Wat Arun come at sunset.


The outstanding feature of Wat Arun is its central prang (Khmer-style tower). It may be named "Temple of the Dawn" because the first light of morning reflects off the surface of the temple with a pearly iridescence. Steep steps lead to the two terraces. The height is reported by different sources as between 66,80 m and 86 m. The corners are surrounded by 4 smaller satellite prangs. The prangs are decorated by seashells and bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China.




Around the base of the prang are various sculptures of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals. Over the second terrace are four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on Erawan.

The best views and photos of Wat Arun are in the evening with the sun setting behind it. There are some restaurants on the opposite side of the river that are good for watching this, though you'd be lucky to see the image of Wat Arun that's on all the postcards - that of the red sky sunset with the sun setting directly behind the temple. Sunset is around 6pm - 7pm all year round in Bangkok.


You must know:
Dress code: same as visit Wat Phar Kaew.

How to be there:
By Bus: No. 1, 19, 25, 44, 47, 57, 62, 83 and 91
By Boat: Chao Phraya River Expresss (Tha Tien Pier to Wat Arun Pier)
By Subway: Hua Lampong and catch taxi or Tuk Tuks
(Getting there by your car is not recommended due to traffic jam)
Tel.: 02-465-5640
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Admission: 50 Baht


Shop till you Drop!!!


Chatuchak Weekend Market (JJ Market)
Chatuchak (or Jatujak) weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and largest of the world. Frequently called J.J., it covers over 35 acres (1.13 km²) and contains upwards of 15,000 stalls. It is estimated that the market receives between 200,000 and 300,000 visitors each day. Most stalls only open on Saturdays and Sundays.


Items at market: Clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics, pets, vintage magazines / stamps / coins, collector's items, knick-knacks and just about anything and everything else one could want from a Thai market, or any market. And then some!




Chatuchak Weekend Market is the perfect place for bargain shopping and to put your bartering skills to the test. A friendly attitude and big smile are your biggest allies to secure the best possible deal. There are a few ATM's scattered about, but they are not always easy to find. So take along enough cash, as not many vendors or stall owners accept credit cards. A fascinating aspect of the market is that many emerging Thai artists, craftsmen and business people have started their successful careers with a stall at Chatuchak. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of raw talent, innovation and craftsmanship. And then there are some very interesting vendors who have been selling their merchandise at the market for decades, and it's clear that they love what they do.


You must know:
1.Make sure to drink lots of liquids to avoid dehydration - and wear light clothing! Chatuchak is also like any other big market in the world; crowdy and busy. So watch out for pickpockets and keep your personal belongings safe.
2.In June 2008 the Chatuchak Market authorities introduced a complete ban on smoking for the whole market. Chakuchak Smoking Ban However, like many smoking bans in Thailand, it is barely enforced.

How to be there:
Skytrain (BTS): Mo Chit station and exit down the right-hand stairs, follow the crowd for a five-minute walk, and you're there.
Subway (MRT): Chatuchak Park station, and follow thesignage directives. For the plant and flower section, get off at Kampheng Phet MRT station (exit 3).
Open: 08:00 - 18:00 on weekends and Fridays (wholesale day). Plant shops are open Wednesdays and Thursdays too from 07:00 am - 6:00 pm.


Dining at Thai Restaurant


Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant
Run by a famous former politician who is head of Thailand’s ‘Population and Community Development Association’ this is a curious combination of fine cuisine and advice on birth control! This is a spacious restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor dining, whether permitting. If you can accommodate the idea of a restaurant having birth control issues as its central theme (one of the restaurant’s bars is called the Vasectomy Bar), the Thai food here is excellent – the ‘usuals’ like Tom Yum Gung readily available on an extensive menu with excellently stocked bar. Very strangely, free condoms are available and condoms from every part of the world provide decoration! Weird, but wonderful! The nearest BTS station is Asok and Sukhumvit the nearest.

Address: 6 Sukhumvit Soi 12 Bangkok 10110
Tel: 02-229-4611
Open Everyday from 11:00 am – 10:00 pm


Blue Elephant Cooking School & restaurant
This restaurant is so good it offers lessons on how to prepare excellent Thai cuisine! The 100-year old building the restaurant is located in adds tremendously to the authenticity of this establishment – strange then that it is part of a world wide Belgium-based restaurant chain! The menu offers ‘Royal Thai’ cuisine and many of your old favorites are there to enjoy (next to some you are likely to have never heard of but might be worth trying).This is an excellent choice for those looking for the real deal!

Address: South sathorn Road Bangkok
Tel: 02-673-9353
Open Everyday: Lunch 11:30 am -2:30 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm- 10:30 pm




Hang Out in Night Time !!!


Gazebo
Gazebo Sukhumvit Roof top Moroccan style. Find yourself in the center of the city atop a Moroccan style rooftop garden restaurant & Hareem Night Club. Taking in the amazing views of Sukhumvit by night. If it is a romantic occasion or a dinner party this is the dream place for you. Come feel the love.

Address: Corner of Sukhumvit Soi 1
tel.: 02-655-2475-6
Open: till 2:00 am







For your information, you could find more detail of hotels in Bangkok at the bottom line of my blog.



From these, I wish you have a blissful day in Bangkok, lol.
Any queries that I could help you, please feel free to contact me at stargirlyune@gmail.com. I'm willing to serve you. See you!

Sources: sacred-destinations.com, wikipedia.org, bangkokguidebook.com, gazebosukhumvit.com and discoverythailand.com
Picture: google.com

Travel Bangkok: Blissful Day in Bangkok (1)

Sawasdee Kha, Welcome to Thailand

Before start your blissful day in Bangkok, I just want to introduce you to know more about Bangkok, a nice city in the world. Let's go!!!

About Bangkok
Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty and renamed the city as Krung Thep, as it is now known to Thais and which in English is translated to the "City of Angels". The full name "Krung thep mahanakhon amorn ratanakosin mahintharayutthaya mahadilok popnoparat ratchathani burirom udomratchanivetmahasathan amornpiman avatarnsathit sakkathattiyavisnukarmprasit"



It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s population.
Over the last few decades, Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.



For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.



Climate
There are three seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May), and cool (November to February). Annual average temperature is about 29 degree Celsius with monthly averages ranging from 35 degree Celsius in April to 26 degree Celsius in December.

Language
The standard Thai language is used, while English is a mandatory subject in public schools and is widely spoken and understood in business and tourist areas.

Time Zone
GMT +7, same as Vietnam

Currency
Foreign currency changes are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five+, one baht disks, as well as 50- and 25- satang brass disks.

Credit Cards
Major establishments readily accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards. Expect a 3-5 percent surcharge. Major Bangkok banks also recognize these credit cards.

Business Hours
Government offices open from 08.30-16.30 hrs. on Monday to Friday. Business hours are from 08.00 or 08.30-17.00 hrs. on Monday to Friday. Most department stores operated from 10.00-21.00 hrs. all week.



Social Conventions
A Thai is greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head, known as the Wai. Buddhist monks are normally greeted in this way.

1. The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Travelers should always respect this. At the cinema you must stand for the royal anthem before the film is screened.

2. Public displays of affection are frowned upon.

3. You should dress appropriately when visiting temples. Don't go shirtless, in shorts, hot pants, short skirts or spaghetti straps. Remove your shoes when entering a Thai home or Buddhist temple

4. Buddha Images, large or small, ruined or not, are regarded as sacred. Don't do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

5. Informal dress is acceptable and men are rarely expected to wear suits.

6. It is a custom to arrive a little early if invited out socially.

7. It is considered rude to touch anyone's head or to point your foot at a person or an object.



Transportation in Bangkok

BUS
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 7 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10 and 22 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops and the TAT office. Visit www.bmta.co.th for more information on Bangkok’s public buses

TAXI
Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.

TUK-TUKS
These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht.

BTS Sky Trains
BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkoks leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th

Subway (Metro)
The city’s subway system, or MRT, connects many of the top tourist attractions with the accommodation areas, markets, and the business district. Fares range from 14 to 36 baht. The trains run from 6 a.m. to midnight, daily. For more information, visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th

Boat
Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.



Destination Guide
Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots. According to Travel and Leisure magazine, it is Asia's best tourist destination, the third in the world in 2006 and overall best city in the world in 2008, though it is prone to confidence tricksters, so much that Google lists 1.8 million hits for the words thai scams. It is also voted the best city in Asia according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Bangkok is Thailand's major tourist gateway, which means that the majority of foreign tourists arrive in Bangkok. The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts.



Bangkok is highly appreciated for its wide choice of restaurants, from authentic street-side eateries to a number of fine dining establishments. In addition to probably the best nightlife in Asia. The wide choice of accommodation, from high end international hotels to guesthouses meets the demands of all travelers. In terms of relaxation – Bangkok has seen a huge development of Spas and wellness centers as well as medical facilities of Western standards.


Thai Culture and festivalBangkok, the city of civilization with countless significant historical places waiting to be explored such as the Grand Palace, the National Museum and ancient temples. Festival is also something visitors look forward to. In the city it holds exotic annual events such as Songkran and Loy Krathong. The royal ploughing ceremony is one related to agricultural culture of Thai society. There are many others you should not miss and discover when you visit Bangkok.



River
Chao Phraya River, the river of life in the city Bangkok. It is where an abundant remarkable icons located on both sides of the river. The Chao Phraya riverside combines of old and new to be seen when you make your way to Bangkok the city of angels.



Dining
Somtam, Tom Yam Kung, Pat Thai and everything else from Thai, Asian to Western is waiting to be found in this thriving metropolis from street side to hi-end restaurants. Bangkok has it all.



Shopping
Bangkok can be a paradise for all shoppers. It is a place to shop for the latest imported luxurious brand-name items to the simple local ones from the leading department stores to night markets and weekend markets. Shop till you drop!!! lol



Night sightseeing
Bangkok the city that never sleeps. For night owls, there is always some thing to do, to see, and even have a late snack. Anytime is a good time!

I wish these could help you know more about Bangkok and now, are you ready for Bangkok adventure? lol !!!




And for your information, you could find more detail of hotels in Bangkok at the buttom line of my blog.

Any queries that I could help you, please feel free to contact me at stargirlyune@gmail.com. I'm willing to serve you. See you!

Sources&Pictures: tourismthailand.org/ google.com