Lifestyle

   Bangkok tourist and travel guide
   
                           
              One night in Bangkok and the world’s. Love it or loathe it you can’t deny Bangkok is one of Asia’s truly great cities. It’s a tourist mecca that attracts millions annually. And as such it caters well to visitors with a multitude of activities and attractions supported by a good tourism infrastructure. It’s also the economic engine of the country, 20 times bigger than the any other city and the modern heart of a traditional country.


Home to eight million people, Bangkok (or ‘City of Angels’ in Thai), is a chaotic blend of cultural and historic sights, humble shophouses, sophisticated shopping malls, terrible traffic jams and quiet backwater canals. As a tourist you’ll certainly need a guide. It’s noted for its naughty nightlife but is equally cultured and refined, boasting some top-notch restaurants and hotels that are affordable to all visitors.

Bangkok tourist attractions

The Grand Palace is open every day of the year

          Bangkok boasts some of the top attractions in Thailand, including its grandest temples, monuments, palaces and museums devoted to Thai culture and history. Then there are the diverse night and weekend markets and shopping malls galore, and of course a nightlife that is known around the world.

          On arrival, it’s easy to look around and think of Bangkok as a huge concrete jungle without a lot of appeal. However, with a bit of exploring you’ll find that in between its elevated roads and under its skytrain, among the shopping centres and skyscrapers, are some of Thailand’s and Southeast Asia’s finest treasures in terms of temples, monuments, museums and diverse neighbourhoods. Bangkok is probably most spectacular at night, when the lights of the skyline, storefronts, hotels and office blocks contribute to a dazzling display of colour.

If navigating around Bangkok seems like a daunting task to you, it might be worth considering an organised tour of the city. If you don’t find an organised tour appealing, another easy way to see a fair number of the city’s attractions is to spend part of a day exploring by river taxi or on a canal trip.

From the boat you will be able to see a way of life that is reminiscent of years gone by when canals were the main thoroughfares of the city. You’ll also be able to stop off at some of Bangkok’s most noteworthy temples. More on Bangkok temples.

Bangkok attractions: temples and monuments

                         The Grand Palace complex, which includes Wat Phra Kaew, is usually first on the list of ‘must-see’ attractions in Bangkok. The stunning ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ is housed within the complex. It dates from the earliest days of the relocated capital in the 18trh century and remains the royal heart of the city, unspoilt by skyscrapers. Full guide on the Grand Palace.

Not far from the Grand Palace is Wat Po, the largest Buddhist temple complex in the city and another important Bangkok attraction. The enormous reclining Buddha is the highlight here, but the multiple chedi spires make excellent photo subjects. It’s also noted as the foremost school for Thai massage. Rounding out the list of the most important temples is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the opposite side of the river. This imposing chedi complex is one of the oldest and tallest in Bangkok and is most striking when seen from a river boat with the setting sun as a back drop.

Go by hire car or organised day tour

There are many more temples in the city, but the most memorable are found in the Rattanakosin district near the Grand Palace. Wat Saket is a large and important complex on which stands the lofty Golden Mount. As recently as the 1960s this low artificial hill was the highest in the city and was actually formed by building upon a collapsed chedi. There are fortifications and a structure now built on it, from where you get good views of the old city. Mid way between this temple and the Grand Palace is the magnificent towering Giant Swing at Wat Suthat, which was recently restored.

Also within walking distance is the distinctive and rambling Wat Mahathat which is clearly seen from Radjadamnoen Avenue. It’s considered one of the most important temples of Buddhist teaching in the region attracting monks from far and wide. Another important temple on the tourist route is Wat Trimit, which is closer to Hua Lamphong station on the periphery of the district and big reason to visit this one is the big golden Buddha - in fact the largest known example. It weighs five tonnes and was only re-discovered in 1955 coated in plaster to avoid detection by marauding Burmese during the Ayuthaya period when it was cast.

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Hua Hin Thailand

Hua Hin, literally meaning 'stone head' in Thai, is one of the oldest as well as the most popular beach resorts in the country, situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Located about 200 km south of Bangkok and 85 km from the provincial capital, this resort town is much favored for its serene atmosphere comprising striking vistas, tranquil beaches, rainforest jungles, stunning caves, crystal clear water and clean white sand.

Hua Hin, literally meaning 'stone head' in Thai, is one of the oldest as well as the most popular beach resorts in the country, situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Located about 200 km south of Bangkok and 85 km from the provincial capital, this resort town is much favored for its serene atmosphere comprising striking vistas, tranquil beaches, rainforest jungles, stunning caves, crystal clear water and clean white sand.

Once a typical fishing village, Hua Hin has now transformed into a well-established beach resort coupled with first-class facilities and traditional Thai hospitality. Attractions, among many others, are National Parkland of more than 2000 sq km and Teakwood Palace, which is 12 km south of Hua Hin. Hua Hin also provides excellent options to enjoy a range of activities such as elephant trips, fishing, beach cycling, snorkeling, and horse riding. Besides, Hua Hin is a golfer's paradise, with world-classgolf courses such as Royal Hua Hin Golf Course and Lake View Golf Course. 

Hua Hin boasts of a rich history. Throughout its history, Hua Hin has been known by different names such as Ban Samoe Rieng, Samoriang and Ban Laem Hin, until it got its present name in 1911.

In the late 19th century, a better option for traveling was introduced here, with the passing of the Siam Orasumphol - the first steamer - through many small communities along the Gulf of Thailand. The resort's royal connection, that has still to this day, began during the turn of the 20th century when Prince Chakrabhongse, a member of the royal family, came here for a hunting trip. Impressed with the tranquility of the area, he built a beach villa, which was first of its kind in Hua Hin.

However, the history of Hua Hin's transformation as a luxurious seaside resort dates back to 1903 when a railroad connecting Hua Hin to Bangkok was built here as a part of the Southern Railroad. As a result, the destination enjoyed the convenient access and it gradually began to draw the attention of nobilities such as members of royal people and aristocrats from the nation.

The first person to recognize the unequaled beauty of the place was Prince Nares, who served as the Minister of Public Works during the reign of King Rama V. As a result, he constructed an elegant residence, namely, the Saen Samran Royal Residence in 1911 at the southern end of Lam Hin Village. Subsequently, another bungalow, named Ban Plub Pa, was built by Prince Tewawongworapakorn nearby the Saen Samran. Again within a period of five years, a series of stunning bungalows were built by other members of the Royal Family at the northern end of the village. 

In 1916, during the reigns of King Rama V and VI, the construction of southern railway line connecting Siam to British Malaya was completed. This in turn spurred the popularity of the place, and many elites of Bangkok society began to flock to Hua Hin.

However, until 1922, there were only limited accommodation and dining facilities for passengers taking a break at Hua Hin Railway Station. Understanding the problems, Prince Purachatra - the then Director General of the State Railway - took steps to provide better lodging and dining facilities.

As an outcome, in 1923, the Railway Hotel - a graceful Victorian structure coupled with a superb continental restaurant - was opened, which is today's Sofitel Central Hotel. Soon after this, the then king commissioned for road maintenance in order to build a golf course opposite the railway station. This led to the establishment of the country's first standard golf course, the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. Later, the much famed night market, Talad Chatchai was opened. 

After sometimes, inspired by the pristine beauty as well as natural surroundings of the place, Prince Prajadhipok commanded for the construction of Klai Kangwon Palace, even prior to his accession to the throne as Rama VII. On the completion of its construction, the palace was named Klaikangwon, meaning 'far from worries,' which in turn is still used by the members of the Royal Family. 

Year after year, more and more attractions were introduced in the area by the Royal Family. Consequently, Hua Hin gradually shot to fame and became one of the sought after destinations, frequently visited by aristocrats from different parts of the country. Al though, badly affected by the World War II, Hua Hin managed to recover. 

Today, Hua Hin is undoubtedly a holiday destination of international stature. Despite its amazing growth and development as a splendid tourist destination, Hua Hin still continues to be a peaceful sanctuary, maintaining rich as well as royal Thai roots.

Hua Hin Night Market

                                   The most famous of all Hua Hin markets is 'The Hua Hin Night Market' also known as the Chat Chai night market. Located in the center of Hua Hin town it runs the length of Dechanuchit Road from Phetchkasem Road to the Prapokklao Road next to the railway tracks. No visit to Hua Hin is complete without taking a stroll down the Hua Hin Night Market.

Hua Hin Night Market is open from 5pm til 11pm, every day including holidays, and is busiest on Fri, Sat and Sun.

                                  There is a wide variety of food stalls, street restaurants and proper restaurants at the Hua Hin night market. The food stalls are selling a wide range of foods from fried chicken with garlic, mussel omelets, pad Thai and any number of curries as well as Thai desserts such as sticky rice with mango. There are street restaurants serve sea food dishes and your staple Thai foods like pad kapow (fried basil) and fried rice. The proper restaurants are mainly at the top end of the night market street towards the railway tracks and specialize in sea food dishes and BBQ. You can get lobster, giant tiger prawns, crabs and many different types of fish either steamed, fried or barbecued to your specification. They also have western dishes mainly pork, beef or chicken steaks barbecued and served with vegetables and either french fries or a jacket potato.

                                    The Hua Hin night market is also a great place to go and sit at one of the many street bars or in one of the restaurants to have a drink and watch the world go by.

As the Hua Hin Night Market is mainly frequented by both foreign and Thai tourists alike there are many souvenir stalls selling Thai handicrafts and Hua Hin souvenir T-shirts and ornaments. There are also many art galleries selling Asian style paintings and photographs along the street.

 

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2012
August*
Hua Hin Jazz Festival is a jazz festival in Hua Hin, Thailand. The festival, organized by Hilton since 2001, is usually held in June and features Thailand’s best jazz talent.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival  August2012