THAILAND
Bangkok

Bangkok

Bangkok_{Photo: Neajjean CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Bangkok is the capital and also the largest city in Thailand. It is the capital of the Bangkok province. Bangkok is also known as Krung Thep in Thai. Bangkok is one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia economically. It is one of the major tourist destinations in the world. The head offices of most of Thailand's largest banks and financial institutions are located in Bangkok. Bangkok's artificial harbor is crucial to Thailand's foreign trade.

Location

Bangkok is located in southwestern Thailand on the east bank of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River near the Gulf of Thailand. The geographic coordinates of Bangkok are 13.45 North latitude and 100.35 East longitude. Bangkok is divided into about 50 different districts and neighborhoods called 'khets'. Over time, Bangkok has expanded its city limits and the metropolitan area is now made up of six major provinces, which are still constantly expanding.

Bangkok Street Scene_{Photo: Kevin Poh (CC BY 2.0) no changes made}

Weather

Bangkok has a tropical weather type. The temperatures are on average 35 degrees Celsius during the day. These temperatures are constant all year round. The months of March, April and May are the hottest months of the year. The World Meteorological Organization has named Bangkok the hottest city in the world. The summer months are very humid, which can make the climate unpleasant. Bangkok suffers from heavy monsoon rains that are typical of tropical regions. The rainy season lasts from June to October. The months from November to February are the driest spell of the year. This is also the best time to visit Bangkok. That is because the winter season the average temperature drops a few degrees during this period. About 1,500 mm falls annually in Bangkok. rain.

History

King Rama I statue in Bangkok_{Photo: Heinrich Damm CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

Bangkok is not the city's real name. The Thai call the city Krung Thep. This name was given to the city in the year 1782 by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty (from which the current monarchs are also descended). The name means "City of the Angels" after the ancient capital of Thailand, Ayuthaya. Ayuthaya was conquered and almost completely destroyed by the Burmese in the year 1767. The parts of the Thai army that survived the attack fled south to Thonburi on the shore of the Chao Phraya (Menam). There they established a military headquarters and the temporary capital of Thailand (then called Siam). From Thonburi, the Thai generals fought for 15 years with the attackers (the Burmese had now been joined by the Lao and the Vietnamese) and finally succeeded in expelling them from the country.After the final victory, General Taksin ascended the throne, but was later executed. He was replaced by General Chakri, who took the name of Rama I as king.

The king's plan was to restore the confidence of the people by building it a city that could rival the glory and splendor of Ayuthaya. He decided that Thonburi was no longer suitable as a residence and he decided to move the capital to Bangkok. By the time Rama I decided to move his capital to Bangkok, the place had already grown into a small port. The city was mainly inhabited by Chinese merchants and customs inspectors, who were now asked to make way and Rama I built his new city and he started Wat Phra Kaew. Canals and canals were dug and a city wall built of bricks from the old city wall of Ayuthaya.

Bangkok around 1820_{Photo: Public domain}

In the 1950's, Bangkok was known as the "Venice of the East" with many canals and waterways and only a handful of dusty roads. King Mongkut (Rama IV.) And his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) modernized Bangkok and Thailand and they built roads and railways. In the 20th century the city started to grow both east and west. The first bridge over the Chao Phraya river (Memorial bridge) was built in 1932. In World War II, Bangkok became occupied by the Japanese. The years after the war were political unrest with a number of coups. In the 1960s, as a result of the Vietnam War, the economic rise of Thailand began, which in recent years has come to a halt. economic and social conditions are much better in Thailand than in many of the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

Sights

Bangkok Emerald Buddha_{Photo: JPSwimmer CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

Bangkok has many beautiful palaces and temples, which are breathtakingly refined for the craftsmanship with which they are built. Some of the must-see temples when visiting Bangkok are Wat Pha Kaeo, Wat Pho and Wat Suwannaram. The Wat Pha Kaeo is a beautiful temple built in the great palace. The image of the Emerald Buddha is the major attraction which is an image of Buddha in meditating posture. It dates back to the 15th century. It was brought from Vientiane by King Rama I. It is one of the most important statues of Buddha in Thailand and is most revered by Bangkok residents. There are also statues from King Rama I to King Rama VIII, which are worshiped every year on Chakri day (April 6).

National Museum Bangkok_{Photo: Masgatotkaca CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

There are many fascinating museums in Bangkok that offer visitors a look at the glorious and fascinating history of the city. The main museums for ancient history and culture are the Bangkok Folk Museum, the National Museum, and the Prasart Museum. The Bangkok Folk Museum is located right in the center of Bangkok. The museum exhibits, among other things, antique, traditional household items and other objects used in traditional ceremonies. The National Museum was built in the year 1884. There is much to see about the Neolithic. All exhibits are labeled in English, which is sometimes not too understandable. But this beautiful museum is definitely worth it.

Pattaya Beach two hours from Bangkok_{Photo: Sergey S. Dukachev CC 3.0 Unported no changes made}

There are several beaches a short distance from Bangkok. Pattaya Beach is a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Hua Hin Beach is a 4-hour drive from Bangkok. Ko Samet beach is also a short distance from Bangkok. If you want to go to a beach in Bangkok city, you have to make do with beaches on the sides of the rivers and lakes. Pattaya Beach is the main beach that Bangkok residents go to. Pattaya's main beach is a bit crowded, but there are quieter areas to the north of Pattaya beach and nearby Jomtien beach.

Tips

Bangkok Floating Market_{Photo: Roberto Faccenda CC 2.0 Generic no changes made}

The ultimate way to see Bangkok is to relax and enjoy a cruise along the meandering Mae Nam Chao Phraya River. Various pleasure trips can be booked and you will pass many attractive waterfront sights along the way. Particularly popular are the Manohra Cruises, which use teak barges and offer cruises both during lunch and in the evening with a sun terrace from which you can enjoy the most beautiful interrupted views.