Founded in 1782, Bangkok is a relatively new capital. But like most areas in Thailand, it is a blend of ancient and modern.
While in this central hub visitors can see the famed Grand Palace full of golden and jeweled treasures or the Wat Phra Kaew, with its Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace houses government offices but there are areas open to visitors. And well worth a visit they are, too. Intricate hand paintings adorn the walls, while jade is seen everywhere, many of them hand-carved into figures of the Buddha.
The oft-visited Temple of the Emerald Buddha continues to attract visitors by the thousands, as well. Covering 218,000 square meters it is located inside the Royal Monastery. Central to the temple is the most revered object in Thailand, the jade Buddha.
The Wat Trai Mit is on Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's Chinatown. This temple is renowned for its solid gold Buddha weighing five and a half metric tons and reaching over 3 meters (10 feet) in height, even though it's seated.
Remember that when visiting religious sites in Thailand, full dress is often required. Shoes are a must, unless you're asked to remove them. Those dressed in shorts and T-shirts are often turned away. This can be a challenge in Thailand's ever warm, often humid climate. But the Thai's take their religion seriously and boisterous behavior and improper attire are frowned on.
Besides the city's numerous temples or wats, many other attractions are tremendously popular.
The Dusit Zoo, once part of the Royal Dusit Palace was converted into a zoo in 1938. Along with the elephant rides and animal feeding shows, there's a large lake offering paddleboat rides. There are over 800 birds, 300 mammals, and 200 reptiles in a wide variety of jungle settings. Monitor lizards, tigers, crocodiles, and more are housed in the zoo.
There's another animal-centered site that visitors won't want to miss: the Snake Farm. Officially known as the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, it is one of Asia's largest anti-venom serum producers.
A guide explains how the serum is made and then directs you outside to the snake pits. There are several venomous varieties, but visitors can stand safely back to observe.
The National Museum is a must-see when visiting Bangkok. Housing artifacts as far back as the Neolithic era, the museum itself is something of a museum piece. The building is a glorious example of Thai architecture with its complex designs and colorful decoration.
The Vimanmek Mansion Museum is popular with locals and tourists alike. The world's largest golden teak building, this three-story mansion has 81 rooms filled with Royal memorabilia. Located within the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road, it also offers native dance shows. Proper attire is required. No sandals, no shorts, no T-shirts.
Beyond museums and palaces, zoos and aquariums, the nightlife in Bangkok is active and never-ending. Restaurants and bars dot the streets, some upscale, many just dives, but all full of the energy that is modern Bangkok.
Bangkok, Blend of Ancient and Modern
