City Statistics
Location
Central Plain, Thailand.
Dialing code
66.
Population
7 million (city); 10 million (metropolitan area).
Time zone
GMT + 7.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temperatures
26°C (79°F).
Average July temperatures
29°C (84°F).
Annual rainfall
1,500mm (58.5 inches).
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Overview
Bangkok is a city that really is larger than life. For some, the frenetic pace, heat, traffic and lack of personal space can be overpowering; for many others, the sheer dynamism is intoxicating.
A curious blend of the traditional East with the modern West, Bangkok's every street has a surprise in store for the visitor. Ramshackle buildings crouch next to exotic temples surrounded by delightful gardens, which are in turn overlooked by modern hotels and offices.
Bangkok has emerged as a major world city with the traffic jams to match, as well as the all-pervasive mobile phones and designer clothes that are a prominent feature on the streets.
The chaos on the roads is mirrored by the busy traffic on the Chao Phraya River, which dissects the city and is regularly crisscrossed by long-tailed boats, river taxis and small rowboats, all miraculously missing each other.
But traditional Thai life is never very far away. Weaving among the traffic in the morning rush hour, saffron-robed monks can still be seen collecting alms, while just moments from the city center whole communities live in stilt houses by the river, eking out a living using skills that have not changed in centuries.
In 1782, Bangkok became the capital of what was then Siam, following the destruction of the previous capital, Ayutthaya. Bangkok is not the name used by the Thais - they call it Krung Thep, which is actually a very shortened version of its extremely long full title.
The absolute rule of the monarchy ended in 1932 when it was replaced by a system of constitutional monarchy. To this day, the monarchy is regarded with almost religious reverence and it is an offence, punishable by imprisonment, to insult the royal family. His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest-reigning monarch in the world, having come to power in 1946.
Thailand is staunchly anti-Communist, as seen during the Vietnam War when it was a strategic ally for the USA. Lately, it has softened its stance and relations have improved with its Communist neighbors who have now become members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Thailand is an influential member.
Thailand's main industries are tourism, textiles and electronics. Despite over half of Thai citizens working in agriculture, it only accounts for 15% of the GDP, although the country is still the world's largest exporter of rice.
Thailand is a tropical country so it is hot throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between November and March, during the dry season. During the rainy season, humidity is very high and the downpours are short but violent and the streets of Bangkok often flood.
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Tourist Information
Walking Tours Although Bangkok is not really the best city for much exploration on foot,
Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website:
http://www.diethelm-travel.com/) offers a walking tour of Chinatown, called ‘Bangkok Way of Life’, which lasts 3 hours 30 minutes.
Bus Tours World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website:
http://www.wts.co.th/) runs small group tours with free pick-ups from numerous hotels throughout Bangkok. Tours can be booked direct or through the tour desk in some hotels. Half-day city tours include the ‘Royal Grand Palace Tour’ and the ‘Temples Tour’.
Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website:
http://www.diethelm-travel.com/) offers similar tours.
Bicycle Tours Every day at 1300 there is a 3-hour bicycle tour of Bang Kra Jao, a wilderness area with small villages, temples and jungle, just across the Chao Phraya River. The starting point is the Golf Driving Range at Sukhumvit Soi 26 and it is organised by
Spice Roads (tel: (02) 712 5305; website:
http://www.spiceroads.com/) and the charge includes the hire of a bicycle, helmet, water and snacks.
Spice Roads also offer other day tours.
Boat Tours Bangkok is laced with
khlongs (canals) and life alongside the
khlongs is far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bangkok. An ideal way to see this side of the city is a boat trip, passing tiny temples, orchards, orchid farms and typical houses on stilts. These are organized by
World Travel Service (tel: (02) 233 5900; website:
http://www.wts.co.th/) and
Diethelm Travel (tel: (02) 255 9150; website:
http://www.diethelm-travel.com/). The tours on offer from
Diethelm include a visit to the floating market at Damnoan Saduak....
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