History

Sights, sounds and shopping

Bangkok is one of those places that you just can’t help but fall in love with. There’s everything here from beautiful temples to great shopping bargains just waiting to be experienced. The history of Bangkok can be traced back to 1767 when the Burmese army swept into Thailand and sacked the old capital of Ayutthaya. In a state of chaos, King Taksin regathered his army and every available able-bodied Thai male to mount a last-dtich attack to regain the city. He succeeded, but following the recapture of Ayutthaya found that the Burmese had not only looted the city’s treasures, but they had also destroyed it beyond repair. In despair he abandoned the city and traveled further down the Chao Phraya River in search of a site for his new capital. Coming across the temple today known as Wat Arun, he landed at dawn and promptly decided the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River to be the perfect place for his new capital. It was from here that the new age of Thailand was forged. King Taksin built his royal residence at Thonburi and it stayed there until 1782 when King Rama I ascended to the throne of Thailand. One of Rama I’s first moves was to shift the capital across the river to the current site of Bangkok. Some say that Rama I wanted his capital to feel more like the old capital of Ayutthaya with its numerous canals. It is also said that the new position was more defendable against attack. Whatever the reasons, his move has proven a permanent one as the city is today one of the great metropolis’ of Asia. What followed from the time of King Rama I was a succession of leaders building temples, monuments and palaces that today show off the artistic and cultural panache of the Thai people. Gold glitters from temples all over the city, especially in the Ratchadamnoen area, and ornate Buddhist imagery is to be found here like no other city on earth. In the Ratchadamnoen area there are countless temples and palaces that draw visitors from all over the world, marveling at their intricacies. It is very easy to say that once you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all, but here in Bangkok the statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Wat Arun is famous for its porcelain encrusted central pagoda, Wat Benchamabophit for its sparkling roof tiles and marble materials and Wat Suthat for its giant swing outside and beautiful murals inside. There is something new in every temple you visit in this city. Of course the city isn’t just all temples – there’s also a range of other activities to see both inside and outside the city. Up river you can visit the ruins of the old capital Ayutthaya with its centuries of tradition and civilisation. To the west are the safari parks and animal shows where you can ride the elephants and marvel at crocodile trainers and their antics with the deadly animals. All this, and we haven’t even mentioned the boundless shopping and dining experiences just waiting to impress you. Bangkok is known for its shopping all over the world. Travelers come here every year to take advantage of the magnificent value for shopping – the local tourist organizations all recommend you bring an empty suitcase so you have room to take everything home. The best place to start your shopping is perhaps the Rama I Road and Sukhumvit Road stretch. Filled with shopping malls that will have the most ardent shoppers salivating, you’ll find all the top brands with all the best prices. Of course a trip to Bangkok couldn’t be complete without visiting the market places that produce some of the best handicrafts anywhere in the world. The Suan Lum Night Market, Patpong Night Market and the Jatujak weekend markets are the best ones where you bargain for the best price and jostle with the crowds. Of course you may have doubts about the price you should have paid for an item, but that’s half the fun! Then, after your night of bargaining, head to one of the food areas listed in this guide for a sumptuous feast of Thai food or any other international cuisine you fancy. The famous Thai hospitality will ensure you’ll always have a smile on your face and food in your stomach. Whatever your reasons for arriving in Bangkok, be it business or pleasure, the wide range of activities to do here are mind-blowing.