Bangkok The grand palace

The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaeo is the
city landmark on a huge compound. The whole
area is surrounded by the big white wall.
The Grand Palace has an area of about 1.5
square kilometers and include the Royal
Chapel, the Royal Collection of Weapons,
the Coin Pavillion, and a small museum
containing artifacts from the Grand Palace.


Boromabiman Building

The grandest of the buildings is the triple-spired
building, the Chakri Maha Prasad, an impressive
mixture of Thai and Western architecture.


The Dusit Group

The Outer Wall

History and Culture in Thailand Thailand is steeped in history and unique culture... historical sites, temples, palaces, museums, theatre and dance… if these are your areas of interest you are going to love Thailand!

It is believed Thailand’s history stems from the Bronze Age some 5,000 years ago। Recorded history indicates a number of periods that mark important stages in Thailand’s history – the Sukothai Period from 1238 to 1438, the Ayutthaya Period from 1351 to 1767, the Thonburi Period from 1767 to 1782, and the Rattanakosin Period from 1782 until the present. The legacy of each of these periods is a series of temples, shrines, palaces and ancient sites, all depicting unique Thai architectural styles and lavish design. Although some of the historical significance of these attractions may at times be lost on you, the visual feast you experience more than compensates for your lack of insight. These are some of the most beautiful places you will ever experience. Simply relax and soak in the sights and sounds and build unforgettable memories. Never colonised, Thailand has never been detached from its culture. Thai dance, theatre, music and art, have all developed in entirely unique ways across the ages and play as important a role today as they did in years gone by. The numerous galleries and museums housing the treasures of bygone ages offer visitors a genuine visual delight.

Temples in Thailand Thailand’s temples have a subtle and enticing blend of the exotic and the spiritual. They are of course places of prayer and meditation, but they are also some of the most beautiful places you might ever visit.

From the architectural design of their buildings, to the murals, religious symbols and images they house, temples are a visually dazzling array of colours and textures coupled with exotic smells and mystical imagery. To Thais, temples are an integral part of every day life. As such the temple plays an important role in shaping Thai society and values. Of course, Thailand’s temples have also played an integral part in Thailand’s history. Many have seen war and invasion, others played pivotal roles in the development of Buddhism in Thailand. If you are in Thailand for a limited amount of time, the following temples are ones you really 'must see' before you go.

Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok

Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country's spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

Over the last few decades, Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, has changed into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers to visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they would expect from other big cities, but also a unique treasure trove of cultural attractions. Thailand, in the heart of Southeast Asia, was never colonised and thus kept its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpse of Thailand's gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. This great city has had astounding success in combining the ancient and modern world.


For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth taking a trip along its waters before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok.

Useful tourist information on Bangkok can be obtained from the official website of the Bangkok Tourism Division : www.bangkoktourist.com

The temple is in the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace . It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island , and is built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya . It has no resident monks.
The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn or Phra Kaeo Morakot): This is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD. King Rama I brought it from Vientiane , and it is considered to be the most important Buddha image in the country.
Model of Angkor Wat: King Rama IV had this built by Phra Samphopphai when Cambodia was under Siamese control. The model was recreated in plaster at the behest of King Rama V to celebrate the first centenary of the Royal city.
Prasat Phra Thepidon: This four-square prang originally called "Puttaprang Prasat" was built in the reign of King Rama IV. Inside are statues of Kings Rama I-King Rama VIII, to which the public pay their respects on Chakri Day, April 6, every year.
Mondop:This structure stands behind Prasat Phra Thepidon, and was built in the reign of King Rama I. Inside is a cabinet holding the Buddhist scriptures beautifully decorated in mother-of-pearl.
Balcony: This can be compared to the temple wall. The murals inside tell the Ramayana story in its entirety. On the columns of the balcony are stone inscriptions of the verses describing the murals.
Phra Sri Ratana Chedi: Built in the style of Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya , this chedi is to the west of the Monhop. Inside is a small chedi with relics of the Lord Buddha.

Phra Atsada Maha Chedi: This group of eight chedis stands in front of the temple. It was built in the reign of King Rama I and dedicated to the heavens. Six of the group are outside the balcony, two are inside. Each has its own name.
Yaksa Tavarnbal (Gate-keeping Giants): Six pairs of mythical ogres stand at each gate of the Balcony. These are the main Giants of the Ramayana.
Hor Phra Khanthan-rat: Standing in the estern corner of the balcony, this is where the Phra Puttakhanthan-rat figure is enshrined. It presides over the Royal rain-making ceremony and the ceremony of the first rice planting. Inside are paintings by the mural artist Khrua In Khong.
Hor Phra Ratcha Karamanusorn: Inside this structure are 34 Buddha images in various positions, built by command of King Rama III and dedicated the kings of Ayutthaya and Thonburi.

Hor Phra Ratcha Pongsanusorn: Built in the reign of King Rama IV, this is the location of the Buddha image of the reigning King of the Rattanakosin Era. Inside are murals of Royal chronicles of Ayutthaya by Khrua In Khong.
Hor Phra Nak: Situated behind the temple, this traditional Thai building roofed with glazed tiles contains the ashes of the Royal family.

Bangkok Hotels - Discount Hotel Reservations.

Thailand, Land of Smiles

Often referred to as the gateway to Southeast Asia, Thailand's central proximity to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, provide travelers with a comfortable and convenient jumping off point to the region. Yet for many, the "Land of Smiles" is the final destination. From sand and surf to verdant jungle and ancient temples, the Kingdom of Thailand has something for everyone. Perhaps this is why so many people just keep coming back. The growth of tourism has seen the infrastructure blossom concurrently to accommodate even the most demanding of travelers. So if it's the epicurean delights of fine dining in five star hotels that get your juices flowing or just quietly gazing at the meandering river flowing past your mountain retreat, you will be delighted with all that Thailand has to offer. And, it's not just the stunning beauty of the land and sea that draws travelers to this country; the inevitability of blending with the sights, sounds, and smells of Thailand's fascinating cultural mosaic is an equally powerful enticement.



Bangkok Hotels. Instant Bookings. Huge Savings on Room Rates with up to 75% Discount. Best available hotel rates for Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Ploenchit, Riverside, Pratunam, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Ratchadapisek, Banglumpu, Don Muang, Yawaraj (China Town), Nakorn Pathom
From 756.00 THB Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn
Area: Sukhumvit Soi 57. Located close to the Thong Lor BTS station, this budget hotel offers a warm, friendly atmosphere. The rooms are clean and the staff is friendly. Breakfast is included.
From 927.00 THB Trang Hotel
Area: Khao San Road. Ideal hotel for budget travelers. Located close to Khao San Road which is an entertainment area for young, hip travelers. Includes an indoor swimming pool. Free Breakfast!

From 996.00 THB Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel & Resort
Area: Sukhumvit Soi 4. The Woraburi is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok. Major shopping centers & entertainment venues are nearby. Free shuttle service to Nana skytrain station. Rate includes Free Breakfast!
From 1,511.00 THB Bossotel Inn Bangkok
Area: Silom. The hotel is located close to Silom Rd. and the Chao Phraya river, features a spa, swimming pool, sauna and fitness center. Walking distance to the Sky Train station. WIFI is available. Free Breakfast!

From 1,821.00 THB Ambassador Bangkok
Area: Sukhumvit Soi 11. Ideally located, just steps away from Nana Skytrain station, close to major entertainment areas. A newly opened spa has been added which compliments the large pool and fitness area. Free Breakfast!
From 1,855.00 THB Unico Grande Silom Hotel (Formerly Tower...
Area: Silom. Close to the skytrain & Patpong Rd. The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool, spacious fitness center and sauna/massage services. Free Breakfast!
From 3,092.00 THB Rembrandt Hotel
Area: Sukhumvit Soi 18. Great location! Located within walking distance of Asoke skytrain station. Close to famous entertainment areas. Features full spa/massage services. Free Breakfast!

From 3,366.00 THB The Davis
Area: Sukhumvit. Located on Soi 24 near Phrom Phong BTS and Emporium shopping mall. This beautiful oasis is right in the middle of the action, yet hidden away as if it were a beachfront property on some tropical island. Free breakfast!