Bangkok Holidays Coach Tours & Travel
If you are looking for the romance of mystical Southeastern Asia with a smattering of history, culture, authenticity yet modernity and a whole host of shopping avenues to explore, then Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is the place for you!
Whether it is the mystical plains of Wat Mahathat and the tranquil Buddhist Temples, or the bartering, bustling and haggling street markets and shopping arcades of the Siam Square area and Sukhumvit road, you are sure to be engrossed by a culture like nothing you have experienced before.
Colour emanates from the vibrant silk and market stalls that scatter the scene of this unique cosmopolitan Southeast Asian city.
With one foot firmly in it's past, and one foot striding towards a glorious technological future, Bangkok manages to accommodate its visitors, whether it be in an upmarket hotel or restaurant, with all the style and sophistication they would expect from a modern city, whilst at the same time offering an ancient Asian touch to the proceedings.
Be a devil and travel to Bangkok!
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Bangkok Holidays - Where Is Bangkok?
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, Asia, and is situated to the south of the country. The large, metropolitan city is home to some 7.5 million residents, with a total landmass of some 1569 sq km (975 sq mi)
The city is supported by a network of natural and man - made water inlets/rivers, branching from the broad Chao Phrava River, intruding into the heart of the city, providing water from the Gulf of Thailand.
Unusually, the city of Bangkok is divided into two distinct geographical areas by the prominent north – to – south train line – Old and New Bangkok.
Old Bangkok comprises of a large proportion of the city's Chinese and Indian temples and palaces, whilst New Bangkok is very much the modern business hub of the city, which is the equal of many modern Asian industrial and economical centres. Modern day flats and apartments house Bangkok's up – and – coming youthful generation in this area.
Bangkok Holidays - Local History
Bangkok's history is best summarised in 2 distinctive periods – pre 20 th century and recent years.
Pre 20th century
Starting in 1782, the city that we now refer to as Bangkok was know as Bang Makok, or ‘Place of Olives'. Once a trading post, Bang Makok soon became a town of significant military power, due to it's close proximity to Ayuthaya, Siam's (now known as Thailand) capital. The 18 th century saw the construction of a fortress built on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, which in turn had a great iron chain hung across the river to stop invasion. At the end of the 18 th century, the long-running Chakri Dynasty came to be founded, whilst shortly afterwards, King Rama I took the decision to move the capital to the other side of the river to Bangkok, believing it would be easier to defend from potential enemy invasion. Combined with this, great city walls were erected, whilst canals were expanded, and great temples across the area were constructed. The construction of a new capital was swift and completed in 1785. Given an incomprehensibly long 164 letter name, the Capital's moniker would be shortened for ease to Krung Thep ('City of Angels') for use by the locals, although the name Bangkok still held true to outsiders.
The first half of the 19 th century saw a spate of temples built under the rule of Rama III, whilst 1861 saw the construction of the first road along the riverside. With this advent, the construction of a road network quickly gained pace, and by the end of the century, rickshaws and horse – drawn carriages had far outstripped water – based travel down the canal as the favoured means of transport.
Recent years
In the first decades of the 20th century the city grew at a rapid rate and roadways were built to accommodate the upturn in motorised vehicles. In 1932 Thailand established a constitutional government and Bangkok became the hub of a vast but still expanding public service. During the Second World War, the Japanese briefly ceased control of the city before being overthrown by allied forces. Following this, Bangkok quickly moved towards modernisation.
Today's Bangkok is a modern Asian financial hub, gaining massive popularity with the tourist trade thanks to its great swathe of entertainment nightspots, high value restaurants and relatively cheap accommodation and general retail prices
Bangkok Holidays - Wat Mahathat
Should you be looking to achieve ‘higher enlightenment' using the traditions of the Bangkok Buddhist teachings, then Wat Mahathat is the place to be. Over the years, it has grown spectacularly in popularity with western visitors wanting to learn the ways of this fundamentally peaceful religion. Welcomingly, many monks in the area speak English, and, as a bonus, the region has a fast developing industrial region, allowing a bustling tourist trade to vitalise the area with much needed income, which goes in part to the maintenance of the regions temples.
Bangkok Holidays – Jim Thompson's House
Named after the American silk entrepreneur, this is a great spot for lovers of authentic Southeast Asian art and architecture. Located at the end of an undistinguished soi next to Khlong Saen Saeb, the surrounding area is alive with vibrant colours and a distinguishing market scene that keeps alive so well the silk trade traditions of this famous landmark, which is frequented by travellers from all over the globe.
Bangkok Holidays - Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is a gleaming, polished architectural wonder, consisting of gilded chedi seemingly buoyed above the ground, whilst polished orange-and-green roof tiles pierce the sapphire sky. Look out to for the intricately designed mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments that adorn this masterful palace.
Bangkok Holidays - Lumphini Park
A verdant and vibrant meeting place for both locals and travellers alike, Lumphini Park is seemingly constantly filled with the likes of tai chi students, old people singing karaoke, wizened chess players, joggers and kite flyers. Indeed, the area has a somewhat ‘insular' yet open feeling to it; on the one hand, it offers a park - like environment completely distinguishable from the rest of Bangkok's attractions. On the other hand, it is immediately open; the entire area feels massive in scale and provides a different terrain to the somewhat tighter roads and backstreets of Bangkok.
Bangkok Holidays – National Museum
The largest museum in Southeast Asia, the Bangkok National Museum is home to some of the most essential Thai art pieces in the world. All periods and styles are represented, from Dvaravati to Ratanakosin, and the Museum's halls also stock a wide range of traditional musical instruments from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Bangkok Holidays – Shopping
If you are one of those people that has heard a lot about Thailand's, and in particular, Bangkok's, fantastic ‘value for money' shopping experience, and you have been wondering if the stories of exquisite goods for a fair price are true, then you will be happy to find that the answer is a resounding ‘yes!'
It is no coincidence that Bangkok has earned a reputation as one of the quintessential shopping stops in Southeast Asia. Prices are incredibly low, and the range of goods available to the browsing public is incredible. Indeed, exquisite silks, gemstones, tailor-made clothes and traditional handicrafts are all freely available. A quick tip; take a second to purchase a ‘Nancy Chandler' map; they are easy enough to pick up from many shops or market stalls and are invaluable shopping assistants, highlighting all major shopping districts and advising on best locations to buy certain goods. Most shops are open from 10.00am to 10.00pm everyday of the week, and even beyond this time, handy night markets are open, meaning that shopping venues are open to you pretty much any time that you please.
Although it is true that there is a large market for replica goods in Thailand, it should be mentioned that these goods are of an extremely good standard, and can often be bought for only a small fraction of the cost of the authentic product, so are well worth considering. Also consider when buying that the cost of goods sold by street vendors is often lower than that of the same goods in a shop or shopping arcade. This can reflect the quality of the goods, although it is more often a reflection of the savings on rental space market stallholders have over shop retailers.
When shopping, prepare to barter, as you can potentially cut the cost of goods, especially jewellery, dramatically, saving hundreds of pounds. Remember, stallholders will always quote an over inflated price first; they are half – expecting you to barter over the price. Depending on the type of item and its original asking price, between 10% and 40% can be knocked off a price.
In addition, there are plenty of Duty – Free shopping experiences around Bangkok, and in many of the larger and more specialised shops, exporting of goods abroad can be easily arranged.
With regards to specific locations to shop, the following locations are much vaunted locations: the Rama I, Ploenchit and Ratchadamri roads of the Siam Square area.
This area, east from the top of Sukhumvit road, is a modern and fashionable shopping district, consisting of several shopping centres. The area includes the 8 storey World Trade Centre, which itself is home to the popular Zen and Isetan department stores, the Central Chidlom department store, a branch of Bangkok largest chain of department stores, the Tokyu department store, Sogo, Narayana Phand store for Thai handicrafts, and the considerably upmarket Gaysorn Plaza, Promenda Décor, Peninsula Plaza, and Amarin Plaza.
Each shopping complex has its unique charm, and each one sells a slightly differentiating plethora of goods. As you interweave between stores, you will notice that certain areas cater specifically for certain age groups and niche markets; our advise is – shop until you find a place that suits you, then settle in and enjoy some great bargains.
Bangkok Holidays – Restaurants
Serving a selection of delectable Thai and French dishes, Le Banyan, located in Sukhumvit Soi 8, has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the premier restaurants in Bangkok, delivering delicate dishes of foie gras and seafood platters to it's admiring patrons. Surrounded by exemplary tropical gardens, Le Banyan also serves up tantalising meat courses like grilled pressed duck and sublime beef dishes, followed by some desirable desserts and coffee, all tended with a smile and excellent service. To summarise, Le Banyan is a classy yet inexpensive establishment that offers an impressive array of mouth - watering dishes and a beautiful view to boot!
Another fantastic eatery conveniently located across from Central Chitlom Department Store, the Auberge is an elegant yet friendly restaurant with a Parisian flavour, dark wood-panelled walls, starched white tablecloths, hidden nooks and comfy seats.
In terms of cuisine, Auberge famously parades a wide - ranging selection of seafood dishes. Expect to see fabulous platters encompassing all types of seafood from oysters, lobsters, sea snails and jumbo prawns, to traditional fish dishes such as sea bass and salmon, all cooked with French flair and a tint of Thai trickery.
Bangkok Holidays - Cuisine
A staple of Thai cuisine, Thai Green Curry is often prepared either with chicken, beef or even catfish. Made with basil leaves and fresh garlic to emphasis taste, this simple curry is often accompanied with stir – fried or steamed vegetables, with a side of jasmine rice, making for a simple to prepare, yet delicious and authentic dish. Another dish to look out for is Glass Noodle Soup. Often served preceding a curry in order to freshen and cleanse the palate, the soup is a simple blend of ground pork balls, dried mushrooms, light soy sauce, fish sauce, chicken stock and a little garlic all mixed in with simmering water and left to create a soothing broth. This soup really lifts the appetite and prepares the diner for the upcoming main course.
Bangkok Holidays - Weather
Bangkok is well within tropical latitudes and experience alternating periods of a dry and wet monsoon climate. The south - west monsoon arrives between May and July and lasts into October. This is followed by a dry period from November to May, a period that begins with lower relative temperatures until mid- February (because of the influences of the north-east monsoon, which bypasses this part of Thailand, but results in cool breezes), followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to May. According to the official Thai agricultural calendar, the rains begin in July; however, the arrival of the monsoon can vary. Occasional rains in the dry season are known as 'mango showers'. In Bangkok it usually rains most during August and September, though it can flood in October since the ground has reached full saturation by then. If you are in Bangkok in early October, you may find yourself in hip-deep water in certain parts of the city. During the cool/dry season (November to February), night - time temperatures may dip as low as 12°C (54°F), with normal daytime temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). During the rainy months (June to October), the temperature averages 32°C (89°F) in the daytime, and 26°C (79°F) to 28°C (82°F) at night. Add four or five degrees to the latter temperatures for the hot season (March to May) average.
Archers Direct Holidays
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