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In 1782, Bangkok became the capital of Siam (as Thailand was then named), when General Phraya Chakkri, founder of the enduring Chakkri dynasty, assumed the throne as Rama I and built his palace on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. By the end of his reign, Rama had established the city: his vast Grand Palace complex and Wat Po, the city’s oldest temple, were completed, as was the great city wall, which was 13 feet high, 10 feet thick, with 63 gates and 15 forts.
Today, Bangkok is still Thailand’s capital, as well as its financial center and chief port city. Located at the delta of the Chao Phraya River, metropolitan Bangkok covers an area of 604 square miles, but the heart of the city remains on the east bank of the river. A network of distinctive canals or klongs, both natural and constructed, lace the city to the river, providing the quickest and most interesting way to get around. With its jumble of crammed streets running in every direction, its collage of colors, sounds and scents, and its proliferation of temples and markets, Bangkok is considered one of the most exciting cities in Asia. The city is home to four universities, Thailand’s national theater, and a fine arts academy. Another fascinating aspect of Bangkok is its floating markets in which goods are sold from boats in the canals. The Thonburi Floating Market attracts the most tourists, but those seeking a more authentic floating market experience should visit the Damnoen Saduak, which is about 48 miles southwest of Bangkok.
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Grand Palace
Built beginning in 1782 by King Rama I, and gradually enlarged and elaborated by his successors, the Grand Palace is well worth a visit when you’re in Bangkok. Some of its buildings are off limits because they are used for state functions, but visitors still have plenty to see. Among the highlights are the Wat Phra Kaeo, which houses the Emerald Buddah; the Forbidden Quarters, where the king once kept his harem; and the Pavilion for Holy Water, where priests purified themselves with water from Thailand’s four principal rivers. Whether or not they are open to the public, the buildings are charming examples of palace architecture, combining traditional Thai forms with elements of Victorian and colonial European architecture.
Jim Thompson’s house
American architect and entrepreneur Jim Thompson is one of the most fascinating and mysterious figures to have lived in Thailand, and his former home remains one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions. During World War II, Thompson became a spy and lived in Thailand. He settled in Bangkok after the war, devoting his energies to revitalizing the Thai silk industry and collecting excellent examples of Asian art and Thai architecture. In 1967, Thompson disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia, leaving behind his remarkable home and art collection. Despite subsequent investigations, Thompson’s disappearance has never been explained. His house is a distinctive conglomeration of six Thai houses. His priceless art collection includes Burmese carving, Khmer sculpture and Chinese porcelain.
National Museum
Located about half a mile north of the Grand Palace, the National Museum houses one of the best collections of Southeast Asian art and offers visitors a great way to learn about Thai art and history. The collection is organized by period, and visitors can begin with the artifact gallery to get a historical overview, then move from the ceramics and bronzes of the Ban Chiang period (3000-4000 BC) through the successive eras up to the more recent styles of Thai art.
Royal Barges
These graceful ceremonial barges, carved in the early 19th century to resemble creatures from the Ramayana, are among the loveliest sights in Bangkok. The most spectacular is the red-and-gold royal flag barge, the Golden Swan, which carries the king of Thailand on special occasions. About once a month, the Royal Barges float in a festive parade down the Chao Phraya River celebrating various events. Every November, the Golden Swan carries the king to lead the auspicious and gorgeous Royal Barge procession.
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All THE AMAZING RACE related graphics and photos on this page are copyright 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc.
This website IS NOT affiliated with the CBS Broadcasting Inc.
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