Also known as the City of Angels (Krung Thep), it is entirely appropriate that Bangkok should have two names. Firstly there is the modern, cosmopolitan side, with its Skytrain zipping people between ...
Also known as the City of Angels (Krung Thep), it is entirely appropriate that Bangkok should have two names. Firstly there is the modern, cosmopolitan side, with its Skytrain zipping people between swanky malls, cinema multiplexes, world-class restaurants, glitzy clubs and some of the world's best hotels. This area rivals other modern cities, absorbing as it does the latest of both East and West, with its new subway and the world's most recent international airport. But it's the ancient city and Thai hospitality, the heart and soul of the country, which really sets Bangkok apart. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), Wat Po and a year's worth of other places worth visiting will leave your head spinning. Bangkok is Thailand's capital and its financial, entertainment and cultural center. The country's biggest city, it's home to more than 10 million of the country's 65 million people. It is a real city as well as a tourist attraction, making for an even more real experience. The convenience and comfort of the modern accentuates the ancient in a mix that works, although it can at times leave you fuming. Thailand's revered king celebrated his 60th jubilee in 2006 and the city, particularly the royal areas, was spruced up as part of the celebrations – come now and see it at its best.