ITC - your travel solution

Bangkok

Bangkok (Krung Thep in Thai) is the capital of Thailand. During the Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th – 18th centuries), it was just a small trading post, located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. However, with the declaration of Bangkok as the capital, in 1768, the city emerged as a very significant destination of South East Asia. Bangkok has since been the political, social and economic center of Thailand.

Bangkok offers something for everyone from quiet Buddhist temples to bustling nightclubs you can enjoy a variety of things while here. Besides being a popular tourist destination, Bangkok has many other things worth knowing.It is the largest and most populous city of Thailand with one of every ten Thais living here.

Bangkok has three distinct seasons: the hot season (March through May), the rainy season (June through October), and the cool season (November through February). It is the world’s hottest and most humid capital city. With the annual mean temperature of around 30 degrees Celsius, Bangkok is sure to make you sweat even in December.

With a population of more than 5 million people in the city proper (andaround8 million in the metropolitan area)Bangkok is one of the biggest and most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia. The city is home to a number of malls, night bazaars and flea markets, where you can buy clothes, accessories, shoes, food items and souvenirs. Being a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is packed with hotels and places to stay at all budgets. The Sukhumvit Street area is full of shopping malls, markets, restaurants and bars. This is the center of Bangkok’s vibrant night life scene.Pratunam is one of Bangkok’s most lively and colorful districts, well-known for its wholesale shopping malls, street markets, and popular local food places. Another popular area is Khao San Road and SoiRambutree. This is the home of the backpackers but there’s lots in and around the neighborhood and it has some good mid-range hotels. It’s one of the cheaper areas to stay in the city and it’s also close to many cultural and historical attractions.

Thonburi, located on the western bank of the mighty Chaophraya River, is a very different part of the city, seemingly frozen in time. The quarter of Thonburi around the west end of the Memorial Bridge is actually one of the oldest settled areas of Bangkok.The most recognizable sight on this side of the river is the old towering Temple of the Dawn (WatArun). One of the most interesting ways to see a lot of Thonburi is to hire a long-tailed boat. This boat trip around the small klongs (canals) will give you a chance to see traditional Thai life as it’s still lived in the wooden houses on stilts, at the floating market and in numerous other places.

Interesting facts about Bangkok

  • Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand.
  • The Thai name of Bangkok is Krung ThepMahaNakhon or Krung Thep.
  • Bangkok is also referred to as the ‘City Of Angels’.
  • Bangkok is split into separate patches of land by the Chao Phraya River, which is central Thailand’s main river.
  • Owing to the large number of canals constructed in Bangkok, it is also called the ‘Venice of the East’.
  • Due to heavy urban development, Bangkok is sinking at a rapid rate of 2-5 cm per year. The rising sea levels also threaten the existence of the city in the near future.
  • Every year, in April, Bangkok hosts the world’s largest street water fight during the Songkran Festival – Thai traditional new year.
  • The 5.5-ton Golden Buddha located WatTraimit Temple in Bangkok is the largest gold Buddha in the world.
  • The auto-rickshaws in Bangkok are called ‘tuk-tuks’.
  • The traditional name of Bangkok is ‘Krung ThepMahanakhon Amon RattanakosinMahintharaYuthayaMahadilokPhopNoppharatRatchathaniBuriromUdomratchaniwetMahasathan Amon PimanAwatanSathitSakkathattiyaWitsanukamPrasit’. It is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest name for a place.
  • The Grand Palace (Royal Palace) is the chief tourist destination in the city. Here, certain parts of the palace are open to visitors, while the others are opened only on national holidays and celebrations.
  • Chatuchak Park and Rama IX Park are the two largest parks in Bangkok.
  • The liveliest and the busiest tourist areas in Bangkok include backpackers’paradise - Khao San Road.
  • Bangkok is a popular tourist destination, owing to the blend of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim and Western cultures that it represents, along with a thriving economy.
  • Bangkok is home to two international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Muang (DMK).
  • Don Mueang International Airport is one of the oldest international airports in the world, opened in 1914.

the emerald buddha temple & the grand palace; the reclining buddha temple

Explore the two most renowned attractions in Bangkok - The Grand Palace with the Chapel of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).Spend the daylearning about Bangkok's most notable landmarks. Learn about the Buddhist places of worship and the Thai history.

Drive towards the Rattanakosin Island where you will visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (WatPhraKaew).The palace once served as the residence of the Royal family and the administrative court from 1782-1925. Inside the same compound is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, revered as the most sacred temple. See the carvedstatue of the Lord Buddha in a traditional seated pose. Admire the gilded interior that surrounds the statue on all sides. Continue to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok and home to the famous reclining Buddha image of 15 meter high and 46 meter long. Wat Pho is a beautifully decorated Buddhist temple complex with magnificent architecture which contains nearly a hundred stupas, as well as hundreds of typical Chinese statues of different shapes and sizes.

the grand palace, the reclining buddha temple& khlong tour

Explore the two most renowned attractions in Bangkok - The Grand Palace with the Chapel of Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). Spend the daylearning about Bangkok's most notable landmarks. Learn about the Buddhist places of worship and the Thai history.

Drive towards the Rattanakosin Island where you will visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (WatPhraKaew).The palace once served as the residence of the Royal family and the administrative court from 1782-1925. Inside the same compound is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, revered as the most sacred temple. See the carvedstatue of the Lord Buddha in a traditional seated pose. Admire the gilded interior that surrounds the statue on all sides. Continue to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok and home to the famous reclining Buddha image of 15 meter high and 46 meter long. Wat Pho is a beautifully decorated Buddhist temple complex with magnificent architecture which contains nearly a hundred stupas, as well as hundreds of typical Chinese statues of different shapes and sizes.

Experience an exhilarating long-tailed boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and canals in Thonburi. See hundreds of wooden houses built on stilts and explore traditional way of life near water canals.

maeklong train market & damnoensaduak floating market

Depart to MaeklongRaiway Market (Talad Rom Hoop), a must see attraction in Thailand. You will see a train pushing through a busy market and watch as the shopkeeper pull their table of vegetable and meat out of the way. It is a unique and exotic experience. Drive to Ratchaburi province for Damnoensaduak Floating Market. Arrive at a jetty pier and board a long-tailed boat ride for about 30 minutes, passing through remote plantations and Thai villages along the river and winding canal. At the floating market of Damnoensaduak, it is amazing to see a lively market scene of local vendors selling local foods, tropical fruits, and numerous handicraft products on their boats. Return to Bangkok around 14:00 hrs.

maeklong train market & amphawa floating market

Depart to MaeklongRaiway Market (Talad Rom Hoop), a must see attraction in Thailand. You will see a train pushing through a busy market and watch as the shopkeeper pull their table of vegetable and meat out of the way. It is a unique and exotic experience. Drive to the famous Amphawa Floating Market, where you can see hundreds of paddled boat vendors selling traditional Thai food and seafood by the canal. In the evening after sunset, get on the motor boat and cruise along the river and canal. You will see the villagers spending their daily life by the river. If you are lucky, you will get to see fireflies light up the night like stars in the cloudless sky.Return to Bangkok around 21:00 hrs.

ayutthaya day trip by white orchid cruise

Depart from Bangkok to visit Bang Pain royal summer palace. Builtduring the Ayutthaya era the palace is beautifully decorated in both traditional Chinese and European styles. See a unique Chinese-style hall with a vast collection of Thai, Chinese, and European artifacts.Proceed to Ayuthaya – a site of the former capital of the kingdom of Siam. Visit the archaeological site of great historical interest and declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Ayutthaya is a remaining example of the importance and the rich heritage of this country. Explore over 600 year oldWatMahathattemple, which was the heart and soul of the Ayutthaya people. It was almost completely destroyed by the Burmese during the 1766 - 67 invasion. Visit WatPhraNamen, the only not destroyed temple, used as the headquartersby the Burmese army. The splendid golden Buddha statue, dressed in regal attire, is placed in the temple along with an ancient green stone carved Buddha. Proceed to WatLokayasutharamwhere you can see a giantreclining Buddha statue. Depart for White Orchid River Cruise at Wat Chong Lom Pier in Nonthaburi Province. Buffet lunch on board: Enjoy a wide selection of Thai and European dishes, desserts, fresh fruits, coffee and tea. Observe Chao Phraya River banks and beautiful scenery throughout the journey. Return to your hotel around 17:00 hrs.

chaophraya dinner cruise

A two-hour journey on the Chao Phraya Princess cruise. Each deck has its unique qualities and design. See Bangkok major landmarks during the night cruise: the Royal Palace; the Reclining Buddha Temple; WatArun Temple and many others. Dinner includes a wide selection of dishes ranging from Thai-styled to international foods, appetizers to main dishes to deserts served in a buffet fashion.

thai set dinner & calypso cabaret show

Watch Thai classical dances while enjoying a traditional set dinner. Then see an exciting transvestite cabaret show. Created and constantly developed since 1987, Calypso Cabaret Show is a fantastic lady-boys show, live on stage with exciting lights and sounds. Enjoy seeing creatively crafted shows with actingand dances. A thrilling entertainment that you should not miss while visiting Bangkok.

siam niramit cultural show

Siam Niramit is a world-class performance of Thai arts and cultural heritage. This spectacular show is performed on a gigantic stage listed inthe Guiness World Records Book. The show features over 100 performers, lavish costumes and stunning set designs. Enhanced special effects and the most advanced technology are used to produce a very realistic, stimulating and inspiring experience. The gates open at 17:30 for access to the restaurants and other facilities such as: Village of the Four Regions, traditional Thai Massage, outdoor performances, elephant rides& feeding, souvenir shops. Other than the spectacular show, do come early because there are lots of activities that you can see and do. Not only will you enjoy but you will learn more about the Thai ways of life in bygone times which is not easy to find nowadays.

flight of the gibbon

Experience the thrill and adventure of the zip-line canopy tour! The Flight of the Gibbon is located inside the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, which in turn is inside the Chompoo Wildlife sanctuary. Only one and a half hour drive from Bangkok. Immerse yourself in the real Thai rainforest. Asia’s #1 Zipline Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour gets you soaring in no time. See the jungle from above and feel the rush of adrenaline as you fly from tree to tree through 3 kilometres of ziplines.

  • 3 km of ziplines woven in the Thai jungle eco-system
  • The highest zipline in Thailand
  • One zipline over 300 meters (984 feet) long!
  • 24 platform stations
  • 2 hanging sky bridges and 2 rappel descents
  • Education about wildlife, flowers and fauna along the course
  • Two sky ranger guides for every group of up to 9
  • Detailed safety briefing & personal equipment fitting

ramayana water park

Ramayana is Thailand´s biggest waterpark, with 21 water rides, and over 50 attractions in total. Located some 160 km south of Bangkok, close to Pattaya resort town.Try the thrills and spills of our awesome water rides - some totally unique - that vary from screams to gentle swings, 2 dedicated kid zones, a record big double wave pool, an amazing ride in the lazy river with mystical caves, geysers and bubbles, relaxation and activity pools and so many things to do.Ramayana is much more than just a waterpark. Built on an ancient, long forgotten city, explore the remainders of ancient buildings, walls, sculptures, and waterfalls. Visit the floating market and experience the amazing nature in and around the park with green hills, lakes, and rivers. Simply Thailand at its best!Ramayana Water Park is built to the highest international standards – using only premium equipment and even crystal clear drinking water from the park’s own wells. So – not only your fun but also your safety is guaranteed with our professional lifeguard team, where every member is certified by the American Lifeguard Association.

cartoon network amazone

Experience One of A Kind Adventure at Cartoon Network Amazone, the Top 10 Best Water Parks in Asia!Featuring 10 Cartoon-Themed Entertainment Zones, get ready to dash down over 25 crazy, exhilarating rides and surf up at the Flow Rider attraction! Witness 22 captivating live shows by our All-Star performers incorporating the latest smart-screen technology and dance to fun, catchy tunes with your favorite Cartoon Network friends!Cartoon Network Amazone’s biggest water park attraction holds 150 different features! Slip and slide down slopes to meet a splashy ending! Get rained on by gargantuan Splash Buckets! All these and more only at Cartoonival!Cartoon Network Amazone is nestled in the charming seaside town of BangSaray, about a 2-hour drive from Bangkok.