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Bangkok travel guide


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Bangkok Overview


A brilliant jewel in the crown of South East Asia, Bangkok holidays open up a world of possibilities. Take a flight to Bangkok to discover this vital, cosmopolitan metropolis, where the city skyline continues to grow with towering skyscrapers while resplendent temples remind you of Thailand's illustrious history.

Race through the crowded streets on a tuk tuk, haggle in one of the numerous street markets, and pull up a chair at a street-side noodle bar. If it all gets too much, just kick back and relax in one of Bangkok's hotels.

A Bit of History


Krung Thep, or city of angels as the Thai people know it, was once a small trading community on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok's history really began in 1767. After the invading Burmese destroyed the former capital at Ayutthaya, King Taksin moved the capital to the west bank of the Chao Phraya, across the water from modern Bangkok.

The site was prone to erosion, so when King Rama I took over in 1782 he crossed the river and brought the nascent capital with him. It was during his reign that many of the city's most famous attractions, like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, were built.

As the city's importance as a trading centre grew, so did its boundaries. Large-scale immigration led to the development of Indian (Pahurat) and Chinese (Yaowarat) quarters. As it is the duty of the Thai kings to promote Buddhism in their land, temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun became progressively more spectacular.

Bangkok experienced great modernisation at the turn of the 20th century, when the foundations were laid for the metropolis you see today. Roads and railways were built and Thonburi on the western bank was swallowed up by the expanding city. The spiritual as well as official capital of the country, Bangkok has been the epicentre of Thailand's turbulent history of the last 40 years. Student demonstrations have brought down governments, military coups have claimed power on the city streets and the Asian economic meltdown almost brought the city to a standstill. But the city remains, with its unique spirit intact.

Hotels in Bangkok


  • Baiyoke Sky Hotel

    Baiyoke Sky Hotel£37.29222 Rajprarop Road

    The Baiyoke Sky Hotel, rising 88-storeys above Bangkok's skyline, is Thailand's tallest and Bangkok's most scenic hotel. The hotel is strategically located in the largest fashion square of downtown Bangkok, surrounded by various shopping centers and entertainment attractions. While enjoying the spectacular view of the colorful city from the artistically built hotel or haggling around in the famous Pratunam area, there is also easy access to many shopping paradises. The Central World Plaza, Platinum Fashion Mall, Pantip Plaza, Peninsula Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza, Sogo Department Store, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and Siam Square are only within a few walking minutes from the hotel. A connection of the new prestigious airport-rail link, the Rajprarop Station, a city-line stopover of the Suvarnabhumi Airport route is easily reachable within walking distance of 150 meters, only 5 minutes by walk or every hour by hotel shuttle van, also provides the most easiest & fastest access to the other parts of the town even up to the Weekend (JJ) market, and to the Suvarnabhumi Airport, this city-line train leaves the station every 15 minutes and takes only 25 minutes to reach.

  • Phachara Suites Sukhumvit

    Phachara Suites Sukhumvit£39.7222 Sukhumvit Soi 6,

    Leading edge concepts, luxury furnishings and modern decor lend a stylish approach to Phachara Suites, a fully equipped serviced residence in vibrant Sukhumvit. Phachara Suites will provide seamless comfort and convenience to business or leisure guests whether on extended stay or short term and daily stay. Thoughtful services and amenities including a swimming pool, gym, spa, cafe, business centre and meeting facilities will ensure that daily needs of guests are fully met. Located on 4th floors right up to 17th floor, the apartments range from studios to 1 and 2 Bedroom. Expect top-notch offerings such as spacious apartments, full kitchens, dedicated work and lounge areas, and the comforts of home with technology used to full advantage. Exclusive, intimate and exploding with gold standard services, the staff will take delight in offering the traveler flawless service and the genuine home away from home feeling. Phachara Suites invites you to indulge in a level of excellence designed to meet and exceed your every expectation.

  • Ds67 Suites

    Ds67 Suites£21.331497/1-2 Sukhumvit 67 Road

    Ds67 Suites, a small concept hotel where you can relax and enjoy 27 unique rooms of BKK stories. With four themes of decoration, "BKK in the past", "BKK Images", "BKK Attractions", and "BKK @ Night", together with hotel's friendly service, you will experience life of City of Bangkok with local touch. The brand new hotel is NON-Smoking hotel with FREE breakfast and in-room Wi fi.

  • Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

    Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok£59.3028 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkhlame

    Standing on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River, the city's historic focal point, the 5-star Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok offers a premium choice by blending spacious and luxurious contemporary accommodation with warm and friendly Thai hospitality, along with full facilities including infinity-edge swimming pool, fitness centre, business centre and more. Whether for business, leisure, meetings or just simply pleasure, our ability to tailor our products and services to your needs will certainly create "A Remarkable Experience".

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