As one of the most developed and progressive nations in Southeast Asia, Thailand -- once known as Siam -- is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia to the south of Thailand's isthmus. The government is a constitutional monarchy, and Westerners are eagerly welcomed -- even though con games and price-gouging, aimed at tourists, can be rampant.
Thailand's roots reach back to the 10th century, but Bangkok, the nation's current capital, wasn't founded until 1782, when Rama I became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty. Since that time, this "city of angels" has been an economic and cultural powerhouse in the region. The current ruling faction is the People Power Party. However, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) staged demonstrations throughout 2008, showing their opposition to the PPP. While generally peaceful in its protests, PAD did temporarily shut down Suvarnabhumi Airport from November 25 to December 3, 2008. In 2010, violence erupted when the military confronted anti-government protesters from the group United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (known as "red shirts"). Approximately 50 people died.
Known as the Venice of the East, due to the many canals slicing through the city, Bangkok lies at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River and has been wowing tourists with its exotic temples, lavish palaces and teeming markets for decades. As part of a project called "Bangkok, the Paradise," efforts are currently underway to increase green areas in the city. No matter where your travels take you, the people of Thailand will greet you with genuine smiles and a respectful wai (hands pressed together, as if in prayer, accompanied by a gentle bow of the head).
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What to See
In 1782, King Rama I decided to move Thailand's capital to Bangkok from Thonburi, just across the river. The Grand Palace was built to serve as the official royal residence and has served in this capacity ever since, although the current king (Rama IX) makes Chitralada Palace his home these days. Easily toured on foot, the palace is most interesting for its unique Thai architecture, but be aware that you cannot enter any of the government buildings. On the grounds of the Grand Palace, you will also find Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Bangkok is, in fact, home to a plethora of temples and shrines, and there are several you should visit, no matter how crunched you are for time. Once you've seen the Emerald Buddha, visit Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn; Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha; and Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Experiencing Bangkok, the City of Angels
If you're intrigued by Thai architecture, silk and a good mystery, a visit to Jim Thompson's House is in order. Thompson was the "best known foreigner in Southeast Asia" from the late 1940's through the 1960's. An architect by trade, he joined the U.S. Army during World War II and was the OSS station chief in Bangkok as the war ended. He decided to stay in Thailand and founded the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. He also purchased land in the city and built an exquisite Thai-style home. In 1967, he mysteriously disappeared while on vacation in the jungle of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Today, you may tour his fascinating home.
If you feel like you've seen and done all there is to do at ground level in Bangkok, take a break and visit a rooftop bar in one of the city's many skyscrapers. Here you can enjoy a drink as well as an eye-popping view. A few of our favorites include the Sky Bar at Sirocco at the top of the State Tower, the Long Table on the 25th floor of the Column Tower, and Vertigo on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel.
Visit the Thailand Message Board
Bangkok is an incredible metropolis, but it's important to understand that many Thais still live the old way in various fishing villages outside the city. Take a Tour with Tong to a typical fishing outpost, where you'll spend the day with a local fisherman and his family. You'll arrive by Thai long-tail boat, visit the fisherman's bamboo stilt home, eat a traditional seafood lunch and meet a monkey troop along the way.
You will either love or hate Tiger Temple, a Buddhist monastery that's also home to tigers and other wildlife. Here you can pet a tiger and have your picture taken with creatures that probably shouldn't be close to humans. The monks say they are saving these wild tigers from poachers; conservationists say the monks' methods are not sound. You'll need to decide for yourself.