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Ambulance 1554 Emergency 191 Crime 1195
Fire 199
Police 1193
Tourist Police 1155,
Lumpini Police station 02 252 2225 Hospital
Bangkok
Hospital 02
310 3000 Transportation Airport - Arrival 02 535 1301, ,
Departure 020535 1254,
BTS Skytrain 02 617 7300, Railway 1690
Telephone operator
(Bangkok) 13, Tourist Service Line 1155 (24 hours)
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1782 Bangkok was founded and
the Ayutthaya king Chakri proclaimed himself Rama I and Bangkok got the additional name of Krung Thep (city of angels) until today. Thai's are mainly a mix of most surrounding countries. In addition you'll find people of Chinese, Indian and Arabic ethnic origins. Thai's carry mostly Thai names and Thai is the national language. English is spoken in major cities, but mainly in business and tourism. |
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Most major cities have airports and are connected to Bangkok. An extensive
train network by SRT makes the
traveling over land quite comfortable as well. Many have eating facilities and service at your seat. Sleeping carriages are available as well. Bus services are plenty available and so are accidents. Many of them are air conditioned.
Sightseeing in
and around Bangkok offers endless possibilities. Bangkok is a city of canals- klongs
and temples- wats.
Flower market near Chinatown around 04.00 in the morning.
Elephant ride and bamboo rafting, is quite fun. Boat or barge cruises on the rivers. You can see rural life and have lunch onboard the boat.
Floating Market
in
Damnern Saduak is still worthwhile, or to travel to River Kwai with
the famous bridge.
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The Royal Palace or Grand palace has a magnificent number of temples,
statues and buildings alongside the Chao Phraya River. Built in 1782 by order
of King Rama I. It is an absolute must to visit this unique palace complex. |
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The Chinatown looks in many ways still unchanged, shrines, small shops, old living quarters.
It's located next to the Royal Palace. |
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The express boats on the numerous canals, called klongs, takes you in an
amazing speed through the various parts of the city. The waterways show you
some of the real local Bangkok life. |
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If you got more
time enjoy a full day River cruise to
Ayutthaya
the former capital of Thailand and back by bus or car.
The city was
founded 1350 by King U-Thong. 33 Kings of different dynasties ruled
the kingdom until it was distroyed by the Burmese in 1767. Ayutthaya is
today a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
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The famous
Damnern Saduak Floating Market was built more than 100 years ago to sell
fruits and vegetables to the local people. Now a days you can see it early in
the morning. Later they are most selling tourist stuff for high prices. A boat
ride cost between BT 300-400. Some touts try to take as much as 1500. |
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A weekend at Pattaya could be
quite relaxing. You can book a tour or just get a bus or car to get to this
sun spoilt town and book your
hotel.
Night life isn't to bad either. | | |
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The variety of Thai food is tremendous and the influence from the neighbouring countries can be seen and tasted everywhere. Fresh ingredients are a must. Wok cooking guarantees that food wont be overcooked.
Most dishes contain vegetables, fruits and a range of local spices.
Thailand is famous for its seafood. Due to it’s two long coastlines along the southern peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand and on the Indian Ocean, fishing boats bring in crabs, fish, rock lobsters, giant prawns, scallops, shrimps and squids. All these are often simply steamed, grilled or prepared in various curries.
Thai food is normally associated with chilli ,. Many restaurants however will be happy to use less if you so wish. Following this advise you should try some of the typical Thai dishes, such as thom yam gung ,,, a lemon grass flavoured (sourish) seafood soup. Gaeng khiew wan gai ,, , a green curry with beef or chicken. The Thai cuisine has a lot of delicious salads as starters consisting of salad, vegetable, fruit mostly chopped into small pieces and mixed with lemon or sweet and sour flavours
together with either chicken, fish, shrimps or beef. |
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Thailand has its own beers called SINGHA, KLOSTER
and CHAN beer. You should as well try the various freshly squeezed fruit juices. |
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Bangkok has one of the most vibrant
nightlife
scenes in Asia. If you can't find what you are looking for it's not worth
it. |
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Royal Palace |
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SHOPPING |
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World Trade Center has over 100
shops, supermarkets and department stores |
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Shopping in Bangkok
offers the typical bargaining atmosphere. Reputable shops are more expensive,
but give you the “certainty” of being less cheated. Remember, you will always
find it cheaper somewhere else. Make up your mind and stop comparing
afterwards. Buy gems from reputable dealers only.
Silverware especially as fashion items are very affordable
Crime 1195 Fire 199(in the basement next to Gaysorn Plaza/ opposite the World trade Center).
Antiques are excellent buys. You find an export ban on certain items or an export license. Reputable dealer will be able to advise you on the restrictions and necessary documentation needed.
Ceramics,
Nielloware, Lacquerware are popular decorative items.
Flower lovers wouldn’t miss the Thai Orchids. The variety is huge and you should by them for their freshness at Bangkok International Airport
before you leave.
Thai Silk, do we have to say more? Jim Thompson's shop at the top of Surawong Road in Bangkok, or in the World Trade Center is highly recommended. |
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Shopping on Sukhumvit |
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1 of the numerous food stalls along Bangkok
streets. |
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS |
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There are plenty of holidays in Thailand. The Royal
family is celebrated extensively. As some vary from year to year check the
calendar. |
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1 JAN New Years Day |
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13 APR Sonkran Day |
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1 MAY Labor Day |
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12 AUG Queen's Birthday and mother's day |
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10 OCT End of Buddhist Lent |
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5 DEC King's Birthday and father's day |
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25 DEC Xmas Day |
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River boat on a klong |
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