Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 We're sorry- there are no hotel specials for Bangkok today. Please check Bangkok hotels (on the left) for our great, everyday internet rates. Check back from time to time as we update frequently.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is located on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is a magnet for foreigners escaping turmoil in their homeland or simply for business, or can just be for people who want to enjoy its many wonders. It has long been the gateway to Asia for foreign interests seeking new markets. The city is a major economic and financial center of Southeast Asia. Bangkok is considered to be one of the world's top tourist hotspots. The city boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. There are numerous projects to maintain Bangkok's historic sites in the Rattanakosin area and river districts. The Bangkok Metropolitan Area is home to two capitals of Thailand: the area historically known as Rattanakosin, and the modern Bangkok. There are a large number of palaces in Bangkok. Several are still in use by the Thai royal family, while others are now open to the public and some have become government buildings or universities. The king's official residence is the Grand Palace, which dates to 1782 and has housed Thailand's monarchs for over 150 years.
It is one of the most visited locations in Bangkok. Within the complex is the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha and is considered the most important temple in Thailand. Wat Pho, which houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace. Bangkok is home to the National Gallery of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art, The Supreme Artist Hall and Thailand Creative & Design Center or TCDC as well as many other museums, concert halls, theatres, and art galleries. It is home to the Thailand Cultural Centre and the National Theatre. Thailand has a variety of shopping experiences from street markets to world class luxury malls. Tourists have historically always preferred markets and bazaars to the other forms of shopping. The Chatuchak weekend market is one of the largest shopping destinations in Bangkok. Water markets are gradually disappearing, but remain strong tourist attractions as many tours are offered through the canals the markets are located on.
