The uniquely Thai Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo

The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings with a variety of architectural styles.  Gold leaf, reflective tiling, and Buddha images are seen everywhere. The magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is a treasure trove of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered Buddha image. Much is still to be seen in the Grand Palace compound, such as the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion, where a permanent exhibition of royal regalia, decorations, medals, and coins dating back to the early 11th century are on display.

The rebirth of Thai silk at the Jim Thompson House

This exquisite collection of traditional Thai houses stands as a museum to Jim Thompson, the man who revived the Thai silk industry and founded the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. The house sits on approximately a half acre of land on Mahanak Canal. Ban Khrua Village, where his silk weavers lived and worked, is just on the other side of the canal. Jim Thompson’s eclectic collection of antiques and artifacts is on permanent exhibition, making this a magnificent tribute to a well-respected and sorely missed legendary figure

Shopping in Bangkok is not limited to one or two places. A multitude of high-end mega malls, chic department stores, boutiques, local specialist shops, and more traditional markets are scattered throughout the city. Major shopping malls include MBK Center, Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center, Central World, Erawan Bangkok, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Bangkok, Siam Square, Central Chidlom and The Emporium. All are conveniently accessed by the BTS skytrain services. For a unique shopping experience, visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, Patpong Night Market, China Town, and Silom Night Bazaar.

BANGKOK  :   Unique and Dynamic Metropolis

Founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok is home to approximately ten million people and is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial, and educational hub. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpses of Thailand’s unique culture, amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centers, all which are subjects of great beauty and fascination.  Still, traditional ways of life abound, especially along the “Venice of the East” timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River, also known as the “River of Kings,” which winds through the city.

Bangkok Marathon draws a record turnout

The 22nd Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon, 22 November,
at the front of Wat Phra Kaew on Sanamchai road, Bangkok.
The Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon, 22 November, is now a firm fixture on the Asian marathon circuit attracting top runners and thousands of enthusiasts many of whom travel with their families for a welcome holiday at the close of the race.

But before the holiday can begin, runners need to cover 42 km on a course that wends its way  through historical districts, past city landmarks, such as the National Museum and the Chao Phraya River to a finishing line in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) on Sanan Chai Road, close to the vast parade ground known as Sanam Luang.

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