A Bangkok is the Orient's most cosmopolitan
city and has attractions to stimulate even the most
jaded travellers. Created as the Thai capital in
1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri
dynasty, Bangkok is a national treasure house and
Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial,
educational and diplomatic centre.In the midst of
dynamic modern growth, Bangkok miraculously manages
to preserve its cultural heritage to a marked degree.
The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand
Palace and the city’s many historic temples
– Temple of the Emerald Buddha, |
High
on its golden altar made of gilt carved wood,
the Emerald Buddha wears one of three seasonal
costumes. This lanna style Buddha image is in
a seated position in the attitude of meditation.
The Emerald Buddha was first found in 1434 while
covered in stucco. Years later, the stucco started
to crumble away and several miracles occurred,
giving the Buddha a reputation for bringing
good fortune.
When
King Rama I ascended the throne in 1782, he
decided to move the capital city from the area
on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, where
the former Thonburi Palace was located, to the
Eastern side of the river. The construction
work lasted for three years. The Grand Palace
was built then, with a temple or Royal Chapel
located within the compound of the palace.
It
features the largest reclining Buddha in Bangkok
and the largest collection of Buddha images
in Thailand. Wat Pho came regarded as 'the first
university in Thailand' when King Rama III ordered
texts to be inscribed on stone slabs around
the temple which people can learn and read from.
Siam
Water Park is merely a 30-minute drive from
the Lat Phrao flyover, and is located in suburban
Amphoe Minburi. The park features an extensive
man-made sea with artificial surf, whirlpools,
fountains and waterfalls, and towering water
slides amid carefully landscaped gardens. Attractions
include children's playgrounds, aviaries, an
open zoo and botanical gardens. 
On
Si Ayutthaya Road not far from the intersection
of Phaya Thai Road, used to be the residence
of princess Chumbhol of Nagara Svarga, one of
Thailand's leading art collector. There is a
complex of five traditional Thai Houses, overlooking
a beautifully kept garden. They house a large
collection of Asian art and antiques. One building
exhibits a collection of seashells, mineral
crystal and painted pottery from Ban Chiang.
Suan Pakkad Palace is open everyday except Sunday.
