Bangkok Local History

Founded as a trading post in the 16th century Bangkok was previosly known as Bang Makok (Place of Olives). Bangkok became Thailands capital in 1782. The city has a history of great military signifigance and a fortress was built in 18th century, later the Chakri Dynasty was founded. In 1782 King Rama 1 moved Bangkok to the other side of the Chao Phraya river to make it easier to defend.

City walls, Temples and the canal system were built and the new capital was renamed Krung Thep (City of Angels) in 1785 but the old name of Bangkok is still knowen and used by the rest of the world. The city continued to expand and in 1932 Thailand established a constitutional government and today Bangkok is the financial hub of South East Asia.

Bangkok Attractions

Top Attractions

Bangkok Shopping

Bangkok has a huge selection of shopping venues from gleaming centres to crowded markets selling everything from funky clothes and handicrafts to flowers and food.

Don't leave Bangkok without buying some beautiful Thai silk available in all the colours of the rainbow, try Jim Thopmsons for excellent quality. Jewelery is the countries best knowen gift item, made from local sapphires, rubys and semi-precious stones. Gemopolis is a tax free zone with tones of gem manufactures. Chinatown is another great place to visit with a huge selection of gold shops, Chinese medicine shops, market stalls and Temples.

Bangkok Activities

Crocodile Farm and Zoo - have fun at the worlds largest crocodile farm with shows every hour as well as elephants, snakes and a dinosaur museum that displays life-size models and skeletons. Open daily 7am-6pm.

Dream World - An amazing theme park with rollercoasters, viking boats, a haunted mansion and an enchanting fantasy land with a giant beanstalk to climb and sleeping beauty's castle. Also enjoy the white water rapids, go-kart track and a snowland where you can ride a sleigh and build a snowman. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Safari World - View a huge variety of wildlife in their natural habitat from the safety of your car or the parks bus. Marine park has seal and dolphin performances. Open daily 9am-4:30pm.

Bangkok Parks & Gardens

The Rose Garden - featuring avaries, a replica Thai Village and a gorgeous Rose and Orchid gardens. The Thai village also has a one hour cultural show including dancing a martial arts. Open daily 8am-6pm.

Lumpini Park - the most popular park in Bangkok with 2 lakes, a jogging track and boats for rent. Go to the park at around 6am to see locals practising Tai Chi, singing and ballroom dancing. Open daily 5am-8pm.

King Rama IX Royal Park - a peaceful picnic spot with lovely botanical gardens. Open 6am-6pm.

Bangkok Restaurants and Bars

The city of Bangkok offers a huge variety of flavours from all over the world. The highlight for anyone visiting the city is the amazing Thai cuisine on offer. The cuisine is an amazing blend of flavours, spicy, sweet, sour and salty.

Try the Northern speciality of a seafood barbacue with a selection of dipping sauces or wonderful sour shrimp soup knowen as Tom Yung Gung. Vietnamese cuisine is also popular in the city, try Vietnamese Springrolls served with dipping sauce.

Bangkok Restaurants

The Mango Tree - Soi Anumarm Rachthon, Surawong Road. Enjoy the sounds of classical Thai music in this 80 year old Thai house. Serving classic dishes like, Gai Hor Bai Toey (chicken wrapped in Pandanus leaf).

Lemongrass - Sukhumvit Soi 24. Located in an old Thai mansion, this restaurant serves dishes from all regions of Thailand. Espescially good is the Tom Yung Gung (sour shrimp soup) and Pomelo salad. Reservations necessary.

Author's Lounge - in the Oriental Hotel. Savour a traditional English tea with scones and cream on the terrace.

Cabbages and Condoms - Sukhumvit Soi 12. The restaurant started as part of a birth control campaign and profits go to AIDS and family planning projects in Thailand. The menu is varied, imaginative and you can get free condoms.

Le Dalat Indochine - Sukhumvit Soi 23. Located in an old house and serving wonderful Viatnamese cuisine.

Bangkok Bars & Clubs

Lucifers - 76/1-3 Patpong Soi 1. Take the sky train to this loud and busy club where techno music is King.

Dublinear Irish Pub - a favourite hangout for expats. Live music is played on Fridays, Guinness and other draught beers on tap. Open 10:30am-1am, music from 10pm.

Q bar - 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11. Hugely popular with hip locals and tourists, this is a New York style club/bar with excellent DJ's. Cover charge on weekends.

Roots Reggae pub - Sukhumvit Soi 26. Catering for rap and reggae lovers. Open 8pm-2am.

Concept CM2 - Siam Square Soi 6, Novotel Hotel. International bands play nightly and included in the entertainment complex are restaurants, a disco and wine bar. Open 9:30pm-1:45am, music from 10pm.

Bangkok Tours

Looking for organised tours in Bangkok?

• Bangkok Jungle
• Ko Kret Island
• Gourmet Thailand

More Bangkok Tours