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, Temple of Dawn and other evocative shrines – present the visitor with a picture of medieval Oriental wonder; the very stuff of Eastern fairytales. And contained within Bangkok’s monuments and sights are treasures of the nation’s artistic and cultural endeavor that typify the land and the people.

The influence of the past and the enduring threads of the social fabric are not limited to the static. They continue to pervade daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present an image unaltered in essentials by the passing of time. Today’s backdrop of high-rise buildings serve only to emphasize the exotic and timeless scene, while the city draws definition from it.
 Indeed, there is much to discover, and in addition to the city’s most famous monuments there are numerous lesser known sights of great interest. The Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which enshrines the national palladium, rightly tops the sightseeing list, but Bangkok numbers more than 400 temples, many of which have their own fascination.
 A similar selection can be made with museums. The National Museum is excellent and comprehensive, but as impressive in their own way are the Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Mansion and Suan Pakkad Palace, all of which house fine art collections within noteworthy settings.
 Not least, cruising the Chao Phraya river and the remaining canals which once made Bangkok the “Venice of the East” offers a glimpse of traditional riverine lifestyles, affording insights into the history and character of this wondrous city

How to get there

Bangkok International Airport (Don Muang Airport) lies 25 kilometers north of the city. To get to the city there are a number of alternatives as the followings:

THAI LIMOUSINE Baht 550-680 (Pratunam, Sukhumvit, Sathorn: Baht 550, Thonburi: Baht 680)
Terminal1, counter No.7, Tel: 535-2801, 3/Terminal 2, counter No.5, Tel: 535-5155-6

AIRPORT LIMOUSINE Baht 500-650 (to the city: Baht 650, Thonburi: Baht 100 surcharge)
Terminal 1, counter No.2, Tel: 535-5951-2 /Terminal 2, counter No.4, Tel: 535-5953-4

PUBLIC TAXI Metered-taxi is available in front of terminal 1,2.
Passengers are required to pay the fare plus a surcharge of 50 Baht and toll fee.
Note : Metered taxis has to obtain a coupon designed for preventing problems which may occur, and helping passengers in the case that they fall into trouble and need to contact the taxi drivers. The driver’s name will appear on the coupon which is separated into three parts. Each of the coupon parts will be held by the passenger (s), the driver and the Airports Authority of Thailand. The coupon service is at the sole expense of the Airports Authority of Thailand.

AIRPORT BUS Baht 70, Operate from 05.00 A.M. - 12.00 P.M. Contact Airport Bus in front of terminal 1, 2. Tel.9951252-4 (in town)

COMMUTER TRAIN From Don Muang Railway Station (opposite the Airport Terminal 1) at Baht 5-10 (ordinary train) Baht 30 (rapid train) Ticket is available at the Station Tel: 566-2957, 523-6151. Trains run averagely every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Hualamphong Station which is Bangkok's main railway station.

SHUTTLE BUS TO DOMESTIC
There are free shuttle buses to Domestic Airport from 5.00 A.M.-11.30 P.M. (every 20 mins) in front of terminal 1, 2

PUBLIC BUS

* NOTE : The bus fare is Baht 5 during 10.30 P.M. - 05.00 A.M.

ADVICE : Person with large bags/ luggage is advised to take airport bus since the public buses always have limited space and can be very crowded during the rush hour period between 06.30-10.00 A.M. and 03.30-08.00 P.M.

Festivals & Events

Songkran Festival
April 13-15
The traditional Thai New Year is celebrated citywide, most notably at Sanam Luang, the large field fronting the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees, and at Wisutkasat where a Miss Songkran Beauty Contest is accompanied by merit-making and entertainment. Khao San Road in Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May 15
An ancient Brahman ritual, conducted at Sanam Luang, in which farmers believe is able to forecast the abundance of the next rice crop. The event is a result of series of ceremonies that are conducted by Phraya Raek Na, portrayed by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives who wears colorful tradition costumes. This ceremony is considered the official commencement of the rice-growing season.

H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration
August 12
To display their loyalty and to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the occasion of her royal birthday, the Thai people decorate their houses and public buildings. Around Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with colored lights and magnificent adornments.

Loi Krathong
November
It is an impressive and fascinating festival observed in all parts of the country on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, when the moon is in its splendor and water in all rivers and streams are full. It is intended primarily as an act of atonement to Mother River. Small receptacles made of banana leaves fashioned in the shape of lotus containing incense and candles, flowers and money are floated as a gesture of expiation. In Bangkok the festival is celebrated along the Chao Phraya River and canals. Hotels on the bank of the river also hold special events.

Trooping of the Colors
December 3
Their Majesties the King and Queen preside over this impressive annual event, held in the Royal Plaza near the equestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn. Dressed in colorful uniforms, amid much pomp and ceremony, members of the elite Royal Guards swear allegiance to the King and march past members of the Royal Family.

H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebrations
December 5
The deep reverence felt by all Thais for their King is perhaps unique in the modern world, and his birthday provides an annual occasion for public expression. Government buildings, businesses, and homes all over the country are elaborately decorated and the area around the Grand Palace and Ratchadamnoen Avenue are spectacularly illuminated. On December the 5th a big celebration can be seen at Sanam Luang at night when thousands of people gather to lit their candles and sing a song to honor H.M. the King. A long and impressive set of firework is displayed for this special occasion.
 Apart from these major events, Bangkok is also a venue to hold various events throughout the year. Check the festival calendar in Festivals & events in the main menu.