Bangkok, or Krung Thep to the locals, is a fascinating city of over 600 square miles with one of the most unique traffic "management" systems in the world.
 

The Guinness Book of World Records has certified that the true name for Bangkok (Krung-thep-nakorn-boworn-ratant-kosin-mahintar-ayudhya-amaha-dilok-pop-nopa-ratana-rajthani-burirom-udom-rajniwes-mahasatarn-amorn-pimarn-avatar-satit-sakattiya-visanukam) is the longest place name in the world.

Hear it spoken by a local by clicking HERE

After discussing this with a few people, we have come to the conclusion that the centre of the city is around Victory Monument, although the central business district seems to more towards the World Trade Centre and Silom area.

If you can see the Sky Train, you are in the central business and and shopping area, or not far from it, although this will change if and when the track system gets extended.

Download a map of Bangkok in Acrobat .pdf format CLICK HERE.
You will need Adobe Acrobat reader, If you don't already have it - download it FREE 

To find your way around Bangkok, you will need a map, the bookshops are packed with them, both good and bad. I recommend Nancy Chandler's Map Of Bangkok. It shows all the most interesting features of this diverse city. You can easily recognise it by the striking artwork on the cover. Make sure it says 22nd Edition for the very latest info (late 2003)
Try not to wave it about too much though, if you do, you might as well get a Thai language sign made up that says "Rip Me Off, I'm a bloody tourist".

Detailed maps of :-
The Weekend Market (Chatuchak)
The main shopping areas
China Town and Sampeng Lane
Central Sukhumvit Road area
Khao San Road
Plus* River Taxi stops, Sky Train & Subway stations and lots of info on how to best enjoy your time in Bangkok

The map comes with an explanatory booklet, simply the best tourist map, no question about it!

A lot of tours give you only 2 or 3 days in Bangkok, and some people say that is more than enough, but you need to scratch the surface, and when you do there are interesting and unique sights and experiences round almost every corner, you only have to give it a chance. The SKYTRAIN has opened the city up to the casual tourist, check out the entire route, and get off if you see something interesting. It is the best way of taking a look at things you would otherwise not see, your ticket is valid for 90 Mins. and as long as you don't pass through the barriers at any station, you can travel at will for just one payment.

Sightseeing

There is one small warning, it is very difficult for a new visitor not to look like a tourist, standing around with a camera or a map will undoubtedly bring forward a helpful Thai. In most cases these people are genuinely helpful, but there is a band of people who will tell you they are Doctors, Dentists, Surgeons etc. and then try to take you sightseeing. There is no real danger in this but they are, without doubt, fakes looking for a tip or a free meal etc. and will invariably get commission from any establishment they take you to. This also occurs with some taxi drivers, particularly those who hang about outside hotels etc. The question is, why are the taxis parked up and not cruising for business?
There is no inherent danger if you choose to go with these people, but they do not have your best interests in mind. Just beware, and use your skill and judgement!

My advice, keep any cameras in a bag - that is a plastic bag from a department store etc., only taking them out when you want to use them, the same goes for maps etc.

Must See!

The Royal Grand Palace Complex

If you go here, which you should, go on an organised trip bough from a travel agent. It is virtually impossible to see everything and understand it on your own.
Beware of people trying to tell you the palace is shut, and offering to take you somewhere else instead, take no notice.

There is one MUST SEE trip, and that is to the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Keow, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You can go alone, but without a guide you will miss so much, and it is really quite inexpensive to go along with a small group and an English speaking guide. 218,400 Sq.Mtrs of what was the former grand palace of Thai royalty. Built in 1783 and bordering the Chao Phraya river, the walled and fortified complex houses former royal residences and ministry buildings.

The picture is of one of the figures from around the base of a gold leaf encrusted "Chedi" within the Grad Palace complex, just one of the amazing sights to see in what would be 'off limits' to the public in any other country.

The second best trip I know is to go to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital city, and Bang Pa In. On the way you stop off at a temple and King Rama IV's summer palace, made entirely of teak wood. This trip takes the best part of all day, and you have 2 options, to go out by boat or to go out by bus. The cost is the same for both trips but the best way to go is most definitely out by bus. You leave quite early in the morning before the traffic gets bad and you get out of Bangkok quickly, when the sightseeing is over, you join The Oriental Princess for a leisurely cruise, with a sumptuous buffet, down the river back into Bangkok. Relax on the upper deck and watch the sunset and the antics of the people who live on the river bank. You arrive back at The Oriental Hotel at about 18.30 after a day of real contrasts and memorable sights. This is the almost the same trip taken by Prince Charles & Lady Di on their visit to Thailand.

You can also see the snakes being "milked" of their venom to make anti snake bite serum, crocodile wrestling, and even elephants playing football! 

A lot of people go to see the famous Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, but don't expect to see a giant wicker-work bridge, that was built specially for the film, and was actually in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), built especially for the film.
You can have a good day or two in Kanchanaburi, for a special DIY trip, try going there by train from Thonburi station, and come back on the regular air-conditioned bus service. If that fails, there are no shortage of drivers who will bring you back to Bangkok.

To check out the other organised trips, drop into any travel agent and pick up one of the full colour leaflets, the prices seem to be the virtually the same wherever you go. Beware of any side trips to gem or souvenir shops, usually total rip-offs, but you don't have to buy.

* PLEASE no one else tell me it's oyster - it's supposed to be a joke!

BEFORE you fall in love with a Thai girl, read this The Bar Girl's 10 Commandments

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