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Bangkok, the capital of the kingdom Thailand

At first, Bangkok was just a small village on the banks of the river Chao Phraya. It gradually grew and became more important, due to its strategic location, which allowed for a growing international trade business.

Bangkok was appointed as capital for Thailand by king Taksin in 1768 after the former capital was conquered and destroyed by the Burmese. Since, its importance grew further and Bangkok became Thailand's biggest city. In the city the king is present through pictures in many places. But there is also a large palace, once inhabited by the king and his family. Today the Royal Palace has ceremonial functions and is a place that attracts large numbers of tourists.

Temple of the Golden Buddha

Like in many large cities in the world, you will find a Chinatown in Bangkok too.

Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha

In the Chinatown area of Bangkok, you can find Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. In the temple you find a enormous golden Buddha statue. The statue was long located in the former capital Ayutthaya (north of Bangkok). The statue is asumed to be about 800 years old. It moved to its current location in the beginnning of the 20^th century.

Around the Temple of the Golden Buddha

Apart from the temple there are a few things more worth seeing around the temple of the Golden Buddha.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam(and later Thailand) since 1782. The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built.

Wat Phra Kaew

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha quadrant, Wat Phra Kaew in Thai, consists of a group of abundantly decorated buildings. The most important of them is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Once the quadrant is entered through the western gate, the attention of the tourist will be drawn to the gold plated building towering up in front of them, the Phra Si Rattana Chedi. There are many more impressive buildings, gates and statues.

The Middle Court

The residential section is the Middle Court and central section of the Grand Palace. Once the home to the king and his family, it is now primarily used for official state business.

Lumphini Park

A large park in the centre of Bangkok. The name is derived from the place where Buddha was born, Lumbini in Nepal. It is used for recreation, with various buildings and playgrounds inside. There are lakes with animals living there. The variety of trees will attract other animals.