Today, Bangkok is a fast-paced, ever changing city and is the administrative, political, commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Thailand . Bangkok has a population that is popularly estimated at around 12 million, although official statistics indicate a population of around 6.4 million. Bangkok is rapidly expanding into the hinterland which may explain the discrepancy.
Bangkok is a city full of culture and wonderful traditions. It is also a place mixed with international appeal and provides something for all tourists. When it comes time to finding a Bangkok hotel you will find anything from your average backpacker hangout to world-class hotels with all the finery expected of a top rating establishment. Many restaurants are available to please the more discerning travellers, whilst the never ending choices for shopping, sightseeing, local food stalls and cultural activities keeps all but the most demanding traveller satisfied.
Getting around Bangkok can be a problem as it has one of the worst traffic situations in the world. One way to avoid the traffic snarls is to take the Sky Rail. Another option is the underground, otherwise known as
The Bangkok metropolitan underground railway (MRT).
There are many places to see while on a visit to Bangkok. If you love palaces you will not be dissapointed. There is the Grand Palace and the Vimanmek Palace. In Bangkok you can also vist many fascinating temples, such as Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo). This temple is one of the world's great sites and is a must see.
If shopping is what excited you then Siam Square is one place to check out. The area is centrally located and is surrounded by many hotels. It is also on a junction of the sky train. Another shopping destination to visit is Central Plaza which is a giant modern shopping complex in the heart of Bangkok. Central Plaza has large department stores such as Zen and Isetan and a lot of shops, duties free shop, restaurants, cinemas, etc.
There are hundreds of Bangkok hotels to choose from. They range from backpackers to world class five star hotels.
A useful site about Bangkok is http://www.bangkoksite.com/index.htm.
