Bangkok

"Bangkok" means "the village, home to the kok." This small rural village and fishing was once at the mouth of the Chao Praya River, and the merchant ships in the seventeenth and eighteenth century came from the main European countries and the major colonial powers, the lasciandosela they passed behind them along the route to the river the city of Ayuttaya, which until 1767 was the flamboyant and wealthy capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Taking the mouth of the Chao Praya, merchant vessels noted on their maps the name of that little village, which was so well known to Europeans as Bangkok, the small village home to several plantations "kok", a fruit tart, and similar in its shape to an olive. When, following the destruction of Ayuttaya by the Burmese, the Lords of Siam moved their seat of government in the south to the mouth of the river, the village suddenly found himself transformed from "Bangkok" to "Krung Thep Maha Nakhorn" , the "City of Angels, Capital City," but for the Western world, the center each day more and more taking the form of a large and important cities and a reference point for the interior Southeast Asia, remained and still remains " the village of Kok ". After an interim period lasted 15 years and during which the government was located in Thonburi, ie in front of the urban area in Bangkok on the opposite bank of the river, the story of the "City of Angels" began in 1782, when King Rama I began the Royal Dynasty "Chakri". Rama I had built as his residence the famous Royal Grand Palace, which over the years to come was extended and improved by his successors. Which location was chosen for this residence adjacent to the ancient Wat Jetubon the area, now known as Wat Pho, or Temple of the Buddha lying around which had created the nucleus of the original village. These are also the most interesting places to be included in a general tour of the city '. A visit more 'depth can' also include Wat Trimitr, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. Inside is housed a statue of Buddha in ancient gold of immense value. The Temple itself is probably a little 'subdued and in the shade when compared to the importance of the statue in it. Not far from the Grand Palace are also two lesser known temples to traditional tourist circuit, but of rare beauty and charm. Are respectively the Wat and Wat Ratjabophit Ratchapradit. Wat Suthat, in front of the Town Hall, is home to several religious functions of high importance, while Wat Ratchanadda, near the "Castle of Metal" is best known for its market for amulets. The National Museum can be an important opportunity to get to know the history of the Kingdom of Siam. In fact the museum are kept important finds from archaeological sites of the Ancient Capital. The visitor during his visit to Thailand has not provided such a visit could take in the Capital Museum itself a valuable learning opportunity. Other well known landmarks of the city and 'the "Gold Mountain", effigies made of gold held by the remains of an ancient' Chedi '(pagoda) for the period Ayuttaya (Wat Saket ") and positioned in the center of a temple above a small artificial hill in the heart of Ratchadamnern Road, that is, the Avenue of the king. In front of the Golden Mountain is the "Castle of Metal", Palace of rare outer beauty, especially if admiring the lights of the evening. We recommend an evening visit to the purpose of Bangkok, which may give the opportunity to see the temples and the most important buildings in a different and picturesque appearance, giving also see nocturnal food markets of Bangkok. Among these are the most picturesque market of fruits and vegetables Mahanak and especially the flower market, where among others you can see several species of rare orchids and sought elsewhere.


Royal Grand Palace
And 'the building most representative and most visited cities. The complex, surrounded by a long perimeter that encloses an area of ​​248,000 sq m well., Contains dozens of buildings built in different periods. The three main buildings: the Palace Dusit Palace throne that now contains the ashes of Rama I, the Maha Monthien Palace, was erected by Rama II, and the Chakri Palace, built by Rama IV in an original architectural style. Designed by European architects of western style in fact, was completed with a roof in the typical traditional form local cusps, creating a particular stylistic hybrid greatly appreciated.

Wat Phra Keaw (Temple of Emerald Buddha)
It 'located inside the Grand Palace and a single ticket can visit both places. And 'This is  Temple of the Royal Family of Thailand, and in the "Bot" is located on a high pedestal, the statue of the "Emerald Buddha", which is the religious image of the Buddha by far the most revered and important to the country.

  

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)And 'This is the oldest building in and around which the city has taken shape. Built in ancient times, Wat Pho (formerly known as Wat Jetubon) pointed to the place where Rama I built his new palace. In fact, the Royal Grand Palace is now located adjacent to the Temple. In addition to the oldest, Wat Pho is also responsible for another first, to be the largest temple in the city and extended. Statistics aside, it is our opinion that the Wat Pho temple is also the most beautiful, warm and charming the whole country. Inside the "Wihan", one of the many buildings within the perimeter of the Temple, there is a statue of Buddha in a reclining position by the mammoth and unusual size. To appreciate, in addition to its measures, including the particular realization of the foot of the statue, made ​​entirely of nacre and showing signs of religious belonging to the "wheel of doctrine" of the Buddhist religion. Expanded in several stages during the reigns of various kings of the nineteenth century, Wat Pho is characterized not only by the reclining Buddha from four beautiful "Chedi" large bell-shaped and covered with ceramic mosaics. Facing them is the building's holiest temple, the "Bot", enclosed by a double belt of boundaries to represent its importance. Along the wall itself is a remarkably rich collection of statues of Buddha in a sitting position. The Temple is also one of the oldest and most traditional Thai massage schools. Try to believe!

Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple)
This beautiful temple is considered as the construction of the highest artistic value of the city. Built by Rama V, more than any other building in the capital Wat "Ben" as he is affectionately called by the inhabitants of Bangkok, demonstrates the will of the monarch to seek long-lived original stylistic forms and different shapes that were very close to European art and Western Europe. The hybrid art form that emerged still a significant source of interest and study. The strangeness of this temple dates from the example ... glass windows, ornate and cleverly worked, a very special feature not found in any other Buddhist temple! The plant itself of the Temple, a square with the main building on the east side of the midpoint, completely breaks with the local tradition. Inside the "vihan" holds a full-size replica of the Phra Phutta Chinnarat, one of the most revered Buddha images of the country, the original of which is located in the city of Phitsanulok (see Ancient Capital). Another important reason for interest in the Wat Ben is the valuable collection of Buddha statues from all over Asia, developed iconographic representation of the different forms in different countries Buddhists. To the West and the Italians in particular, this takes on a distinctive connotation Temple gave the use of Carrara marble for the construction of the coatings. Today Wat "Ben" is a place elitist image, chosen from the richest families in the city and to perform funeral ceremonies here.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
The "Phrang" (the tower) of Wat Arun, which, with its particularly large size towers dominate the city's historic waterfront area, is probably more representative and photographed the effigy of Bangkok. This mammoth construction, real "Landmark" City, stands on the left bank of the magnificent Chao Praya River, named in Thonburi, and is usually reached by boat. Wat Arun is the Temple of the ancient Royal Palace that General Taksin had founded for himself during the interim between the United Ayuttaya and Bangkok. Today this old building no longer exists and the Temple remained as the only witness to the period "Thonburi".

 Vimanmek Mansion
This Palace is famous for building the largest teak wood in the world. Built in the late nineteenth century, was built without the aid of nails! It is part of a mammoth residential complex and representation that incorporates today's Coronation Palace and Parliament. The Vimanmek Mansion was built by the will of Rama V, King of the more significant historical importance of the Chakri Dynasty, who assigned the project of this and other homes and buildings for architects in Europe, and European flair and is particularly evident in stressed environments interior and exterior of the Palace. Inside are kept precious priceless, such precious collections of pottery, gold and silver in the time donated by delegations and representatives of various countries, and the world's largest blue topaz.