Thailand has always attracted the citizens of the West, due to its incredibly enchanting natural and historical sites, as well as a sort of magical attractiveness that it has been emitting for centuries.
Also, it is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by any other country. It used to be known under the name of Siam until 1939, when that name was changed into Thailand. Another interesting trivia about Thailand is that its current leader, Bhumibol Adulyadej, is the longest ruling leader in the world, who has ruled the country since 1946.
This beautiful country attracts millions of tourists from the whole world. Its main tourist jokers are its beautiful islands and its capital city – Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace
The first capital of Siam was Thonburi. When the functions of the capital were moved to Bangkok in 1782, that move was honored with the beginning of the construction of the Grand Palace. It was the residence of Thai kings for almost two centuries.
However, after King Ananda Mahidol passed away in 1946, his brother and the heir to the throne moved the residence to the Chitralada Palace. The Grand Palace is still the most important and attractive site in Bangkok, with millions of people visiting it on a yearly basis.
Its neighbor of the same grandeur and beauty, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most beautiful Thai-based temples of Buddhism. It is dominated by a gilded statue.
Wat Arun
Bangkok is divided by the Chao Phraya River. The bank of this river is embellished with Wat Arun, which is a divine temple of Buddhism. It gives the whole city an out-of-this-world look.
The literal translation of its name is “the temple of dawn”, but the best thing is that the best photos of this shrine of Buddhist philosophy can be taken at dusk when the sun rays create incredible visual images of the temple.
If you plan to visit Bangkok, this temple is on the top of the must-see attractions in the capital of Thailand. Thanks to the Thai tourist boom, every year more and more visitors come to this sacred place.
The king of the klong
If you want to feel the vibes of the real Thai and Bangkok lifestyle, you have to set off for a sail on one of the Bangkok klongs. This word is translated as canal, which is exactly what it is.
Thanks to the existence of hundreds of klongs around Thailand, this country is often compared to Venice. In order to experience the traditional klong atmosphere, you should go for a boat ride on the Khlong Saen Saeb in the center of Bangkok.
The view cannot be paralleled with anything else since this is a real floating open-air market, where you can buy Thai food, souvenirs, spices and many other things. It is no wonder that many people from all over the world move to Bangkok. When you sail on these canals, you feel and incredible blending of the past and the present.
Traveling to Thailand should include visiting its amazing islands and the coast, as well. However, Bangkok is quite enough for the beginning of the Thai tour. After seeing its attractions, you can continue with the emerald islands and azure waters of Thailand.