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History & Evolution
The comparatively recent history of the modern day capital of Thailand is no less intriguing. Called ‘Krung Thep’ (City of Angels) by Thais, Bangkok was instituted as the new capital in 1782 by king Chakri (King Rama I) after the Burmese army burned Ayutthaya (former Thai capital) in 1767.

"Bangkok" means "plum orchard" which sounds improbable today but that is what Bangkok was once, a small, peaceful village surrounded by wild plum trees. However, at the time Rama I decided to move his capital here, it had already grown into a small duty port. At that time the town was mainly inhabited by Chinese merchants and customs inspectors who were then asked to vacate the area as Rama I started building his new city, beginning with Wat Phra Kaew. Further the defensive moats were dug and canals built and a city wall was erected from bricks from the old city wall of Ayuthaya..

During 1850s, the city really became the a "Venice of the East" with lots of canals, roals and rail lines under the King Mongkut (Rama IV.) and then his son King Chulalongkorn (Rama V.).

The first bridge in the capital was built over the Chao Phraya river (Memorial Bridge) in 1932, which marks an important step in Bangkok history as it opened up major development on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya. Another important development, which took place in this year, was the end of Monarchy in the city by a group of Paris-based students who had brought democratic ideas back with them.

Although a constitutional monarchy was permitted but the King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) soon resigned leaving a vacuum from 1935 to the end of WWII. Although a constitutional monarchy was permitted, King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) later resigned and left a vacuum from 1935 to the end of WWII. Due to this, a puppet government under military ruler Phibul Sonkhram ruled Thailand from Bangkok during the WWII.

Thailand sided with the Japanese in the war in order to maintain their own personal grip on power but later paid the price when the Allies demanded war compensation at the end of the war. The following 1950s were further the period of political turmoil in Thailand, with several coup d’etats. Nevertheless, in 1960s the nation saw the beginning of economic rise due to the Vietnam War, which came to a halt in 1990s.

Today the nation’s economic and social conditions are far better than in many of the neighbouring countries of South East Asia with Bangkok being one of the most modern cities in the world.

Site-Seeing
More than 400 Buddhist temples sprinkled all over make Bangkok the city of temples. These temples are not just beautiful but also keep alive the rich traditional cultural heritage of the country. The peaceful surroundings of the temples provide relief from the frenetic pace of this bustling city.

Besides temples, there is so much more to see in Bangkok that one can easily spend a week or more to visit all the interesting sights including museums that are mostly devoted to Thai art and architecture.

Royal Grand Palace:
The Palace is a walled complex that houses several palaces and temples. The array of small buildings insides the palace are highly decorated with tiles and ceramics, most notably of them being Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel).

Wat Phra Keow is the holiest of all Thai temples where the sacred Emerald Buddha rests, not covered in emeralds but jade. There is a scale model of Angkor Wat as well. There is a strict dress code, according to which visitors wearing shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless shirts or flip-flops are not allowed, although it is possible to hire trousers and plastic shoes.

The construction of the building was begun in 1782 when Bangkok was founded as the capital of Thailand and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road

Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha):
Situated adjacent to the Royal Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the oldest, largest and one of the most famous temple in Bangkok. The temple houses an enormous gold-plated 46m (150ft) long and 15m (49ft) high Reclining Buddha along with over 1,000 other statues of Buddha. Today, the temple is also renowned for its teaching of herbal medicine and traditional massage and like most of the other temples of Thailand has a strict dress code.

Location: Sanamchai Road

Vimanmek Palace:
The world's largest building made entirely of golden teak, Vimanmek Palace is a 81-room mansion with 31 exhibition rooms. The palace stands in carefully manicured lawns located close to the current royal residence.

Location: Sherbrooke Street West

St Joseph's Oratory (Oratoire St-Joseph):
Located on the northwest side of Montreal, St. Joseph’s Oratory is a magnificent basilica that was begun in 1924 by Brother Andre, a celebrated healer. This 97m (318ft) high dome is one of the largest in the world having room for 10,000 worshippers.

The mansion was used to be a royal summer retreat and was dismantled and rebuilt in Bangkok in 1900. Today also the visitors are not free to wander but can take a guided tour, which take place every 30 minutes. The highlights of the tour include Thailand's first indoor bathroom and the oldest typewriter with Thai characters.

Location: Ratchawithi Road

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn):
Located on the West Bank of River Chao Phraya, Wat Arun is also known as “Temple of Dawn” as it is a sight to behold shimmering with the sunrise, but despite its name, a late afternoon visit is better so that you can enjoy the sunset as well. The religious complex served as the royal chapel during King Taksin's reign (1809-24), when Thonburi was the capital of Thailand.

The most attractive structure of the temple is 79m high pagoda (tower) that is decorated with ceramic tiles and fragments of multi-colored porcelain. The original tower was only 15m (50 ft.) high and was expanded during the rule of Rama III (1824-51) to its current height.

Location: West Bank of Chao Phraya opposite Tha Thien Pier

Royal Barges National Museum:
Housing several decorative royal barges dating back to 1357, Royal Barges Museum is one of the most fascinating sights of Bangkok. The museum provides a fascinating insight into Thai history and culture with old but beautiful barges housed in sheds on Bangkok Noi Canal on Chao Phraya River.

Most of the barges preserved here served as War Vessels at one point and were subsequently used on royal or state occasions as well. These are not just barges which used to carry cargo up and down the river but are rather ornately decorated boats with magnificently carved prows that at one time served a military function, but today are limited to use in State ceremonies and celebrations. The barges were last used at the end of 1999 to celebrate the king’s 72nd birthday.

Location: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok Noi