Joanna James
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is also known as the great city of angels where divinity and history dwell in the array of temples, the royal capital where opulent palaces abound and a city with historical places to be explored to satisfy the curious historian in you.
The official residence of the Kings of Siam since the late 18th century is a complex of many buildings in the heart of the city. The King, his court and his government were based on these grounds till 1925. Presently this magnificent palace, with superior architectural features and much historical significance is being used for royal ceremonies, and state functions and as a ceremonial venue for welcoming state guests and other dignitaries. This is a popular tourist attraction which would make any history buff happy for hours.
A place with a lot of history and a labyrinth of alleyways that one can get lost in. Yet a place to savour authentic Chinese cuisine, great dishes from seafood restaurants, explore markets and most importantly walk as that is preferable down the narrow lanes and there is much to see. Go down the lanes with old shophouses and make sure you visit the Wat Traimit Temple which is home to a Golden Buddha Statue weighing over 5 tonnes and is centuries old, A rewarding excursion to do from your hotel in Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Known as Wat Phra Kaew in Thai, this temple carries the most significance. It is considered the most sacred and most venerated Buddhist Temple in the country. The complex consists of many structures and is situated within the complex of the Grand Palace. The construction work commenced in 1783 and each successive king held a keen interest to enhance or restore many features of the temple over the centuries to acquire merit and also to seek divine protection for the dynasty. The statue of the Emerald Buddha in a seated position is 48.3 centimetres in height and 19 centimetres wide in the broadest area. The wonder is that it is carved from a single piece of greyish-green jasper. This hue had earned the name Emerald Buddha. You would see the statue placed on a 9-metre pedestal, thus elevating the statue as a mark of respect to be above the heads of visitors.
Also known as Santa Cruz Church, which had been built in 1769, this historical church is a landmark of Bangkok's first multi-cultural community neighbourhood, The Portuguese immigrants settled on the plots of land given to them by the government along with the Buddhists and Muslims. To this day the area is home to a Thai-Catholic community descending from Portuguese ancestry. An authentic Portuguese bakery still operates near the church adding to an aura of times gone by. This is a popular location to visit by guests at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel.
The kingdom of Ayutthaya was the most prosperous empire of its time between 1351 to 1767 which can be witnessed by the ruins of the impressive temples and grand palaces at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. There are many day tours one can take to explore the ruins at this park situated on an island where this old capital used to be.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
