Bangkok Tourist Information and Tourism

(Bangkok, Thailand)

Thailand's spectacular capital city, Bangkok is one of Asia's most famous tourist destinations and contains a mixture of gleaming skyscrapers and ancient oriental shrines. Bangkok's elevated Skytrain is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel around the city, while for others, a river taxi or cruise along the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River is hard to beat.

Bangkok was founded in 1782 and has grown dramatically in size since then, gaining almost epic proportions and a vast metropolitan area. However, beneath the multi-lane highways, traffic jams and modern concrete jungle is the appealing Old City district (Ko Rattanakosin), where you will discover a huge concentration of old temples, museums, bazaars, theatres (wats) and also Bangkok's original palace.





All over Bangkok, tourism is an important part of day-to-day life. Various tourist information offices are located around Bangkok and also at the city's nearby Suvarnabhumi Airport, including the head office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which is located along New Phetchaburi Road and features many English-speaking staff.

Bangkok Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

There is more than enough within Bangkok to keep even the keenest tourist occupied throughout their holiday. Look out for the sightseeing city tram and the river cruises, both of which are a great way to see many of the city's premier sights. For families in Bangkok, many attractions suit children, such as Dusit Zoo (Khao Din), and also the Bangkae Amusement Park, home to both funfair rides and a water park. Indoor roller coasters are available at the air-conditioned Leo Land, sited within the Central City Bangna Shopping Centre, while for many the countless parks around Bangkok are a great place to relax, with the centrally located Lumpini Park being especially popular. More information about Bangkok Tourist Attractions.

Bangkok is truly steeped in history and apart from its modern skyscrapers, of which the Baiyoke Tower is the tallest at 304 metres / 997 feet, the most impressive landmarks are its historic structures. Be sure to find the Grand Palace, where you can also enjoy a visit to its Wat Phra Kaew, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Other notable temples in Bangkok include the Wat Bowonniwetwihan (Ratchaworawihan), the Wat Benchamabophit (Wat Ben), the Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), and also the Wat Pho, the city's oldest and biggest temple. More information about Bangkok Landmarks.

Culture abounds within Bangkok and tourists will enjoy the city's many outstanding museums. Located within the Sanam Luang area, the National Museum contains everything from information about traditional Thai art and textiles, to literature and weaponry. Completely unique is the Royal Barges National Museum and its extensive collection of large boats. Those with a love of aviation should search out the Royal Thai Air Force Museum, while art lovers in Bangkok will be overwhelmed at the traditional and contemporary pieces on display at the National Gallery. More information about Bangkok Museums and Bangkok Art Galleries.

Almost the epitome of everything that Asia has to offer, Bangkok has plenty to offer tourists. However, should you choose to venture outside of this sprawling metropolis, you will find a wealth of tourist attractions within easy reach. Particularly close to Bangkok, the Crocodile Farm and Zoo and Samut Prakan is always extremely popular, as are the countless temples within Samut Songkhram, which is located just a short distance to the south-west. To the north of Bangkok, the Ayuthaya Historical Park contains such as wealth of temples and shrines that it has gained the status of World Heritage Site. More information about Bangkok Attractions Nearby.

More Bangkok Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Thailand
• Location: east bank of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf of Thailand
• Status: capital city (Thai: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon)
• Area: approximately 600 square miles / 1,553 square kilometres
• Population: approximately seven million
• Language: Thai
• Currency: Thailand Baht (THB)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT +7 hours
• Country dialing code: +66
• Telephone area code: 02
• Religion: mainly Buddhists, remainder includes Muslims and Christians
• Average daily Bangkok January temperature: 31°C / 88°F
• Average daily Bangkok July temperature: 35°C / 95°F