Thailands capital of Bangkok is internationally renowned as the Asian interpretation of the consumerists dream. Glitzy shopping malls line the cityscape, above which runs the high-speed sky trains, mirroring the pace of life in this hub of cosmopolitan trade. However, the city is saved from devolving into another self-gratifying spectacle of crass commercialism by the proud sites of religion and culture that hold their ground amidst towers of glass sky scrapers. Thailands predominantly Buddhist heritage and reverence for its monarchy still form the foundation of its culture, and it is this unique cultural heart of the metropolis that makes it stand apart from the superficial glitz and glam of other Asian mega-cities. Of these venues which highlight the exotic grandeur of Thailands cultural heritage, the top five sites of cultural tourism emerge as follows:
The Grand Palace is indubitably the beating spiritual heart of the Thai monarchy, and the most iconic of all Bangkok landmarks. This beautifully adorned palace complex built in the 18th century served as the home of the royal family for a 150 years before the king elected to shift elsewhere at the turn of the 20th century. The complex is still the administrative nerve centre of the government, housing the war ministry, the royal mint, the royal court and various other state departments. The architecture and dcor are matchless examples of Thai skill and craftsmanship.
Within the palace complex itself is found the most famous Buddhist shrine in the land the Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This 14th century temple is the most sacred in the nation, despite the fact that no monks reside within the premises and is therefore not a centre of religious learning as is usual for Buddhist temples. The name of the temple is derived from a small Buddha statue enshrined within. Belying its name, the Emerald Buddha is actually made of jade or jasper; a mantle of mystery surrounds this legendary statue, about whose origins little is known but which is regarded as one of the most precious talismans in the land. Many other beautiful Buddha images also appear within, as well as intricate murals depicting the previous incarnations and life achievements of the Buddha, and even pictures from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana.
However, the cultural attractions of the city are not solely relegated to remnants of the distant past. The floating markets of Bangkok are a charming serving of authentic traditional Thai culture that proves itself to be very much alive. The maze of the citys waterways which once served as the citys main thoroughfares, still claim dominance over the lifestyles of its citizens within the floating markets. Tradesmen set up shop in small boats and hawk their wares to prospective customers while jostling each other and floating along the canals. Adding to its charms is the fact that the atmosphere is largely free of the disingenuousness that plagues other cultural tourist traps; the sellers are there to make a living and are not just for show. The floating markets most easily accessible to tourists from Bangkok are the Tha Kha Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market and Bang Khu Wiang Floating Market.
One of the most photographed and widely-recognised images of Bangkok come from the Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Contrary to its name however, this picture-postcard scene is best viewed against the sunset from across the Chao Phraya River. Comprising of a massive prang (Khmer-style tower) over a 100m high flanked by four smaller prangs; the faade is decorated with porcelain mosaics which are still stunning in their damaged forms. Once the home of the Emerald Buddha, the Wat is now mainly valued for its art and architecture that showcases ancient Thai craft.
Last but not least, the Jim Thompson House is the best place to go to see the best and finest examples of traditional Thai home dcor and design. Built by an American military officer who settled in Thailand and popularized its hand-woven silks and other traditional crafts among the international community, the beautiful mansion is constructed from parts of centuries-old Ayutthaya homesteads that were dismantled and reassembled to form the present structure. The signature red roof tiles, the red walls, the elevated platform on which the house rests and chandeliers salvaged from 18th century Thai palaces all form a combination that evidences the traditional Thai mastery of architecture. Within is housed an extensive collection of antique arts, crafts and antiquities relating to the Buddhist and secular culture of the Southeast, collected by Jim Thompson himself. Today it serves as one of the finest cultural museums found in Bangkok, showcased within the matchless authentic ambience of the stately Thai abode.
The above are but a few of the many allures and attractions that shines within the cityscape of Bangkok. Those who base their visits to the city in strategically placed
Bangkok hotels will be able to enjoy these attractions to their fullest extent. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is recommended as an exceptionally well-appointed and centralized
Bangkok hotel, boasting some of the most luxurious accommodation and amenities offered by the city.
