Insight Pocket Guide Bangkok

by Van Beek, Steve

• ISBN13: 9781585731565
• ISBN10: 1585731560
• Edition: 7th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Insight Guides

Summary

Insight Pocket Guides deliver personal service in a sleek, portable format. Fun, colourful, informative, Insight Pocket Guides give you the inside scoop on you destination, making it ideal for long weekend getaways or for the traveler with limited time to spare. It's like having a tour guide in your pocket or purse..Full-colour photos and pull-ou map.Tailor-made itineraries.Recommended excursions.Full listings on shopping, restaurants, nightlife and special events

Table of Contents

HISTORY AND CULTURE
The growth of Bangkok, from tiny village to merchang port to the nation's capital - an introduction to the elements that created this fascinating city	10	(12)
BANGKOK & ENVIRONS
The first three tours capture the essence of Bangkok, then nine half-day itineraries explore further
A Day in Bangkok takes you for a walk in the park, visits Erawan Shrine, an Oriental bazaar and other shopping opportunities, then a river trip	22	(2)
Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and National Museum visits the magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo, the palace of Rama I and some superb museum Collections	24	(4)
Wat Benchamabophit and Vimarnmek Mansion combines a trip to see the monks of the Marble Temple with a tour of the rustic royal holiday home	28	(3)
Wat Arun and Wat Po starts at sunrise, visits a market and some temples, and ends with a massage	31	(3)
Through the Heart of Chinatown gives a taste of the colourful Chinese culture in Bangkok	34	(3)
Phu Khao Thong and Suroundings starts with another spectacular sunrise, visits a bird market and takes you to see superb local handicrafts in the making	37	(2)
Lak Muang and Surroundings visits the residence of Bangkok's guardian spirit and explores some of the city's magnificent architecture	39	(2)
Wang Suan Pakkad and Jim Thompson's House visits the homes of a Thai princess and a silk baron	41	(1)
Snake Farm and Lumpini Park includes snake-milking, fortune-telling and a trip to the park	42	(1)
Canal Cruise and Royal barge Museum explores Bangkok's lesser known canals and a boat museum	43	(3)
Nonthaburi and Ko Kret visits a riverside temple and a Burmese village in the suburbs of Bangkok	46	(3)
Chatuchak Market takes you to one of the best bazaars in the whole of Asia	49	(2)
EXCURSIONS
Seven excursions to destinations within easy reach
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Rose Garden offers a unique Thailand experience, including a cultural performance	51	(2)
Ayutthaya journeys to the magnificent temples and palaces of the ancient capital	53	(5)
Lopburi visits the ancient buildings of the one-time Dvaravati stronghold	58	(2)
Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai Bridge provides a poignant reminder of the horrors of war	60	(2)
Ancient City and Crocodile Farm shows Thailand's best buildings in miniature, then visits a reptile park	62	(1)
Si Racha and Pattaya eschews history and culture for the pleasures of sun, sea and sand	63	(3)
Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi includes visits to a ceramics factory, some temples and King Mongkut's palace, then heads for the beach	66	(28)
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
What to buy, and where to eat and stay up late	69	(10)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
A guide to festivals in Bangkok	79	(2)
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
All the background information you are likely to need for your stay, with a list of hand-picked hotels	81	(13)
Cedits and Index	94