Bangkok's history begins at the river's edge; at the edge of the Chao Praya River to be precise. In fact, what we today know as Bangkok grew from little more than a small collection of villages scattered among the river basin canals and rice paddies. Bangkok is today Thailand's capital and was founded in 1782 by King Rama I (named Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke). It situates on the Great Chao Phya River Delta which flows from the North down to the Gulf of Thailand. The word “Bangkok” is derived from two primitive Thai words, i.e. "Bang" means Village and "Kok" means Olive, thus its original meaning is "Village of Olive". In the olden days, Bangkok was just a small agricultural and fishing village where people traveled mainly by rowing boats. The birth of Bangkok as a capital was due to the fall of its former Krung Sri Ayuthaya in the middle of 18th century. Ayuthaya, an ancient capital of 417 years old, was rich in cultures, traditions, and religions and well-flourished in trade, and agricultures.
Bangkok and Central Thailand are well within tropical latitudes and experience alternating periods of a dry and wet monsoon climate. The weather in Bangkok is undoubtedly hot and humid, however temperatures differ according to the time of year. November to February is the driest time of year and the most popular with tourists; average temperature during this season is about 26°C (80°F). March, April and May are the hottest months, and the rainy season runs from May to October, the rainy season is characterised by frequent torrential downpours. In Bangkok this can mean the flooding of many streets and areas close to the river.
Bangkok is the commercial center of Thailand, as well as Southeast Asia, for imports and exports. Bangkok is a port which makes it accessible for trade by air, boat or train, this makes its atmosphere excellent for the trade environment. Special products from Bangkok are automobile parts, handguns, house-wares, antiques. At one time, agriculture was the main source generating income, but this has shifted to the manufacture of textiles, computers and electronics. Tourism has become a main source of revenue, with increasing numbers of visitors going to Thailand. Approximately a third of all banks in Thailand, with over three-fourths of the deposits of Thailand, are located in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s new international airport, Suvarnabhumi is located 30 km east of downtown Bangkok. With excellent and modern public transport systems in place, Bangkok is surprisingly easy to navigate your way around. The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems are air conditioned and user-friendly, they reach most major places in Bangkok, covering most of Sukhumvit, Silom, Ploenchit and Phiyathai roads, with one leg running from central Siam Square to the Chao Praya River. Trains are best used to reach destinations outside Bangkok. While slower than the bus, the train is more comfortable and scenic. Ticket prices are very reasonable and most destinations offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd class options. Buses within Bangkok offer cheap transport. Besides the BTS and MRT, the easiest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, in addition to the traditional green-yellow and red-blue, they also come in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink.
Because of its large school-age population, Bangkok's schools are grossly overcrowded. With too few teachers and schools, education in the city varies greatly, with the standard of education often depending on a student's social class. Children of upper-class parents usually attend private schools, many of which focus on English-language instruction. Poorer students often attend schools associated with Buddhist temples. Education is compulsory for children from the ages of 7 to 14. Bangkok is home to the majority of Thailand's universities. However, in Thailand a Western education is highly prized, and students who can afford to study abroad usually do. The overall literacy rate of the country approaches 95%.
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is one of the world's most exotic and colorful cities - a unique blend of the traditional and ultra-modern. Bangkok preserves full range of Thai culture together with historical heritages that can be seen around Bangkok in the form of beautiful temples and unique architectural splendours. The most notable area is around Sanam Luang where you can find Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of Emerald Buddha, situated within the Grand Palace, and other architectural gems. The Emerald Buddha is a sacred symbol of the Rattanakosin and the temple acts as the most important temple in realm. All of these are inspired by Buddhism, which has a profound effect on the lives, beliefs and artistic expression of Thailand and it’s legacy.
Annual festivals play a big role in Thai life. Commemorative or celebrative, festivals in Thailand are usually lots of fun. While some festivities, such as those in honour of the current or former Thai Kings take place on fixed days, many festivals are related to Buddhism and as such determined by the lunar calendar. Some festivals provide cultural insights, others offer brilliant shopping bargains and most likely, there are lots of culinary delights involved. Lose yourself in ancient traditions, vibrant ceremonies and the joy of the people revelling in the best of Thai culture.
