version 
"The water is the true home of the Siamese, and it is on this, their native element, that their real character and genius are best exhibited ..." 
In the midst of dynamic modern growth, Bangkok manages to preserve its cultural heritage to a marked degree.
The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the city’s many historic temples "Temple of the Emerald Buddha", Temple of Dawn and other shrines, present the visitor with a picture of medieval Oriental wonder; the very stuff of Eastern fairytales.
And contained within Bangkok’s monuments and sights are treasures of the nation’s artistic and cultural endeavour that typify the land and the people.
The influence of the past and the enduring threads of the social fabric are not limited to the static. They continue to pervade daily life. Files of saffron-robed monks making their early morning alms round, for example, present an image unaltered in essentials by the passing of time.
Today’s backdrop of highrise buildings serve only to emphasize the exotic and timeless scene, while the city draws definition from it.
Indeed, there is much to discover, and in addition to the city’s most famous monuments there are numerous lesser known sights of great interest.
The Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which enshrines the national palladium, rightly tops the sightseeing list, but Bangkok numbers more than 400 temples, many of which have their own fascination.
A similar selection can be made with museums. The National Museum is excellent and comprehensive, but as impressive in their own way are Wimanmek Mansion, Suan Pakkad Palace, Baan Khamtieng and the Jim Thompson House, all of which house fine art collections within noteworthy settings.
Not least, cruising the Chao Phraya river and the remaining canals which once made Bangkok to the "Venice of the East" offers a glimpse of traditional riverine lifestyles, affording insights into the history and character of this wondrous city .
"Bangkok" means "The Village of Olives".
The official with 163-letters, name of the city :
"Krungthep Mahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintar Ayutthaya Mahadilok Phopnoppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasatharn Amornphiman Awatansathit Sakkathatiyawitsanukamprasit " , is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest city's name in any language.
A shortened version, "Krung Thep", "City of Angels", is the name by which all Thais know it.
At least three to five days should be allowed for Bangkok.
Clearly it is not possible to see all the city has to offer in that time, but it will give a good introduction.
The best way to experience and appreciate what can seem an overpowering city is to be selective, both in what to see and how to see it, sparing time for the modern as well as the ancient.
A day of temple sightseeing could be followed by a relaxing cruise on the Chao Phraya river, or a round of golf at any one of several splendid courses on Bangkok’s green outskirts.
Museum treasures can be complemented by a wealth of shopping, while traditional entertainments, from kick boxing to classical dance, are balanced by discos and jazz pubs.
Both Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi can be visited on full-day excursions, although with the latter a stay of one or two nights is recommended for a full appreciation of the scenic beauty of the countryside.
The beach resorts of Pattaya, Cha-am and Hua Hin can be similarly visited on full-day trips, but again most visitors prefer overnight stays.
Shopping, dining out and sampling Bangkok’s legendary nightlife provide ample evening options. [ read more ]
Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present) :
The capital of the Kingdom was at Ayuthaya when in 1767 the Burmese invaded and conquered a lot of Siam, the Burmese didn't retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phraya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison. Phraya Taksin, as he is popularly known, became King Taksin and decided to transfer the capital from Ayutthaya to a site nearer to the sea which would facilitate foreign trade, ensure the procurement of arms, and make defense and withdrawal easier in case of renewed Burmese attack . He established his new capital at Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phya river. The rule of Taksin was not an easy one. The lack of central authority since the fall of Ayutthaya had led to the rapid disintegration of the kingdom, and Taksin's reign was spent reuniting the provinces .
After King Taksin's death in 1782, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809.
His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the The Grand Palace.
Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor.
King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with Western nations and developed trade with China.
King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonialisation and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.
King Chulalongkorn, Rama V (1869-1910) continued his father's tradition of reform, abolishing slavery and improving the public welfare and administrative system.
Compulsory education and other educational reforms were introduced by King Vajiravudh, Rama VI (1910-1925).
During the reign of King Prajadhipok, (1925-1935), Thailand changed from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
The king abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his nephew, King Ananda Mahidol (1935-1946).The country's name was changed from Siam to Thailand with the advent of a democratic government in 1939.
Our present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is King Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty.Getting Around Bangkok :
BTS :
Public BTS or Sky Train are very comfort and fast , with a fare rate of 10 to 40 baht depending on destinations within major destination of Bangkok Metropolitant.
TAT office also provides a city map with BTS route for free of charge.
Buses :
Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 5.00 baht to most destinations within Bangkok Metropolitant. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares of 10 and 20 baht respectively. Orange air-conditioned buses charge 12-25 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 25 baht all routes. A bus route map is available at bookshops. TAT office also provides a city map with bus route for free of charge.
Taxis :
Hotel and airport taxis have fixed rates. Taxis cruising city streets are metered. They charge a minimum of 35 baht, for the first 3 kilometers, and approximately 5 baht per kilometer thereafter.
Tuks-Tuks :
These three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometers, are approximately 30 baht.
Boats :
An express boat service on the Chao Phraya River connects Bangkok with the northern neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, starting from the Wat Ratsingkhon Pier near Krung Thep Bridge.
Boats run daily from 6.00 a.m.- 6.40 p.m..
The fares range from 4 to 15 baht.
There are also express boats which stops only at main piers.
These boats can be recognised by the yellow, green or red flag attached to the boats and the fares are a bit differ.Airport To / From Town :
Bangkok International Airport(Don Muang Airport) lies 31 kilometers north of the city.
To get to the city, there are following alternatives :
AIRPORT BUS to/from 4 directives :
Flatfare THB 100, Operate from 05.00 - 12.00
Contact Airport Bus in front of terminal 1, 2. Tel.02-9951252-4.
Line A1
Bangkok Airport, Din Daeng, Ratchaprarop, Pratunam, Ratchadamri, Lumphini Park, Silom, Mahesak, Charoen Krung, and end at Silom Road, opposite the Lertsin Hospital.
Line A2
Bangkok Airport, Din Daeng, Victory Monument, Phetchaburi, Lan Luang, Democracy Monument, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Tanao, Khaosan Rd., Banglamphu, Phra Sumen Rd., Phra Athit, Rachinee, and stop at Sanamluang (Phramehn Ground).
Line A3
Bangkok Airport, Din Daeng, Nana Nua, Sukhumvit, Asoke Intersection, Ekamai, (Eastern Bus Terminal), New Phetchaburi, and end at Thonglor Police Station (Sukhumvit Soi 55).
Line A4
Bangkok Airport, Din Dang, Ploenchit, Erawan Shrine, Siam Square, Phaya Thai Rd., Sam Yan, Rama IV Rd., and end at Hua Lampong Main-Railwaystation (Bangkok Railway Station).