Thailand

Introduction
In the midst of dynamic modern growth, Bangkok miraculously manages to preserve its cultural heritage to a marked degree. The soaring roofs and gleaming spires of the Grand Palace and the cityโ€?s many historic temples โ€“ Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Temple of Dawn and other evocative shrines โ€“ present the visitor with a picture of medieval Oriental wonder; the very stuff of Eastern fairytales. And contained within Bangkokโ€?s monuments and sights are treasures of the nationโ€?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. Todayโ€?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 cityโ€?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 the Jim Thompson House, Vimanmek Mansion and Suan Pakkad Palace, 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 the โ€?Venice of the Eastโ€? offers a glimpse of traditional riverine lifestyles, affording insights into the history and character of this wondrous city

How to get there
Airport to the city
BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Don Muang Airport) lies 25 kilometers north of the city. To get to the city there are a number of alternatives as the followings : THAI LIMOUSINE Baht 550-680 (Pratunam, Sukhumvit, Sathorn: Baht 550, Thonburi: Baht 680) AIRPORT LIMOUSINE Baht 500-650 (to the city: Baht 650, Thonburi: Baht 100 surcharge) PUBLIC TAXI Metered-taxi is available in front of terminal 1,2. Passengers are required to pay the fare plus a surcharge of 50 Baht and toll fee. Note : Metered taxis has to obtain a coupon designed for preventing problems which may occur, and helping passengers in the case that they fall into trouble and need to contact the taxi drivers. The driverโ€?s name will appear on the coupon which is separated into three parts. Each of the coupon parts will be held by the passenger (s), the driver and the Airports Authority of Thailand. The coupon service is at the sole expense of the Airports Authority of Thailand.

AIRPORT BUS Baht 100, Operate from 05.00 A.M.-12.00 P.M. Contact Airport Bus in front ofterminal 1, 2.
Bus No.
Route
A1
Bangkok Airport, Din Daeng, Ratchaprarop, Pratunam, Ratchadamri, Lumphini Park, Silom, Mahesak, Charoen Krung, and stop at Silom, (Opposite Lertsin Hospital)
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 (near Volunteer Soldiers Monument)
A3
Bangkok Airport, Din Daeng, Nana Nua, Sukhumvit, Asoke Intersection, Ekamai, (Eastern Bus Terminal), New Phetchaburi, Thonglor Police Station.
A4
Bangkok Airport, Din Dang, Ploenchit, Erawan Shrine, Siam Square, Phaya Thai Rd., Sam Yan, Rama IV Rd., Hua Lampong (Bangkok Railway Station

COMMUTER TRAIN From Don Muang Railway Station (opposite the Airport Terminal 1) at Baht 5-10 (ordinary train) Baht 30 (rapid train) Ticket is available at the Station Tel: 566-2957, 523-6151. Trains run averagely every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Hualamphong Station which is Bangkok's main railway station.

SHUTTLE BUS TO DOMESTIC There are free shuttle buses to Domestic Airport from 5.00 A.M.-11.30 P.M. (every 20 mins) in front of terminal 1, 2

Getting around Bangkok

Buses

Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 3.50 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned blue buses have minimum and maximum fares of 6 and 16 baht respectively. Orange air-conditioned buses charge 8-18 baht. Air-conditioned microbuses charge a flat fare of 20 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 โ€?open-airโ€? 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 8 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 higher.