Bangkok

After our tour in Phuket Island, now we're heading to Bangkok, characteristics that have made the good (or bad) reputation of Bangkok, it is primarily the telescoping of opposites that attracted. The modern opulence revolves around a traditional quiet heart. You can go from a four star hotel with the feel of a typical Siamese village where taxi drivers are drinking energy drinks while eating grilled chicken barbecues street or be privileged to witness the activity of famous temples and shrines in the city or simple acts of kindness in the busy city. As for the Skytrain, it will lead you to shopping centers where the dapper young jet reviewed luxury brands as carefully as the housewives inspect the goods in the markets.

Feel free to flirt between all these worlds. Whether it's dinner, possibly more, in a chic club, to refuel the market, getting a massage or pamper and unlike a sweat during an impromptu march, Bangkok a dream come true for savvy urbanites.

GRAND PALACE AND WAT PHRA KAEW

Sophisticated and colorful, Wat Phra Kaew attracts the eye as much as the small statue located in the main building which holds the name, the Emerald Buddha. Carved nephrite jade (not emerald), is one of the statues of the most revered Thai Buddhas, Royal legitimacy and incredible story. We discovered it in the fifteenth century in northern Thailand when lightning struck a stupa, revealing a Buddha that had been covered with plaster to conceal wealth (a common practice in times of war and banditry). They forgot afterwards what lay beneath until a leech revealed again. The mid-sixteenth century, dazzling statue fell to the invaders Laotians. Recovered in combat by the Thais, it served to legitimize religiously the ascension of General Taksin after the fall of Ayutthaya. The statue at its present location since his transfer in 1782 of the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok, on the other side of the river, in the reign of Rama I (King Buddha Yodfa, 1782-1809), first king of the Chakri dynasty. 

Because of her royal status, the Emerald Buddha is draped in robes of a monk, changed by the king or the crown prince in every season (summer, winter, rainy season) at a ceremony. 

Next to Wat Phra Kaew, the kings, their families and their servants once lived on the vast Grand Palace before Rama V (King Chulalongkorn, 1868-1910) transfers the royal residence in Dusit Park. The main buildings, combining Thai and Western styles, sometimes host official ceremonies, but the site, too formal, not the living temple of nature. Proper attire is required in the temple. 

Chao Phraya

The people of central Thailand live, work and built their capitals along the river. One of them, the Chao Phraya River ("River of Kings") was born in the mountains of northern bypasses the ancient capital of Ayuthaya and marks the western border of Bangkok before reaching the Gulf of Thailand, 370 km from its source. 

The activity is still intense on the river - huge cargo ships towed by tugs beautiful longtail boats slicing through the waves, children bathing in muddy waters - lined alternately with luxury hotels, warehouses and temples . In the evening, river breeze softens the high temperatures under the sweet red and golden rays of the setting sun. Bangkok polluted then suddenly reveals its beauty. 

The Chao Phraya Express is the best way to explore the waterways of Bangkok. It connects the Wat Ratchasingkhon, south to Nonthaburi in the north. At each stop, the ship discharges its share of tourists, office workers and monks (the right side at the bottom, to starboard, is reserved for monks, women are placed to port). 

The ride up the river starting from Tha Sathon, accessible from the Saphan Taksin BTS station. On the right is the old quarter draws fa · Rank (Westerners) and "Edge of the river", once a stronghold of sailors and navigation multinational companies. The Oriental Hotel and other neoclassical buildings are part of the rare examples of a time when the river was the main artery of the city. 

At height of Tha Ratchawong, the river runs along Chinatown and warehouses where the merchandise is discharged to the old, with bare hands. 

After a while, the stunning Wat Arun off to the left, followed on the right of the magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which form a golden triangle of sacred sites. 

North of Saphan Phra Ram VIII, an elegant suspension bridge, the concrete gives way to vegetation and temples, sun-scorched. The walk ends at Nonthaburi, starting point for cruises to the peaceful Ko Kret. 

WAT PHO

If the Wat Phra Kaew is the most famous temples in Bangkok, many prefer the Wat Pho, less traveled. It was built in the sixteenth century predates the creation of Bangkok, not to mention that it is the largest temple in the country and it houses an imposing statue, almost too large for its large pavilion. Illustrating the Buddha's death and her accession to nirvana, the reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf is 46 m long and 15 m high. On the feet, great inlays correspond to 108 Lak · · sà nà (characters) that distinguish a benevolent Buddha. 

The statues on display in the four other Wi · Hahn (rooms) are worth a look, especially the beautiful Phra Buddha Chinnarat and Phra Chinnachai, the Sukhothai period in the Boht (chapels) west and south. The galleries connecting the four rooms include no less than 394 statues of gilded Buddha, most of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai style. The body of Rama I is based at the foot of the Great Buddha in Boht. 

The huge granite statues in the temple courtyard could be the first "immigrants" in Thailand. Arrived aboard Chinese vessels where they served as ballast, they did not make the return journey. Some represent warriors, philosophers and even, say, Marco Polo. 

CHINATOWN

Neon screaming, jolting bus, shopping at all costs: Chinatown is a powerhouse. After each street has its specialty rubber bungs to guns and ammunition through the painted signs and coffins ... No really keepsakes, but finding these products on a small scale in one place is rare today. 

The gold shops succeed in Th Yaowarat, the main street of Chinatown, which gives its name to the district. Their windows look more like Chinese altars that jewelers city. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is dedicated to Thai and Chinese deities and Wat Traimit, another sacred temple owes its fame to a golden Buddha. 

Activity continues down cacophonous arteries, including market Sampeng Lane, a former red-light district. 

Trok Itsaranuphap (Talat Mai) will offer one of the best (and shorter) walks in Bangkok. After the walk, which begins near Talat Kao - an old market in the legendary longevity - sellers offer funeral offerings. Behind the River City shopping center, a maze of alleys and repair consists Talat Noi (between Th Th Songwat and Si Phraya). 

WAT MAHATHAT and AMULETS MARKET

Most tourists are silent on the area north of Wat Phra Kaew, preferring to focus on other more famous sites. Yet in this contradictory city is crowded in the aisles around the Wat Mahathat the beating heart of Thai Buddhism. All its facets, the sacred scripture study to daily meditation or focus on lucky charms, available under the stroller. 

The vast Wat Mahathat is the main center of Buddhist study of Southeast Asia due to the presence on site of Buddhist university where Mahathat Rajavidyalaya attend training Laotian, Cambodian and Vietnamese monks and national headquarters monastic sect Mahanikai (one of two common component sangha, the Thai Buddhist community). 

Wat Mahathat date of the Ayuthaya period, but has only a limited architectural interest. Its appeal lies in its role in the Buddhist world, with the comings and goings of laypeople and monks. There are also many foreigners come to classes daily meditation and monks residents who speak English are very good guides. 

Outside the temple in Maha Rat Th every day the market is held amulets (ADI · LAAT prá krêuang) to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. It looks like a flea market, except that the objects are as expensive as collectibles. This is mainly medallions bearing the image of Buddha, Hindu gods or famous monks having the "power" to stop bullets, make fertile or secure material success. Professionals risk professions such as taxi drivers and construction workers are among the most loyal followers of these talismans in which they have more confidence than in conventional insurance policies. Few people in Bangkok do not have an amulet. 

Near Thammasat University, the market does not forget the students. Costumes for graduation adjacent cabinets filled with talismans. Further, food kiosks students cheap along the river. 

Restaurants, markets and food stalls 

Known as one of the most polluted cities in the world, Big Mango, the other nickname of Bangkok, none the less the capital of street food. Although she now has modern air-conditioned spaces and trendy cafes, markets and food stalls are a safe bet to feast in this city where you nibble all day long. Forget your three meals on time. The people of Bangkok and are constantly pecking at least four quick meal before sunset. 

Just like a sundial, the composition of the stalls will inform you about the time. In the morning, sellers offer thick filter coffee and boiling condensed milk or small elongated donuts dipped in hot soy milk. Noon, room for dishes (rice, curries), proprietary rice order and fruit. When the flow and temperature decrease (relatively speaking), Thais gather around communal tables in plastic walkways hitherto dormant for sharing meals with friends or swallow bowls of noodles, accompanied by beer or juice fruits. Thus, it is perhaps in the street you expect your most memorable meal. 

Besides the famous food markets Or Tor Kor, Chinatown and Night Market Soi 38 you will find stalls every street corner. 

PARK DUSIT

No other place in Bangkok has the charm and tranquility of Dusit Park, a sort of three-dimensional album illustrating the journey of Rama V in Europe. In the early twentieth century, it moved the royal residence of the Grand Palais in this European-style park, where the public can now visit the museum dedicated to the former monarch and traditional Thai culture. Besides its historical interest, this park is a welcome in this city full of energy break. 

The most famous monument of the park, Vimanmek Palace is a huge house in golden teak. His Statue Mae Thorami 81 pieces elegant pastel colors were used as principal residence for the royal couple, their children and concubines. Beyond the building's architecture, personal effects of King and collectibles - including grand pianos, objects of the Ching Dynasty and the first menu in Thailand - and the discovery of court life are the highlight of the tour. 

Inspired ingeniously Western influences, the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall blends nicely Moorish and Victorian styles in traditional Thai style. It houses an exhibition of regional crafts. 

Near the entrance on Th Ratchawithi two buildings housed the collection of photos and paintings of his Majesty Bhumibol, the current King of Thailand. Tender portraits of his wife and children are next to photos of the king playing clarinet with Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong in 1960 A little further away are the museum of old fabrics and, down near the exit on Th U Thong Nai, the museum of the Royal Elephants. 

The neoclassical building topped with a dome in front of the royal palace, the throne room Ananta Samakhom was built early last century by Italian architects modeled on European government residences. Now houses an exhibition of handicrafts, it hosted the first meetings of the Thai Parliament before being transferred to a nearby building. 

A strict dress (pants, skirt and long sleeves) is required on this royal land. Sarongs are available to cover your legs. 

WEEKEND MARKET CHATUCHAK

This vast and chaotic market for bargains is the largest and most vibrant Bangkok. It is similar to a traditional Thai market with narrow lanes collapsing under the goods, but bigger. Silks, clothes XXS, roosters or fighting fish, puppies and souvenir items for his insatiable · Rank: everything that is sold in Thailand can be found here. Much of the market is devoted to clothes, everyday or evening previews of young designers. There are also second-hand clothes, apparently from Western wardrobes. 

Get up early and get ready to face the thousands of onlookers who invade every day this outdoor market. In theory, Chatuchak is organized into thematic sections numbered, but in practice it is very difficult to locate in the middle of the shoulder to the elbow. Check beforehand the Map of Bangkok Nancy Chandler, plan you can buy in English bookstores such as Asia Books. 

The market, not air conditioned, literally teeming with people. To quench your thirst, head to the clock tower and its string of cafes or order outside a refreshing bowl of ka · name jeen (rice noodles in curry sauce). In the evening, local bands in front of the visitors who conclude their shopping day with a drink 

JIM THOMPSON HOUSE

Any tourist who visited the Jim Thompson House secretly dreams to live there. Its former owner, one of the most famous foreign Bangkok, was a showcase of Thai traditions and art of yesteryear. Seeing old wooden houses fall into ruin, Thompson decided together to preserve six teak houses (built, they say, without nails) on the banks of Khlong Saen Saeb in 1959. 

In the rooms, you can see his collection of art objects (Cambodian, Thai, Burmese, but also rare Chinese porcelain) and personal effects. The lush tropical garden is embellished with lotus ponds where the bloom. 

Born in New York, Thompson fascinated during his lifetime but also by his death. Serving in Thailand during World War II, he was soon back to his hometown Bangkok found a little too quiet. In the City of Angels (the nickname of Bangkok), he helped revive the cottage industry of silk, stalled in the country. By sending samples of Thai silk to the great European fashion, he assured the continuity of the silk trade, still relevant. Its enviable life ended tragically with his death while hiking in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands, one afternoon in 1967. 

MBK SHOPPING CENTER

Forget everything you know about the shopping centers to the stunning MBK (Mah Boon Krong). Almost all Bangkokiens under 20 years seem to be more often than during or at home. Creating social links, aligns the air-conditioned shops. 

The main hobby MBK is to observe the crowd between grandmas little reassured escalators and adolescents connected groups. Need a custom belt, a picture of you with your dog or cards? Probably not, but you can order at MBK. 

For tourists, the irresistible opportunities exist, contact lenses to mobile phones through clothing at discount prices. There are also all kinds of international fast food, revisited Thai mode. You will discover that Thais put ketchup on their pizza and they love it a specialty middle eastern mid-western fusion, the "cheezy fries" chips with melted cheese and crisped rice (as surprising as it may sounds, it's delicious). 

Do not leave without sipping a soft drink and going to the cinema on the top floor as any Thai teenager.