Sunday, June 17, 2007

MUSEUM BANGKOK - MUSEUMS BANGKOK THAILAND


Bangkok Museum - No matter what you would like to learn more about we know you will enjoy all the opportunities that the museums in the Bangkok area will allow you to. Please make every effort to see as many of them as you can while you are visiting the Bangkok area. Wear comfortable shoes when you go through them as there can be quite a lot of walking involved. Spend some time in these fantastic places of culture.

The National Museum is one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia. You will want to spend some time looking over all the beautiful pieces in this museum. The National Gallery Museum also houses a number of beautiful pieces so you will want to visit this one also. The Rare Stone Museum is an interesting place. There are all kind of stones on exhibit in this interesting museum and it is a rock collectors dream. The Philatelic Museum has Thai and unusual stamps. The Royal Barge National Museum is located on the Chao Phraya River and the barges are on display. The Susan Pakkard Palace houses Asian antiques and has beautiful gardens too. All of these museums are wonderful places to visit.
The contact information of the Museums in Bangkok are listed below. We encourage you to visit them all of them. You will also want to see as many of the other ones that are not listed that you can. Take your time as you go through them so you can admire all the different works of art and enjoy yourself.
Rare Stone MuseumTel: 236-5666, 236-5655, 236-5712Bangkok, ThailandIt is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
National Gallery MuseumChao Fa Road Bangkok, ThailandTel: 281-2224It is open to the public everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.
National Museum Tel: 224-1333It is open everyday, except Mondays, Tuesdays, and annual holidays, from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.
Philatelic Museum 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau Bangkok, ThailandTel:27l-2439It is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.
Royal Barge National Museum Khiong (Canal) Bangkok Noi Tel: 424-0004The shed is open everyday from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.
Suan Pakkard Palace Si Ayutthaya Road Bangkok, ThailandTel: 245-4934It is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Admission fee is 100 Baht.

Friday, June 1, 2007

The concrete jungle of central Bangkok


Just under 14 degrees North of the Equator, Bangkok is a tropical metropolis that is also one of the most traveller-friendly cities in Asia. A furious assault on the senses, the first things that impress many visitors are the heat, the congestion both on streets and sidewalks, the pollution inherent to rapid development, the squalor that accompanies a gaping chasm between rich and poor, and the irrepressible smiles of the Thais. Despite the sensationalized international news reports and first impressions, the city is surprisingly safe, more organized than it initially appears, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The high relative humidity and warm temperature favor the growth of tropical plants — you'll find exotic orchids and delicious fruit everywhere. Thai cuisine is singular, justifiably famous, varied, and affordable. Bangkok, for many, represents the quintessential Asian capital. Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence. It is difficult to leave with lukewarm impressions of the city.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport



Hotel
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport
Location
Bangkok,Suvarnabhumi Airport
Address
999 Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Building, Moo 1 Nong prue, Samutprakarn, Bangplee 10540



Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Description Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel provides its guests with utmost comfort and privacy with a warm and friendly Thai hospitality. All 612 rooms are fully equipped with international standard amenities.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Location Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is located near the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, a five-minute walk away. It can also be reached via a 300-metre underground walkway from the airport’s arrival hall. Location Map - click here.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Facilities Air Conditioning, Baby Sitting, Banquet Facilities, Bar/Lounge, Conference Facilities, In-Room Safe, Restaurant, Satellite/Cable TV, Sauna/Spa, Swimming Pool, Tour Desk
Our Tip! First come, first served! Availability is limited, so please secure your room early in advance.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Oriental hotel Bangkok Overview


Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok is a part of the sophisticated Mandarin Oriental Hotel group. The hotel is one of the luxurious and sophisticated five star hotels of the city. The Hotel features in the Institutional Investor 2004 World's Best Hotels list for its exquisite accommodations and tailored services. The amenities and facilities provided by the hotel are praiseworthy and of a very high quality. The fifteen storey hotel looks awesome from a distance. Location of Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok is said to be a very picturesque one. The hotel stands beside Chao Phraya River and witnesses the most vibrant city life of Bangkok. The hotel is in close proximity to a number of major attractions which include the Royal Palace, The Wat Pho Temple, the Patpong night market and the Siam shopping area. It is also very close to the ruins of Ayutthaya. The business district of Bangkok lies just next to the hotel. The international airport is a few miles away whilst the skytrain stations and the bus and taxi terminus are a few yards away from the hotel. Thus this exotic accommodation is favored by both business and leisure tourists.
Room Facilities at Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok is regarded to be one of the best in the city. The hotel has a total of 396 exquisitely furnished guestrooms. The rooms are equipped with hi tech gadgets like the television, IDD telephones, mini bar refrigerator, work desk with internet connection, CD player with a tiny CD library, in-room safe, air conditioning and hairdryer. The room service is operational twenty four hours and you can also avail the private butler service.
The options of Dining at Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok are varied. The hotel has eight restaurants and a bar to entertain the guests. Le Normandie is the signature restaurant of the specializing in French food and seafood. Lord Jim serves excellent sushi and sashimi dishes. Sala Rim Naam serves Thai food whilst The China House specializes in Cantonese delicacies. Ciao is a conventional Italian eatery and Verandah lets you savor the Asian and western cuisines. The Author's Lounge serves sandwiches, cakes and Tea. The Bamboo bar is one of the happening and renowned bars of Bangkok.
Business and Conference at Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok is a regular affair at the hotel. The business center and meeting rooms are spacious and grand. They can accommodate a huge congregation of people together. They are equipped with all kinds of hi tech gadgets like the LCD projector and the internet connection with a separate monitor.
The facilities of Fitness and Recreation at Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok are amazing. The spa of the hotel is said to be one of the most stunning in the world. There is also a fitness center, a swimming pool and a beauty salon.
Other Amenities and Services at Oriental Hotel Bangkok in Bangkok are essential and diverse. The hotel has a currency exchange counter, a tour desk, regular laundry and dry cleaning services, babysitting services, 24 hour medical facility, and disabled facilities.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Districts


Bangkok is a large city, rising vertically and growing horizontally. Administratively it is split up into 50 khet (districts), but these are rarely used in practice and the visitor will find the conceptual division below more useful.


Sukhumvit – The long Sukhumvit Road, changing name to Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road going west, is Bangkok's modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at Siam Square is the closest thing Bangkok has to a center.
Silom – To the south of Sukhumvit, the area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand's sober financial center by day, but Bangkok's primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Patpong come alive.
Rattanakosin – Between the river and Sukhumvit lies the densely packed "Old Bangkok", home to Bangkok's best-known wats. Yaowarat (Chinatown) and sights around the Chao Phraya River are also included here. Bangkok's backpacker mecca Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu are located on the northern part of Rattanakosin.
Thonburi – The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with many small canals and some offbeat attractions.
Phahonyothin – The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is best known for the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Don Muang Airport.
Ratchadaphisek – The district north of Sukhumvit centered around Ratchadaphisek Road (part of which is called Asoke) and reaching from Phetchaburi Road to Lat Phrao. This area has really opened up recently as the new metro line follows Ratchadaphisek Road.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

NATI0NAL MUSEUM BANGKOK


History of Art and Archaeology in Thailand: Divided into two periods: Prehistory, at the back of the Sivamokhaphiman Hall, and the Historical period, exhibiting sculpture from the 15th century 80 to the Rattanakosin period at the Prapat Pipitthapan Building, with sculpture from before this period on display in the Maha Surasinghanat Building.Fine Arts and Ethnology: Includes displays of musical instruments, nielloware, gold, mother-of -pearl inlay, wood carvings, old textiles, khon masks, puppets, etc. in the group of palace buildings.Funeral Chariot Hall: Displays funeral carriages such as Phra Mahaphichai Ratcharot, Vejjayantra Ratcharot, the Small Carriage (Ratcharot Noi) and other paraphernalia of Royal Cremations.In the past, the Front Palace was of secondary importance only to the main palace, and was the residence of Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Surasinghanat, the heir apparent. The many buildings inside include Bhuddhaisawan Chapel, Tamnak Daeng (Red House), Mungkhalaphisek Pavilion, and Sala Longsong Pavilion, considered to be "outstanding examples of traditional Thai architecture."

Monday, May 7, 2007

Economy


Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, dominating the country's economy and dwarfing other urban centers. In 2005, it produced a GDP (PPP) of about USD 220 billion, which accounts for 43 percent of the country's GDP. Its GDP (PPP) per capita is roughly USD 20,000, one of the highest in Southeast Asia. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok with over 400 listed companies and combined market capitalization of about 5 trillion Baht (USD 120 billion) as of 5 January 2006. Due to the large amount of foreign representation, Thailand has for several years been a mainstay of the Southeast Asian economy and a key center in Asian business. In the recent mini-crash known as Black Tuesday, the SET lost over Bt 800 billion or USD 25 billion in value, causing markets in the Asia-Pacific to fall and causing a global impact on December 17, 2006. The loss of market valuation evoked fears of a repeat of the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997; however, a partial policy reversal saw market gaining back nearly all of the value lost.
Bangkok is home to the headquarters of all Thailand's large commercial banks and financial institutions; 18 financial institutions hold at least USD 1 billion in total assets. Their bank deposits totaled approximately 7 trillion Baht (USD 177 billion) at the end of the third quarter in 2005. Many transnational companies operate regional headquarters in Bangkok because the cost of operation in the city is less than in most rival cities in Asia. Thirteen Bangkok-based companies are on the Forbes 2000 list, including the largest Thai bank, Bangkok Bank, and the country's largest energy company PTT.
Tourism is a significant contributor to Thailand's economy, providing about 5 percent of GDP. Bangkok is Thailand's principal international gateway, the major domestic hub, and a destination in its own right.
Income inequality of Bangkok's residents is significant, especially between relatively unskilled lower-income immigrants from rural provinces in Thailand and neighboring countries and wealthier government officials, middle class professionals, business elite, and retired foreigners. About 7 percent of Bangkok's population (excluding illegal immigrants who constitute about 5-8 percent of population) lives below the poverty line compared to the national average of 9 percent.