Bangkok Things to Do Tips by catkin

The River Khwae is in the heart of Kanchanaburi a couple of hours drive from Bangkok. It is here where thousand of prisoners during World War 11 were put to work on the bridge and the railway which was designed to connect Japanese controlled Singapore with the Burmese capital Rangoon.
If you go on an organised trip from Bangkok which is probably the best way to go, you will be able to take a ride in a long tailed boat down the river, have lunch alongside the bridge and follow it with a ride on the railway. Some of the old wooden track is still the original, but sadly the bridge isn’t. But all the same it is a fantastic and memorable day out.

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Address: Kanchanaburi

Patpong is the notorious Red light district of Bangkok with plenty of “girlie” bars, Thai boxing bars and probably the best night market anywhere. If you want to buy any fake Rolex watches Oakley sunglasses, D & G t shirts this is the place to go. The prices do vary depending on quality, but barter for them until you are happy with the price and your purchases to show off when you get home.
The boxing bars are good entertainment and quite often have a caberet act between bouts.

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A visit to Bangkok would not be complete without going to the Grand Palace. The palace complex is the most famous landmark in Bangkok. It is situated in a huge compound on the Chao Phraya River and was originally built by the first King of Bangkok in 1782 and has since been added to.
The Royal Chaple Wat Phra Keo stands in the heart of the Palace complex and houses the most revered statue in all of Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. The Buddha is actually only 2 feet 6 inches high and is carved from jade probably in the 15th century in the Northern city of Chiang Rai.
The King is resposible for changing the Buddhas costumes three times a year according to the season. A diamond encrusted tunic in the hot season, a gilded robe in the wet season and a heavy gold and inlaid enamel dress for Thailands cool season. The murals surrounding the Temple depict various scenes from Ramakien.
Be aware that if you are not properly attired you will not be allowed in the complex unless you hire some sort of sarong at the entrance.

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Part of the trip to the River Khwae is a visit to the War cemetery in Kanchanburi. The cemetery is poignant place and is beautifully kept by the Thai people.

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The Temple of the Dawn stands imposing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is best seen from the river at dusk. It’s main prang (spire) is decorated with pieces of broken coloured pottery. There are steps up the main prang but as you get higher they do become very steep, so if you haven’t a head for heights don’t attempt it.

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Probably a good way to see the most important temples is to go on an organised tour. This will ensure you visit Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha, Wat Traimit with it’s solid gold Buddha weighing 5.6 tons and Wat Benchamabophit known as the marble temple.

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A good way to see life along the Chao Phraya River and the Klongs (canals) is to hire a long tailed boat. As part of you trip stop at the Royal Barges located on Klong Bangkok Noi. The ornate gilded barges are used during state occasions and when the annual swan boat races are held on the river.

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The floating market at Damnoen Saduak is about 2 hours drive South of Bangkok. Most tours start early to the market as by noon the market is finished. The atmosphere is great, there are boats selling all sorts of ware from fruit, vegetables and meat to some which will cook food for you which you eat whilst stopped alongside.

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This is a landscaped complex about 20 miles from Bangkok. And has something for everyone, a swimming pool, bowling alley, boating and water-skiing to name a few. There is also a Thai Cultural show where you will be shown all manner of local dancing by beautiful girls and boys, some Martial Arts and Elephant displays.

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There are orchid farms all over Thailand so be sure to visit at least one and arrange to have orchids sent home before you leave. They are beautiful, cheap compared to home and will last a long time after your holiday

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