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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 city’s
many historic temples – Temple of the Emerald
Buddha, Temple of Dawn and other evocative 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 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
“Venice of the East” offers a glimpse
of traditional riverine lifestyles, affording
insights into the history and character of this
wondrous city |
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Bangkok
