|
Bangkok
Information
 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
|
|
