In 1782, Bangkok became the new capital of an emerging and beautiful country. At that time, King Rama I built the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and gave to Bangkok a royal name - Krung Thep which means "City of Angels". At the beginning of the 19th century Europeans began settling in Bangkok and by 1860 many trade treaties had been founded with the occident.

Rapidly, Bangkok underwent significant growth and changes as rural market areas turned into residential districts, roads, bridges and railways were constructed.

Today Bangkok as a gateway to South East Asia is one of the most dynamic cities in Asia, with a population of around 14 million and possesses one of the richest historical, cultural and architectural heritages.

Here are a few of the most famous sights in and around the city :

  The Grand Palace compound and its ancestral ceremonies.
  The National Museum which displays one of the richest collections of Thai art.
  Khon masked dance performances at Sala Chalermkrung Theatre.
  The Chao Phraya River who cross passes the imposing temple of Wat Arun, the majestic Grand Palace and the Temple of The Emerald Buddha.
  Wat Pho one of the most interesting temples in Thailand.
  The famous Bridge over the River Kwai built during the World War II which joins the Bangkok - Burma railway.
  Ayutthaya, the ancient Thai capital and its many temples, some 80km from Bangkok.