Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. It has a huge cosmopolitan base and has turned out to be a sophisticated spiritual, cultural, educational and business center. Bangkok has its history traced back to 1782 when it was founded by the first monarch of the current Chakri dynasty. It is also known as the ‘Venice of the east’ because of the Chao Phraya River basin which divides the Bangkok area into smaller patches of land by canals.

Located in central Asia, Thailand had the unique advantage of not being colonized and as a result maintained its cultural heritage. Tourists are drawn to Bangkok almost year round by cultural festivities and practices. The Bangkok Songkran festival held in mid April is an epic event to mark the traditional Thai New Year. It is full of cheer and merry making and tourists throng this event by their droves. Of particular interest is the display of Phra Phuttha’s image by his devotees at Sanam Luang.

Another festival is held in May at Sanam Luang. This is the Royal plough ceremony where farmers turn up to receive blessings for them to harvest the next rice crop in abundance. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand celebrates her birthday on 12 August. This is a public holiday where houses and buildings are decorated and adorned in colorful lights.

The Saim Niramit theatre hosts a number of captivating performances and displays of the Thai art. Tourists interested in learning Thai history will want to visit this majestic theatre and also understand how karma is responsible for the bonds shared by the Thai people. The theater is usually open at night for added effect. Another source of entertainment is the Traditional Puppet Theatre. Here, Hun Lakhon Lek puppets will keep you entertained as they perform historic events based on the Ramayana adventures.

The king resides in the Grand Palace which is made up of intricate architecture. The palace houses the Emerald Buddha temple. This sanctuary is highly regarded to be the most significant in Thailand. The temple of the Reclining Buddha is located behind the Emerald Buddha. It is the largest Buddha in Bangkok and it is covered with a gold leaf.

Apart from the temples, there are a number of museums in Bangkok that hold diverse art and artifacts all rich in Thai history. They include the Natural Gallery Museum which was formally the Royal Thai mint, Suan Pakkad Palace, the National Museum and the Vimanmek Mansion Museum which is the world’s largest golden teak building.

If you feel like taking a walk, why not stroll into one of the parks. There are a number of parks in Bangkok, most noticeable being the Queen Sirikit Park which has a big pool containing three fountains. There is also the Princess Mother Memorial Park and Lumpini Park.

When it comes to accommodation, there are hotels numerous in Bangkok. They range in price, luxury and taste and you are sure to find one that is convenient and pocket friendly.

Airafre to Bangkok are very reasonable, so why not travel to Bangkok this holiday and have the time of your life.