Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [72]
Sanithirakoses-Nagapateepa Foundation (www.sulak-sivaraksa.org) An umbrella group working on numerous environmental and social justice issues in the spirit of the 1995 Alternative Nobel Prize winner, Sulak Sivaraksa.
Southeast Asia Rivers Network (Searin; 0 5340 8873; www.livingriversiam.org/indexE.htm) An activist group working to maintain local communities’ access to rivers and waterways and to oppose the development of large-scale damming projects. Its projects focus on the Mekong, Mun and Salween Rivers.
Thailand Environment Institute (TEI; 0 2503 3333; www.tei.or.th) A nonprofit research institute devoted to sustainable human development and promoting green business models.
Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WAR; 0 2712 9715; www.warthai.org) One of Thailand’s leading conservation NGOs working to protect native species through rehabilitation programs and conservation projects.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF; 0 2524 6128; www.wwfthai.org) Has a Thailand-based office working on reducing human–wild elephant conflicts and protecting the ecosystem of the Mekong River and marine environment.
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Bangkok
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HISTORY
ORIENTATION
INFORMATION
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
SIGHTS
ACTIVITIES
WALKING TOURS
COURSES
BANGKOK FOR CHILDREN
TOURS
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
SLEEPING
EATING
DRINKING
ENTERTAINMENT
SHOPPING
GETTING THERE & AWAY
GETTING AROUND
AROUND BANGKOK
FLOATING MARKETS
NAKHON PATHOM
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Formerly the epitome of the steamy Asian metropolis, in recent years Bangkok has gone under the knife and emerged as a rejuvenated starlet, defiantly daring people to guess her age. Her wrinkles haven’t totally been erased, but you might not notice them in the ever-expanding and efficient public transportation system, air-conditioned mega-malls and international-standard restaurants. A diverse international community, a burgeoning art scene and a brand-new airport complete the new look, making even frequent visitors wonder what happened to the girl they once knew.
But don’t take this to mean that there’s no ‘real’ Bangkok left. The Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew still sparkle just as they did more than 200 years ago. You can still taste classic Bangkok cuisine in the shophouses of Banglamphu, and Skytrains and the Metro have had little impact on the canalside houses of Thonburi. The traditional framework that made this city unique is still very much alive and kicking, and can be found a short walk from any Skytrain station or probably just around the corner from your hotel.
To really experience the Bangkok of today, it’s necessary to drop all preconceived notions of what the city ‘should’ be like and explore both of these worlds. Take the air-conditioned Metro to sweltering, hectic Chinatown, or the soggy klorng boat ride to the chic Central World mall. Along the way we’re sure you’ll find that the old personality and the new face culminate in one sexy broad indeed.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Skipping between sightseeing spots aboard the Chao Phraya Express (Click here)
Exploring the streets of old Bangkok, including Ko Ratanakosin (Click here), on foot
Learning to make authentic Thai dishes at one of Bangkok’s numerous cooking schools (Click here)
Toasting the stars and the twinkling skyscraper lights atop a rooftop bar, such as Moon Bar at Vertigo (Click here) or Sirocco Sky Bar (Click here)
Getting blissfully pounded into submission at one of the city’s terrific value massage parlours (Click here)
Eating yourself into a stupor on the streets of Chinatown (Click here)
Getting out of the city and visiting the nearby canalside town of Amphawa (Click here)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: NOVEMBER–FEBRUARY
POPULATION: 7.7 MILLION
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HISTORY
The centre of government and culture in Thailand today, Bangkok was a historical miracle during a time of turmoil. Following the fall of Ayuthaya in