Bangkok or Krung Thep which means the City of Angels was constructed in 1782, 221 years ago. With a population of approximately 10 million, Bangkok is a balance of traditions and impulses of a cosmopolitan life.

Visitors may well remember Bangkok for temples so fine and the magnificence of the King's Grand Palace. For certain others, Bangkok advocates an exciting nightlife with an extensive choice of entertainment set against time old markets. Most visitors perceive Bangkok as a shopping paradise and a fast-emerging Asian capital.

With over ten million inhabitants, the metropolitanthe metropolitan Thailand is all of the above and more - full of creativity and fun with a keen eye on the future. In spite of rapid advancements, the Thai nationals never lost sight of their roots: numerous temples maintain a serene atmosphere with only chants of monks in the background; on the Chao Praya River or on the remaining canals, sleek boats continue to ferry people and goods just like centuries before. Every year, Bangkok celebrates festivals that include the Thai New Year to the Festival of Lights (Loy Krathong). Without an exception is of course, the celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the King. To learn the soul of Bangkok, board one of the public boats on the Chao Praya River. From the Shangri-La Hotel or the famed Oriental Hotel, discover several old villas that formed the old city and pass the Wat Arun, temple of the dawn, on the Thonburi side of the river with its majestic chedi. Then watch for the multiple red and green roofs and golden spires of the Grand Palace in the horizon. One must not miss the magnificence of the golden statues and mural paintings that depict the Ramayana.