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 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 endeavor 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 high-rise 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
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