Final Thoughts

Bangkok, Thailand is a fast paced city of extravagant riches and extreme poverty. I immediatly noticed the unique salty-spice of the seafood, the negotiating necessary at every purchase, and the reason Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles." It will be hard to forget the mass of people that packed the streets at all times of the day and night, the vendors that were lined cart to cart along every curb, and the tuk-tuks racing to the front of every stop light. I will remember this expereince for the rest of my life and I hope you enjoyed your field trip to Bangkok.

Thailand Fruit

Canal Tour

While on my boat tour, we branched off the Chao Phraye River into small canals. The people living along the canal did not have running water or electricity and had to take baths in the canal.

Choa Phraye River

The picture below is of the Chao Phraye River. This river runs through Bangkok and is the longest river in Thailand.





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Wat Arun

The famous Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is one of the best known landmarks of Bangkok. The center prang is surround by four smaller prangs. Each prang is decorated with bits and pieces of broken porcelain which was previously used to stabilize boats coming to Bangkok from China.

The Royal Grand Palace

The Royal Grand Palace was where the king of Thailand lived from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Now, the official residence of the king is the Chitralada Palace. The Royal Grand Palace is surrounded by four walls that were built in 1782. Within the walls are government offices with guards outside of each building. Anyone entering must dress appropriately by not wearing t-shirts or sandals.

City Pictures

These images are of downtown Bangkok.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok

Prime Minister: Somchai Wongsawat

Government: Constitutional Monarchy

Population: 6.9 million (city); 11.5 million (metropolitan)

Languages: Thai and English (secondary language of the elite)

Monetary Unit: Baht