Wat Saket is located in Ratchadamnoen Klang. Many tourists visiting Bangkok have been to Wat Saket and the nearby Golden Mount, which dates back to 1800. The Golden Mount is an artificial hill, which is 260 feet in height from its base. The tourists who climb the Golden Mount have a beautiful view of the Rattanakosin Island.

The Golden Mount was constructed by King Rama III. However, the hill collapsed during its construction as the soft soil beneath the hill did not support it. Later, King Rama IV continued the construction of the artificial hill. King Rama initially constructed a small hill using 1000 teak logs. The small hill was used as base to avoid the actual hill from sinking into the soil.

During the reign of King Rama V, the Golden Mount was constructed and a statue of Buddha was housed in the temple which is on the top of the hill. The statue was from India which was presented to the King by the British. King Rama IV had concrete walls built around the temple to protect the temple from collapsing. Monks are housed in accommodation that is built around the Wat.

Every year in the twelfth lunar month a large festival is held at Wat Saket which includes a candle light procession. During this festival, the Golden Mount is filled with a large number of carnivals, food stalls, entertainment shows and many more. But the Golden Mount festival has lost its original popularity; it was not celebrated like it used to be in the ancient days.

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Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a unique and wonderful blend of the east and west. This is the city where the two cultures live side by side, complementing each other. Sukhumit, Bangkok’s commercial capital, and Siam Square, the city center, are dotted with shopping malls, restaurants and skyscrapers. South of Sukhumit is the financial district of Bangkok which is called Silom. Once the sun sets, Silom becomes a popular site for pub and club goers. Just north of Silom is Rattanakosin which is home to the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Khao San Road and the National Museum. Rattanakosin borders the Chao Phraya River.

If you are visiting Bangkok for sightseeing then the must see place is the Grand Palace which is home to the Wat Phra Kaeo, the country’s largest temple. The other place a sightseer must visit is the National Museum which showcases a range of Thai and Buddhist art and sculpture. Those of you who would like to experience the Buddhist alms giving ceremony should visit Wat Benjamabophit where Buddhist monks line up to receive offerings of food and drinks.

Bangkok is a shoppers paradise. If you are looking for the good old shopping malls then a visit to Sukhumit district is a must. However, for an original Thai souvenir, a visit to the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Phahonyothin is required. This market has six thousand stalls offering an array of fabrics, woks, jewelry, food, animals, ceramic and much mother. Chinatown street markets have large number of shops to pick up something unique besides you can also take time out to see the world’s largest Buddha made from solid gold.

If you have a palate for Thai cuisine, the best dining places are found on the Sukhumit and Khao San roads. The dining places offer both Thai and international cuisines. The party animals will have fun in Silom or in the go-go bars at Patpong.

Bangkok is a city offering myriad sights to its visitors. So, if you have not planned a holiday as yet, may be you should start thinking about enjoying yourself in Bangkok.

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With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.

The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.

Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).

Thai Customs

Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.

Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.

The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.

Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.

No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.

As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.

This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in. Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market

This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).

What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)

With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.

Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.

For more frugal travel tips on Bangkok or other cities, visit http://www.freephotooftheday.com
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With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.

Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides Thailand travel resources on http://www.your-thailand-travel.info.
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