Region Information:

Bangkok (or Krung Thep, the City of Angels, as it is known by Thais) is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. It was constructed in 1782 on the Chao Phraya River by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It was once served by canals and known as the Venice of the East and although many have disappeared, a trip on the river should be a must for all sightseers. Its rich cultural heritage includes the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha but one of the most spectacular sights is Wat Arun, viewed at dawn from a boat on the river. Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres in area, has a population of about 10 million and is one of the biggest cities in the world. It is a Shopping Paradise, with huge air conditioned centres and bargains to suit everyone. Bangkok boasts some of the world’s best Hotels from 5 star to backpackers and its superb restaurants are world famous for seafood, international and local dishes. Bangkok is the departure point for tours all over the country, while Thai Boxing and Thai Classical Dancing are other recommended diversions. Transportation: Buses A regular bus service is provided by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and its contracted operators throughout Bangkok as well as to its outskirts from 4am to 11pm and around the clock on certain routes. Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 4 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses have minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 20 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 20 baht all routes. A Bus Route Map is available at bookshops. For more information, please call 184. Taxis Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often dont! Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway. Tuk-Tuks These three-wheeled open-air motorised taxis are popular for short journeys. Fares must be bargained in advance. Minimum fares, for journeys of up to 3 kilometres, are approximately 30 baht. BTS Sky Trains BTS sky trains ply along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkoks leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at Tel: 02 617 7340, 02 617 6000 or visit www.bts.co.th Bangkok Metro An underground metro service is now available from Bang Sue via Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Ratchadaphisek Road, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Lumphini Park, Silom and Sam Yan to its terminal at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The fare ranges from 14-36 baht according to the distance. Call 02 624 5200 or visit www.bangkokmetro.co.th for further information. River Taxis Taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis that ply the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

Region details

These are the Services available in the Bangkok region.

	Airport Transfers	Transfers from various aiports to hotels or resorts.
	Attractions	Museums, Places of Historical Interest, Aquariums, Botanical Gardens, Zoos and nature based places as well as Traditional Thai shows, Water and Fun Parks.
	Cruising Trips	A full range of trips, from the relaxing to the adventurous on cruising vessels old and new. Enjoy the classics or the most modern vessels. Phuket region, Koh Samui and Pattaya all have beautiful destinations. These day trips or sunset trips by boat are a must at any world destination boasting such island beauty as Thailand.
	Eco Tours	Variety package days for all ages and interests: elephant trekking and shows, monkey shows, rafting & waterfalls; atv, jungle walk, wildlife sanctuary; nature canoeing, James Bond Island, rubber tapping, 4x4 jeep safari.
	Fishing Trips	Enjoy a day out with all the equipment to catch some of the most sought after fish in the sea - take a photo or two, then release them back into the ocean.
	Golf	Play around or play a round. Thailand has many international standard courses with friendly caddy service and buggies.
	Package Tours	A selection of overnight tours to various areas in Thailand.
	Restaurant	A selection of overnight restaurantto various areas in Thailand.
	Scuba Diving Equipment	Enjoy huge savings on all diving needs. Full catalogue and you will save time and money.
	Spa and Massage	Be pampered in luxury surrounds: relax with traditional Thai or western style techniques of aroma therapy, facial and body massage, sauna and more. Harmony of Soul, Body and Mind.