Bangkok

Bangkok is a city in Thailand and one of Asia's fastest-growing cities. It was ranked 4th out of 140 countries in the United Nations' list of megacities for 2010. As of 2015, its population exceeded 10 million people. Most of Bangkok is located on raised ground in an island surrounded by water; the area between the two rivers is called the downtown of Bangkok. The city proper covers about 15 km² (5.8 mi²) and contains both commercial and administrative districts.

Bangkok’s market is experiencing a period of transition. Recent years have seen a shift towards urbanization, meaning that people are moving away from rural areas to cities. Consequently, the city's population and economic activity is increasing. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Thailand's economy grew at its fastest rate since 2000 last year, bringing Thailand closer to emerging markets' average annual growth rates. In particular, the tourism sector continues to thrive due to increased demand for luxury products. For example, the number of international visitors to Thailand increased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014.

Bangkok, the capital and largest city of Thailand, is surrounded by water to the east and west. Its location between two rivers, the Chao Praya and the Bang Pakong, makes the area rich in natural resources. The city is home to several industries including petroleum and petrochemical processing, logistics services, and wholesale and retail trade, among others. Bangkok has undergone rapid development over the past few decades and today encompasses some 200 districts and 2.6 million inhabitants, ranking ninth in terms of land size.

Bangkok's business district is located in the heart of the city's commercial center, Chidlom District, where businesses are concentrated. The area draws visitors seeking work in the booming financial sector and is home to many foreign companies operating in the region. Several buildings and towers have been constructed throughout the district, including MBK Center and Siam Paragon. Other significant landmarks include Central World – a shopping mall, Siam Discovery – a science museum, Lumpini Park – a park, Central Chidlom Thailand – a performing arts venue, and National Stadium – a football stadium.

A large portion of the urban landscape consists of sprawling slums, or khlong, where poor residents live in squalor. Khlong Banglamphu is one of these slums, situated along the West Bank of the Chao Phraya River. Many locals still depend on fishing and agriculture to survive, though both activities continue to decline. There is little access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, and disease remains a serious threat. However, efforts are underway to improve amenities for residents. These include the construction of community centers, schools, and hospitals.

As Bangkok becomes increasingly crowded, air quality concerns are becoming prominent. Although the city does not face severe pollution problems, smog-like conditions do occur regularly. Pollution levels spike around Bangkok during the monsoon season due to agricultural fires and heavy traffic. Most major roads have low emission zones where only electric vehicles or traditional combustion engines are allowed.

Air pollution in Bangkok starts as early as first thing in the morning but reaches its peak around 5:30-6:00 between November to March. This is due to a variety of factors.

The city's rapid expansion has been continuing for years and even though they have installed many different measures to help stop the dispersion of smoke and fine particles. Air pollution should be a much less serious problem inside of a Bangkok Condo. Whilst conducting your property search air quality in the area should be given due consideration.

One of the best ways to travel across Bangkok is via riverboat. From dawn until late at night, tourists and residents alike use houseboats to traverse the city's waterways. Houseboats range from small wooden boats to sizable luxurious vessels, providing a unique glimpse into local life.

Since time immemorial, Bangkok's history has revolved around river transport, whether it was for cargo or passengers. Even now, modern commuters use the city's extensive public transit system, or Bangkok Metro, to get around. In addition, ferries travel along the city's major waterways. In recent years, long-distance cruises have become popular to view the sights of the city, especially during rice harvest season.

People enjoy spending their weekends exploring various neighborhoods of Bangkok. Those looking for fun and excitement should visit Khao San Road, or “Baan Krungthep” in Thai. The road is known for being the center of backpacker culture in Bangkok, and features guesthouses and lively bars.

As Bangkok grows larger each day, so do its attractions. Among them are the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Temple of Dawn. Located in central Bangkok, it serves as a shrine dedicated to the legendary Emerald Buddha. Also known as Wat Pra Kaew, or “Wat Pralai” in Thai, the temple sits atop the Lumphini Garden, which contains statues and monuments, including six giant elephants.

Visitors should keep an eye out for street food while walking around Bangkok. Street vendors sell delicious snacks and meals, and the ingredients are simple, yet tasty. Specialties include som tam (spicy green papaya salad) and pad kee mao (stir fried noodles).

Bangkok's diverse cultures come together over an endless variety of cuisines. Thai cuisine offers a relatively high proportion of fruits, vegetables, and seafood, which is complemented by spicier dishes. Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Western influences have also left their mark.

Bangkok is well connected to the rest of the world. Two airports serve the city's residents, though primarily for international flights. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary airport, located in the northern part of the city. Don Mueang Airport is smaller, though still operates domestic routes. Both airports feature restaurants, shops, and banks.

When traveling to Bangkok, there are several options when getting around. Tuk tuks are motorized three wheelers, and are available for rent everywhere in town. Bikes can be rented from stations to take advantage of the city's cycle paths. Fares range from 10–30 baht per hour. Motorbikes can be rented from 50–100 baht per day. Taxi fares start at 15 baht.

Bangkok literally means ‘City of Angels’ in Thai, and they couldn't be more accurate. Bangkok is renowned for its beautiful beaches, peaceful parks, great restaurants, fascinating museums and intriguing temples.

If Bangkok is not your ideal setting, take a look at Pattaya