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Bangkok
: (9 million
inhabitants) the capital, with traffic which is a
nightmare, wild uncontrolled urbanism and nearly
400 temples...
It stretches down each side of the river over a
total surface of 1,500 sq. kms. 50% of the
population are under 30 years old.
The royal palace, a city within the city, spreads
over 260 hectares behind its walls. Since the
beginning of time the Thai capitals have been built
around this residence, symbolic seat of power of
the 'Lord of Life'.
The administrative services are all in this
sector.
To visit : Wat Arun on the Thonburi river, Wat Phra
Kaeo, the temple of the emerald Buddha, Wat Pho,
the temple of the reclining Buddha, Wat Rajabopit,
Wat Traimit and its Buddha made of 5 tons of solid
gold, Wat Saket....
The Vimanmek Palace museum ( the biggest teak
monument in the world).
The museum of the Royal Barges : eight sumptuous
barges, most of which were built in the 18th
century. They are used in royal processions.
The house of Jim Thomson, in the middle of a
tropical garden, housing a collection of porcelaine
and art objects.
The floating markets. Trips on the canals, the
'hang yao' along the klongs. The Thevet flower
market on the banks of the Krung Kasem klong, the
Wat Rachanada Talat market (lucky talismans) on the
other side of the klong.
Bangkok
:
With all the trafic jams it is advisable not to
make more than two appointment in the morning or
the afternoon. It is a real nightmare to circulate
in Bangkok, so group your meetings in the same
areas. It is perfectly possible to have meetings in
the lobby or a suite of a big hotel.
Taxi prices : in town 50 FF or to the airport 80
FF.
Always choose a taxi with a meter and ask the
driver to put the meter on : the fare is about 35
bahts (7FF) per 3 kms. Never leave your hotel
without having the address of where you are going
and the address of your hotel written for you in
Thai, very few drivers speak or read English.
Bargaining is an art, it is absolutely obligatory
both in business and with a taxi driver or a
souvenir seller.
There is a monorail crossing the town from north to
south and from east to west. It costs about 6FF and
is clean and easy to find.
The tuk-tuk (taxi-scooter) are typical and
practical to zigzag through the trafic jams, but
they are often more expensive than the taxi-meters
(about 20 FF for a ride) - the price must be
negotiated.
On the canals you can take the Chao Phraya Express
which is an easy and practical way to get about and
avoid the trafic jams. It works from 6 am to 6 pm
and stops near all the tourist sites (Wat Arun, the
royal palace ...)
A top class hotel costs from 1000-2000 FF.
10% tax is already included in most of the hotel
and restaurant tarifs.
You are not obliged systematically to tip but it is
appreciated if you are satisfied with the
service.
To find accomodation, you can get advice from the
Alliance Française, or find small ads in the
'Bangkok Post'.
Days off are Saturdays and Sundays.
To phone or fax to Paris costs 10-12 FF a
minute.
Don't forget to take your shoes off when you go
into a temple or a private house.
It is considered polite to smile.
Avoid being familiar, don't touch the people you
are talking to.
Showing anger is considered extremely vulgar.
The Thai people love and admire their royal family.
Don't think of criticising them.
Don't touch the head of a Buddha, it is considered
disrespectful.
To find accomodation, you can get advice from the
Alliance Française, or find small ads in the
'Bangkok Post'.
Chiang
Mai, the 'Rose of the
North' : centuries old temples, handicraft
villages
Pattaya
: the oldest seaside resort
Phuket
: beautiful white sandy beaches on the Phang Nga
bay
Phitsanulok,
Songkhla.
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