{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"154: Bangkok (Revisited)","description":"In this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok.\r\nSubscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio\r\nThe show covers the following and more:\r\nObservations:\r\n\r\nBangkok is capital of Thailand (Thai = free so Thailand means land of the free)\r\nNever been colonised unlike so many other Asian countries - sided with Japanese in WWII and supported USA in Vietnam war.\r\nMonarchy which is highly respected and revered  offence to say negative against the monarchy.\r\nBangkok used to be "Venice of the East" as so many rivers and canals - but now mostly filled in.\r\nLots of traffic and traffic jams.\r\nRelatively safe despite political troubles and street demonstrations - more likely affect by tourist scams !\r\n\r\nGetting there Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airportGetting around\r\n\r\nSky train\r\nUnderground Metro\r\nRiver rides - express boat up  and down Chao Phraya river\r\nBuses harder to navigate as most routes in Thai\r\nTaxis - metered but ensure is switched on\r\nMotorbike taxis - ensure you given a helmet\r\nTuk-tuk - 3-wheeled open sided - most drivers focus on where they want to take you to..!\r\n\r\nMust see things to doSights are fairly concentrated in one area close to each otherWat Phra Kaew and Royal Grand Palace ComplexGrand PalaceIncluding some key buildings:Borombhiman HallAmarin Vinitchai Throne RoomChakri Maha PrasatDusit Maha PrasatEmerald Buddha temple - Housed inside the Wat Pra KaeoRoyal Thai Decorations and Coin PavillionWat PhoClose by is oldest and largest temple in Bangkok - contains country's largest reclining BuddhaGolden BuddhaHoused in Wat Traimit - 5,5 ton Solid gold Buddha - 3 metres high\r\nWat ArunTemple of Dawn named after Indian god of dawn\r\nMuseums:Dolls museum National museumJim Thompson HouseRoyal Barge MuseumShoppingBargaining expected in markets Chinatown and Little IndiaBangkok floating market Central World MarketPatpongRed light district","author_name":"Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers","author_url":"http:\/\/tips4travellers.libsyn.com","html":"