A completely revised guide to this exquisite complex of buildings.

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Using a patchwork of words and images from Bangkok's residents and visitors of yesteryear, this book shares the often untold past of this busy city while shedding light on Thai culture.

A PASSIONATE, AFFECTIONATE RECORD OF ADVENTURES AND MISADVENTURES IN THE WORLD'S HOTTEST METROPOLIS Tourists come to Bangkok for many reasons—a sex change operation, a night with two prostitutes dressed as nuns, a stay in a luxury hotel. Lawrence Osborne comes for the cheap dentistry. Broke (but no longer in pain), he finds that he can live in Bangkok on a few dollars a day. And so the restless exile stays. Osborne's is a visceral experience of Bangkok, whether he's wandering the canals that fill the old city; dining at the No Hands Restaurant, where his waitress feeds him like a baby; or launching his own notably unsuccessful career as a gigolo. A guide without inhibitions, Osborne takes us to a feverish place where a strange blend of ancient Buddhist practice and new sexual mores has created a version of modernity only superficially indebted to the West. Bangkok Days is a love letter to the city that revived Osborne's faith in adventure and the world.

In this vibrant cultural history, Maryvelma O'Neil takes us on an engaging tour of Bangkok, revealing the rich ancient heritage of this fascinating city. The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok stands out as a place of extraordinary allure. Beginning as a floating city in a lush tropical setting, known to foreigners as the "Venice of the East," its majestic Grand Palace and glittering Buddhist temples today compete with chimneystacks and a jungle of skyscrapers. O'Neil illuminates a city rich in art, history, royal ceremony, and tradition and she uncovers fascinating pockets of traditional indigenous life and places of intense beauty hidden in Bangkok's labyrinthine lanes and alleys.

Bangkok is one of Asia's most interesting, varied, controversial and challenging cities. It is a city of contradictions, both in its present and past. This unique book examines the development of the city from its earliest days as the seat of the Thai monarchy to its current position as an infamous contemporary metropolis. Adopting insights from anthropology, urban studies and human geography, this is a powerful account of the city and its dynamic spaces. Marc Askew examines the city's variety from the inner-city slums to the rural-urban fringe, and gives us a keen insight into the daily life of the city's inhabitants, be they middle-class suburbanites or sex workers.

Discover Thailand's dynamic capital with the most incisive and entertaining guide book on the market. Whether you plan to visit the Grand Palace, drift along the Thornburi canals or sip cocktails at the Sky Bar, The Rough Guide to Bangkok will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. Full-colour chapter maps throughout and a full-page-size city plan - to navigate Dusit's grand boulevards or the narrow streets of Chinatown without needing to get online. Stunning images - a rich collection of inspiring colourphotography. Things not to miss - Rough Guides'rundown of Bangkok's best sights and experiences. Itineraries - carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. Detailed coverage - whether in the city centre or out in the suburbs and beyond, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered include: Ratanakosin, Banglamphu, Chinatownand Pahurat, Thonburi, Dusit, Downtown, Chatuchak Weekend Market. Attractions include: Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Arun, National Museum, Jim Thompson's House, Chinatown, Chatuchak Weekend Market. Listings chapters - from accommodation and restaurants to clubs and live music, plus festivals, events and kids' Bangkok. Basics - essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, the media, tourist information, public holidays, costs, entry requirements and more. Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, books and film, plus a handy language section and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to Bangkok. About Rough Guides: Escape the everyday with Rough Guides. We are a leading travel publisher known for our "tell it like it is" attitude, up-to-date content and great writing. Since 1982, we've published books covering more than 120 destinations around the globe, with a never-growing series of ebooks, a range of beautiful, inspirational reference titles, and an award-winning website. We pride ourselves on our accurate, honest and informed travel guides.