Bangkok, Thailand

OH the many faces of Bangkok! This bustling city is full of character and culture. With a population of 7.7 million people , it is considered to be the capital of not only Thailand , but all of south east Asia. And I must say, it has left a lasting impression on me.

 

Like many cities of the east, It has experienced rapid growth in recent decades and contains a vibrant mix of new and old, traditional and contemporary. The "Sky Train" has a massive presence in the urban space of Suhkumvit Street, while the grand palace is iconic of traditional Thai style.

Water has played a huge part in Thai culture. Bangkok was built on the river outlet of the Chao Phraya River and the city developed as a main trading hub. At one time, Bangkok was called the "Venice of the east" with Thai people considered to be "amphibious" but with modernization, streets paved over canals and the water front boundaries became more defined.

The use of informal Urban space by the Thai people was quite striking. What can appear to be a back ally turns into a busy night market. Vendors pull up there carts to create ad-hock markets on the side walk, in the metro terminal and in the streets. Side walks and streets can have very different personalities at different times of day.

I visited the Chulalongkorn University, Department of Architecture which is located in the center of Bangkok. It is the only Architecture program in Thailand conducted in English. Fortunately, they were having an open house when I arrived and was able to meet students and faculty and discuss their work.

Not Far from the university is the Bangkok Art and Culture center which is free to the public, and is more of a public forum for artist then it is a museum.

Jim Thompson's House is unique attraction. Jim Thompson was an American who Revived the silk trade in Thailand after wold war 2. He studied architecture at Princeton, worked in new york, and changed careers for a life in Asia. He built a Large house in Traditional Thai Style in the 1950's that is impeccably detailed.

Bangkok recently was on the world stage for all the wrong reasons. The city is incredibly lively and the people very friendly. They say, " You can never get bored in Bangkok"