Bangkok is one of
Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Created
as the Thai capital in 1782 by the first
monarch of the present Chakri dynasty, Bangkok
is a national treasure house and Thailand’s
spiritual, cultural, political, commercial,
educational and diplomatic centre.
Bangkok exceeds 1,500 square kilometres
in area and is home to one-tenth of the country's
population. Major tourist attractions include
glittering Buddhist temples, palaces, timeless
“Venice of the East” canal and river
scenes, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous
shopping centres.