A travel guide

Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to
spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and
polluted but it's also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not
make it a longer stay?

Where to stay

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's
character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not
very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to
stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and
live. It's not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so
you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to
spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around
the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi
or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of
the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping
malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world,
and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have
little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and
over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat
Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent
Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.

What to do

After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and
the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the
snake farm and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if
you want to!

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 ● Match the words with the definitions.

alternative - a stand - express - polluted - authentic - noodles

Dirty from traffic or chemicals…

Real or normal for a place, not specially for tourists…

Another way to do something fast…

A table where food or other things are sold in a market…

A long, thin food made from flour, water and eggs…

● Match the Bangkok landmarks and places with the descriptions.

Wat Pho - Yaowarat Street - Chao Phraya - Sukhumvit - Phra Kanong - Khao San Road

A place that you might see in the film 'The Beach’…

A place where local Thai people go…

An alternative route through the city…

A place to go for shopping and bars…

A place to go for food…

An important sightseeing spot…

● Are the sentences true or false?

1. One night is enough time to see Bangkok.

2. Khao San Road is an authentic Thai area of the city.

3. Phra Kanong is further away from the main tourist sites than Khao San Road is.

4. The river boat taxis often get stuck in traffic too.

5. Taking the Skytrain is a faster way to see the city than going by taxi.

6. You need to choose where to eat carefully, as not everywhere is good.

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 The History and Culture of Spain

Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is a country known for its rich history and
vibrant culture. From ancient civilizations to modern times, Spain has played a
significant role in shaping the world. In this reading, we will explore the fascinating
history and diverse culture of this Iberian nation.

Historical Overview:
Spain's history can be traced back thousands of years. It was inhabited by various
indigenous peoples, including the Iberians and Celts, before being colonized by the
Romans in 218 BC. The Roman influence left behind a legacy of architecture,
language, and culture, which still persists today.

The Visigoths succeeded the Romans and ruled Spain for several centuries until the
Moors, a Muslim dynasty, conquered most of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD. The
Moorish rule brought advancements in science, art, and architecture. The famous
Alhambra Palace in Granada is a testament to their architectural brilliance.

In 1492, Spain underwent a significant transformation when King Ferdinand and

Queen Isabella completed the Reconquista, driving the Moors out of Spain. This
year is also famous for Christopher Columbus's expedition to the Americas, financed
by the Spanish Crown.

Culture and Traditions:

Spain is renowned for its flamenco music and dance, which originated in the
Andalusian region. Flamenco combines singing (cante), dancing (baile), and guitar
playing (toque) to create an emotional and expressive art form.

Bullfighting, though controversial, is another traditional Spanish spectacle. It has

deep historical roots and is considered an essential part of Spanish culture.

Spain's cuisine is diverse and delicious, with paella, tapas, and churros being some
of the most iconic dishes. Spanish wines, such as Rioja and Tempranillo, are highly
regarded worldwide.

Modern Spain:
In recent years, Spain has seen significant political changes, including the transition
from a dictatorship under General Franco to a democratic constitutional monarchy.
Spain is divided into autonomous communities with varying degrees of
self-governance.

Tourism plays a crucial role in Spain's economy, attracting millions of visitors each
year to cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. The country's beautiful beaches,
historic landmarks, and vibrant festivals make it a popular destination.

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When did the Romans colonize Spain?
● 711 AD
● 218 BC
● 1492

What was the main contribution of the Moors to Spain?

● Bullfighting
● Flamenco
● Advancements in science and architecture

Who sponsored Christopher Columbus's expedition to the Americas?

● King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella
● Queen Elizabeth I
● King Henry VIII

What is the traditional dance and music style of Spain?

● Salsa
● Tango
● Flamenco

Which Spanish dish is known for its saffron-infused rice and various ingredients?
● Tacos
● Paella
● Fajitas

What type of government does Spain have today?

● Absolute monarchy
● Constitutional monarchy
● Republic

Which city in Spain is famous for its architecture by Antoni Gaudí?

● Madrid
● Barcelona
● Seville

What is the controversial traditional Spanish spectacle involving bulls?

● Bull racing
● Bull jumping
● Bullfighting

Which Spanish wine is popular worldwide?

● Merlot
● Rioja
● Cabernet Sauvignon

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