Great Asian Railway Journeys - Season 1 - Eps 5: Bangkok
Michael Portillo is in the Thai capital, Bangkok, midway through his rail tour of Thailand. He learns how the late 19th-century King Rama V built a grand palace and introduced railways to his country. He discovers the fine terminus commissioned by the king and meets a historian and designer who shares family roots with the present royal dynasty. Michael learns that King Rama V’s love of steam engines was inspired by Queen Victoria. At the colossal new station under construction in the city, Michael hears how its four levels and 24 platforms will transform Thailand’s transport infrastructure. He circles the Grand Palace by tuk tuk, then boards the 21st-century skytrain for a wonderful view of the city. Michael dines on the water in a floating market, where purchases are made from boat to boat. Following in the footsteps of writers such as Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene and John Le Carre, Michael checks into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, built just before his guide.
About Great Asian Railway Journeys
Title: Great Asian Railway Journeys
First Air Date: 2020-01-27
Last Air Date: 2020-02-29
Status: Ended
Rating: 7.5/10 (from 2 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 1
Total Episodes: 20
Network: BBC Two
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Fremantle Media Television Production
Synopsis
Michael Portillo is in Southeast Asia, armed with his 1913 Bradshaw's Handbook. It will lead him on a spectacular 2,500-mile railway adventure across six countries. He explores towering megacities and magnificent mosques.
Cast
Michael Portillo
Self - Presenter
