Bangkok Siam

Guide to Bangkok with Notes on Siam by Erik Seidenfaden (2nd edition, 1928) is a richly detailed travel and cultural guide to Bangkok and the Kingdom of Siam during a transformative period in the country’s history. Written by Danish ethnographer and journalist Erik Seidenfaden, who lived in Siam for many years, the book offers both practical advice for travelers and deeper insights into Thai society, history, and traditions.

The guide begins with a thorough orientation to Bangkok, describing how to navigate the city’s canals, streets, markets, temples, and government buildings. Seidenfaden presents the capital as a fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern influences. The second half of the book, the “Notes on Siam,” explores the broader cultural and geographic landscape of the country, including its religious life, ethnic diversity, artistic traditions, and political developments.

Accompanied by over 250 illustrations, maps, and photographs, the book provides a visually engaging and informative portrait of Siam in the late 1920s. While written from a Western colonial-era perspective, Seidenfaden’s respectful tone and detailed knowledge make the book a valuable historical resource. Guide to Bangkok with Notes on Siam captures a moment when Bangkok stood at the crossroads of tradition and modernization.