Bangkok to Hong Kong

Boats lit up on the Chao Phraya River that flows through Bangkok.

The Chao Phraya River cuts the city of Bangkok in two. The original city grew around the west bank of the river.

1930 - A canal in Bangkok. Most of the canals, or khlongs, in Bangkok were filled in to prevent the spread of malaria, as well as providing new roads for the city.

1967 - A floating market on one of Bangkok's khlongs. Most of these canals have now been filled in to make way for roads.

Small canals like this once criss-crossed Bangkok. Now only a few remain.

1930 - A canal in Bangkok. Canals were once the main transport network in Bangkok.

Bangkok is known for its traffic jams. Many of the city's canals were filled in to be turned into roads.

View on river (from steamer), Bangkok. The banks of the Chao Phraya River have changed dramatically in the last decade.

The river is the focal point of Bangkok, used as an essential mode of transport for passengers and cargo.

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeline of Bangkok, and is one of the quickest ways of getting around the city.

1935 - Bridge of fourteen shops over a canal, Bangkok. The canals of Bangkok were used for floating markets, with traders selling from their boats or from canal-side shops.

From the air, it is possible to see how Bangkok has grown around the Chao Phraya River which disects the city in two.

At low tide, it is difficult to imagine how Bangkok suffers from flooding during the monsoon season.

City officials are now encouraging new businesses to set up outside of the centre of Bangkok, as space is very limited.

Construction continues in the centre of Bangkok in spite of the densely packed buildings surrounding construction sites.

The sprawling city of Bangkok. It is one of the largest cities in South East Asia, and continues to grow at a surprising rate.

The modern skyline of Bangkok contrasts the intricate tower of Wat Arun temple.

Huge glass and concrete buildings line the banks of the river - many multinational corporations have moved their Southeast Asian headquarters to Bangkok in recent years.

The contrasts of Bangkok - traditional temples sit beside concrete constructions on the banks of a canal.

Bangkok's skyline reflects the rapid growth of the city over the last century.

The unlit river contrasts the lights of the highways cutting through the city. The river is visible as a black line running from the bottom right, curving at the centre of the image.

1935 - Houses in Bangkok (showing policeman in foreground). The new highrises of Bangkok are very different from the original buildings in the city.

1935 - General view of Bangokok (from nine storey building). Bangkok's skyline has changed dramatically over the last century, with more than 1,000 skyscrapers.

Lumphini Park in the centre of Bangkok allows residents a break from the bustle of the city.

Bangkok is home to more than 1,000 skyscrapers, making it the 18th tallest city in the world.

Stretching 1,500km², Bangkok appears to go on forever.

The Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok was built in 1782 at the time the Chakri Dynasty took over Siam.

Images of the king are to be found across Bangkok, even in the most unlikely of places.

c. 1846 - Throne Hall, Bangkok. Built in 1912, the Throne Hall once housed the Thai parliament.

King Bhumibol is revered across Thailand, considered by some to be divine in the same way as the Dalai Lama.

c. 1846 - Royal Palace, Bangkok. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace has been the home of all of the monarchs in the Chakri Dynasty including the current King Bhumibol.

Images of the Father of the Land even adorn the sides of buildings.

A portrait of King Bhumibol outside the famous Wat Doi Suthep temple in Bangkok.

c. 1846 - Throne Hall, Bangkok. The Ananta Samakorn Throne Hall is the focal point of Bangkok's Royal Plaza.

The striking main building of the Grand Palace, home to King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

1913 - Temples of Siam. The temples draw millions of visitors to Bangkok each year.

1908 - Temple at Bangkok. The Wat Arun temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya.

One of hundreds of tributes to the Thai King and Queen found all over Bangkok.

1908 - The Great Temple, Bangkok. The ornate decorations of the front of the Great Temple.