Bangkok may conjure up images of a bustling, congested, high-rise, polluted and intense atmosphere, giving it a pretty low rank on people’s lists of places to see. But such appearances are deceptive and there is more to the Thai capital than meets the eye.
All the aspects of culture from Thailand’s north, south, east and west are all present and correct in Bangkok, making it a perfect representation of Thai culture.
Far Eastern hotels rank amongst the best in the world and those in Thailand are no exception. Most establishments are very welcoming, providing service with a smile to tourists, or ‘farangs’ as the Thai’s call them.
The Grand Palace is an essential sight during a flying visit to the city. It has been residency to the Thai monarch since the 18th century and the complex is made up of jaw-dropping Thai buildings, including the golden chedi, Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, and Wat Phra Kaew, which is the temple containing the Emerald Buddha. Tourists are welcome but, as the Buddha is sacred, strict guidelines, such as covering bare arms and legs must be adhered to out of respect for the Buddhists.
For those with aches and pains a Thai massage is just the medicine to sort out your ailments. Just around the corner from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho which houses a medicinal massage school. It is well renowned and you are almost certainly likely to have to take a ticket and wait your turn. Depending on your choice, a half hour massage is inexpensive and will cost you no more than five pounds.
Look out for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, also in Wat Pho. This staggeringly intricate gold-plated effigy is 45 metres long, 15 metres high, and boasts feet decorated with mother of pearl.
A fundamental part of Thai culture is street food and it is not unusual to see families at plastic tables and chairs dining in the street. Indeed, the food is so reasonably priced, it is usually cheaper for them to eat out rather than at home. Stalls each specialise in their own dishes but one common dish you will see everywhere is fried noodles, known as Pad Thai. You should have no trouble ordering, no matter how little of the language you might know, as most stalls have photos on the menu to make things easier. Another dish to try is mango, which although unripe, proves to be a nice snack with their unusual chilli, sugar and salt mixture. You won’t regret trying it.
Bangkok is the place to try your hand at making these delicious dishes. Cooking courses are all the rage. Normally the course will include a visit to a market to buy the produce, followed by time to prepare the ingredients and finally instruction on cooking them. Obviously the best bit of the course is sampling your efforts at the end! Most courses can be arranged through your hotel or reputable travel agent.
Whatever your price range, staying in Bangkok is always time (and money) well spent. High standards are consistent and most places even add their own personal touches. You might find maids folding down your pillow with an orchid and chocolate, or even your towels folded like an origami crane. Five star hotels can be found in Sukhumvit, a sophisticated location that also offers opulent Thai royal cuisine. Meanwhile, budget travellers and backpackers can enjoy a more affordable room on Khao San Road, where they will also find a wide choice of bars to enjoy a Chang, the local beer, or a Mekhong whiskey.
If you are moving onwards from Bangkok then there are excellent buses to all over the country as well as cheap flights to various domestic and international airports.
Overlook the congestion and you will see what a treasure the Thai capital really is. The population is down to earth and laid back, the colours are vibrant and the culture diverse. Bangkok really has something for everyone.
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