Bangkok - bustling, congested, high-rise, polluted and intense. Perhaps not first on the list of everyone's 'must see places' but there is also another more beguiling side to the Thai capital.
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.
Some of the best hotels in the world are to be found in the Far East and those in Thailand definitely fall in the same category. Tourists, or 'farangs' as they are known there, are welcomed into most establishments and treated to the best service.
A whistle-stop sightseeing tour of the city is incomplete without visiting the Grand Palace. It has been the Thai monarch's residency since the 18th century. The complex is a mass of ornate Thai buildings including the golden chedi (a stupa), Chakri Mahaprasad Hall and Wat Phra Kaew - the temple containing the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is sacred among Buddhists and visitors, although welcome, must adhere to strict guidelines before they can enter including covering up bare arms and legs.
Near the Grand Palace lies Wat Pho, home of a renowned medicinal school and the perfect place to have aches and pains seen to. It is more than likely that you will need to get a ticket and wait your turn, but for just five pounds you can enjoy a half hour massage. Prices vary, depending on what you choose.
Wat Pho also houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. At 45 metres long and 15 metres high, this effigy is a truly dazzling sight to behold, with gold plating and feet decorated with mother of pearl.
Street food is intrinsically part of the Thai culture. Many families dine out on the street, sitting at plastic chairs and tables, eating food so inexpensive, it is cheaper for them to eat out than it is to at home. Stalls specialise in their own dishes, but by far the most common dish is Pad Thai - a tasty dish of fried noodles. Most stalls have their own photo-based menus so if the language barrier ever slows you down there is always help at hand. Another delicious street food is mango, which although unripe makes a tangy and tasty snack when it is coated with a chilli-sugar-salt mix. Don't knock it until you try it.
Bangkok is also the perfect place to learn these recipes for yourself too as cooking course have become increasingly popular. Start with a trip to the market for ingredients, and then you will be guided through preparation and the recipe itself. The best part of course is sampling your food at the end. These courses can usually be arranged through your hotel but a dependable travel agent should also be able to help.
A stay in Bangkok is a rewarding experience, whatever your budget. You will enjoy consistently high standards, as well as unique, personal touches in most places, such as maids folding down your pillow with an orchid and chocolate, or folded towels in the shape of origami cranes. The five star hotels are situated in sophisticated Sukhumvit, complete with luxury Thai royal cuisine. But more affordable places are also on offer if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far. Simply head to Khoa San Road, where you will find accommodation, as well as plenty of bars selling local beer Chang and 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.
The Thai capital may appear congested but if you look through that you will see how truly special it is. With its down to earth, laid back population, vibrant colours and cultural diversity, Bangkok offers something for everyone.
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.
Some of the best hotels in the world are to be found in the Far East and those in Thailand definitely fall in the same category. Tourists, or 'farangs' as they are known there, are welcomed into most establishments and treated to the best service.
A whistle-stop sightseeing tour of the city is incomplete without visiting the Grand Palace. It has been the Thai monarch's residency since the 18th century. The complex is a mass of ornate Thai buildings including the golden chedi (a stupa), Chakri Mahaprasad Hall and Wat Phra Kaew - the temple containing the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is sacred among Buddhists and visitors, although welcome, must adhere to strict guidelines before they can enter including covering up bare arms and legs.
Near the Grand Palace lies Wat Pho, home of a renowned medicinal school and the perfect place to have aches and pains seen to. It is more than likely that you will need to get a ticket and wait your turn, but for just five pounds you can enjoy a half hour massage. Prices vary, depending on what you choose.
Wat Pho also houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. At 45 metres long and 15 metres high, this effigy is a truly dazzling sight to behold, with gold plating and feet decorated with mother of pearl.
Street food is intrinsically part of the Thai culture. Many families dine out on the street, sitting at plastic chairs and tables, eating food so inexpensive, it is cheaper for them to eat out than it is to at home. Stalls specialise in their own dishes, but by far the most common dish is Pad Thai - a tasty dish of fried noodles. Most stalls have their own photo-based menus so if the language barrier ever slows you down there is always help at hand. Another delicious street food is mango, which although unripe makes a tangy and tasty snack when it is coated with a chilli-sugar-salt mix. Don't knock it until you try it.
Bangkok is also the perfect place to learn these recipes for yourself too as cooking course have become increasingly popular. Start with a trip to the market for ingredients, and then you will be guided through preparation and the recipe itself. The best part of course is sampling your food at the end. These courses can usually be arranged through your hotel but a dependable travel agent should also be able to help.
A stay in Bangkok is a rewarding experience, whatever your budget. You will enjoy consistently high standards, as well as unique, personal touches in most places, such as maids folding down your pillow with an orchid and chocolate, or folded towels in the shape of origami cranes. The five star hotels are situated in sophisticated Sukhumvit, complete with luxury Thai royal cuisine. But more affordable places are also on offer if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far. Simply head to Khoa San Road, where you will find accommodation, as well as plenty of bars selling local beer Chang and 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.
The Thai capital may appear congested but if you look through that you will see how truly special it is. With its down to earth, laid back population, vibrant colours and cultural diversity, Bangkok offers something for everyone.
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