Thailand’s capital city perfectly embodies the concept of Ying and Yang, with a plethora of contradictions on every street corner. One thing is clear – moderation is blasphemous in this sprawling metropolis that holds an unexpected Guinness World Record. Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels, has long been associated with a vibrancy and unparalleled experience as Asia’s biggest tourist city. It sprawls 1 569 square kilometres and is home to over 8 million people . With bustling streets that never sleep, there is an undercurrent of activity in Thailand’s capital. By day, the city bustles with trade as street vendors and major international conglomerates alike scurry for success. And success is abundant in the city – 95% of the 200,000 USD millionaires living in Thailand are based in Bangkok. The city is by no means aesthetically beautiful, with the exception of the temples and a few other tourist destinations. What is it that draws people to this city in droves? Important Buddhist shrines Bangkok houses the world’s largest gold Buddha image at Wat Triamit Wittayaram as well as the famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, to mention but a few important religious sites in the city. Wat Pho, in particular, is situated next to the Grand Palace and is considered the oldest, largest and most significant temples in the city. There are many shrines, temples and sacred points throughout the city – many of which are swarming with tourists. Markets, markets, markets Floating markets, flower markets, wholesale markets, food markets – there is a market for any and every occasion in the city. I went to the Pratunam Market and was completely overwhelmed by the entire experience – people crammed like sardines in an enclosed space, clothing and wares as far as the eye can see and heckling from vendors. Not for the faint-hearted but if you can overcome the claustrophobia there is a massive variety of goods on offer. Transport infrastructure By far the most affordable and logistically feasible method to enter Thailand is through the major airports situated in Bangkok. Apart from that, getting from Bangkok to almost any part of the country is easy as a vast variety of options are available – from busses, flights to train and taxi. The BTS skytrain system is hands down the most affordable and easiest way to navigate through this city. Not only does is bypass the unpredictable traffic, but there are terminals at various points throughout the city. To save yourself the hassle of spending exorbitant of money on getting around, this is your best bet. Alternatively use metered taxi’s only and avoid tuk-tuks – this is the most expensive way to get around. Chao Phraya River The most leisurely way to visit almost every single tourist destination without the traffic and the cost is by using the Chao Phraya Tourist boat that travels down the river and stops at almost every key tourist spot. A day pass is 150 baht and the trip itself is a great way to escape the madness of Bangkok traffic. The river is the backbone of the city and if you choose the correct pier, you can take a tour of how people have built houses along the river and used it to sustain themselves. A definite highlight of the city is a tour on the tourist boat. Although Bangkok is bustling with a vibrant energy during the day, it’s the city’s darker side that will immerge when the sun sets. After dusk, seemingly normal streets morph into neon-illuminated strips of obscene and gregariously shady shindigs. It’s almost a rule of thumb – the brighter the lights, the more shocking the offering.
After dusk, the modesty of authentic Thailand is completely erased in the underbelly of Bangkok’s side soi’s. From the notorious party district of Khaosan Road with its amnesia-inducing buckets and general debauchery to the less innocent Red Light Districts (re: Distructs) that seem to appear at almost every turn in the heart of the Sukhumvit district, Bangkok at night will make you forget that you are in one a country that values decorum and moderation above most things. Quietly sipping on my beer with some friends at a bar, I took in the scene before me and wondered what came first – the middle-aged Western men filled to the brim with the scent of desperation or the red light district that serves them. Interestingly enough, some research revealed that local men make up the bulk of the clientele of the ladies of the night. However, it’s within this dark underworld that it becomes apparent that Thailand’s booming tourism trade is directly, although sadly, positively impacted by this industry. It’s no wonder that Red Bull was created in Bangkok! And lastly, I’ve kept you hanging with that Guinness World Record I mentioned earlier, so here it is: The traditional name for Bangkok holds the world record as the longest name for a place. The traditional name is ."Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit".
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AuthorWriter. Dreamer. Lover. Explorer. Teacher. Archives
July 2017
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