To use a time worn cliche, Bangkok is a place like no other. But to truly get to know it, you have got to give it some time. One can't truly appreciate what any large city, much less a multi-hued one like Bangkok is all about, in anything less than a week or two. Apart from being the capital of Thailand Bangkok has a well earned reputation as a formidable tourist destination that offers a visitor everything-palaces, temples, river-cruises, an out of this world floating river market, shopping, a pulsating night life and of course Thai cuisine to die for.
Bangkok means different things to different people. For the epicure it might be the many rooftop bars and the incredible street food that is so readily available there and for the young and the restless it might be the many night-clubs. These cover the entire gamut -from large international standard clubs to more niche and individualistic ones. Then there are the incredibly beautiful beaches within easy driving distance. Among the popular ones are Hua Hin, off the Gulf of Thailand, Pattya(who hasn't heard of that one!),Ko Samet with its pristine waters and the quiet fishing town of Pranburi.
For those who like nothing more than getting a feel of the local culture and architecture, Bangkok is again certainly the place to be. With four hundred temples spread across the length and breadth of the city you really need to have a lot of time on your hands to see more than a handful of them. Among the most popular ones have to be the ones near the Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaeu or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha probably tops the list. The highlight of this centuries old temple is the Emerald Buddha itself that has been carved into a large block of jade. Another old temple which is not so talked about, but stands out because of its unique architecture has to be Loha Prasat or Metal Temple. The Phra Pathom Chedi has the unique distinction of being the tallest stupa in the world and it stands at the site of the spot where Buddhism entered Thailand two millennia ago.
The thing about Bangkok that instantly endears it to tourists from every corner of the world is not just its wonderful sights and attractions, but also the friendly Thai people-ever smiling and helpful. Then again, the city opens its arms equally for all their budget notwithstanding. This is why both the backpackers and the well heeled find Bangkok their kind of place. It accommodates everyone equally well.
For the wealthy Bangkok has some of the world's best hotels, resorts ans spas, while the backpackers can't have enough of the budget accommodation, and the cheap food and transportation that they can avail of in this wonderful city. You can easily get by, for as little as $30 a day if you are okay with using local transportation and eating some of the delicious street food that only Bangkok offers.
Everyone who comes to Bangkok finds a reason to fall in love with the place. Come and discover yours.
Bangkok means different things to different people. For the epicure it might be the many rooftop bars and the incredible street food that is so readily available there and for the young and the restless it might be the many night-clubs. These cover the entire gamut -from large international standard clubs to more niche and individualistic ones. Then there are the incredibly beautiful beaches within easy driving distance. Among the popular ones are Hua Hin, off the Gulf of Thailand, Pattya(who hasn't heard of that one!),Ko Samet with its pristine waters and the quiet fishing town of Pranburi.
For those who like nothing more than getting a feel of the local culture and architecture, Bangkok is again certainly the place to be. With four hundred temples spread across the length and breadth of the city you really need to have a lot of time on your hands to see more than a handful of them. Among the most popular ones have to be the ones near the Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaeu or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha probably tops the list. The highlight of this centuries old temple is the Emerald Buddha itself that has been carved into a large block of jade. Another old temple which is not so talked about, but stands out because of its unique architecture has to be Loha Prasat or Metal Temple. The Phra Pathom Chedi has the unique distinction of being the tallest stupa in the world and it stands at the site of the spot where Buddhism entered Thailand two millennia ago.
The thing about Bangkok that instantly endears it to tourists from every corner of the world is not just its wonderful sights and attractions, but also the friendly Thai people-ever smiling and helpful. Then again, the city opens its arms equally for all their budget notwithstanding. This is why both the backpackers and the well heeled find Bangkok their kind of place. It accommodates everyone equally well.
Everyone who comes to Bangkok finds a reason to fall in love with the place. Come and discover yours.
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