| View Blog
|
|
|
|
| The Beauty of Bangkok |
My brother travels to Thailand 'oh-so-often', especially Bangkok and Phuket. I could not understand what the attraction was. Hence I concluded he had a Thai wife (for the record, he is still single). With the numerous times he has been to Thailand, he does not speak much Thai. So I suppose me having a Thai sister-in-law was just in my imagination. After all, he should be ableto speak more than a word or two, right?
My first trip to Bangkok, the largest urban area and primary city of Thailand was in 2006. Since then, I have flown back a total of six times. All with different travel partners and all were amazingly fun. Bangkok is not just a place to 'bang-kok'. There is fun for guys as well as gals. While Thailand is known for its sex industry, shopping in Bangkok is simply wonderful. Not only are the things cheap (of course you have to bargain), but the quality of the items really are value for money.
There are two markets that I simply love - Suan Lum and Chatuchak. Suan Lum Night Bazaar, located opposite Lumphini Park is open from 5pm to midnight. Chatuchak is a weekend market in Bangkok is the largest market in Thailand, and supposedly the largest of the world. Both markets offers a wide variety of products including household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, collectibles and foods. You can get better bargains in Chatuchak.
Of course there are the other smaller markets along the streets in the night. However, the pricing is not all that great. I have to say though, Khaosan Road has one of the better deals. After all, it is the backpackers street. Where else to get things with a shoestring budget?
I love cruises, and taking a boat ride on the river is just lovely. I would not suggest the floating market to anyone though. Not only is it far from the city, it is not like the postcard photos we see all the time. Then again, you would not understand what I mean, unless you go, right? I do like the river cruise where you get to hop on and off the boat to visit the various temples along the Chao Phraya River. I also love the dinner cruises. I went on one with my mum and brother during Chinese New Year in 2008.
I am (in my dictionary) an alcoholic. My definition is not one that refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, despite health problems and negative social consequences. I just love my alcohol. Drinking in Bangkok is super duper cheap! And the drinking holes are very different from those you get in Kuala Lumpur. The various go-go bars offers girls in skimpy bikinis dancing on a stage. You get to watch them, and if you like a particular girl, you can call her down to accompany you. Then of course, there are the infamous Tiger shows in Patong. Tiger shows are special sex shows involving a number of acrobatic displays.
There are the higher end places to go to for a drink or two. The roof top bars such as Sirocco, Vertigo and Red Sky are rather pricey, but the view is simply spectacular. I do prefer Sirocco as it overlooks the Chao Phraya River.
Food. Glorious food. Thailand has really food. Should you like spicy with a zest of sourness, you would love the food as much as I do. Many tourist may not try the street food due to hygiene matters, but seriously, it is delicious. Try the claypot hot pot after a night of drinking. It just hits the spot! I suppose sausages are not exactly very Thai, but if you are in Siam Paragon, you have to try the sausages in the market floor. Spicy, yet you just cannot get enough of them.
Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. Saying that, there are many temples to visit. Each and every temple has its own uniqueness. All I can say is the most important, and not to be missed, is the Grand Palace. The temple within the Grand Palace grounds is magnificient. Well, pictures speak a thousand words, right? So I shall just post the photos of the various temples in Bangkok.
|
|
Posted by darlingvie on 2009-07-24 03:12:21 | Rating: | Views: 29
|
|
| |
|
|
Email This to a Friend 