I’m often asked what’s my favorite place to visit. For excitement, something exotic but very safe, great food, world famous beaches, deluxe hotels, and a friendly and welcoming people, it’s an easy call — Thailand.
Bangkok, the “City of Angels” and capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, is an exciting, colorful and vibrant city of over 12 million people. Bangkok is the “Venice of the East” with more than 300 canals (“klongs”) that crisscross the city. As Andrew has previously mentioned, in one day you will find yourself taking a tuk tuk, motorcycle taxi, or even boarding a long-tail boat to explore the many klongs that wind through the city.
Bangkok is a modern city paired with antiquity. It is a city of contrasts with a long history, world class shopping, colorful night life, night markets, street vendors, entertainment, and delicious cuisine. Bangkok, and all of Thailand, is a shopper’s paradise with everything from large indoor shopping malls, to street vendors and night markets that offer everything imaginable.
Between the modern shopping malls and tall skyscrapers, you will find the traditional and spiritual side of the people with the many temples gracing the city. Not to be missed are wats (“temples”) and historic areas which include the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, Wat Po and the reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun (also known as the Temple of Dawn.)
The Chao Praya River cuts through the center of the city. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without an evening dinner cruise along the river with the temple and palaces illuminated. Other popular activities include a food and walking tour of “Old Bangkok”, a bicycle tour, spa visit, Muay Thai kick boxing, the famous flower market, and a stroll through the Chinatown market.
Dining out is a national pastime and the Thais take their food seriously! Thai cuisine is famous around the world and what better place to enjoy the wonders of Thai cooking than right here in Thailand. Fine and casual dining right along side street food is all available and reasonably priced. Consider enrolling in a Thai cooking class!
One visit to Bangkok is never enough. You will find both Bangkok city and the country one of the most exciting, exotic, and adventuresome places you will ever visit, and you, too, will start planning your return trip!
-Larry Gelwix
