Joanna James
Bangkok is arguably a vacationer's dream come true with an assortment of activities to engage in and sights to see. This is why it is important to plan your trip carefully well in advance.
Bangkok is certainly no Paris or New York but offers quite a contrasting experience for the inquisitive traveller. There are plenty of shopping malls, iconic temples, street food outlets and sections in the city that deserve more than a mere glance. Therefore should you be arriving in Bangkok in the near future and have limited time to explore it, here is what you ought to keep in mind in order to get the best out of your trip to this part of Asia.
You may begin your time in the city with a trip to the Grand Palace which is currently used for state functions. The Palace's buildings, temples and gardens serve as a wonderful introduction into Thailand's unique culture. Its architectural elements will definitely leave you in awe. However, to enjoy some of the best views of the city, consider stopping by the Wat Arun or 'Temple of the Dawn' which is found near the famed Chao Phraya River. Not to be missed, a Chao Phraya cruise will let you discover the sights and sounds of the city at your own pace and river cruise experiences can be easily selected from providers such as Anantara Cruises, Thailand. You may also opt to mix and mingle with fellow travellers and there is no better place than down the busy yet colourful Khao San Road. Known as the backpacker capital of the world, here the art of bargaining must be mastered so that you may get your hands on some of the best buys in town that would have you returning home with wonderful memories to cherish.
One can easily feel overwhelmed in a place like Bangkok. If you're a foodie at heart then Bangkok's Chinatown is where you should be heading to. Home to rich varieties of street food that will not be found elsewhere in the world, the area certainly puts on a show of its own, especially during the night when vendors come out in their numbers and delicious seafood is the order of the day. Moreover, the combat sport of Muay Thai which involves striking and clinching will undoubtedly add another dimension to your time in the city and these fights can be seen taking place at Rajadamnern Stadium. Be sure to grab your tickets to such a unique spectacle. Also be sure to check out some of Bangkok's malls which are more or less social gatherings where both young and old can be seen enjoying hearty meals, watching the latest blockbusters to the big screen and what not. Terminal 21 and Emporium are such facilities provided.
Should your energy levels not wane, then dive right into the treasure trove of experiences that you are yet to delight in, in Thailand. If meandering across the expansive greens of Lumpini Park does not relax you, then a tour of Jim Thompson's house is sure to have you falling in love with Bangkok, all over again. Once the residence of an American silk merchant, the house is complete with beautiful Thai décor and a scenic garden. The history of the silk industry can be learnt and understood here. Not to be outdone in terms of tourist appeal and value, is the weekend market in Chatuchak. Here one may pick and choose from designer items to the latest gadgets to hit the market.
Concluding your holiday will not always be the easiest to do and such is the case in Bangkok too. In the event you do have spare time on your hands be sure to call at the National Museum which houses an impressive collection of Thai artifacts that have been received over a considerable period of time. Taking a cooking class at restaurants in the city is also a popular pastime which will provide you with the know-how of how to perfect some of the country's most celebrated dishes.
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