Joanna James
Did you know that the population of Bangkok numbers at over 9 million? That makes it one of the biggest cities in the globe. While it can look very congested and humid at first impression, it is a charming city with a lot to offer the ardent explorer, if you know where to look.
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is something that you may not have heard of before. It is not for the fainthearted, especially if the reptilian kind terrifies you. The Institute is home to thousands of poisonous snakes. The institute was first opened in 1913 and is a research facility which is attempting to create anti-venoms for the most deadly snakes in the region. You can go and look at the multitude of reptiles that if there wasn't a glass case between you and the snake you'd do well running for miles.
One of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Wat Suthat is known for one of the largest ordination halls in Thailand. The temple is massive in scale, from its 28 Chinese style pagodas to its breathtaking ornate carvings. Inside there is a beautiful collection of murals depicting the life of the Buddha and an 8-metre bronze statue of the Buddha in Phra Sri Sakyamuni.
If you are staying at Pathumwan Princess Hotel ask them to see about getting you tickets for a Muay Thai boxing match at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Watching Muay Thai in action is an education into a Thai way of life. There are contests in the arena every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night and is run by the Royal Thai Army.
If you are going to stay over in Thailand it would be very easy to find a good Bangkok hotel. 5 star luxury treatment in the city is almost second nature. That same luxury treatment is afforded to their newer shopping malls. Terminal 21 is one of these opulent monstrosities. Terminal 21 has over 5000 stores for luxury brands, a cinema and a massive food court where you can eat cuisine from all over the world. Each floor has a section that is mirroring Rome, Tokyo and Istanbul among other iconic cities. It is one of those places that you can get lost at over a weekend away from the heat and congestion of the city streets.
Siam Paragon is yet another luxury shopping mall which is said to be the biggest in the country. Not only does it have a grand array of boutiques and stores, but it also has an art gallery, an open-air concert and an aquarium to boot. It is a place that you can spend an entire day, especially if you are looking to escape the humidity of Bangkok for a while. You can catch a movie, eat whatever you want and let your children play around while the adults go shopping. You will find karaoke, 15 different cinemas, a bowling alley among others.
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