Joanna James
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a large city with vibrant urban life, colourful markets, ornamental yet serene temples that will be preparing for the Vesak festival and a delightful array of food making you forget the traffic snarls and embrace your holiday.
Join a group guided tour to experience two unique markets. The Maeklong Railway Market sits on railway tracks and Damnoen Saduak, a floating market on the canal. Many visitors to Bangkok event venues enjoy their time off at these markets. As you stroll through the markets glean interesting facts on how they operate and the goods that are sold. It is a novel experience to watch the stalls and awnings withdrawn as a train approaches and normal business resuming once it leaves the station. Do a short ride on a paddleboat to reach the floating market and purchase goods from village vendors directly from their boat. Experience their friendly vibes, buy homemade goodies and head back enriched by the experience.
The month of May is significant to Buddhists due to Vesak Poya Day which falls during this month, this year it is on the 16th of May. The birth, and attaining of Buddhahood and the Parinirvana of Lord Buddha happened on Vesak Poya day. Plan to visit a beautiful temple such as Wat Arun or 'Temple of the Dawn', on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River as done by visitors at Chatrium Hotels & Residences. Whether you visit on Vesak day or not you would witness the elaborate decorations for Vesak and can be a part of the rituals which would happen over a few days.
This complex of grandeur had been established in 1782. Encompassing halls, pavilions, and buildings set around well-maintained lawns, gardens and courtyards in the heart of Bangkok. This was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now known as Thailand). Roughly rectangular, the complex covers a massive area of nearly 219,000 square metres. Situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River this magnificent Royal Palace must be viewed when you are in Bangkok.
About a 40 minute ride from Bangkok, Ancient City Muang Boran is a huge park of over 200 acres created in the shape of Thailand. This Ancient City features over 100 replicas of famous monuments and those with outstanding architectural features. Whilst some are of their right size more of the replicas are scaled-down in size, however, the geographical positioning of the structures has been correctly observed. thus making this not only the largest museum but also an outstanding one. Due to the extent of exploration possible tram and biking facilities are provided free of charge, and a golf cart drive comes at a fee. This is a visit well worth your time.
Try this half-day guided tour covering small-time street vendors who have experience in feeding locals for years down alleyways and backstreets of Old Bangkok. Carefully designed by a chef who had grown up in the old city and had visited these vendors as a child, going through this tour and eating from different street vendors, you get to taste delightful dishes plus the vibes of the food culture inherent in Bangkok. Vendors are a part of the lives of people who have been eating from that vendor for years. It is a fascinating experience savouring the many dishes, learning to use chopsticks and being entertained by the stories of your guide.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
