Joanna James
Bangkok is big, ancient, and modern – all rolled into one. Arguably, the gateway to Southeast Asia, it is a city where a lot of things lead to a harmonious existence. Exploring Thailand can truly open your eyes to a new worldview. Here are some of the top reasons to go on a holiday to Thailand.
Bangkok is a truly inspiring city of vast cultural influences and beauty. The city is featured in some Hollywood movies like 'The Beach' (opening scene) with Leonardo DiCaprio's 'One Night in Bangkok.' You can savour a slice of this alluring charm too. Find a 4 star hotel in Bangkok City Centre and dig in for a veritable feast for your senses. Check with hotels like the Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 for early bird discounts. Let the city's many mysteries and attractions beckon you.
Southeast Asia is a traveller's dream region for its vast landscapes and attractions. The Suvarnabhumi Airport offers access to a number of other regions and countries. The interlinking doesn't stop at just air travel. There are trains, boats and buses connecting Bangkok to a larger region across Southeast Asia.
If you're a lover of art and rich culture, Bangkok is going to pleasantly surprise you. There is the Museum of Contemporary Art located in Chatuchak and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre located in Pathum Wan. In Talat Noi, graffiti artists put on a show while paying discreet homage to age-old Buddhist tradition-inspired art.
Western travellers may find Southeast Asia beautifully different. Schedules and opening hours sometimes follow unwritten rules. And the respectful practices are different to those practiced in other parts of the world. You'll find it easy to adapt to this rhythm in Bangkok.
The breathtaking ancient and modern architecture, the hues, sights and sounds of the city can inspire masterpieces of art or photography. You'll find iconic traditional quarters, captivating floating markets and uber-modern luxury scattered around this one-of-a-kind city.
A trade centre and a hub of international cultures, Bangkok offers visitors an extensive and flavourful variety of street food choices. Thai cuisine borrows inspiration from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, and even some western food cultures. You can savour Pad Thai, fluffy steamed dumplings, and delicious mango rice.
Floating markets appear in several corners of Bangkok. These seem like a cut out of an exotic movie set in another era. The vendors display their colourful wares on long-tail boats, and some whip up scrumptious dishes right in front of you. Check out the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market.
Thai massages leave you feeling refreshed, invigorated, and full of life. You can find safe and reputed massage parlours across many streets of Bangkok. Don't forget to book a few during your stay.
Chinatowns all over the world offer authentic Chinese street food, gold, antiques, pretty souvenirs, and exquisite crafts. And the biggest Chinatown in the world is in Bangkok. Go to the Yaowarat road to enjoy a slice of China – the Bangkok way.
Boisterous, energy filled and exciting is some of the words people use to define the nightlife in Bangkok. You'll find numerous bars, restaurants, and quaint pubs across Bangkok. Come night, slowly mingle into the pulsating energy traversing through Bangkok's night crowd.
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.
