Joanna James
Bangkok is a multifaceted city offering many experiences for its intrepid visitors. Apart from being the heart of a rich culture, it is centrally located to offer many intriguing excursions for visitors seeking experiences beyond great seascapes, ornate temples, and endless shopping opportunities.
Situated in Ramkhamhaeng is what is called the Airplane Graveyard, a massive place with aircraft which were decommissioned but not fully dismembered. Although they can be used for scrap metal, they seem to be doing otherwise with curious visitors such as those using riverside Bangkok hotels visiting this yard for great photoshoots, especially on the Boeing 747 where the interior also provides good photography opportunities. An intriguing experience for visitors.
Wat Pha Tak Suea is a beautiful Thai temple in the Sangkhom District of Thailand offering a breathtaking view from the temple of the mountainous landscape around. Taking the glass skywalk that extends from the walkway and overlooks the cliffs below is not only an incredible experience but also an unforgettable sight.
Kanchanaburi is famous for the Bridge on the River Kwai which was built by the prisoners of war (POW) during World War II and featured in the famous film of the same name. Built across the scenic River Kwai, this bridge spans a scenic landscape. This is also the area of the Death Railway as thousands of POWs died during the construction of the railway between Thailand and Burma due to the heat, lack of hygiene and medical care and more so for callous treatment given to them. This historical site with museums and historical buildings commemorating the events is worth visiting to gain a glimpse of the effects of the WW II era in Kanchanaburi.
Although tipped to be a glitzy hotel of 49 storeys adding stature to the growing skyline of Bangkok in the 1990’s, Sathorn Unique was never completed. When about 80 per cent of the construction of the massive structure was completed, the famous Asian Economic Crisis happened halting its progress. Today it stands forlorn, some believe it is haunted. No one is permitted to enter the building but many visitors learning of this building come by to see and capture some images of it.
Umbrellas or parasols as they were called in the olden days were to protect the exposed skin from the tropical sun, however, it was more a fashion accessory. At present the charming village of Bo Sang in Chiang Mai designs decorative umbrellas appreciated by visitors. Using bamboo and paper made from Mulberry bark these are in plenty in Bo Sang with visitors even buying them as souvenirs of their visit.
This is a bustling bazaar close to Bangkok City with thousands of sacred trinkets that can be found in the stalls lining scores of corridors. Most of the time the market is filled with locals as well as visitors keenly searching for an amulet, medallion, figurine, or a different piece of trinket from loads of different pieces. This intriguing market provides a few hours of exploration for guests from hotels such as Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort looking for unusual discoveries.
Although there are many ornate temples in and around Bangkok, this beautiful temple in white situated in Chiang Rai is an outstanding one for its ethereal beauty and is worth exploring. Constructed with own funds by Chalermchai Kosipipat, a Thai artist this temple showcases beauty in daylight and at night with white on exterior along with glass and embedded mirrors glistening in daylight and at dusk. Contrasting with the white of the temple is the golden-hued public restroom on one side.
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.
