I have been to Bangkok couple of times and this city never fails to amaze me. Every time I visit, it blows me away with its vibrancy and welcoming energy. It has a perfect mix of culture, nightlife, shopping and religion, making it an essential visit for anyone who yearns for travel and cultural harmony. On my first visit, I was given an impression that Bangkok is only famous for its sex pubs and the red light district, but this assumption soon crumbled after I discovered the multiple facets that the city has to offer. Being a perennial visitor here, I have seen how much this metropolis has grown over the last decade. From all the world famous hotel chains to clubs and restaurants which are at par with the hospitality standards of the west, the fine dining experience for tourists is exceptional.
The street shopping and street food is the highlight of this city – shop and eat till you drop! If you are non vegetarian, you are in culinary heaven! However owing to the massive influx of international tourists, it is gratifying to note that Bangkok is dotted with vegetarian fare which is equally delicious! Another fascinating aspect of the city is its shopping – from the world’s biggest street market to unfettered access to international brands – furniture to pets. Name it you shall get it here!
Winston Churchill once said that a city progresses when the people use its public transport. Churchill’s assertions are manifested in Bangkok, where the revered King of Thailand has made extra efforts to keep sidewalks clean and build overhead walkways wherever required.
Nutritionally, I made a very interesting observation amongst the natives of Thailand and how obesity is very less amongst them. You could attribute this to their diet, genes or lifestyle choices! Everyone eats healthy, thanks to seafood being major constituent of their diet followed by long walks to work or for leisure. Coconut water and fresh mandarin orange juice is available at every corner which is sugar free and a great thirst quencher. The cuisines and dishes served in these markets use very little oil and a lot of vegetables, along with meat of your choice that ensures a high protein intake. Their diet is also enriched with fruits that are well known the world over.
Religion is an integral part of this city too. Almost everyone goes to the temple here and is God fearing. In my personal opinion, this religious zeal isn’t perceived as a fundamental attitude, but infuses the city with a purpose of growth and happiness. No city is perfect. Bangkok also has its flaws such as traffic and bag snatching, a commonplace scenario in any world city that thrums with tourists.
On the whole, do visit Bangkok with an open mind and city shall welcome you with folded hands and a big smile on its face.
Khan koon krap 🙂