Great Times in Bangkok
by E Cho
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, belongs to the land of
tranquility and Zen like calm. Serene Temples pepper the whole city
and would transport you to a land of inner peace, quietude and
mental calm if you grace the patios of these beautiful Buddhist
pagodas and temples.
If you are searching for spiritual nirvana, Bangkok is the right
place to be in. The other epithet for this sleepy city is VENICE OF
THE EAST. Bangkok is not only a haven for those seeking spiritual
direction, but it also boasts of a rich cultural heritage and a
glorious historical past, both of which enhance the grandeur of the
city.
Bangkok is a hit tourist destination with westerners and happens to
be the top draw in Asia and the third most popular tourist
destination in the world. Some of the major attractions and sights
in Bangkok include WAT PHRA KAEW, WAT MAHATHAT, GRAND PALACE,
VIMANMEK TEAK MANSION, ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM, QUEEN SAOVABHA
MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, NATIONAL MUSEUM, LUMPHINI PARK, JIM THOMPSONS’
HOUSE, ANCIENT CITY and ABHISEK DUSIT THRONE HALL.
Bangkok is also world famous for its spas and aroma healing
techniques. Many westerners flock to Bangkok for spa tours and
relaxing exotic massages which relieve all the stress and strain,
drive away fatigue and exhaustion and chronic pain and leave the
mind and body feeling rejuvenated and revivified.
Ancient healing techniques and exotic natural ingredients coupled
with cutting edge modern technology combine to pack a new punch in
the thriving spa and massage business in Bangkok.
If you are an epicurean, you will definitely fall in love with
Bangkok for it offers everything from shopping, fine dining, luxury
living, high society, living in style – in short Bangkok is an
epicurean paradise. The mouthwatering cuisine will leave you asking
for more.
If variety is the spice of life, then the Bangkok people certainly
know how to spice up their cuisine and add some variety to it.
Spicy sea food is the top attraction in the restaurants here. There
are budget restaurants as well as fine dining destinations.
If you haven’t tried out the lip smacking street food of a mind
boggling variety, you have definitely missed the flavor of Bangkok.
In fact there is one entire neighborhood in Bangkok lined with
street food stalls where you can lay your hands on various kinds of
delectably cooked sea food like squid, prawn, shrimp, oyster, sea
fishes and other such things.
If you are an adventurous daredevil and wont mind plunging into a
gastronomical trip down south East Asian cuisine, then I would
recommend you to try out the snakes, insects, octopus, shark, toads
and other such local Thai delights to tickle your taste buds!
Spice and heat are the high points of Thai cuisine and the
necessary flavor is brought out by the liberal use of lemon grass,
pepper, garlic, ginger, chilli, cumin, knob khaa, manglak, basil
leaves, coriander etc. Magosteen, durian, lychee are some of the
exotic fruits available here and you must taste the exotic salads
to fulfil your gastronomic journey.
Needless to say, Bangkok is a shoppers’ paradise just like
Singapore and you will freak out over the cheap prices of
electronic gadgets and gizmos, be spoilt for choice by the wide
range of designer wear and accessories and perfumes, jewelry
available in the swanky glitzy malls. The most popular shoppers’
stops in Bangkok are NARAYANA PHAND, PRATUNAM, KHLONG DAMNOEN
SADUAK and FLOATING MARKET.
About the author:
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