The exotic Thai Capital of contrasts where Modernity and Ancient Culture meet
The first impression arriving at the airport is to enter a huge greenhouse where even air conditioning is barely noticeable and it is hard to breathe due to the huge humidity levels. I noticed immediately the contrast between the hyper modernity of the airport and the presence of Buddhist monks wearing traditional clothes seating on reserved seats. I think it is really this diversity that makes of Thailand a unique country appealing to all ages and people from different backgrounds!
The origin of the name Bangkok, is unclear. Bang is a Thai word meaning ‘a village on a stream’, and the name might have been derived from Bang Ko (บางเกาะ), ko meaning ‘island’, suggesting the river closeness. Unless talking to foreigners, Thai people will never call their capital city Bangkok – or never have even heard of it being called that. Instead in Thai it is known as Krung Thep, which roughly translates to City of Angels .
This frenetic megalopolis has become one of the top visited location in the world in the last years thanks to its controversial double identity: the fascinating historical and cultural heritage perfectly mingle with the skyscrapers modernity, and lively nightlife. No matter your age you will find something interesting in this never sleeping city!
Tourists are drawn like bees to honey to the Thai capital to enjoy shopping at insanely convenient prices, but also for the charming floating markets and the night bazaars where all sort of souvenir, textile, flowers, fruits, accessorizes can be found.
Strolling around the night markets after a delicious dinner, pleasantly bargaining the price of your next purchase is one of the best way to end up your day and breathe some cooler air.
Food stalls selling all kind of grilled insect skewers (bugs, scorpions, crickets, warms etc.) will surprise tourists not used to exotic food: will you dare to give it a try?
Colourful and exotic fruits such as the dragon fruit or the peculiar smelly durian are very tempting but pay attention before eating peeled fruits!
If the traffic chaos, the heat, pollution and noisy colourful “Tuk-Tuk” taking you from one place to another of the city exhaust you, don’t worry: Bangkok is rich with different kind of accommodations situated at the top floor of skyscrapers where you can relax and have a refreshing swim while having a bird view panorama over the bustling city below you.
Don’ t forget to indulge in incredible spa treatments before leaving the country: prices are highly competitive compared to West countries and you will feel regenerated and pain free for days.
Restaurants and accommodation tips
Accommodation in the capital can be considerably more expensive if not booked a few months in advance compared to the low prices you will find in other cities such as Chiang Mai. That’s why I suggest you to have a look a few months before your arrival on Airbnb where you are spilt with choice in terms of apartments with swimming pool and panoramic views in all Bangkok’s neighbourhood.
I suggest you to book a flat equipped with Air conditioning to be able to sleep due to the unbearable level of humidity and also to close the windows to keep mosquitos away. The flat I booked was close to all transports (tuk-tuk, taxis, MRT Huay Kwang station) and to a Huay Kway commercial center. Here is where I stayed: Amazing City View condo
What I am going to reveal you is a secret place I came across by chance the night before taking my flight back home early in the morning. Its name is Suvarnabhumi Seafood Buffet and it is a great place where only locals go to eat together during week-end. The price is 400 Thai Baht per person (about 15€) and you can eat as much as you can in terms of seafood, non-alcoholic drinks, fruits and desserts. The buffet is huge and busy with people going back and forwards to refill their dishes. The seafood is so fresh that sometimes is still moving and you are given a barbecue where you can cook by yourself what you fancy trying.
It goes without saying that it’s not for weak stomachs since you will have to pick up your seafood and cook them and use all sort of utensils and hammers to open them. Everybody eats with their hands and locals where smiling at us explaining us with gestures what I had to do and how it worked. It was great fun and I couldn’t have enough!
If you fancy explore the post card beaches of Thailand check out this hassle Intrepid Travels free tour showing you the highlights of Bangkok and taking you to sandy beaches and crystal waters in Phuket.
