So, I’m looking out of my hotel window from the 19th floor and the vibrant, hissing city of Bangkok lies before me in all its neon glory. Here’s what captured my heart in the City of Angels…
*Firstly, the pace of life in Bangkok is hectic. Be prepared for organized chaos. Tuk-tuks and motorcycles weave manically in and out of the traffic. There’s honking, hissing – it’s an assault on the senses. Make like the shaven-headed orange-robed Buddhist monks and take a deep breath, inhale slowly and go with the flow. It’s the perfect city to practise the art of Zen.
*Thailand’s fresh fruit is simply delicious. Exotic fruit awaits you almost on every street corner. Think dragon fruit, durian (tastes like heaven, smells like hell!), jackfruit, mango, papaya, rose apples, passion fruit, starfruit, pineapple and so on. For a breathtaking selection at bargain prices, head to Saphan Khao Fruit Market.
*The Land of Smiles is renowned for its magnificent indigenous flowers, from orchids to roses and jasmine-infused phuang malai garlands. Crafting garlands is an ancient Thai art and these gorgeous garlands are believed to bring good karma and fortune to the giver and receiver. Head to Bangkok’s biggest flower market, Pak Klong Talat and soak up the deliciously fragrant and colourful extravaganza. Expect to be dazzled.
*A short walk away from the awe-inspiring Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the Watpo Thai Traditional Massage School – it’s world renowned for being one of the best places to study the ancient wisdom of Thai massage. If you’d like to reap the benefits of these therapeutic and herbal remedies, book an hour’s massage (by an aspiring student) for just 420 Baht. It’s well worth it!
*Watch the sunset at Red Sky, a beautiful urban chic roof top bar, located on the 55th floor in the heart of Bangkok. It was voted one of the best bars for sundowners by Conde Naste Traveller and with such stunning panoramic views it’s easy to see why. Besides a spectacular glowing red sky, expect jazzy lounge music, hit-the-spot cocktails and a welcome breeze.
Have a beautiful night!
Love,
P.S. Interestingly, the full Thai name of Bangkok is actually the longest city name on earth. It’s ‘Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.’ It means ‘The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (unlike Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.’
