Bangkok,locally known as Krung Thep is the capital city of Kingdom of Thailand. The city is known for its vibrancy and the liveliness. Having a Tropical Savannah Climate, Bangkok is traveler's paradise. So, when I got two day's break while attending an International Conference in the city, I made the most out of it. The city has a character of its own. The way rich Thai culture is blended with the cosmopolitanism, is an absolute marvel and thus comes the urge of city exploration. Here comes the list of 8 must do things in this 500 years old city situated beside the Chao Praya River.
1. Visiting Grand Palace and the Temples :
Bangkok is famously known for its Buddhist temples. The most significant among those were the Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of Emerald Buddha situated near the Grand Palace Complex. The Wat Pho or the Temple of Reclining Buddha is another important temple complex situated just outside the Grand Palace Complex. "Wat" in Thai means Temple. This whole cluster is situated beside the River Chao Praya.
Just in the opposite bank, there is the famous Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun. Some other temples within the city are Wat Suthat, Wat Saket etc. All these temples are special in their own rights. Influence of typical Buddhist Architecture is very visible while all the temples have a pagoda like roof with a vibrant color pattern throughout. The walls and interior of the temples are full with intricate detailing.
2. River Cruising at Chao Praya River :
Having a view of the old city core while cruising a river can surely makes you feel nostalgic. The short river cruise in Chao Praya is one such experience through out. Crossing the river in order to arrive at Wat Arun is one of those cruises where it steals the heart, peaces the mind and pacifies the unrest within.
3. Eating the Thai Food :
The best part about exploring a new city is its culture and when it comes to Thailand, what can make it better other than some local cuisines ? Yes !!! I am talking about the very special Thai food and trust me, Its delicious. From upmarket restaurants to street food corners, one can surely feel the vibe everywhere. Thailand is known for its seafood with a wide variety of fishes, squids, prawns and meats. Street food is really affordable and it tastes great. Starting from a range of 30 Baht, a normal Thai meal in any Bangkok street can be upto 200 Baht depending upon the type of food it is.
4. Exploring the streets by walk :
And invariably, having the street food is closely associated with exploring the alleys by walk. Yeah, You guessed it right. All the fun and vibrancy encompass most of the streets in the Central Business District of Sukhumvit and Asok. Starting from Shopping Malls to Multi specialty Restaurants, from Public Transport Terminals to affordable street shops, from 5 star Hotels to street artifact shops, all can be found in this One Kilometer stretch.
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market :
A city exploration is incomplete until some shopping is done. The best place in Bangkok is Chatuchak market consisting more than 8000 stalls ranging from Clothes, Foods, Artifacts, Books, Flowers and what not.This is basically a weekend market open on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday.
6. Travelling the city by Sky Train :
The safest, cheapest and smartest way of transportation in this era is using the Public Transit and Bangkok has one extremely efficient system with a highly functional BTS Sky train services. These High speed Light Rail Transits are connected with the Metro Rail of the city via several Multi modal terminals. A traffic jam prone city like Bangkok has a sigh of relief with this facility. The service saves time, allows to save some more money and at the same time provides an amazing aerial view of the whole city while on board.
7. Enjoy the Sea World :
Bangkok's relation with aquatic culture is something worth cherishing. From eating good sea food to visiting Sea World Aquariums- Bangkok has all. Siam Sea Life Ocean world is one such beautiful aquarium. It has a lot of activities, ranging from entertainment to education purpose. Lovable antarctic experience with Penguins, shocking view of a giant shark, Deep reef creatures or colorful sea fishes- it surprises with its collection of thousands of amazing creatures.
8. Madam Tussaud's Museum:
Apart from housing the Sea World, Siam Paragon Mall has another major attraction, the Madam Tussaud's Museum in Bangkok. The world famous collection of wax statues will go you a total aww with all its perfection, nuances and grandeur.
SO, this sums up the must visit places of Bangkok neatly. More the time, more the merry, but experiencing all the above mentioned activity will surely make your Bangkok trip a worth remembering one..
Pack your bags, lets go....
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