Most people think that Bangkok is a destination just for two days. The pollution, the noise of traffic, the hot weather and the political instability make this city just a transit stop before further trips to the north or south of Thailand. However, I think this beautiful city has much more to offer than crowded streets and chaos. I spent two weeks in Bangkok and in that time I had the chance and great pleasure to discover this place from a different angle and see it with my own eyes. One of the reasons for why I stayed in Bangkok was my final IELTS exam. Unfortuanately, I didn’t have time to catch up with my studies in Australia, so I decided that taking the exam in the capital of Thailand is an opportunity I don’t want to miss. This way I could combine learning with pleasure and to be honest, I had great a time. In addition to that, everything is cheaper in Thailand than it is in Australia, so I managed to save half of my cash. Coming to Thailand was a brilliant idea, also from a financial standpoint. During the day, I discovered the capital city, met my friends and did my best to find inspiration in this amazing place. During the evenings, I studied, solved problems and hanged out with local students in one of my favourite cafes in town. So, where do we find some peaceful places to study in crazy Bangkok? Backpackers place is not really a good idea. First of all, you always end up with a beer in your hand and secondly, you get to listen to some great stories from people who have traveled around Asia for ages. Bangkok is always stuffed with travelers on a budget, so it makes it even easier to find some travel companions. Traveling alone gave me experience, but traveling together with people I met along the way, has given me new friendships for life. Here is a link to my favourite cafe, where I have spent countless hours, a place where studying can be fun! Known as “Bangkok”, but the real and official name of the capital of Thailand is the longest city name in the world and can be found in Guinness World Record. The full name consists of 136 signs:,,กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลก ภพนพรัตน์ ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์ มหาสถาน อมรพิมาน อวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะ วิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์’’And it actually means : ,,The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of 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’’. Most Thai people use the short version ,,Krung Thep’’, which means ’’City of Angels’’. So this is what comes to my mind when I think of Bangkok! The city of angels, city of amazing and happy people. People, that appreciate and celebrate every living day. Thai are describe as living with a ‘psychic security’, which guarantee a life of cheerfulness, kindness and non-violence. They are super friendly to foreigners and sometimes very open, so when you have a chat with a Thai person for the first time, don’t be offended by some direct questions, such as: How old are you? Are you married? Do you have children? How much do you earn? They like asking a ton of personal questions and some of them can be interpreted to be impolite or rude, especially in western cultures. However, in Thailand these questions are completely normal.
Have you ever wondered, if all that gold foil on the Buddha’s statues and temples is real? Yes, it is! In Bangkok, we can find around 400 temples, but the most popular in tourists attractions are: Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Pra Kaew. If you even don’t consider yourself spiritual, it’s worth it to absorb the riches of architectureand bustle & hustle of Bangkok. Next and my favourite aspect of visiting Bangkok is the amazing Thai cuisine, one of the best in the World! The best food you can find on the street! What I love about the Thai food culture is that in any areas of Bangkok and anytime, stalls and open markets are easily spotted, where you can get fresh sliced fruits and fresh food from charcoal grills lingers, pad thai or papaya salad. Some of Thai people don’t even have kitchen, because food is super cheap and eating is kind of social activity, so thai always find a reason to go out and hang out with friends instead of eating at home.
Famous backpackers location Koh San Road is a small road located at the northern side of Rattanakosin. This area has become a backpackers ghetto, where you can find budget accomodation, plenty of restaurants and stalls offering thai and international food. The countless number of foreign people end up staying around this street, so it’s a good option to meet another travel freaks! This street never sleeps and diversity range of different clubs and pubs with live music, which is pumping every night of the week. On the other hand, there are many opponents, who are against the sex industry and chaos that is blooming there. Of course, it’s not a place that reflect a real peaceful Thailand, but if you’re willing to have a big night, definitely the place to be. Try some fried bugs, walk along the road with Chang beer in your hand, eat some local specialities, get a massage and have fun! Don’t forget to visit my favourite reggae bar!
Floating market — one of my favourite kind of shopping! In the past, canals and rivers were the only option to travel in Thailand. Over the years, when infrastructure started improving, roads took the place of rivers and water markets almost dissapeared. Fortunately, tourism industry had a such big influence in resurgence these amazing places. The most popular are Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa.
More info: adventurecatcher.com
