When I look back on my memories in Thailand, I can sum it up to mouthwatering cuisine + ornate temples + never-ending nightlife. It’s got a near-perfect mix of food, culture, nightlife, shopping, and affordability that’s unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’re into. Bangkok will have something for you!
It's always better to start your sightseeing journey early in the morning because the one thing that might get to you is going to be the crowds! With almost 40 million tourists coming in every year, you won't be surprised as to how chaotic it can get. (But people from India, we already have an upper hand in this IYKWIM!) Never in my life had I needed to bargain for everything I laid my eyes on, (Egypt beat that, but that'll be for another blog!) even taxis and tuk-tuks needed a bargain check.
Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Wander down the street to Wat Pho and the famous reclining Buddha which is a stark 46m long statue (as well as the famous Golden Buddha). The Wat Pho complex fills a city block so while seeing the statues doesn’t take long, you could spend a solid hour wandering the maze-like temple grounds. I barely got around to exploring even 3/4th of the temple complex, it was that vast!
The famous golden reclining Buddha
Fun fact: The official name of the Wat Pho temple is actually Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchawaworamahawihan. (good luck pronouncing that) But locals and tourists always call him by his short name Wat Pho. Across the entire temple area, you can see various stupas and chedis. Beautifully decorated with different colored Chinese mosaics, they are one of the main attractions in Wat Pho.
The elaborate stupas and chedis
Also, picturesque Buddha statues are located almost everywhere at Wat Pho. Every corner you look, you'll find a beautiful yet different-looking Buddha statue. Each one has its own specific significance and is made to symbolize something. There are about 150 statues inside the monastery and 244 buddha statues on the outside!
Wat Traimit
Wat Traimit in Bangkok is known for housing a 5.5-tonne statue of a seated Buddha. People usually skip this temple in comparison to the other more beautifully architectured temples, but this temple and its well-known history are what is definitely worth a visit.
For centuries the true identity and value of this golden Buddha were not known, until by accident in the 1950’s it was discovered that the Buddha was made of solid gold. It is more than three meters high, weighs some five and a half tons, and is most likely some 700 to 800 years old. It is the largest solid gold Buddha image in the world.
Pratunam market and MBK Mall
We concluded our time in Bangkok with of course - shopping! The affordability of everything in the street markets is mind baffling when you get the finest qualities hand in hand. We decided to step into the Pratunam market - one of the busiest markets in Bangkok, so be prepared for the crowds. While there are the usual, repetitive stalls selling touristy beer-designed tank tops or t-shirts declaring how much you ‘heart’ Bangkok, there are also many shops selling traditional Thai clothing. Do not expect to get the lowest prices without a bit of haggling!
Another place to add to your list has to be the MBK mall which is Bangkok’s 8-story mega-mall that attracts more than 90,000 shoppers a day! MBK is probably your best bet for finding souvenirs and gifts to take home. Ways to commute: Taxis and Tuk-tuks are your saviors with a lot of bargaining.
Thailand has pink taxis everywhere!
Hoping to visit Thailand very soon and explore so much more, because a one-time visit just doesn't seem to suffice!
Fin.
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