Amazing Thailand, Amazing Bangkok
To be honest this is my fourth time to visit Bangkok, and every time it gets better and better.
An enchanting city, it is full of warm smiles and a positive energy with a mystical vibe.
Growing up, I used to watch the 1956 film The King
and I starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr, one of my top 10 movies of all time. Although in Thailand, this film is banned due to its representation of the king. In Thailand, love for king is a way of life as evidenced by pictures of their King plastered all over, as well as by the practice of wearing yellow shirts on Mondays, because the color yellow in Buddhist tradition represents Monday, which happens to be the day the King was born.
When my sister called and told me she wanted to go to Bangkok, I immediately looked for flights. I thanked my lucky stars because Philippine Airlines now flies direct to Bangkok from Cebu. Through Skyscanner, I was able to get tickets for P10,000. Booking a hotel in Bangkok is a no brainer, we stayed at the Asia Hotel for around P3,500 per night with breakfast for two included. Asia Hotel has always been my go to hotel for its location and affordability.
Since we arrived in Bangkok on a Sunday, we immediately went to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Known as the largest market in Thailand, with over 15,000 stalls selling different goods, from food, clothing, electronics, antiques, souvenirs, plants to furniture. Haggling here is a definite must. Wear comfortable clothes and don’t wear jewelry, to not attract pickpockets.
After the market, we decided to go to the MBK Center, a large air-conditioned shopping mall, eight stories high with 2,000 shops and restaurants. Some people call it the place to “shop til you drop”. MBK used to be the largest shopping mall in Asia during the ‘80s.
After cooling down at the MBK Center, we then moved to the River City Pier along the Chao Phraya River to grab some mango sticky rice and a glass of Yuzu lemon iced coffee. If there is one thing I keep coming back for, it is the Chao Phraya River Cruise, a two-hour dinner cruise with an international buffet and live band. The beauty of Bangkok is seen from a different angle, cruising along historic landmarks like the Emerald Buddha Temple and Grand Palace by night.
On our second day, we explored the ancient city of Ayutthaya, definitely a must-see while in Thailand. Enigmatic, jaw dropping and simply magnificent, it used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Siam from 1350 until it was razed by the Burmese in 1767. Stroll along the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an archaeological site that contains palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. Another magnificent place in the area is the Wat Mahathat, or the monastery of the Great Relic. This place is best known for its Buddha head trapped in the roots of a fig tree.
Another jaw-dropping place is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, or the Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory, also a Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya. Founded in the second half of the 14th century, it is still in use and monks live on the grounds. Bang Pa-in, known as the Summer Palace, formerly used by the Thai kings, is also located in the area. Ayutthaya is indeed a highly-recommended place to see in Thailand.
No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a stop at the dazzling and spectacular Grand Palace. The official residence of the kings of Siam, it houses several intricately-carved buildings, mostly adorned with Thai art and gold. Inside the palace complex is the Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, home to a very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha, whose origins date back to the 14th century.
Another must-see landmark is the Wat Pho, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, that houses a giant reclining buddha 46-meterslong and is covered in gold leaf.
Aside from the historical landmarks, Bangkok is known for its food. Never leave Bangkok without eating authentic phad Thai noodles (stir fried rice noodle), tom yum soup (hot and sour soup cooked with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce and chili), mango with sticky rice (traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk), and last but not the least, Thai iced tea (cold or hot tea with milk and sugar).
Another must-try is a traditional Thai massage, an ancient healing system combining acupressure and stretching.
If shopping is your thing, head over to malls like Platinum for clothes and Siam Paragon for high-end designer labels. Bangkok is also famous for jewelry shopping, especially for rubies. If you have the budget, jewelry is a good memento.
Bangkok has always been a charming city. I keep coming back to this place because of its culture, food, warm smiles, and of course, shopping. If you haven’t been to Thailand, I suggest you visit Bangkok, it is unique from other Asian cities. Aside from its affordability, it has a genuine vibe that is very captivating. As for me, my journey continues to my next adventure.