There is nothing quite like a trip to Bangkok to revive, refresh and rejuvenate one's jaded senses. From ultra-modern shopping malls, colourful street markets, health giving spas, larger-than-life shows to fabulous culinary delights, one is never spoilt for choice. Indulgence became our middle names as we soaked in the Sun - and rain - splashed pleasures of Asia's "Sin City" during a short 3 Day 2 Night trip there.
What can one do in this city that never sleeps? Plenty of course! Let me count the ways...
Shop Till You Drop
Few cities (except maybe Hong Kong and Tokyo) can match Bangkok's variety of buying options. Designer brands wrestle for attention along with traditional Thai products in a variety of shopping outlets. Huge sprawling shopping malls like Central World, Siam Paragon, Platinum Mall, and the older MBK are pipped against a seemingly endless array of streetside hawkers peddling their wares. Those who love the hustle can bargain and negotiate with stall holders, while the more serene can opt for the fixed prices of larger shops.
Eat Till You Pop
Considered by some to be a gastronomic paradise, Bangkok offers a wide variety of dining options from traditional Thai cuisine, Western delights and Asian cuisine of every flavour. The best thing is that most meal options are highly affordable - even in restaurants - and you can easily find something to munch any way you turn with numerous roadside hawker stalls.
Travel in Style (or Otherwise)
As the saying goes, it is the journey rather than the destination which matters. In Bangkok, transportation comes in the form of thrilling Tuk Tuks, taxis, the light rail (BTS), a long-tailed boat, a Chao Phraya river ferry, tourist vans, and of course on foot. With so much to see, it'll be a waste to fall asleep on your commute. Of course, just be careful not to get stuck in their horrendous traffic jams!
Ssssssh.... Its Showtime!
Man catches 3 snakes
OK, we didn't really go for the much talked about Tiger Shows or Tiffany's Show this time around. Rather, our "poison" of choice was the Thailand Cobra Show located somewhere near Damnoen Saduak a distance away from Bangkok. While I don't subscribe to how they're treating reptiles there, it was... well... entertaining (kinda).
The Fabulous Damnoen Saduk Floating Market
Check out this auntie cooking noodles on a boat!
Naturally, being tourists (as opposed to serial shoppers), one should also explore the sights and sounds of Bangkok. Here, both thumbs up for the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market which offered a wonderful array of colourful souvenirs, clothes, fruits, and cooked food on water. Shutter bugs will have a field day here!
Awed by Edifices of Human and Divine Splendour
To balance all that feasting and shopping in Bangkok, one should visit its wonderful "Wats" or temples. Two of the most famous are the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) next to the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho with Thailand's largest reclining Buddha statue. Adorned with golden stupas, ornate chedis and exquisite pagodas, the religious complexes were teeming with worshippers both local and foreign.
Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace
Wat Pho
Recuperate with an Energising Massage
Finally, after all that walking, shopping, eating and temple hopping, one needs to unwind and refresh one's tired muscles. What better way to do this than to have a massage at one of the many fine spas in Bangkok?
