Great Times in Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, belongs to the land of tranquility and Zen like calm. Serene Temples pepper the whole city and would transport you to a land of inner peace, quietude and mental calm if you grace the patios of these beautiful Buddhist pagodas and temples.

If you are searching for spiritual nirvana, Bangkok is the right place to be in. The other epithet for this sleepy city is VENICE OF THE EAST. Bangkok is not only a haven for those seeking spiritual direction, but it also boasts of a rich cultural heritage and a glorious historical past, both of which enhance the grandeur of the city.

Bangkok is a hit tourist destination with westerners and happens to be the top draw in Asia and the third most popular tourist destination in the world. Some of the major attractions and sights in Bangkok include WAT PHRA KAEW, WAT MAHATHAT, GRAND PALACE, VIMANMEK TEAK MANSION, ROYAL BARGES NATIONAL MUSEUM, QUEEN SAOVABHA MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, NATIONAL MUSEUM, LUMPHINI PARK, JIM THOMPSONS' HOUSE, ANCIENT CITY and ABHISEK DUSIT THRONE HALL.

Bangkok is also world famous for its spas and aroma healing techniques. Many westerners flock to Bangkok for spa tours and relaxing exotic massages which relieve all the stress and strain, drive away fatigue and exhaustion and chronic pain and leave the mind and body feeling rejuvenated and revivified.

Ancient healing techniques and exotic natural ingredients coupled with cutting edge modern technology combine to pack a new punch in the thriving spa and massage business in Bangkok.

If you are an epicurean, you will definitely fall in love with Bangkok for it offers everything from shopping, fine dining, luxury living, high society, living in style - in short Bangkok is an epicurean paradise. The mouthwatering cuisine will leave you asking for more.

If variety is the spice of life, then the Bangkok people certainly know how to spice up their cuisine and add some variety to it. Spicy sea food is the top attraction in the restaurants here. There are budget restaurants as well as fine dining destinations.

If you haven't tried out the lip smacking street food of a mind boggling variety, you have definitely missed the flavor of Bangkok. In fact there is one entire neighborhood in Bangkok lined with street food stalls where you can lay your hands on various kinds of delectably cooked sea food like squid, prawn, shrimp, oyster, sea fishes and other such things.

If you are an adventurous daredevil and wont mind plunging into a gastronomical trip down south East Asian cuisine, then I would recommend you to try out the snakes, insects, octopus, shark, toads and other such local Thai delights to tickle your taste buds!

Spice and heat are the high points of Thai cuisine and the necessary flavor is brought out by the liberal use of lemon grass, pepper, garlic, ginger, chilli, cumin, knob khaa, manglak, basil leaves, coriander etc. Magosteen, durian, lychee are some of the exotic fruits available here and you must taste the exotic salads to fulfil your gastronomic journey.

Needless to say, Bangkok is a shoppers' paradise just like Singapore and you will freak out over the cheap prices of electronic gadgets and gizmos, be spoilt for choice by the wide range of designer wear and accessories and perfumes, jewelry available in the swanky glitzy malls. The most popular shoppers' stops in Bangkok are NARAYANA PHAND, PRATUNAM, KHLONG DAMNOEN SADUAK and FLOATING MARKET.