The City of Angels

Bangkok – Krung Thep Maka Nakhon, “The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city 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.” 

       I have visited this city earlier and it has intrigued me for its proximity to India due to similarities in culture, religion. India’s Lord Ram’s influence has been carried on to the monarchy of Thailand and Buddhism monopolizes the country. Its similarities and converging facets of cultural visage appalls the lot. The Spirit House is one such example.

Spirit House

      I had visited Pattaya and Bangkok  earlier this year with my family and had flown in the Air Asia carrier. A convenient low cost airline that suits the pocket of an Indian who desires to visit countries in the APAC region. It makes every common man’s dream come true and doesn’t restrict visiting abroad a reality only for the rich.

         Despite having visited this city earlier I managed to scratch its surface only. Its depth needs to be explored and this I plan to do this time donning the hat of the locals. The colorful taxis, low cost buses, the ubiquitous thuk thuks and the taxi service on the moped (On the Road trail in Bangkok)

Travel in Bangkok

         Noong Noong our guide in Pattaya and Chitra our guide in the Buddha temple managed to leave a lasting impression. Chitra’s Beauthiful after every statement whilst showing us around the Emerald Buddha temple was interesting and amusing. These simple but endearing personalities made our stay in Thailand pleasant. I would like to meet them again and visit the places around Bangkok and live the life of a Siam local. The Siam architecture is way different and one of its kind. Be it the Emerald Buddha Temple or Wat Arun.

Wat Arun (Flickr)

This time around I would want to explore Ayutthaya that sounds similar to Ayodhaya and is close to Bangkok. This bygone era’s temples, forts and palaces bear similarities to Hinduism and has been in my bucket list since long. 

      Though I have visited the floating market at Pattaya (Floating Market) this time around I would want to explore the colorful, vibrant, captivating Damnoensaduak. 

Damnoensaduak(Flickr)

The street food of Bangkok is overwhelming and doesn’t miss your nostrils. I would want to explore the by lanes of Bangkok to experience this gastronomic journey. The cacophony of this place could be felt only when you get into its core and be a part of it.

Street Food in Bangkok

A Thai massage could be relaxing and a heavenly experience. How about getting it done in the authentic way from a Thai who has been practicing it for years? You come out replenished body and soul.

I am all set for it and experience Bangkok as a local, how about you?

This post is a contribution to Worlds Best Travel Fair by Air Asia in association with Ripple Links http://bit.ly/AirAsiaTravelFair