I’m often asked what my favorite place to Visit is.  I always answer this question with a question, viz., “What is the purpose of the trip?”  For excitement; something exotic, but very safe; great food, world famous beaches, deluxe hotels, and a friendly and welcoming people, it’s an easy call — Thailand.  No other place on earth exerts the same power over people.

Bangkok, the “City of Angels” and capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, is an exciting, colorful and vibrant city of over 12 million people.  Bangkok is the “Venice of the East” with more than 300 canals (“klongs”) that crisscross the city.  In one day you will find yourself taking an automobile taxi, “tuk tuk” three-wheeled open-sided taxi, and a water taxi; and we haven’t even talked about the above ground Skytrain and below ground subway.  Board a long-tail boat and explore the many klongs that wind through the city.

Bangkok is a modern city paired with antiquity.  It is a city of contrasts with a long history, world class shopping, colorful night life, night markets, street vendors, entertainment, and delicious cuisine.  Between modern shopping malls, and tall skyscrapers, you will find the traditional and spiritual side of the people with the many temples gracing the city.

The Chao Praya River cuts through the center of the city.  No visit to Bangkok would be complete without an evening dinner cruise along the river with the temple and palaces illuminated.  Other popular activities include a food and walking tour of “Old Bangkok”, a bicycle tour, spa visit, Muay Thai kick boxing, the famous flower market, and a stroll through the Chinatown market.

Not to be missed wats (“temples”) and historic areas include the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, Wat Po and the reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.  Bangkok and all of Thailand is a shopper’s paradise with large indoor shopping malls, including the popular Siam Paragon, MBK, CentralWorld, Terminal 21, and Siam Center; to street vendors and night markets that offer everything imaginable.

Dining out is a national pastime and the Thais take their food seriously!  Thai cuisine is famous around the world and what better place to enjoy the wonders of Thai Cooking than right here in Thailand.  Fine and casual dining right along side street food is all available and is reasonable priced.  Consider enrolling in a Thai cooking class.

One visit to Bangkok is never enough.  There is a power to Bangkok and the Kingdom of Thailand that brings you back.  You will find both Bangkok city and the country one of the most exciting, exotic, and adventuresome places you will ever visit, and you, too, will start planning your return trip.

-Larry Gelwix

Photos are taken in person or provided by the supplier except where credited.

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