How to Experience the True Culture of Bangkok
By: Lucifer Goodman
Tags: Travel, Vacation, Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is not your typical city, sure it’s a huge lure for tourists from across the world, but the true essence of the city does not lie in exploring famous monuments or visiting the usual tourist’s spots. Instead, Bangkok is a city you must savour from the roots its food, culture, religion and people; so, how do you get about such a tour? Read on and learn.

1. Discover the Spiritual Side of Thai Culture

Put aside the fab entertainment and shopping lures for a while and you will discover the true spirit of Bangkok which lies deep in its roots as a Buddhist nation. The best way to savour this aspect is to go on a temple tour. The Wat Pho, for instance, home to a huge reclining Buddha statue covered in gold leaf and boasting feet studded with precious gems is one to explore. Home to the ancient Thai massage school, this is the best place to experience a traditional Thai massage.

A quick boat ride across the Chao Phraya will take you to Wat Arun, or ‘Temple of Dawn’. A building reflecting Khmer style architecture the view from the summit of Wat Arun is stupendous, make sure to hang around for that amazing sunset. Also in the same vicinity is the Grand Palace; the former home of Thai monarchy for hundreds of years this palace is simply ‘grand’. Gilded roofs, expansive lawns and intricate Thai architecture await you there. Situated in the Grand Palace compound is the Wat Phra Kaew housing Thailand’s most sacred artefact, the Emerald Buddha. All through your tour of these temples and others, learn to observe and relish the devotees at prayer, the serene monks exuding an air of peace and tranquillity and the traditional rites and rituals practised. Places like Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18, less than 30 minutes from Wat Arun make your temple run convenient and finding such a well-located 4-star hotel in Bangkok should be on your itinerary.

2. Discover the Flip Side of Serene Bangkok After Dark

During the day Bangkok is quite the busy hub, but wait till darkness falls and you will see the city transforms into a playground for all types of adult fun. Classy clubs and vibrant bars come to life promising one much more than a good time, keeping tourists well entertained late into the night. If you are staying at a Sukhumvit hotel, then do step out for the place is quite the nightlife hub. Sukhumvit is Thailand’s longest road and is chock full of entertainment, besides, the place is located right under the BTS Skytrain station, so you can indulge in some convenient bar hopping across the city.

Bar hopping, however, is not all that Bangkok nights are made of if that is just not your thing check out the super entertainment fare on offer. Head over to the Rajamangala National Stadium where plenty of traditional cultural events take place; also, check out a Muai Thai boxing match which will turn out to be pretty exciting.

3. Relax and Savour the Greener Side of Bangkok

Its true Bangkok is a concrete jungle, but in keeping with the serene nature of Thai’s, Bangkok has Lumpini Park. A huge green space located right smack in the city, this park is home to joggers, walkers and bikers making use of the 2.5km loop trail. The park is a buzz of activity and by evening you will see ballroom dance classes taking place, aerobic being conducted and even serene Tai Chi groups enjoying the lush green environs. Visitors are of course, most welcome to join in, which will turn out to be your best experience of the city and its people.