Bangkok offers unforgettable travel experencies

The Thai capital welcomes visiting tourists to a colourful, lively and fascinating travel experience which even can get mind-boggling. Bangkok’s guesthouses, hotels and resorts dot the metropolis’ landscape alongside huge skyscrapers which dominate the skyline.

Bangkok will certainly impress each visitor with its sights, past and present, which mix harmoniously together. This city offers a great option to discover, explore and experience the selection of unending hidden treasures that abound in the majestic city. The “city of angels” is all about outstanding exotic cuisine, exciting kick-boxing matches, glamour, glitz, shopping and spa and massage treatments in the capital’s first class hotel establishments.

Tourists and globetrotters who really appreciate to understand what the city is all about must be willing to take a deeper look far beyond the postcard images they are probably familiar with. The experience will be a sensory and delightful thrill. The Asian metropolis is a destination of diversity and contrast. Visitors here can expect to discover anything from robed Buddhist monks, floating markets to fruit carvings.

The more trendy travellers prefer to stay in centrally located hotels which are within a short distance of the city’s most famous nightlife area. Watching the glitz and glam of ladyboys cabaret or a Muay Thai match is absolutely rewarding and an unforgettable event. Also interesting is romantic dining and wining while cruising on the mighty Chao Phraya River.

A revitalising massage or spa treatment is highly recommendable due to the rejuvenating experience it will give you. These treatments are the most ideal antidote for visitors after an exhausting day of city sightseeing and shopping. Bangkok enjoys an excellent reputation as a food paradise offering a sensational gastronomic experience which will certainly delight the taste buds. The offered selection of culinary delights is varied and international visitors can expect to find every renowned type of cuisine on the globe. In addition, the relatively safe, laid-back, pleasurable, rowdy and naughty nightlife scene of Bangkok has established the city as Asia’s coolest capital.

Bangkok’s mass-transit systems and its influence on the real estate market

About ten years ago, when the miserable traffic conditions in Bangkok were getting worse, the introduction of advanced technology and the two-line Skytrain public transportation option became a principal push for numerous urbanities to adjust their lifestyles. In a short period of time the number of Skytrain passengers increased significantly. Urban lifestyle research made clear that two years ago urbanites spent two daily hours traveling around the city.

Today the residents – young couples, young professionals and singles demand more comfort and quality of daily life. They wish a rapid and short rail trip to work and the fastest access possible to fancy eateries, spas, fitness centres, huge shopping malls, museums, theatres, sidewalk cafes and cool spots to hang out. Advice on getting around Bangkok

The presence of convenient inner-urban transportation and higher travel expenses push Bangkok to change in other means, with cultural and social shifts away from large families to create the new way of life. Mom and dad will allow their unmarried sons and daughters, leaving their nest to stay in modestly-sized city condos or studios on working days and return back home on weekends.

A reputed professor from Thammasat University and well-known Bangkok lifestyles researcher recently declared that the demand for apartments located nearby mass-transit is still increasing, with the main group of buyers containing young middle-income urbanites. The one-and two bedroom condos are the most popular properties costing between two-and five million baht.

 BTS Skytrain station

The professor’s research also explained that condo units have become Bangkok’s highlights in terms of the city’s real estate market, with inner-city transport costs and the urban lifestyle quickly changing as the main reasons creating the boom. Developers lure young buyers with a slogan of “new modern living”. The functions, location, amenities and even natural atmosphere are all designed to suit their customers’ lifestyle. Bangkok real estate guide

The city not solely provides the availability of units for young working people, but there are condos as well for mid-aged executives whose kids have already become adults. They prefer to live more independently but not wish to spend much time on transport. Research showed that many rich retirees are living in city condos. Their financial situation makes it affordable to purchase a condo as a second home. Often they let their children live in their original home.

The Agency for Real Estate Affairs in Bangkok did research, which showed that almost 50 per cent of the 117 residential property projects, which’s building activities in Bangkok started during the year’s first two months, will be condo complexes. The developers built nearly 53 percent of the condos along the Skytrain. Sukhumvit Soi 65 is a good example of a booming residential area, housing mainly young professionals with straightforward access to the Phetchaburi and Sukhumvit roads.     
 

Bangkok’s best places to shop (part 2)

Located south of Siam Square, Silom Road houses several great places to shop as well. The most popular malls here include: Silom Center, Silom Plaza, Silom Village, Holiday Inn Crown Plaza, Central Department stores, and Thaniya Plaza.

Enthusiastic shoppers should definitely not miss visiting the vast JJ Weekend Market. Each weekend this vibrant market boasting numerous stalls, selling a wide range of cheaply priced goods comes alive. Also known as Chatuchak, you can find the market nearby Mo Chit BTS Sky Train station. This incredibly spacious outdoor market offers everything from different kind of pets to clothing, DVDs, computer games and Thai food and electronic devices. If you learn some bargain skills before you visit you probably will be successful purchasing goods at cheap prices. The many food stalls here serve mouth-watering and nutritious Thai food such as fried rice, papaya salad, noodle soup, barbecued chicken and grilled fish. Guide to Chatuchak Weekend Market 

Another lively booming commercial area in the city is known as the Bangrak Market. This atmospheric market is crammed with colourful flower stalls selling orchids, jasmines and a selection of cut flowers. The bustling China Town boasts an extensive network of alleys with numerous quaint shops dealing in almost all kinds of products. Particularly reputed for its mouth-watering food products is the Pratunam Market, while Woeng Nakhon Kasem is the best place to go shopping for Chinese porcelain, antiques, industrial items, classic furniture and brassware goods.

Colourful cut flowers at the Bangrak Market 

Visitors should not forget touring several of the area’s excellent night markets, which is undoubtedly an unforgettable as well as rewarding shopping experience. The renowned Suan Luam Night Bazaar is the most significant night bazaar in Bangkok, specialised in goods from each region in Thailand. 
Fashion lovers should head to the Pratunam Market Complex, which is the finest spot to purchase trendy accessories such as purses, handbags, modern apparels, and designer items. Patpong is mostly known for its notorious nightlife but does also houses a great night market, selling a wide range of designer goodies at amazing low prices. Quality food products and a huge selection of clothing are available at both the Memorial Bridge Night Bazaar and Buanglamphu Market.

Bangkok night markets guide
 

Bangkok ex-pat life

Thailand’s commercial and cultural heart, Bangkok is the country’s capital and a huge and booming cosmopolitan metropolis. Located on the mighty Chao Praya River, Thailand’s commercial and cultural centre has an estimated population of seven million. Most of the ex-pats living in Thailand are based in Bangkok.

Around 25 percent of Bangkok’s residents are expatriates. This group contains long term holidaymakers, retirees and many people making a living here.  Most of Bangkok’s ex-pats are westerners coming from Europe and North America. Foreign run and owned businesses provide the majority of the ex-pat jobs. However, there’s also a large Japanese community working mainly for legal companies, which were established in the Thai capital.  Y’s Men’s Club of Bangkok

Other Asian ex-pats come from nations such as the Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and China. Many of them occupy teaching jobs or work in the export industry. In a nutshell, it isn’t surprising that Bangkok has become one of Asia’s most diverse cities.

The very affordable living cost is one of the principal reasons why so many foreigners choose to stay and relocate in Bangkok for a long period of time. Daily consumer goods and rental rates are relatively inexpensive in the city. However, the quality of living might depend on your personal demands and earnings but both, an English teacher, making 30,000 per month as well as the president of a reputed international school, earning a monthly 120,000 baht salary, should be able to comfortably live in Bangkok.

Even ex-pats earning about 20,000 baht per month could still enjoy living here. For example, a furnished studio facilitated with hot water, cable and telephone can be rented on a monthly base for 5,000 to 8,000 baht. Also available for a monthly rent of about 5,000 baht are two-floored townhouses, especially in the suburbs.

Ex-pats who really want spacious, beautifully designed and the most comfortable accommodation facilitated with a full set of modern guest comforts should expect a rent of at least 20,000 baht per month. If you really can afford it, a serviced apartment at one of the city’s glitzy condominium complexes can be hired for a monthly amount between 25,000 to 100,000 baht.

A foreign resident in Thailand can own a house or land via his Thai spouse. Another possibility is leasing land for three decades, with an option to extend the lease for another three decades. The first three decades are guaranteed as the Land Department registers it. However, less complicated is buying a condo in Bangkok as this is the sole type of property, offering legal foreign ownership.

Bangkok offers a wide range of apartment accommodation

When it comes to cuisine, a wide range ranging from seafood, authentic Thai, Indian, French, Chinese and Italian dishes are available here. The cheapest but still tasty and nutritious meals can be enjoyed at the shopping centre’s food courts or at one of the numerous street stalls. Bangkok also represents plenty of international as well as Thai top restaurants, offering sumptuous dining and wining within the most luxurious comforts. All you should know about living in Bangkok

Despite the recent inflation, many food products are still quite cheap. However, you should expect to pay much more for western food products such as cheese, cornflakes, peanut butter, pasta, chocolate, canned fruits, and marmalade.

Nearly, all of the western nations operate an embassy in Bangkok, including the American Chamber and Australian Chamber. In addition, there are numerous agencies offering visa services. Medical clinics and hospitals in Bangkok offer world-class services and treatments. 

Bangkok, a shopper’s paradise (part 1)

One of the most popular as well as one of the hottest tourist city destinations on the globe, the bustling Thai capital also ranks among Asia’s top of the finest shopping places. Without a doubt, shopping in the city of Bangkok is truly satisfying as well as an unforgettable travel experience, boasting a wide range with of shopping districts and areas, ranging from trendy modern mega shopping centres to traditional vibrant street markets filled with stalls selling antiques, DVDs, CDs, clothing, sports gear, watches, jewellery and much more cheaply priced goods.

This cosmopolitan metropolis provides truly a mecca for shopping junkies, and you probably will be desperate not having enough space packing all your purchased items. It is simply hard not to buy a load of such attractively priced goodies.

Siam Square is probably Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. This location is ideally situated along the efficient BTS Sky Train line at Central Station. Here visitors will find dozens of high-end department stores including the two most famous and prestigious Siam Discovery Center and Siam Center and Siam Discovery Center malls, which both are great places for buying branded products.

Inside a Bangkok shopping mall

On Siam Discovery Center’s highest floor exhausted shoppers may enjoy watching one of the latest Hollywood features in the modern and comfortably equipped cinema complex. The Mahboonkrong Shopping Center is located within a short walking distance from Siam Discovery and is another of the city’s popular venues, housing numerous outlets selling electronic devices and clothing at knock-down prices.

More significant shopping centres are positioned nearby the BTS station Chit Lom. This is also the location of the huge eight floors counting World Trade Center, offering several duty-free outlets. On the building’s eight floor visitors can have fun at the ice skating rink. Several other reputed shops here include: Gaysorn Plaza, Narayana Phand and Maneya Centre. Comprehensive Bangkok shopping guide

Computing buffs should head to Pethburi Road where they’ll find Pantip Plaza. Once they enter this venue they’ll think they’ve just discovered paradise! Available here is a wide range of inexpensive computer-related goods. Each level within this mall represents several outlets selling original as well as copied hardware and software items. You can buy pirated DVDs here for about 150 to 200 baht. However, you should convince yourself about the stuff’s quality first.

Situated along Sukhumvit Road and Ploenchit Road visitors will find spacious shopping centres including: Landmark, Emporium, Times Square, Ploenchit Plaza and Robinson. 

Stay tuned for Bangkok shopping part 2       
   

Travel to Rayong

When driving along Rayong’s coast you will be surprised by the fantastic and mostly empty beach areas. If you have the chance, go now! The developers here are very busy and in the near future the place might be loosing its natural and tranquil charm.

Driving from Bangkok to Rayong will usually take less than two-and-a-halve hour, including a few en-route stops. Once travellers arrive in Rayong they will be amazed by the more than 62 miles long pretty shoreline full of short-break holidaymakers trying to find that perfect spot on the beach to enjoy the Gulf’s soothing breezes. In addition, they have the option travelling to the Mun Islands or the enchanting tiny island of Koh Samet.

For two decades maintaining accommodation in Rayong was rather neglected but the huge crowds of Thai beach-goers never seemed to complain about it. However, a short while ago several new development projects were established.

Central Thailand Travel & Tourist Guide

Driving from the capital, Ban Chang district is where the mainland beach areas start, within less than 22 miles from Rayong Town. Just seven miles outside the town is the location of the busy sands of Mae Rampung while the Payoon and Pala beaches are popular destinations as well.

Those visiting for the first time will definitely notice the neatness of this six miles stretch, from which a part is positioned within the Khao Lamya Mu Koh Samet National Park. This gorgeous area has only one drawback as there’s no available accommodation to spend the night. The principal road runs parallel with the ocean but there isn’t a sole beach hotel to find.

Ban Pae is most known for providing the ferry gateway to Samet Island. The place also boasts a lively market with many stalls selling nice souvenirs along with the delicious barbecued fresh squid. Additionally, Ban Pae has its own wide beach, Suan Son and houses the fascinating Rayong Aquarium. Each morning at Suan Son, when the boats return with their freshly caught lobsters, squid, oysters, crabs and prawns.

Today, many new building activities take place in the Laem Mae Phim area. Right on the beach several new large apartment complexes will soon be realised. The area remains beloved among the domestic holidaymakers with its numerous bungalow accommodations, fully booked during the weekends but totally deserted on weekdays. This is also the point from which where to travel to one of the three Mun Isles. The refreshing boat trip lasts about 45 minutes. 

Rayong weather forecast  

The shady side of Sanam Luang

One of Bangkok’s familiar areas around 9pm Sanam Luang changes into a shady spot of dodgy activities and deals. Around this time many teenaged boys and girls on their light motorcycles start coming to the popular green area. A romantic evening is not what they’re looking for. They come here to make some “easy” money.

Taxis, cars and motorbikes lower their speed to watch the young girls, usually wearing mini-skirts and hot pants, sashaying around. Once one of the motorists has made a choice, his vehicle stops, a short conversation follows, and if they agree, the girl jumps on or into the vehicle and off they go.

The common rate for the provided services is at least 500 baht, not included the travel and hotel costs. The local police are aware of these shady deals but experience difficulties on cracking down. As soon as they see a police officer coming near, the girls quickly jump on the back of their lover’s motorbikes and together they speed away. Just a small fine is paid by some of the arrested girls who get back doing their usual business again right after.

Police officers can’t do much…

Nearby Saranrom Park, within a short distance from Sanam Luang there are many politely dressed young men doing similar business. Calling himself “C”, a 19-year old boy said: “If a customer is neatly dressed and looks decent I will go with him.” “C” also charges 500 baht for his service, plus the hotel room rate. The boy said he’s selling sexual services because making money this way is quite easy and lives like a common young man during daytime.

Bangkok travel articles

The differences between Thai and North American food (part 2)

The quality of food in Thailand is in general far healthier here than in Northern America. Back home fast food establishments such as Harvey’s, KFC, and McDonalds are popular dinner and lunch restaurants. In Thailand, the ketchup and mustard stuffed burgers and greasy French fries are not the daily meals main ingredients.

If you eat like the Thais, than the products on your plate will contain fresh veggies, freshly caught seafood, barbecued beef, pork or chicken and rice. The drink used with a meal is usually a glass of plain water. No mega-sweet Coke or Sprite!

Pad Thai, a delecious, nutritious and cheap meal for less than a Buck!

The prices for the wide range of varied meals which are served by street vendors or at common Thai restaurants are truly cheap. You absolutely don’t have to spend more than US $2.50 for a substantial healthy meal including a drink. For just a couple of bucks more you may go dining out and enjoy a complete “all you can eat” buffet, including coffee or tea and dessert.

Guide to the finest restaurants in Phuket

If you really want to experience Thailand’s culinary culture than you shouldn’t only dine in the restaurants which serve the food you normally eat back home. Don’t be narrow minded and at least try to enjoy some of the typical Thai culinary delights during your stay in the country. It is healthy, delicious and inexpensive.

As you probably know, rice is the daily Thai meal’s basic ingredient. The Thais mostly even have rice (rice soup) for breakfast. I never really was a rice eater and always preferred potatoes. At most of the Thai markets potatoes are rather expensive (about $1 per kilo). However, I must admit still buying some potatoes once in a while as sometimes I like eating a good potato salad but by now it’s mainly rice what I eat and prefer.   

At the markets in Thailand you can also buy many different fresh fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, mangos, watermelons, apples, grapes, dragon fruit, lemons, bananas, oranges, coconuts, jackfruit, rose apples, papayas and cantaloupes. Probably the king of all fruits here is durian. The strong aroma normally prevents visitors from sampling this yellow, soft fruit that is eaten by pinching it open. Most visitors will love the taste once they had the courage trying some of this fruit!

If you never visited Thailand and probably never will than it might be a good idea to visit a website offering some recipes of simple Thai dishes. This way you could even enjoy some superb Thai cuisine at home. Forget about the usual Western food for a while and try it! I’m pretty sure you’ll cook it more and more often once you’ve tasted it.

The first part of this article was posted earlier on this Chiang Mai Thailand blog       
 
 

Nonthaburi, a great but often overlooked daytrip destination

On Sundays, when traffic conditions are less hectic it usually takes just a 30-minute drive from downtown Bangkok to reach Nonthaburi. The distance between the Thai capital and this gorgeous destination is less than 13 miles but unfortunately this interesting daytrip option is overlooked by most of the city dwellers. Situated north of Bangkok, attractive Nonthaburi is positioned on the Chao Praya River’s shores in a fertile basin criss-crossed by a network of canals.

Bangkok’s older residents know Nonthaburi mainly for its fruit orchards, particularly pomelo, mango, mangosteen and durian.

Mango tree

Despite a large part of the population having, during the last 30 years, moved from the rural environment to the bustling urban centres, much of its countryside charm retains in Nonthaburi. Travelling down to Bang Kruay district’s floating market gives you the option to see the harvest of various fruits and observe the local peasants loading their vessels with seasonal products.

On the canal Pimol Racha in Sai Noi smaller floating markets take place as well as nearby the Tha-it market at Wat Saeng Siritham. If the odour doesn’t bother you, a visit to the one century old durian orchard is a must. An ideal starting base for tourists wishing to explore the fruit orchards is provided by the Artist Spa and Homestay Resort. While staying here be sure to enjoy a revitalising spa or massage treatment. Artistically talented guests might even join a painting class in the gorgeous gardens during afternoon.

If you are really interested in the techniques of traditional Thai massage you should travel to Nonthaburi town and follow one of the outstanding courses which the Thai Traditional Medical Training Centre offers. You can find the centre on Tiwanon Road housed in the Public Health Ministry’s building.

Nonthaburi was established during the Ayutthaya period, about four centuries ago and its moving and rich past can still be seen in the architecture of the place’s temples. Thai Buddhist temples buffs definitely will be impressed by Wat Prasat, a Mon-style construction, Wat Pran Luan in the district of Bang Yai, and Wat Chalo in Bang Kruay district. Wat Chonprathan Rangsarit is undoubtedly the most important one as the beloved and highly respected abbot Bhikku made it very famous.

Koh Khret is also worth a visit. This little island is positioned in the Chao Praya River and inhabited by a small community of Mon people. The spacious Karnchanaapisek Park housing the royal Chalerm Prakiat temple is an ideal spot to relax. Here you’ll enjoy a variety of flowers and plants. In addition, the park boasts a pagoda-style pavilion and a charming traditional Thai house. Visiting the Tamnak Prathorn royal teak house would be a perfect final for your trip.

Central Thailand travel guide  

Bangkok’s latest yoga retreat

Dharma Yoga is the newest yoga facility, which recently opened in Bangkok and with the studio’s brown, black and contemporary coloured interior it looks really slick. Pure relaxation is what Dharma Yoga aims for. Nualpan Osthananda and her business partners enjoyed five successful years operating the reputed Sareerarom spa facility on Soi Thonglor, and now they have made the decision to expand into yoga.

The 5-million baht yoga studio is housed in the trendy “The Crystal” shopping mall and only employs instructors who at least enjoyed 15 years of experience in the field. Nualpan said: “Practicing yoga not solely enhances the body’s flexibility and strength but it decreases tension via pranayama as well. Pranayama is a way of breathing harnessing and controlling the human’s life force and correctly practicing this technique will result in the development of a stronger perception and willpower as well as a steadier mind.

Nualpan explained that “dharma” is a word referring to nature and it should absolutely help devoted practitioners establishing the connection of spirit, mind and body. The new studio offers lessons in three different types of yoga. These include: Ashtanga emphasising the right posture, Iyengar, slow movements focusing on body alignment and detail and Vinyagsa with dynamic movements.

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga

To introduce people to yoga, the establishment offers 90-minute lasting daily drop-in lessons for beginners. Each Saturday in the afternoon interested persons might attend a 60-minute lasting introductory class. A second Dharma Yoga branch is planned to open on Asoke Road.

Complete online info on other activities in the Thai capital such as golf, Thai kick-boxing, massage courses, cooking courses, tennis, cycling, shopping, team sports, fitness and snooker is available on this “what to do in Bangkok” guide