Bangkok - Unique And Full Of Many Different Traditions
Not only is this the capital of Thailand, but it also has the largest population in that country.
One of the things that makes this area very unique is the fact that the historical and religious buildings and areas are in the midst of many large modern buildings and a nightlife scene that is very active.
This blend of contrasts is one of the main reasons that Bangkok should be on the top of your list of places to visit.
When getting prepared to travel to this area, don't forget to secure a passport.
If you already have one and need to seek services for renewing a United States passport, look online.
Being able to do this online makes traveling in 2010 easier than ever before.
In the past you'd have to wait to get your passport for very long periods of time before you'd be able to get your documents.
However, these days it is even possible to obtain a passport overnight.
If you decide to travel to Bangkok, you should definitely consider attending a festival.
Its a great way to experience the culture and since most festivals happen at a specific time of year you may want to consider planning accordingly.
For instance, the Chinese New Year Festival occurs in either January or February.
Another popular festival, the Bangkok Songkran Festival, happens in the middle of April.
There is also an event called The Royal Ploughing Ceremony that takes place in May.
Farmers attend this event so that they can witness an event that tells them if the upcoming weather will be beneficial to their farming.
You definitely need to visit Chinatown if you do decide to visit Bangkok.
If you like food, you will definitely like this area because the most tasty street food vendors are located in this section.
Food vendors typically sell items like pad Thai, tom yam kung, and satay.
Other more specialized food vendors sell items like kanom roti which is a deliciously sweet crepe-like dish.
For those who are very adventurous you may want to consider trying some of the food on the Khao San road which is known for unique dishes such as deep fried insects.
There is also plenty of street-side shopping available, although, there is great shopping available all over the city.
Bangkok is also a really great place to do some site seeing.
Various shrines are located all over the city as well as places known as "spirit houses".
Spirit houses can be found all over the place.
You certainly wont have to go very far to find them.
These houses are usually very small and function as a location for people to offer both gifts and prayers to spirits that are said to dwell in the city.
In terms of the shrines that you can see, the Erawan Shrine is one of the most popular.
Also, the Trimuri Shrine, which is a tribute to the god of love, attracts those that are seeking romance every Thursday at 9:30.
The Mae Nak shrine is another popular site but it looks more like a house than a religious monument.
Other areas of interest around the city include temples like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
They are very large and hold tons of cultural significance.
One of the things that makes this area very unique is the fact that the historical and religious buildings and areas are in the midst of many large modern buildings and a nightlife scene that is very active.
This blend of contrasts is one of the main reasons that Bangkok should be on the top of your list of places to visit.
When getting prepared to travel to this area, don't forget to secure a passport.
If you already have one and need to seek services for renewing a United States passport, look online.
Being able to do this online makes traveling in 2010 easier than ever before.
In the past you'd have to wait to get your passport for very long periods of time before you'd be able to get your documents.
However, these days it is even possible to obtain a passport overnight.
If you decide to travel to Bangkok, you should definitely consider attending a festival.
Its a great way to experience the culture and since most festivals happen at a specific time of year you may want to consider planning accordingly.
For instance, the Chinese New Year Festival occurs in either January or February.
Another popular festival, the Bangkok Songkran Festival, happens in the middle of April.
There is also an event called The Royal Ploughing Ceremony that takes place in May.
Farmers attend this event so that they can witness an event that tells them if the upcoming weather will be beneficial to their farming.
You definitely need to visit Chinatown if you do decide to visit Bangkok.
If you like food, you will definitely like this area because the most tasty street food vendors are located in this section.
Food vendors typically sell items like pad Thai, tom yam kung, and satay.
Other more specialized food vendors sell items like kanom roti which is a deliciously sweet crepe-like dish.
For those who are very adventurous you may want to consider trying some of the food on the Khao San road which is known for unique dishes such as deep fried insects.
There is also plenty of street-side shopping available, although, there is great shopping available all over the city.
Bangkok is also a really great place to do some site seeing.
Various shrines are located all over the city as well as places known as "spirit houses".
Spirit houses can be found all over the place.
You certainly wont have to go very far to find them.
These houses are usually very small and function as a location for people to offer both gifts and prayers to spirits that are said to dwell in the city.
In terms of the shrines that you can see, the Erawan Shrine is one of the most popular.
Also, the Trimuri Shrine, which is a tribute to the god of love, attracts those that are seeking romance every Thursday at 9:30.
The Mae Nak shrine is another popular site but it looks more like a house than a religious monument.
Other areas of interest around the city include temples like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
They are very large and hold tons of cultural significance.
Source...