Sawadee khrup (สวัสดี ครับ)!
There's a reason Thailand is one of the most in-demand destinations for travelers right now. With favorable exchange rates, friendly and fun-loving people, plus the rich culture and history, Thailand radiates a golden hue, from its glittering temples and tropical beaches through to the ever-comforting Thai smile.
Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a practical way to get around, taking at least one wild ride is mandatory for a true, Thailand experience. Tuk-tuks used to be everyone’s favorite way of getting around Bangkok before the BTS, MRT and colorful taxis took over. Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok’s most recognizable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors.
Pad Thai, as I’m sure you know, is unquestionably the most recognized Thai dish throughout the world. Thip Samai (ผัดไทยทิพย์สมัย), which translates to “Ghost Gate Pad Thai,” as it’s more commonly known, is one of the most famous Pad Thai restaurants in Bangkok. Starting at 5 pm daily, the fires are kindled, and street chefs beginning churning out wok fulls of Pad Thai like crazy. While many people sit down for dinner, even more people order take-away, often in bulk orders. Depending on the version of Pad Thai ordered, the recipe often begins first with shrimp that are fried in oil before being joined by thick handfuls of dry rice noodles. The noodles are soaked in sauces and oils as the heat and steam cooks the noodles quickly. Tofu, baby shrimp, leeks, bean sprouts, and other ingredients per recipe, are all tossed into the mixture. Over a bonfire of flames, an intensely hot wok is thinly layered with beaten egg and swirled around like a crepe. If you like Pad Thai and are visiting Bangkok, you have no choice but to eat here, because this is simply the best there is.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) has the quintessential Thai aroma! A bold, refreshing blend of fragrant lemongrass, chilli, galangal, lime leaves, shallots, lime juice and fish sauce shapes this classic soup, giving it its legendary herbal kick. Succulent fresh prawns and straw mushrooms lend it body. A versatile dish that can fit within virtually any meal, the distinctive smell reminds you of exotic perfume, while it’s invigorating sour-spicy-hot taste just screams ‘Thailand’! Perfect with some legit Thai milk tea.
Tom Kha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup), on the other hand, has a milder, tamer twist on Tom Yum. This iconic soup infuses fiery chilies, thinly sliced young galangal, crushed shallots, stalks of lemongrass and tender strips of chicken. However unlike its more watery cousin, lashings of coconut milk soften its spicy blow. It’s a sweet-smelling concoction, both creamy and compelling.
Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It’s one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long and is covered in gold leaf.
The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 15 meters tall, 46 meters long, so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. The Buddha’s feet are 5 meters long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious ‘laksanas’ (characteristics) of the Buddha. 108 is a significant number, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped lead Buddha to perfection. You’ll need to take your shoes off to enter, and as this is a revered image, all visitors must wear appropriate clothing; this means no exposed shoulders or skin above the knee. It really is worth taking a look round the rest of the temple. Recommend sites include four chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position.
Wat Pho was the first public university in Thailand, specializing in religion, science and literature. It is now more well-known as a center for traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the temple there is nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you’ve never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience this popular leisure activity. It’s quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation. This is a very popular activity at Wat Pho temple, so we recommend you pop in before your treatment to book a spot, or you might end up with a long wait.
