Bangkok!

Bangkok!

On one of my trips to Thailand i met this very interesting gentleman sitting next to me who was a musician with Buddha Bar. One of the things he said to me made an impression on me forever..

He said "Thailand is everything that India is not and India is everything that Thailand is not"

And really there is no other phrase which defines and explains the two cultures better.
India and Thailand are both relatively inexpensive destinations and emerging economies. But yet completely different in many ways. The local Thai food has many hidden treasures and is a treat! Bangkok is a busy city, very crowded and lots of bustle and activity.

The main Ratchaprasong area comprises of several high-rise buildings, malls and hotels. The stunning Baiyoke tower, Central world, Siam Paragon and MBK are some classic landmarks of Bangkok. People of Thailand are very humble and simple people. Very polite, gullible and kind. There is a high need among them for cleanliness, and projecting a progressive image of Thailand.

The king H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej is the most respected and revered public figure in Thailand. Research and reading on the king would reveal that he rightly deserves it. He has been single-handedly responsible for upliftment of the quality of life, growth of infrastructure and industry and providing employment over the span of the the last 60 years.

Bangkok has a vivid nightlife. For the single male traveler it is a haven with many popular spots comprising of "go-go" bars and many other street entertainment. Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and Patpong are bright and busy night spots. Obtaining the company of women for a drink is very easy. Despite the "free thinking" nature of the average thai, they are seldom judgemental of anything. They pray religiously and are very unobtrusive.

Khao San Road is entirely tourist dominated with cheap rooms, many different restaurants and street shopping options. It is really one of those places that one musn't miss. There are local pawn shops, peddling artifacts which are "priceless" and "good price only for you".

The grand palace and the many temples riddled on both sides of the Chao Phraya river are a tribute and a memory of Thailand's illustrious past. The "Sleeping Buddha" is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view and capture.

The modern Sukhumvit area is packed with many 5 star hotels and swanky restaurants. Transportation in the city is good with colorful air conditioned cabs, skytrain, BTS, MRT, "Tuk-Tuk's" and motorcyle taxis. A boat ride through the underbelly of the city is an interesting experience.

The Swarnabhumi international airport is a very plush and modern landmark which Thailand is proud of and its a very good experience because of its generous space and ease of navigation.

All in all Bangkok is one of those places which every Indian should consider for their "first trip abroad". Its cheap, interesting and very colorful.