Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Bangkok: The Land of Possibilities

Bangkok, 'The City of Angels’ certainly upholds its prestige in Southeast Asia as a travel hot spot. The funky markets, ritzy shopping malls, a riverside with plenty of surprises, a vibrant nightlife and many fabulous attractions reflect the unique heritage of Bangkok. Highly developed infrastructure with monorails and underground systems bring Bangkok at par among the world’s agglomerated cities. Wrapped into the concrete of religious spectacle, Bangkok expresses Thailand's mysterious ability to blend the old with the new.

Smiles and sà•nùk (the Thai word for ‘fun’) are the key passports into Bangkok society. A compliment here could be a joke there.  Bangkok embraces modern development and presents an initial picture of thrusting office towers; of world-class hotels offering deluxe comforts. Cultural phenomenon, shopping heaven and tourist treasure characterize Bangkok as the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and, above all, compelling of all Asian cities. Frequent discounted or cheap business class flights to Bangkok have made the city popular for big as well as small businesses.

The city forms an important part of central and eastern Thailand. Bangkok Metropolitan area is connected by five surrounding provinces: Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and Sammut Sakhon. Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport are the two major airports which connect Bangkok to the rest of the world. Being the centre for trade and commerce regular business flights keep floating in and out of the city.

Bangkok’s best feature lies in its merging of opposites. A modern world of riches orbits around a tranquil traditional core. Step into the dreamland and discover yourself among dazzling temples, hotels of every breed and size, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, and many things in between. Relish an unforgettable dinner cruise adrift at the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the – tuk-tuk ride, lady boy show, the famous Muay Thai (kickboxing) match and bask with Thai massage during your journey.

The river cruise to the famous ruins of Ayuthaya, the capital of Siamese history will take you centuries back into the fable of the prosperous era. During its zenith, Ayutthaya maintained warm diplomatic ties with the Europeans like French, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch; Middle East and East Asian countries. The architectural styles at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace as well as temples located inside the city moat reflect the European influence.

The city has been ranked as the 17th tallest city with marvelous skyscrapers. Bangkok is a blend of many cultures, which form the integral part of city’s attraction. The most notable attractions of the Bangkok city are the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Giant Swing, Sanam Luang, and the Democratic Monument. The Victory Monument is Bangkok’s biggest bus destination.
Silom road is Bangkok’s trading centre for Jewelry and Gems. Siam Square is the main shopping centre and is Asia’s largest shopping mall. For the budget travelers Khao San road is the best place to shop at. Chinatown located in the Rattanakosin area offers its visitor’s variety of Thai sea food. Thai cousins are popularly served even in business class flights with cheap tickets. You may also look out for flights with cheap airfares and experience the luxurious food festivals and bizarre art installations of Bangkok.

Chatuchak market is the famous market where most stalls tuck into tiny narrow lanes with variety of products like a pair of six-inch crushed velvet stilettos, a pampered puppy, a set of Beatles cushion covers, a shark’s-tooth amulet, which you are almost certain to grab for your home. The place is a sprawling outdoor market open during the weekends generally remains crammed with little stalls. One can spend hours wandering through the market looking for reasonably priced items which you can haggle too.

Floating market the well known unique market is the heart and soul of Bangkok. Your smart bargaining skills shall fetch you a lot of Bangkok’s traditional items that if not bought might create a void at some corner of your room. Explore Bangkok with a zest and make the use of every minute in this magical metropolis. As the cultural and commercial centre, Thailand's fascinating capital presents both residents and visitors, young and old, with an everlasting snooping palette of activities, events, parties and other happenings.

You can explore all of these through inexpensive or cheap flights to Bangkok, offered by various airlines and experience the magic of the city where possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Bangkok, the hub for most of the commercial and economical activities is also known for its adaptability and multiple destinations. The city not only attracts the new visitors but also brings back the travelers who have experienced its aura before.