Welcome to my very first Wanderlust Wednesday! Every Wednesday, I’ll be discussing whatever destination is on my mind, and attempting to dig in and analyze the culture, people, and experiences of a place. Well, dig in as much as I can without actually going there (yet). And, at the end, I’ll share my own personal fantasy itinerary, for when I do eventually get out there. If all goes well, this should prove to be a fun way to keep our eyes on the prize, and really start talking about international travel in earnest. So, let’s give it a shot. Off to Bangkok!
I have a gigantic map of the world hanging right above my work desk, laden with pins stuck in spots representing just about everywhere I’ve ever wanted to go. Victoria Falls, Machu Picchu, Kathmandu, all the tourist stuff. But one of the first places I ever pinned was Bangkok, Thailand. As someone so caught up in the idea of budget backpacking and real adventure, the City of Angels quickly became a major talking point. Most hardened travelers will swear up and down that it’s one of, if not the, greatest cities on Earth. And, frankly, based on what I’ve heard, I’m inclined to believe them. Southeast Asia in general is a haven for burgeoning travelers and ex-pats, and Bangkok is the travel capital of the region.
So, let’s jump in, shall we?
Bangkok, Thailand: The City of Angels
A Modern Capital
Located in Central Thailand, most know that Bangkok is the country’s capital, as well as its largest, most populous city. In fact, Bangkok alone is home to over 13% of Thailand’s entire population. The city sits near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, a position that it’s held since it’s humble beginnings as a small 15th century village. And it’s because of this location that it gradually grew in importance, eventually becoming the new Thai capital in the late eighteenth-century, as General Chao Phraya Chakkri took the throne as Rama I. The new king modelled his city after the old capital, Ayutthaya, in a move that set the stage for a strong respect for tradition.
As Bangkok grew, many of its now famous temples and wats were erected, including the Wat Pho and Grand Palace. The city’s economy flourished through international trade with China and, later, the West, causing it to become ground zero for modernization. The late nineteenth-century seen the introduction of the steam engine, printing press, and utilities infrastructure. Over time, this evolved into the planned city that exists today, with remarkable architecture and public works.
A Center of Culture
Bangkok is revered as a seat of culture in Southeast Asia, and this status shows in every aspect of the city. Now, once again, I haven’t visited myself, but testimony from those who have describe it as a city where tradition blends with modernity, creating a refined, unique culture. As Thailand’s center of wealth, Bangkok is also the first city in the region to see many Western goods and concepts, which have been accepted by the people and integrated into daily life. This can be seen prominently in local entertainment, with the popularity of boy bands and karaoke.
Having said that, tradition holds a very important place in the hearts of Bangkok’s residents. It permeates the city to its very core, and is on display in festivals, art, and cuisine. And that’s to say nothing of the iconic architecture. Monasteries, palaces, and temples, as incredible relics left by the ancient Thai, add to the mystique of the land, and offer a glimpse into the religious life of the modern-day Thai. Many of these people follow their own version of Theravada Buddhism. While it’s true that the presence of religion in day-to-day life has diminished somewhat, it’s far from gone. Annual rituals and gatherings at holy places show this to be true.
Additionally, the local arts and crafts scene plays a large role in keeping the past alive. The Thai people are, by nature, creative and artistic. Since ancient times, they have utilized the natural world in creating stunning handicrafts, with materials such as wicker, coconut, and palm leaves. Many of these works can be found in Bangkok’s art museums, while others are sold at local markets.
The Crowded Streets of Bangkok
Like most large cities in the region, Bangkok sports a plethora of street vendors, selling all manner of goods and services to locals and tourists alike. They can be seen all over the city and are relied on by many for daily meals. Their widespread nature and overall longevity have made them a staple of Bangkok, and many travelers credit them with giving the city character.
However, many city officials don’t happen to see it this way and have sought to reclaim public space by going after street hawkers doing their business illegally. While many vendors have been evicted, these efforts have been, on the whole, unsuccessful. Opposition from locals has made the process difficult, and it’s unlikely that we’ll see these vendors disappear anytime soon.
A Diverse Population
The only word that can accurately sum up the population of Bangkok is diverse. Ethnic Thais make up the majority of the residents, with people from all over the country making their way to the capital. However, Bangkok is well-known as a hub for immigrants, travelers, and ex-pats. Chinese, Indian, and Japanese immigrants make up the larger part of non-Thai city-goers, while a relatively small number of Westerners and Europeans live in and about the city.
This melting pot of cultures and lifestyles makes for an interesting dynamic when it comes to language. While Thai is the national language and standard dialect, it is not the only “essential” language. It is common to hear English and Chinese being spoken all over the city, with immigrants making strong contributions to the linguistic diversity of the populace. Because of this, Bangkok is considered a multilingual city, making it accessible to people the world over.
A Traveler’s Haven
Southeast Asia regularly plays host to scores of backpackers and trekkers looking for adventure, and Bangkok, more often than not, becomes their central hub. From its post in Central Thailand, the city provides a fantastic jumping off point for exploring this area of the world. Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia are all a stone’s throw from this hectic capital. High adventure runs rampant in the jungles and mountains, and that’s to say nothing of the city itself!
Bangkok is famous for being a cheap destination, making it ideal for your average budget backpacker. Despite the low prices, the city retains a touch of quality, with delicious street food and vibrant nightlife proving to be alluring draws for travelers all over the world. However, many say that when you look beyond this initial image, you find a different Bangkok, with an array of sights, sounds, and tastes just waiting to be experienced.
On top of all this, Bangkok also has a reputation as a very safe city for foreigners, with petty theft being the only big issue you might have to worry about. Other than that, standard rules of safety on the road apply. Keep an eye on your valuables, be aware of your surroundings, look out for potential scams, and always trust your gut.
My Fantasy Bangkok Itinerary
Below, I’ll give my fantasy Bangkok itinerary for a weekend trip, or Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I won’t pretend to know all the precise details (what time would I arrive, how long would it take, etc.), but I will list everything in the order I imagine I’d take them on. Also, I’ll only be covering major attractions and stops, and not addressing time lost eating, sleeping, or doing anything else not of interest. Let’s get to it!
Friday – Day 1
- Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- See the Grand Palace
- See Wat Pho
- Take a ferry ride down the Chao Phraya River
- Catch a view of Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) at sunset
Saturday – Day 2
- Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Wander Lumpini Park
- Enjoy Wat Saket, The Golden Mount
- See the Jim Thompson house
- Check out the nightlife scene
Sunday – Day 3
- Go temple hopping, and explore some local ruins
- Witness a Muay Thai fight at Lumpinee Stadium
- Take a Thai cooking class, and possibly a food tour
- Take a look around the Rot Fai Night Market
Wanderlust Wednesday: Bangkok – Final Thoughts
I’ve had my eye on Bangkok for years, and I’ve got to say, after doing all the required research for this post, it seems just as appealing as ever. It’s a staple of the Southeast Asia traveler’s circuit and looking further into it was an absolute pleasure. I can’t wait to go see it for myself. If you’re looking for more info on Bangkok, the official city website can be found here. And right here is a comprehensive guide to the city, goBangkok. I used them to research this post, they’re a fantastic source of info.
Thanks for checking out the blog. If you like what you see, click here to choose what to read next. I’m hoping to go from making nothing with this “blogging” thing to traveling the world full-time, and I’m documenting my entire journey here. And I’m inviting YOU to join me! Yes, you, reading this article! Consider it, won’t you? I promise it’ll be worth your while!
