I am sure you’ve heard the song, One Night in Bangkok. It’s a song that has played a part in many visits to Bangkok. It evokes an image of the exotic for first time travelers. Those more familiar with Bangkok find it to be a cliche, but the longer term expats in Bangkok find a whole new meaning for the song. Bangkok is an enigma that always surprises you with its charms and its character.
Bangkok is called Krungthep by the locals and is one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. It’s the center of Thai cultural, social, and economic life. Most importantly, for Thais, is that it is the home of King Bhumipol, the longest reigning monarch. He is highly revered by Thai people and is the considered to be a father figure and Deity by many people. The love of the King permeates the social fabric of Bangkok and his influence is felt throughout Thailand. Understanding this is important to appreciate fully the temples and palaces of Bangkok.
Many people do come to see the temples, called Wats, in Bangkok. It’s truly mesmerizing to see the temples in all of their grandeur. Wats are open to the public, as long as tourists are properly attired and show respect. Many tourists will visit Wat Po and other important temples found in guidebooks, but there are also many smaller temples scattered around Bangkok that offer a more intimate look at Buddhism and Thai life.
Bangkok is truly a shopper’s mecca. For electronic items, Panthip Plaza has selection and prices that put it on par with the best electronic markets in the world. For mobile phones, the MBK shopping center is second to none. It’s a mobile phone extravaganza. Chatuchak Weekend Market has nearly anything you could possibly imagine for sale. It’s impossible to see what the entire market has to offer even if you spent all weekend roaming its stalls and aisles.
Accommodation is easy in Bangkok. No matter what budget you have, you can find a room at a great value. From the most expensive grand hotels to a small backpacker hotel room, Bangkok is one of the best budget destinations in the world. It’s no wonder that many tourists decide to stay longer and search for the meaning of One Night in Bangkok. They are just trying to answer the enigma that is Bangkok.