D
D is for Democracy. Well, actually, Bangkok's very own Arc de Triomphe, the Democracy Monument. Considering the coup you'd be forgiven for asking, what happened? But its still impressive. In its centre is a pedestal, inside of which is a copy of the original 1932 constitution, and the four surrounding wing-like structures, each rising 24 metres high, symbolise the four branches of the Thai armed forces. Find it on Ratchadamnoen Road.
D is also for Dinner Cruises - your opportunity to drift down the Chao Praya in a converted teakwood rice barge while taking in postcard sights like the Temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace. No windows, no air-con, just a spread of classic Thai dishes, a couple of candles and cool evening breeze.
Not quite as unique a Bangkok experience but, with its rich Chinese heritage, probably even more authentic is delicious Dim Sum. And why not combine your holiday here with that root canal, filling or check-up your precious teeth need? Dental Care costs a fraction of the price in the West and it's performed to the same high standards. Or how about a Detoxification regime to clean out the grime and the grit accumulated during everyday city living and eating? Driving Ranges and Dream World are here for those who want to practice their swing or looking for the perfect family outing.
D is also for one of the craziest, credible and creative parties in town, Dude/Sweet. A clubbing collective popular with the city's artsy crowd, head here if you like jumping around to post-punk electro and Brit indie tunes. Expect arty hipsters who try hard to look like they don't try very hard - guys in 'statement' T-shirts and week-long stubble, girls in vintage dresses and converse trainers.
E
E begins with the auspicious and incredibly popular Erawan Shrine. Looking for wealth? Want to land that perfect job? Then arm yourself with sticks of incense and jasmine garlands and head to the corner of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. Fall to your knees, show your respect to Brahma and pray for good fortune. Then do it for the other three faces of this all-seeing God. When your wish comes true, come show your appreciation by paying the dancers to perform a graceful dance. If you've always wanted to pay your respects to the Hindu God Ganesh there's also the Elephant Shrine in front of CentralWorld.
Bangkok is a hotbed for Events - anything from highbrow indulgences like operas, performance arts or music recitals, to pop culture pursuits like modern art exhibitions, street theatre and hip-hop concerts. Falling firmly under this bracket are Exhibitions. With bags of artistic verve and an independent spirit, Bangkok's ultra-hip urban youth are increasingly design conscious creatures. The ethos has filtered into everything - from magazines and architecture, to food and, yes, art. Find them in galleries (naturally), cultural centres, hotels, bars, clubs and even sometimes restaurants.
It may be obviously cool, but when your passport is lost and the world seems full of woe, you'll be grateful Bangkok is home to so many Embassies.
F
Food is a passion, an obsession to Bangkok dwellers. Take away its wondrous panoply of cuisines - foods from every nook and cranny of the country and, increasingly these days, the world - and they really would be lost. In a concrete jungle jam-packed with heavenly tastes and diverse flavours, impromptu snacking is one of the coolest Bangkok rituals going. A good place for gourmands to start their initiation into the wonders of Thai cuisine is at one of the city's many Food Courts.
F is also for Floating Markets, a sadly declining feature of traditional Thai life in a country strutting confidently into the supermarket and highway dominated future. For the closest thing to seeing them at their picturesque best - bustling moving markets packed with boats laden with tropical fruits, flowers, vegetables and fresh produce - head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Food festivals, religious festivals, International film festivals, music festivals, the list goes on and on.... Clearly, Bangkok is not short on Festivals, so make sure you get a slice of the edifying or enjoyable action by attending at least one. Afterwards head for a Foot Massage. With Bangkok's rocky, pot-hole covered pavements likely to cause you a stubbed toe or five - and trawling the malls likely to bring up a few blisters too - your feet will be ever thankful.
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Bangkok's natives - the hip, young and fabulous - are obsessed with appearance. Smart, elegant, snazzy, chic, street-smart, they've got the latest trends and styles covered. That's why F is also for Fashion. You can find quality rags everywhere from funky little boutiques to flagship fashion outlets, vintage bargains to Jimmy Choo shoes, and such is the calibre of the garments and the designers that Bangkok is fast gaining itself a reputation as Asia's Fashion Capital. Why, there's even a Bangkok Fashion Week showcasing the city's finest haute cauture.
And what about Family Fun! Modern attractions include theme parks, water parks and zoos. But why not delight them with some of Bangkok's odd delights. Tuk-tuk rides, crocodile farms, butterfly gardens, temples or kite-flying at Sanam Luang will have them squealing, gasping and, not long after, napping.
A quirky F that you'll find on the streets is Fortune Tellers. Want to know your fate? Or assess your financial prospects? Well, these street sages will gladly deal you a hand for a small fee - just don't complain if all the news isn't good!
Hop over to G, H, I and J to see what else is hip and happening in Bangkok. |
