A quick glance of Bangkok, Thailand

There are a few things that make Thailand unique and my latest visit to Bangkok has reminded me of a few I’d like to share with you.

Sidewalks.
If you plan to walk in Bangkok, wear sensible walking shoes. Sidewalks will often start out as such but will often veer off and then reappear. In addition, you will encounter utility poles, trees, signs, awnings, motorcycles and even restaurant seating on the sidewalk. These are all in addition to the many street food vendors who also conduct business on the sidewalks.

Tuk Tuks and more.
There is no shortage of TukTuks, motorcycles, scooters, taxis, and cars on the street. Traffic jams seem to be a way of life and driving is not for the faint of heart. Often interspersed with the traffic are pickup trucks with loudspeakers blasting some sort of message or music. Just in case that is not enough confusion, there is no mistaking when an emergency vehicle is present; loud is an understatement.

Massages.
Yes, Thailand is famous for their massages, and yes, they are quite cheap when compared to western prices. If you are not searching for a spa experience, you can get a full body massage for around $5 US at many local places. Just be prepared for although the experience may be wonderful, you get what you pay for and may be right next to a stranger in the same room.

Street food.
Street food in Thailand is not just fast food. You will be able to get fully prepared Thai dishes such as mango salads, curries, pad thai, or even soups on the sidewalk or local markets. A plate of the local dish pad thai may cost 10 Baht or the equivalent of 30 cents US. However, be prepared for the results if you do not have a strong constitution.

No Chopsticks needed.
While you are still in the East, chopsticks are not the utensil of choice in Thailand. Meals are often served with a fork and spoon. No knives are usually present, and one learns to cut food with the side of the spoon. Most use the fork in the left hand and the spoon in the right.

No religion.
Although often associated with Buddhism, Thailand has no official religion. Thais are free to worship any God or religion. The main religion followed is Buddhism, but there are also Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Sikhs in Thailand. Despite having no official religion, temples are plentiful. They all have religious significance and visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. You cannot wear shorts or sleeveless shirts.

These are just a few glimpses of Bangkok and Thailand, there is much more, but I always like to keep my blog posts short and informative. If you want more information, please comment, and let me know below.