The first image that comes to my mind when I think of Bangkok is the city where traditional life meets modern city life, the City of Angels for some, and the first step of a new adventure for others. The second image that comes to my mind is my lost passport, but that’s a story for another post.
All trips to South Asia start in Bangkok.I had the chance to be in Bangkok more than once and I had a lot of fun every time.Although we know it as a tourist city today, Bangkok has a long history.It has been the capital since the Ayyuta Kingdom period, that is, since 1782 and it is still ruled by the kingdom. Since 2016, Maha Vajiralongkorn has been the king.Apart from the king, of course, there is a parliament, and a judicial system.And there is an election system in which they are elected.But as a result, there is a king at the top.This system should look familiar!!!You can see photos of the king and the royal family all over the country. There is a culture of allegiance in Asian countries, that is, there is a serious respect for the rulers, regardless of their ability to govern, triggered by fear, of course.
Life never stops in the city.Chinese and Indians take the second place in the population density, which is due to the development of trade relations with China.Especially recently, many European travelers spend a certain period of their lives here with the long-term visa opportunities provided to those who work remotely, which we call Digital Nomad.You can definitely feel this multicultural texture on the streets, but it is also hard not to be impressed by the dominance of Thai culture. Buddhism is very influential in the daily life of Thai people and they adhere to Theravada Buddhism, which is the oldest known Buddhist doctrine.I think I would not be wrong if I describe Thai people as religious, because it is almost impossible to define a Thai person regardless of their beliefs.If you like temples, make sure you charge your camera because there are a considerable number of temples in the city. Wat Phra Kaew temple is just one of them.
As we said, this is a city where modern life blends with tradition.But the sustainability of this modern life is not only possible with tourism.Bangkok is one of the important trade and financial centers not only in Thailand but also in South Asia.Unemployment figures are below 1% as of 2023.Even during the protests and work stoppages against the Thai King, who spent most of the Covid period in a hotel in Germany, this figure was around 2.5%.So Thailand is much more than what we are shown.
If you like to have fun, your way will definitely fall on Khao San Road. Don’t pay attention to those who try to sell you a suit by showing you catalogs in all those crazy crowds, street food and music on every corner of the street. But my recommendation is to go to a sub street. It is a convenient location for both accommodation and entertainment.
The last time I was in Bangkok was during Covid and I saw a very different scene than I remembered. The streets were empty, most of the restaurants were closed and even the street food places were all closed. It was a very pleasant and calm Bangkok.
I wanted to draw you a picture of Bangkok in general but I will continue my Thailand articles thank you very much for reading
Peace be with you
