Our first guide is a big one – Bangkok, Thailand. I had the amazing opportunity to live in Bangkok back in the early 2000’s, where I taught English after having graduated from college. Living and traveling around Southeast Asia was an experience I’ll never forget, so I thought I’d share a few tidbits on Bangkok for you to enjoy.
Tourist Hot Spot:
The Grand Palace
If there’s one thing you have to do when you visit Bangkok, it’s spend some time at The Grand Palace. It’s a massive piece of property in the middle of Bangkok, so set aside a few hours to really do it justice. The Palace was originally built back in the 1700s as the official residence of the King. Today the Palace is open to visitors, but the current monarchy still uses the Grand Palace for ceremonies and rituals throughout the year. While there’s always a crowd, definitely be sure to make your way over to the building that houses The Emerald Buddha. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but be aware that there are strict clothing requirements (this applies to all temples in Thailand, really). No shorts or tank tops are allowed. This goes for women, too. Shoulders must be covered.
Off the Beaten Path:
Chatuchak Market
One of the great things about Southeast Asia is shopping, and by shopping, I mean negotiating. It’s a way of life, particularly for farangs (the Thai word for Westerns). Chatuchak is the biggest market in Bangkok, and is open only on the weekends. It’s a little bit out of the way, but once you’re there you are surrounded by what feels like miles and miles of vendors and their products.
Best Local Food:
The Night Markets
Originally I was afraid to eat anything out of the carts or stalls on the side of the street, but they’re a way of life. One of my favorite things to do during the day when it was boiling hot was to get a fresh banana shake. At night the streets come alive with the night markets. Don’t let the fact that it’s coming from a street cart scare you. It’s delicious. I loved getting spring rolls with the sweet and spicy sauce. It’s something I still think about today.
Western Fix:
Starbucks
You can’t get anything more Western than Starbucks, so when you’re really in need of something really familiar, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you can still find a couple of Starbucks locations in Bangkok. There’s one right in the middle of Bangkok in an area called Silom. Good shopping there, too.
Best Splurge Hotel and Wedding Reception:
Royal Meridien Plaza Athenee
There are many fabulous hotels in Bangkok, but there’s something a little special about the Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel. Having been designed by a Thai architect, the property luxurious and serene at the same time, despite being downtown and close to shopping and the commercial hub. The ballroom can fit up to 1,000 guests, so there’s no shortage of space, but I’m drawn to the pool area if you’d prefer an outside space with a very Thai flavor.
Bang-for-your-Buck Hotel:
Dream Bangkok
A 4-star hotel for $77 a night and it has a full fitness center, a full-service spa and many more amenities? That’s right. Dream Bangkok is also centrally located to many attractions, and it’s very clean and modern. Traveling in Thailand is affordable, and for this rate you’re getting a great hotel.
Best Way to Get Around:
Motorbike Taxis
Terrifying at first, but getting on a motorbike taxi is the fastest way to get around the city, particularly when traffic is at its worst! Many Thais don’t speak English, so be sure to have the address and/or cross-streets of your destination written down. I recommend having it written down in both Western letters and in Thai. Ask your hotel to help you with this.
Marriage Requirements:
To have a legal marriage ceremony in Bangkok, there are a few steps you’ll have to take. Here’s a general guide:
- You and your fiancé will have to register with the local Thai Civil Registry Office. Bring your passports.
- At the US Embassy you’ll have to complete an affidavit for the wedding, which you can also download online here (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/marriage_affidavit.pdf) This will have to be notarized and translated in Thai, so ask the Embassy who they would recommend.
- Once you have the affidavit translated, take it to the Amphur (also ask the Embassy) in the area. You’ll need your passports, any divorce decrees or death certificates if you’ve been married before, and if you’re 20 years of age or under, written permission from your parents. I know, 20 seems old to us, but it’s the way the Thais do it.
Know Before you Go:
There were plenty of things I read about before I went to Bangkok, and they were true. So I’m passing these tidbits along to you:
- Thais consider the bottoms of your feet the dirtiest part of your body, and it’s therefore, considered rude to show the bottom of your feet to people. If you have your legs crossed, be conscious of the position of your feet.
- You will see many Buddhist monks walking around. Ladies, it’s not allowed to have a female give something to a monk or so speak with them, generally. If you want to pass something to a monk, hand it to a male first.
