bangkokthailand's Blog

Thailand is known for being one of the friendliest Asian countries in the world today. Also known as the land of smiles, Thailand is usually a "must go" for most people who want to visit Asia. Most frequently visited for its mix of modern and tradition would be Thailand's beautiful capital, Bangkok.

Bangkok is a real gem if you spend enough time exploring it thoroughly. Exploring the city through its rivers can be a great way to start the visit. The Chao Praya River, or "the river of kings" is probably the most famous river in all of Bangkok. A lot of Thailand's history can be found on the shores of the Chao Praya River, which makes it an even better way to get to know Bangkok. Unlike the modern city, the river gives you a glimpse of how the people here still stick to their old ways and traditions. Canals, or "Klongs", show the wooden houses on stilts with Sampans and floating kitchens nearby.

Further down the river, you can see the famous floating markets which sell all sorts of knickknacks and Thai craft, popular to tourists but yet as much a part of everyday life as it has been for the locals for decades. And if you're not sea-sick by the time you get through the crowded narrow canals, head for the Royal Barges Museum. Beautiful barges which are a distinct trait of Thailand line the area, reminding you of movies like the King and I.

Back on land there is as much to see as there is to do. One thing most tourists who've frequented Bangkok come back time and time again for is the Erawan Shrine. Adorned by hundreds of locals and tourists everyday, this shrine located at the corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road is one to not miss out. Though it isn't a temple (Wat), its one of the most famous sights in the bustling streets of Bangkok. Many pay their respects and give offerings in hope that their wishes would come true.

For those looking to see a totally different side of Bangkok and something totally unique to Thailand, head down during the Songkran ( Thai New Year ) or also known as the water festival. Held on the hottest days of the year, the streets of Bangkok suddenly line up with people carrying water guns and water balloons, preparing to aim for anyone and everyone. This festival has been part of even the oldest traditions combined with the Thai's spirit of showing people how to have a good time just like they do.

After watching a Muay Thai kickboxing tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, I decided to search for a training center and try out the sport myself. Since I had a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Judo, I had the mistaken belief that Muay Thai would be easy. After a two hour session, my ribs were bruised, I'd lost about six pounds from sweating, and I could barely kick the pad that the instructor held in front of me.

Muay Thai kickboxing competitions start out with the competitors walking into the arena accompanied by the uniquely Asian sounds of a small band beating drums and playing handheld wind instruments. The opponents each enter the ring and proceed to do a traditional dance to honor the sport and the history of Thailand. After taking off their stylish robes and ornamental headbands, they face each other, wait for the referee to begin the match, and then proceed to fight with punches, kicks, and brutal knee attacks. Each school in the Bangkok area regularly enters competitors into weekly fights so they can gain experience for the much larger national and International tournaments held throughout the year. Because the daily pay for a Thai worker averages $2 and the reward money of winning at a large tournament are so high, the competition between fighters is fierce.

I was backpacking through Thailand at the time, so naturally I stayed in the Khao San Road area with all the other travelers from around the world. Finding a training center was as easy as walking down the little side streets and keeping a look out for heavy bags and gym related equipment. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon a small Kickboxing center. Since the gym was located in the Bangkok district, where most foreign travelers stay, the head coach spoke some English and was used to people dropping in for a day class. The cost was $5 for as long as I wanted to train that day; which turned out to be two hours.

We started the class by individually stretching and doing some cardiovascular for warm-up; this was different than the Martial Arts classes that I had attended in America because we did all the stretching and warming-up as a group. After everyone was feeling good and awake, we broke off into pairs and went to the different stations that were set up around the gym. These included; working on actual sparring inside the ring with the instructor, more cardiovascular areas like a stationary bike and jump rope, heavy bag punching, a speed bag, and also an area where one person would hold a large two-handed pad while the other trainee would practice knee attacks.

I had a great experience training there and ended up going back quite a few times over the next three weeks. However, I never felt comfortable enough with the sport to actually try out a weekly tournament. There are some local competitions in Bangkok that allow foreigners to fight, but you have to be sponsored by a local coach, and the only way to receive that blessing is to find a gym and train there for awhile.

Visitors to my website have been inquiring about Yanhee General Hospital, Bangkok lately. So, I got curious and started to look into this hospital.

Yanhee General Hospital values its clients and strives to maintain an affordable service that citizens world wide can afford. Many international visitors feel that Yanhee General Hospital is the best choice for them due to their practices on safety and security for their clients and patients.

The Yanhee General Hospital Beauty Centers are world leaders in the industry of beauty treatment and surgical procedures. They offer a wide variety of services to their clients that make it a prime choice for international visitors. Yanhee General Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand has a staff that specializes in their particular fields to ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care for the services that they are providing.

There are many different areas in the Beauty Centers that can provide a wide selection of services to the client. Yanhee General Hospital is well known for its Plastic Surgery Center and Skin Center; both centers can assist those in need of cosmetic surgery for personal reasons and cosmetic surgery for those that have disfigurements. In either case, international visitors can rest assured that they will receive the best possible care from qualified surgeons and that their procedures will remain private and secure.

Other beauty treatments that the Yanhee General Hospital provides that are popular among international visitors are the Varicosity Clinic and the Hair Restoration And Hair Treatment Center. The Varicosity Clinic is a prime choice for clients that are in need of professional and effective hair removal. The Hair Restoration And Hair Treatment Center on the other hand, is the perfect option for those that have hair loss issues and want to correct them through surgical treatment or other procedures.

At Yanhee General Hospital, you also have a Cosmetic tattoo center. Employing the latest technology, Yanhee staff is able to use tattooing techniques to help patient with skin problems like skin disease, scars and Vitiligo. Yanhee can also apply these tattooing techniques to provide you with aesthetically pleasing treatment to permanently color eyebrows and lips. By using tattoo, Yanhee staff can give you skin that looks both radiant and healthy as well as a natural looking skin tone.

In line with the rest of the beauty procedures that Yanhee General Hospital performs, they also offer a Dental Center to help improve any dental deficiencies you may have. They offer procedures for basic dental care as well as more advanced dental care such as Prosthetic Dentistry. Having beautiful teeth is essential to most people to feel secure in their appearance. Yanhee General Hospital's competent dental staff can perform procedures that would help potential patient fulfill this need.

So, when you are in need of any form of beauty treatment, you may want to consider Yanhee General Hospital, Bangkok. You may also want to consult with your physician about this.

Can you ride a bicycle in Bangkok? The answer surprisingly is, yes. There are even some cycle lanes in certain areas. In areas such as Banglamphu near the famous Khaosan road there are cycle lanes painted on the side of the road these are fairly easy to follow and will mean you wont get lost but there are some problems. Most of the cycle lanes are parked on with cars which can result in having to ride into on coming traffic so the best thing to do is ride carefully on the foot path to be safer.

Main roads. The main roads are always busy and can be dangerous for a cyclist but you will often see the locals on bikes peddling sausages or lottery tickets etc . If you do ride on the big roads then try to keep to the left and always remember the rule ' the biggest has right of way'.

Where are the best places to ride a bike in Bangkok? You can ride bicycles in a lot of Bangkoks parks. One of the biggest and nicest parks is at Phuttamonton Sai 3 there are quiet roads to follow through the park with lakes and lots of wildlife to see, there is also a 7km mountain bike trail to follow.

Other good places to ride are the local sois (lanes) these places are usually quiet and don't have much traffic and can follow narrow roads and Klongs (canals). You will often see small shops to buy refreshments if needed. You could almost mistake yourself for being in another city in some sois. The noise from the traffic is lost and trees and local Thai houses make good scenery.

There are also tour companies that can take you on short trips. These trips take you over bridges down local sois and through temples avoiding the main roads. Some are at night and some are combined with long tail boat rides. More information can be found here http://www.mountainbiketoursthailand.com.

With the currency exchange, it is difficult not to find frugal attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, there are a few tips to make travel dollars stretch even further and to better the travel experience.

The Grand Palace And The Temple Of The Emerald Buddha

Yes, there is an entrance fee (200 Baht, roughly $6 U.S.) but this sight is a must see for any visitor to Bangkok. It hosts a range of Thai architecture.

Temples and other national monuments have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, or risqué dress. This is true of most religious places the world over but in Thailand, travelers should also not wear open heeled sandals (there must be a strap behind the heel).

Thai Customs

Which leads to some Thai customs that savvy travelers observe.

Shorts are considered appropriate only for children and the lower class.

The head is considered sacred (closest to the heavens) so do not touch. Actually try not to touch the locals at all.

Feet are also to be treated with care. To point your feet at a person is considered a grave insult and to sit with soles exposed extremely rude (especially in religious places). Sit with feet tucked under the body.

No public displays of affection. Keep that for the privacy of your room.

As with most countries, but especially Thailand, do not criticize the local government or monarchy.

This may seem like a lot of rules but most apply to almost every country a traveler is a guest in.
Also the Thai people are extremely polite so they are unlikely to express their disapproval.

Chatuchak Park Weekend Market

This is where frugal travelers buy their souvenirs. With over 15,000 stalls (pick up a free map at information kiosks), there is plenty to choose from. This is a place to haggle. Never take the first offer. Also be very wary of fakes (fake antiques, fake jewelry, etc) and of pickpockets (keep some small bills in an easily accessible pocket and hide the wallet away).

What to buy? Almost anything, especially handicrafts. My mother is an elephant lover and Thailand, with reverence of the animal, was the ideal place to pick up teak carvings (be careful of wood drying and cracking when you return home).

Wat Pho (Temple Of The Reclining Buddha)

With another very, very inexpensive entrance fee (20 Baht), Wat Pho is the largest and oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok. The highlight is, of course, the 46 meter long, gold covered Reclining Buddha. However, the buildings and I found the orchids were also noteworthy.

Bangkok is a bargain hunters paradise. Attractions, dining and shopping is inexpensive.