Bangkok

We visited during Songkran, the Thai New Year, also know as the “Water Festival”.  As you might imagine, water is involved. And to celebrate, everyone in town was armed with water guns of every size and shape and buckets brimming with water. There was no chance of surviving the festivities without being drenched at least once. But we didn’t mind much – it was a welcome respite from the nonstop heat.

Since we were first time visitors to Bangkok, we made sure to do our due diligence in researching all the must-see sights, dining and shopping. However, what may have been the most important we received was the do’s and don’ts of Thai culture. Here are some helpful tips and cultural traditions to abide by:

• Do NOT insult the King or Royal Family. We never planned on doing so, but good to know in case you have  political opinions on this. If you do, be prepared to be cast for Brokedown Palace 2, as you’ll find yourself in jail.
• Do NOT touch anyone’s head.
• If you are sitting on the floor with a group, do not sit cross legged as your feet will be pointing at someone. This is considered rude in Thailand. Instead, tuck your feet behind you so they are not facing anyone.
• Smile. Otherwise, you will be mistaken for being angry. Up until now, the top three are easy, but this one may take some effort. Smile all the time or as our friend and colleague suggested and “talk with unbridled joy”.
• Make sure to “Wai”? It is a Thai greeting where the palms are pressed together and you give a slight bow. While there are multiple rules to this tradition, a general rule of thumb, the higher the hands, the greater the respect.

Traveling to a new country can be daunting, but only because there is so much to see with never enough time. We’ve broken down our favorite destinations and hopefully this can serve as a starting point for your travels to a country we have to come to love dearly.

EAT:

• At a whopping 61 stories above the city, you will feel as though you are on top of the world at the Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel. We suggest you go at dusk to witness the city magically lighting up.
• There are a bevy of dining choices at the Mandarin Oriental. Boasting eleven different options, you won’t be disappointed.
• The phenomenal view overlooking the Chao Phraya River and Temple of Dawn will captivate you while you dine at sala rattanakosin
• Although a bit touristy, good food is good food. Faces is a culinary destination that will leave your palette satisfied.
• This will sound completely contrary to what “malls” are known for, but the Paragon Mall is a haven for delectable bites and you will not have a typical food court experience. Trust us.
• Street food. Indulge, be adventurous and try everything. It may be the most intoxicating culinary experience of all the food you eat in Bangkok. Our best and most valuable insider scoop; travel along Silom Rd (near the Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel which overlooks Lumphini park) to find our favorite street food cart. Our trusted colleague has been visiting this same cart for the past 15 years. Just note that the vendor is known to move from time to time. If you have a difficult time locating him, ask around for the best “Moo Ping” and people will know who you are referring to. Make sure to order this delight with sticky rice.

SEE:

• MOCA Bangkok
• Jim Thompson House
• The Grand Palace
• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
• Chatuchak is one of the largest weekend markets, boasting 15,000 booths over a sprawling 27 acres of land. While the market is interesting, your attention and tolerance may wear thin with the heat beating down on you in a packed sea of people.
• If you treasure hunt antiques like we do, River City and OP Place Antiques is the go to destination. But buyer beware as you will have to differentiate between what is fake and what is authentic.
• Book a private river boat tour and make sure to have your guide take you on the side canals. These canals, otherwise known as “Klongs”, are critical to Bangkok life. They have much been referred to as the lifeblood of the city. Along these canals, you will see homes on wooden stilts and capture a glimpse of what life is like on these essential waterways.
• For reputable, local Thai designs, spend some time at Terminal 21.