Thailand is one of the most interesting countries I have ever been to. It is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It houses approximately 70 million people and some of the most diverse geography. Thailand is very close to the Equator and thus the climate is tropical. Bangkok stays very hot all year with average temperatures in the 90’s.
I was very lucky to spend 4 weeks in Thailand with my entire family a few years ago and it was amazing. We started out in Bangkok. It was like no other city I have ever seen. The first few days it was like major sensory overload. Taxi cabs are little trucks with open space in the back and they are all colors. Yellow, lime green, red, you name it. There are people everywhere, walking, biking, riding and driving. And the smells…oh my goodness…more smells than one person can take in at any given time. Burning charcoal, fish sauce, exhaust fumes, incense, canal water, cologne, dried squid, and dozens of spices. Needless to say, the smell is unique.
One of most interesting things were the outdoor markets and the housing. There were outdoor markets all of the time. Day or night, rain or shine. You could buy just about anything there. And all prices were negotiable.
Bangkok Has Many Different Types of Markets
Also, speaking of Markets Bangkok has 83 canals and many as 10,000 boats that make up “The Foating Market.” full of fruits, vegetables, and fish crowd the canals and create a floating market.
Then there was the housing. Many of these apartments are only 300-500 square feet and they have a balcony for drying clothes and that doubles as a space for cooking. In general terms, Thai people no not like to cook indoors because of the heat and the pungent aroma of the foods they prepare.
On the Flip Side…
The city of Bangkok is home to many amazing Buddhist Temples and structures featuring gold-layered spires, and giant Buddha statues.
Buddha Statues 
Buddhist Temple
Just be very aware when you visit the Buddhist Temples in Bangkok that they have very strict dress codes and it is always enforced. You can see here that some of my family didn’t make the cut so they were given these smocks to wear over their clothes.
Dress Code for Temple
- Short skirts and shorts or even shortened trousers are an absolute NO. Skirts that fall below the knee are permitted.
- Tight fitting pants such as leggings.
- Any clothing that has holes in, such as ripped jeans.
- Vests or any top without sleeves, you can wear t-shirts.
- Any top with sleeves rolled up, even if it’s warm keep your sleeves down.
- Sportswear of any type.
- Sweat shirts or sweat pants-which I can’t imagine anyone wearing because it is so hot.
My trip to this magical city was delightful and a huge learning experience. I would go back in a heartbeat. I woule encourage anyone that likes to travel to take some time and get to know this city.
Response Magic