Bangkok - A Contemporary Metropolis In Touch With Its Ancient Heritage
Not only is Bangkok the capital of Thailand, but it also has the largest population in that country. One of the things that makes this area very unique is the fact that the historical and religious buildings and areas are in the midst of many large modern buildings and a nightlife scene that is very active.
This blend of contrasts is one of the main reasons that Bangkok should be on the top of your list of places to visit. When getting prepared to travel to this area, don't forget to secure a passport. If you already have one and need to seek services for renewing an American passport, look online.
Being able to do this online makes traveling in 2010 easier than ever before. In the past you'd have to wait to get your passport for very long periods of time before you'd be able to get your documents. However, these days it is even possible to obtain an overnight USA Passport.
If you decide to travel to Bangkok, you should definitely consider attending a festival. It is a great way to experience the culture; and since most festivals happen at a specific time of year, you may want to consider planning accordingly.
For instance, the Chinese New Year Festival occurs in either January or February. Another popular festival, the Bangkok Songkran Festival, happens in the middle of April. There is also an event called The Royal Ploughing Ceremony that takes place in May. Farmers attend this event so that they can witness an event that tells them if the upcoming weather will be beneficial to their farming.
You definitely need to visit Chinatown if you do decide to visit Bangkok. If you like food, you will definitely like this area because the most tasty street food vendors are located in this section. Food vendors typically sell items like pad thai, tom yam kung, and satay.
Other more specialized food vendors sell items like kanom roti which is a deliciously sweet crepe-like dish. For those who are very adventurous you may want to consider trying some of the food on the Khao San road which is known for unique dishes such as deep fried insects. There is also plenty of street-side shopping available, although, there is great shopping available all over the city.
Many shrines and spirit housed populate the streets of Bangkok so be sure to be on the look out for them. They are relatively small structures and provide the opportunity to present gifts and prayers to the spirits believed to inhabit the city and trees.
You will be surprised to find these small spirit houses in numerous areas of the city. Shrines are very special to the locals and one in particular is dedicated to those looking for love. The Trimurti Shrine is dedicated to the god of love and every Thursday at 9:30, many with hopeful hearts are attracted here. The Erawan Shrine and the Mae Nak Shrine are also worth exploring.
Other areas of interest around the city include temples like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. They are very large and hold tons of cultural significance.
One of the beautiful things about Bangkok is how it still continues to acknowledge the past while continuing to grow and modernize. The mix of tradition and modern style makes this place a top destination to travel to. In your excitement to travel here, make sure not to forget that renewing a pasport can be accomplished quickly and easily online. You can receive your overnight U.S. passport if you happen to need it that fast.
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