Thai Christmas in Bangkok
While working for the NBA in Beijing there were plenty of holidays. I used a lot of that time to see different regions of China. Eventually I got into Southeast Asia to visit Thailand. The trip to Bangkok was actually pretty spur of the moment. I struggled with the decision of where to go for a few weeks, but was fortunate enough to find a reasonable flight and hotel the night before departing.
Upon arrival I hopped on the train into the heart of the city. As we raced by I was surprised to see so many Christmas decorations, considering it’s a city of a million buddhas.
Bustling Streets of Bangkok
Despite being away from home and missing family and friends for the holidays, I wasn’t lacking in Christmas spirit. Grateful doesn’t even touch the surface of how I’m feeling lately.
I found the hotel without any major issue, left my things in the room and ventured out to explore the nightlife. There were crowds of people on the streets. Some were out to have a late dinner on the sidewalk from one of the hundreds of street vendors, and others were waiting to entice those passing by for a traditional Thai massage.
Food wins every time. The most heartbreaking moments of traveling are seeing the sick and homeless on the streets. But in a way, these are also subtle reminders to appreciate what I have been given. The weather was perfect. As I made my way towards Chao Praya River, I gathered coordinates. Each time I travel somewhere new, I make a strong effort to get acquainted quick. It helps to be efficient when you’re only allotted a short time in a foreign country.
With that said, I didn’t exactly make it where I had planned to go. But I did erase any sort of curiosity I had during the rest of the week about taking a left at the pier instead of a right! The first night ended with a quick boat trip up the river and a walk through one of the several markets in the city. Nightcap was at the rooftop pool of my hotel. Don’t be fooled, the US Dollar goes a long way in Southeast Asia.
The Magnificent Grand Palace of Thailand
The following morning I planned on seeing The Grand Palace, The Golden Mount, and Wat Arun. I have never seen so much gold in my life. Buddhas on Buddhas on Buddhas. The detail of the craftmanship is incredible. Although I don’t agree with the religion, I certainly have a high level of respect for their commitment to it…especially that of the monks. In route across the river I grabbed some freshly squeezed starfruit and dragonfruit juices. Tasted even better than they sound.
Wat Arun was easily the most unique of the sites. It’s a magnificent piece of architecture decorated with colored glass and porcelain. The steps which lead towards the top project at a 70 degree angle. Yup…gut check, but absolutely worth the five minutes you look vulnerable and helpless as you ascend.
The day ended with an unforgettable exposure to true Thai cuisine. I found a nice little spot down an alley near my hotel and ordered three separate dishes. Pad Thai, which is quite popular, and two others I don’t recall. The tastes, however, have stuck close to my memory. Garlic rice. Coconut seafood curry with ginger, cilantro, and more. Honestly there was more flavor than I could comprehend. I haven’t been a big fan of spicy foods in past years, but it’s fairly easy to make an exception here. Can you tell that food excites me?
Buddhist Temples in Bangkok
During the second full day I visited The Reclining Buddha, The Golden Buddha, and a few other “Wats”. The first is the largest buddha in Thailand, and is exactly the image that its name projects. A 150 foot long buddha laying on its side, as one would do at a picnic in the park.
I have to admit I don’t really understand it. Maybe it’s a symbol of peace and harmony? She certainly resembles those virtues. Either way, the sheer size of it is quite impressive.
All Gold Everything
I made my way to see a few other spots and fell into a little gem of a temple. When I arrived there were a few tourists and a few monks. I took my time looking around, waiting for different opportunities to catch the religious men in action. Before I knew it, I was the only white person in the temple and several other monks made their way in.
Prayer time! I’m not sure how I was allowed to stay, but I took full advantage. I sat with them for nearly an hour, observing their devotion to their religion, kindness towards one another and incredible ability to chant for extended periods of time. Once in a lifetime experience. Picture John C. Reilly in Anger Management.
On the walk back to the hotel, you can probably guess how the day ended…found a seat on the streets to indulge in more spicy Thai. Absolute satisfaction.
Christmas Done In Bangkok Fashion
Believe it or not, I woke the next day wanting to be somewhere other than Thailand…but only because it was Christmas Day. It was 85 degrees and sunny, and I didn’t have a glass of egg nog when I woke up. Instead I chose Option B, which included wrapping a 100 pound python around my neck. My gift to myself was to have a more relaxing day.
I spent a few hours outside at the pool and then met my Thai friend for a trip to the snake farm. Pretty random stuff, but definitely worth the trip. I’m still baffled at the comfort level of snake handlers. No lie, one of these guys calmly held the erratic snake as it repeatedly tried to bite him in the face. He would just chuckle a bit and bob his head left or right to toy with it.
Spicy Thai Food
We grabbed some food afterwards, definitely the spiciest of the meals I had. Forehead sweating. Eyes watering. Mouth on fire. But besides that it was quite delectable! The day carried on, and I thought to myself, what would a trip to Bangkok be without a visit to the rooftop hotel lounge where The Hangover 2 was filmed. (That actually played no factor in my decision). Any city that has a panoramic view from the top of a 60-floor hotel is reason enough to venture up.
As expected, it was pretty incredible. $10 was more than I’d like to spend on a drink, but watching my first and last Christmas in Thailand come to a close from that spot made it easy to forget.
