Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Choose your chunky jewellery, junk foods and street clothes in Chinatown, Bangkok

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If there ever was a city that was so exciting that every traveller should visit it at least once in their lifetime, it would be Bangkok. With its unique fusion of the traditions of the orient with the styles and trends of modern times, Bangkok offers its visitors a vibrant experience. The rich history, colourful culture and lifestyle, unique landmarks, and recreation and leisure attractions of Bangkok are complemented by Bangkok luxury hotels such as the recommendable Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

One of the reasons that Bangkok has attained global popularity is that it is one of the best destinations for shopping. Bangkok is full of various malls, department stores, commercial districts and markets, making it a shopaholic’s paradise! But one aspect of Bangkok shopping that sets it apart from the rest is its amazing street shopping; one of the premier street shopping venues in the city is Chinatown. With its own little history and culture, and home to thousands of stalls and stores, Chinatown is a must visit venue for those exploring Bangkok.

Located in the streets that stretch from Yaowarat Road to the Chao Phraya River, the maze of roads that is Chinatown is dotted with hundreds of shops offering almost everything conceivable. Known for its low priced goods and famous bargaining culture, Chinatown is a great place to buy jewellery, various kinds of footwear and leather products, clothes and accessories of every kind, cheap electronics as well as trinkets and antiques that will make great souvenirs. Make sure to see if your vendor is willing to bargain and you can be in store for some sweet deals! Chinatown is also known for being a hub of street food, with many stalls offering succulent and mouth-watering foods and snacks that will leave you craving for more. With more shops that you can imagine and great street food joints at every corner, you can be assured that a visit to Chinatown will be truly unforgettable.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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The Buddhist Heritage of Riverside Bangkok – Fascinating historic monuments that truly shine

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The city of Bangkok is the most populous metropolis of the country of Thailand, and is one of the fastest growing cities in existence today, being both a booming epicenter for commerce as well as a bustling haven of tourist activity. What started out as a small trading port during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, Bangkok grew rapidly to be the dwelling place of two major capital cities that eventually merged to form what remains today. Despite Bangkok’s rapid growth and emergence, the rich cultural heritage and Buddhist roots of the city can be glimpsed easily, especially if you take a river-side trip.

Bangkok Riverside is an eclectic place to visit, and should be a priority among things to do in Bangkok city. If you’re looking for accommodation, there is a plethora of options to be found, such as the luxurious and popular AVANI Bangkok Riverside.  If you’re looking to witness the Buddhist heritage of the area, there are two main locales that are essential for you to check out, and one of them, is ‘Wat Pho’, which means the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is one of the largest Buddhist temples in existence and is legendary for containing the massive statue of the Buddha, measuring a staggering forty six metres. In addition to being a Buddhist heritage site, Wat Pho is also considered one of the best places to receive a traditional Thai massage, since it is one of the leading schools of massage in Thailand.

The second aforementioned site is the Wat Arun temple, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is absolutely stunning in design, and in terms of design is easily one of the most unique architectural testaments to Buddhist heritage in existence. Despite the name meaning Temple of the Dawn, her beauty truly shines at dusk, when it is lit up by the night-time activities within Bangkok.

So be sure to experience the history and culture of Bangkok by visiting two of her most iconic temples.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Suan Pakkad Palace – A Royal Retreat in the City

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One of Asia’s most exotic destinations, Thailand is world-renown for its golden Buddhist temples, bustling markets and oriental-style royal palaces. Suan Pakkad Palace is one of Thailand’s most beautiful royal palaces offering visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s rich history. Situated near many a serviced apartment Bangkok has to offer, Suan Pakkad Palace is easily accessible from the city centre and a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

Open throughout the week, Suan Pakkad Palace lies minutes away from popular Bangkok apartments including Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok. The former abode of Prince Chumbhot, the Suan Pakkad Palace compound comprises of a collection of traditional Thai buildings and beautiful landscaped gardens. Named after the humble cabbage garden which occupied the land before the palace’s construction, today the complex includes seven interlinked buildings dedicated to showcasing the prized collections of its revered owners.

One of Bangkok’s must-visit museums, Suan Pakkad Palace has something for everyone. History-lovers can gain insight into the Thai royal family by admiring the vast collection of family portraits held in House 1 alongside religious artefacts and model boats while the beautiful ivory boxes, ceramics and mother-of-pearl inlaid bowls housed in museums 2 and 3 will undoubtedly draw the eyes of female visitors. Examine Princess Chumbhot’s collection of minerals in House 4 before visiting Houses 5 and 6 which exhibit 13th century Ban Chiang pottery and ceramics.

Relics of Ban Chiang culture can be found in museum 3 which houses traditional Thai instruments and House 7 which displays Khon masks and costumes used in classical Thai dance performances. More rare antiquities are showcased at the Marsi Gallery which sits beside the 200 year-old Lacquer Pavilion famous for its gold-and-black lacquer murals that depict Lord Buddha’s life and the Ramayana epic. An extraordinary masterpiece, the Lacquer Pavilion was transported to Suan Pakkad Palace compound from a riverside monastery near the historical Ayutthaya city. Before you depart, take time to admire the surrounding gardens and marvel at this timeless piece of Thai history in the middle of a modern city.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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