Bangkok stereotype is hundred of shopping malls and hundred of markets. Many tourists from China, Singapore, Japan etc. come to Thailand just to shop. Sam is not a fan of shopping mall so a good girl like me had to plan the Bangkok trip very carefully. Keep in mind that all of these places Sam and I didn't finish in one day.
Anyway, I really want Sam to see different kind of temple, so Wat Phra Si Maha Umathewi but for Thai, we called Wat Khaek, is my very first idea because this is Hindu temple. Wat Khaek located in the Bangrak district of Bangkok at the corner of Silom Road and Pan Road. At this Hindu temple, there are the statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses including God's Ganesh, Bramha, Vishnu, Lord Thendayuthapani, Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Saraswathi. The architecture features the structural temple of South India combining between Chola and Palava found in Tamil Nadu in the south of India. This was actually my first time visited there, even if I lives in Bangkok. I can say that Hindu temple has totally different way to worship their Gods compare to Buddhist. After I gave food for Gods to Brahmin, they will smear bindi, a red dot worn on the centre of the forehead, on my forehead. I found it very interesting. Bindu is considered the point at which creation begins and may become unity. It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state". In Buddhist, no bindi.
Another tourist attraction I took Sam to was The Jim Thompson House. Go back to 2014 I paid 50 Baht to get in because I used student identification card, nevertheless, in 2016, I paid 150 Baht because I'm not a student anymore. It made me realize time passed by so fast! The Jim Thompson House was found by Jim Thompson, an American who first came to Thailand as part of the OSS (the military precursor of the CIA) towards the end of World War II. After the war and upon leaving the service, he decided to return to Thailand. When his neighbours’ handmade silk caught his eye and piqued his business sense; he sent samples to fashion houses in Milan, London and Paris, gradually building a steady worldwide clientele. Thompson's appreciation of things Thai extended to all of the arts and architecture. He collected parts of various derelict Thai homes and had them reassembled in their current location in 1959. Some of the homes were brought from the old royal capital of Ayuthaya; others were pulled down and floated across the canal from Baan Khrua. In 1967, Thompson disappeared while out for an afternoon walk in the Cameron Highlands of western Malaysia.
A little bit of excitement, shall we? Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute or Snake Farm was our next destination. It is the world’s second oldest snake farm. King Rama VI was presided over to open Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute on December 7, 1922, which was aimed to become an official institute to conduct researches and develop treatments against rabies (hydrophobia) and venom, which included a production of antivenom to treat venomous bites and stings. There is 3 types of exhibition; 1. Outdoor Serpentarium is a walk-in garden that is a home to various snake habitats. There is also an arena where the snake handling shows are held. 2. Si Maseng Building is a museum featuring with multimedia facilities. Exhibitions include the life cycle of snakes, their anatomy, toxicology, mythology and how to do the first-aid for a snakebite victim and 3. The Indoor Serpentarium exhibits 35 species of snakes, mostly indigenous. The ground behind the serpentarium is used for venom extraction demonstrations. However, the snake handling shows was our favourite because we got to see how each of snakes react when they are in threat plus at the end of the show we can hold the giant snake! Sam did that but I am snake phobia so no for me.
After the snake farm, I wanted to show Sam another traditional Thai style house. At that time Suan Pakkad Palace poped up in my head. This place can travel by BTS with a little short walk distance. Unfortunately, I did not allow to take photos inside, only outside. Suan Pakkad Palace means 'cabbage patch', in reference to when the land was nothing more than just that. Today, however, it's a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses, each of which brims to overflowing with fine arts, antiques and oddities belonging to Prince and Princess Chumbhot.
Thai boxing is a must do list in this trip because it is Thailand’s national sport. I can't do Thai boxing so my option was find some Thai boxing show in Bangkok. Luckily when I went to travel exhibition, I saw a boxing show ticket in a very good price. I asked Sam if he interested to see the show, he said "Yes! I'm in Thailand, am I? Why I can't just do it here!" That was a long yes of him. We paid 700 Baht for both. If you pay at the show, the price will be higher. The best thing so far about this Thai boxing show was it located right next to the river so you get to take a boat to reach the destination! Unfortunately, we were not allow to take any photos while the show was on, nevertheless, at the end of the show, they allow you to take photos. One thing I can guarantee you is the show was very great. Many boxing scenes, many background effects and many fancy Thai outfits.
After the show, now it's time for real boxing. There were two matches, male and female. I couldn't remember what colour of male team won but for the female round, I remember. The Brazilian lady won within 3 minutes. She kicked her foeman with her foot then her foeman knocked. Simple as it was. We left the theater at 10pm. It was so worth the tickets.
That was our adventure in Bangkok! As you can see Bangkok is more than just shopping malls. We saw many amazing things without spent money on clothes. I hope this non-shopping travel list will help some of you out there plan a trip to Bangkok. If you have any question, feel free to ask by email. Have a happy trip guys!
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