by The Bangkokian Dude
on October 1, 2010
There is something special about the light in Bangkok – it has that certain magic quality at times, and that magic expresses itself in many different variations.
Yesterday, it had the most beautiful illuminated sunset. It’s hard to capture in a photograph, but this one is a good try.
There was this beautiful hue all just before it got dark – at that time, I caught it from the corner of my eye, looked at the window and it was like the light from paradise shining right into my face. Sounds dramatic, but it was just beautiful.
Many people think you can find beautiful sunsets only on the islands or the mountains – but there is something special about Bangkok, the city of angels.
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by The Bangkokian Dude
on September 30, 2010
Thai’s celebrate new year three times a year. The first time they celebrate “international” New Year – December 31st. The second time, they celebrate Chinese new year – in February. And the third time, they celebrate Thai new year – in April.
They really know how to take advantage of different culture’s holidays – maybe because they are such a fun-loving people.
The Thai new years celebrations are very special and unique. It’s a huge water party. People throw water at each other on the streets and paint each others faces with a white paste.
If you go to Khao San Road, Chiang Mai or Pattaya, you can witness (and voluntarily or involuntarily) take part in them. You will be drenched from top to toe, that’s for sure, and if you carry any valuables or electronic equipment with you, it’s vital that you secure it with several waterproof plastic bags.
If you go on a Bangkok sightseeing tour in April, there’s a high likelihood that you will be able to witness a scene like that in Khaosan Road, the famous backpacker district. Both Thais and foreigners come here to have a lot of fun, and it really is a huge big party for young and old.
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by The Bangkokian Dude
on September 28, 2010
This is surely not a typical tourist attraction and not something that one would include on a Bangkok sightseeing tour – there’s no need to purchase a ticket, no need to stand in line, no great architecture or culture to see. But it is something that is so inherently part of typical Thai life, that it is something you should see.
These fresh fruit vendors supply you with the best kinds of vitamins you can get pretty much at any time of the day. The fruits are always laid out on ice, which is great – because Bangkok is hot. It’s refreshing, it’s healthy, it tastes good – and it’s cheap too.
Fruit on a stick is very popular with both Thais and foreigners. It’s convenient – because you don’t need to cut a watermelon, or any other food – they will cut the fruit of your choice freshly in front of your eyes in bite-sized chunks.
You could call it “fastfood” or a snack – but in this case, it’s the healthiest kind of fastfood on earth. Fastfood that really is good for you.
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by The Bangkokian Dude
on September 28, 2010
The Bangkok sightseeing blog has started, and today I want to share a very nice photo that shows the view from the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. This is the most important waterway in Bangkok, and it runs right through the centre of Bangkok and separates it into two halfs – kind of like a broken heard if you look at it on a map. Some Thai’s believe this is an auspicious sign that the city is doomed one day – but for now, it is still a beautiful place to visit, and if you are not auspicious, there is probably nothing to worry about.
What you see here is the C.A.T. Communications building. Bangkok features some beautiful modern architecture, and the government budgets are usually high enough to afford it.
CAT is the state-owned communications company, their real company name is CAT Telecom Public Company Limited. Why the name CAT? Because it used to be known as the Communications Authority of Thailand. (No cat lovers there).
In September 2010, this company attracted a lot of hate. The reason? Well, in Thailand 3G technology is still not fully developed and available – and one of the main reasons is that 3G licenses have not been auctioned yet. Every time there was an auction, CAT stepped in and prevented it from happening, essentially slowing down the complete digital development of Thailand.
Why would they do such a thing? Because as of now, they benefit from this state and can make money from it, and obviously they have their own interests more in mind than that of the country. After the 2006 coup, the army made some changes in the CAT company (for example, preventing the privatization of this company and assigning Assistant Secretary-General General Saprang Kalayanamitr to become the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of CAT Telecom and TOT.
Nonetheless – the building is an impressive construction right by the riverside. For more information, simply book one of our Bangkok sightseeing tours.
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