How to Experience Bangkok Culture – Experience the Heritage of a Captivating Nation
Published by Luxury Travel,
The unique culture of Thailand is sure to make an impression on visitors to Bangkok. Whilst some aspects such as the local cuisine and Thai massage could be found in many places across the world, to truly experience distinctive Thai culture, you would have to visit Bangkok. Described below are some of the engrossing cultural experiences you could enjoy in the Thai capital.
Learn the art of Thai cuisine
Undoubtedly, the delectable cuisine of Thailand would be counted among the most admired aspects of the nation’s culture. If you would like to gain a genuine knowledge of the art of creating authentic Thai dishes, you would have the opportunity to join one of the numerous cooking classes conducted in the city; some of these will be held in the resort or hotel you stay at. You may opt to join a well-known prestigious cooking academy like Blue Elephant or a more modest lower profile cooking school. In these classes, you will learn to prepare renowned Thai dishes like pad Thai, papaya salad (som tam) and green curry.
Celebrate Songkran
An interesting and enjoyable cultural festivity exuberantly celebrated in Bangkok would be Songkran or the Thai New Year held in April. Whilst this much-loved festival originated in the central region of Thailand centuries ago, it is now enthusiastically celebrated at places like the Thai capital. Originally a Buddhist cleansing ritual, today in places like Bangkok, Songkran takes the form of a light-hearted water fight. Practically everyone who ventures out into the streets at this time is likely to be drenched; however, it’s all in good fun and foreigners can join in as well!
Admire the blooms at Pak Khlong Talat
You will find that visiting the Bangkok Flower Market or Pak Khlong Talat would be another captivating cultural experience. Located in the city’s Chinatown locality, this flower market which would be open around the clock would offer many absorbing sights for the visitor. You will see that some of the flowers would be ideal for romantic gestures whilst others would serve an ornamental purpose. Visitors would also notice attractive garlands here fashioned with jasmine and marigolds that would be presented in temples or used for religious functions in homes.
Involve yourself in Loy Krathong
Another noteworthy festival in Thailand would be Loy Krathong which would occur in November. You will find that Thais would think of this festival in varied ways; for instance, some would consider it to be a tribute to Buddha or the water goddess, whilst others would see it as a way of discharging negative energy or thoughts. However, everyone would celebrate it in the same way; by releasing krathongs or floating lanterns on waterways and sending paper lanterns into the skies. For more information about the cultural aspects of the Thai capital, consider the online resource Travel Bangkok Now.
Master the language
Although Thai may initially seem a complex language, you will find that learning it would provide you with a wonderful window into the nation’s culture. Whereas certain schools would offer comparatively brief courses that would be suitable for those holding a tourist visa, you could also undertake longer, more comprehensive courses; for these, you would need to acquire an education visa for a longer stay in Thailand. As you might expect, learning the Thai language would be a marvellous way to obtain a better understanding of the way of thinking of the Thai people and help you communicate with them as well.
Savour street foods
Another noteworthy and definitely enjoyable aspect of Thai culture would be the distinctive and delicious street foods that would be abundantly available on the roadways of Bangkok. Experiencing the local street foods may be considered a cultural experience as you will have the opportunity to taste Thai dishes, observe the cooking techniques of vendors and view the way various condiments and utensils are used. Availing yourself of street foods would also be a marvellous way of sampling the cuisine of the nation for an affordable cost.