Bangkok - Unique And Full Of Many Different Traditions

Not only is this the capital of Thailand, but it also has the largest population in that country. One of the things that makes this area very unique is the fact that the historical and religious buildings and areas are in the midst of many large modern buildings and a nightlife scene that is very active. This blend of contrasts is one of the main reasons that Bangkok should be on the top of your list of places to visit. When getting prepared to travel to this area, don't forget to secure a passport. If you already have one and need to seek services for renewing a United States passport, look online.




Being able to do this online makes traveling in 2010 easier than ever before. In the past you'd have to wait to get your passport for very long periods of time before you'd be able to get your documents. However, these days it is even possible to obtain a passport overnight.



If you decide to travel to Bangkok, you should definitely consider attending a festival. Its a great way to experience the culture and since most festivals happen at a specific time of year you may want to consider planning accordingly. For instance, the Chinese New Year Festival occurs in either January or February. Another popular festival, the Bangkok Songkran Festival, happens in the middle of April. There is also an event called The Royal Ploughing Ceremony that takes place in May. Farmers attend this event so that they can witness an event that tells them if the upcoming weather will be beneficial to their farming.



You definitely need to visit Chinatown if you do decide to visit Bangkok. If you like food, you will definitely like this area because the most tasty street food vendors are located in this section. Food vendors typically sell items like pad Thai, tom yam kung, and satay. Other more specialized food vendors sell items like kanom roti which is a deliciously sweet crepe-like dish. For those who are very adventurous you may want to consider trying some of the food on the Khao San road which is known for unique dishes such as deep fried insects. There is also plenty of street-side shopping available, although, there is great shopping available all over the city.



Bangkok is also a really great place to do some site seeing. Various shrines are located all over the city as well as places known as "spirit houses". Spirit houses can be found all over the place. You certainly wont have to go very far to find them. These houses are usually very small and function as a location for people to offer both gifts and prayers to spirits that are said to dwell in the city. In terms of the shrines that you can see, the Erawan Shrine is one of the most popular. Also, the Trimuri Shrine, which is a tribute to the god of love, attracts those that are seeking romance every Thursday at 9:30. The Mae Nak shrine is another popular site but it looks more like a house than a religious monument.



Other areas of interest around the city include temples like The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. They are very large and hold tons of cultural significance.



One of the beautiful things about Bangkok is how it still continues to acknowledge the past while continuing to grow and modernize. The mix of tradition and modern style makes this place a top destination to travel to. In your excitement to travel here, make sure not to forget that renewing a United States passport can be accomplished quickly and easily online. You can receive your passport overnight if you happen to need it that fast.



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Thai Cuisine - A Blend of Your Taste Senses

Evolving over the years in preparation and presentation, Thai cuisine has however not lost its initial attraction, due to its unique taste.




Being a multi-cultural country, extremely well connected with its neighbours, Thai cuisine though referred to as a whole, in reality consists of four different regional blends of cuisine. The method of preparation and the subtle changes in taste differ according to the North, Isan region (North Eastern), South, and Central regions.



The uniqueness of Thai cuisine comes from the unusual blend of the five senses of taste, either in a carefully thought out meal or most often in a single dish itself. This balance between sour, salty, spicy, sweet and maybe bitter gives Thai cuisine an irresistible punch.



A staple part of the diet in Thailand, like most Asian countries is rice. This too varies according to region where sticky rice, aromatic jasmine rice, rice noodles etc are used as the main supplement of the meal. Traditionally a meal will consist of a higher number of dishes than there are guests. Though eating with the hand was the norm, Western influences have now brought in the use of the fork and spoon.



Condiments and sauces are a main ingredient in whatever Thai meal you eat. Amongst these the fish sauce - made from fermented fish, lime, garlic and chilli pieces - is the most used.



Thai cuisine also has strong influences of leaves, vegetables and fruits. Most of these ingredients have medicinal properties, aid digestion, and balance out the content of the meal. The food itself is light and delightfully tasty. These are some of the reasons that have made Thai cuisine a popular choice amongst Westerners as well as other Asians.



If you plan to take a trip to Thailand, then be sure to sample some of the mouth watering meals and desserts that Thailand has to offer.



If such a traveller seeks a Bangkok service apartment from which to explore the city, then the President Park Bangkok with its central location and luxurious amenities would be an ideal choice.



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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