Perhaps it’s illegal to leave the house without underwear. Today we visit Thailand in Vientiane.
Thailand is a fascinating country. It is the only Southeast Asian nation that Europeans never colonized. Thailand remained independent. It acted as a buffer between French and British colonies. King Rama V ceded small areas of land. He kept the country neutral. He also abolished slavery. His portrait is still found in shops and homes across Thailand.
Did you know that Red Bull originated in Bangkok? Chaleo Yoovidhya created it in 1976. It was called Krating Daeng. Chaleo built a multimillion-dollar empire. His Austrian partner, Dietrich Mateschitz, helped him. Mateschitz drank it for jet lag. In 1984, they modified the drink for global tastes. Red Bull was born in Austria. You can find both versions in Bangkok.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the world’s largest. It is called Yaowarat. Over a million people of Chinese descent live there. During the day, merchants sell affordable goods. At night, it becomes a food lover’s paradise. You can enjoy Chinese and Thai dishes. I recommend trying Pad Thai. It is Thailand’s national dish. It contains rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, egg, and bean sprouts. You can also find the world’s largest solid gold Buddha at Wat Traimit.
Did you know Thailand was one of the first to introduce third-gender restrooms? Thailand started creating them in 2008. Bangkok is known for its progressive views on gender identity. Organizations advocated for separate facilities for transgender individuals.
Bangkok is hot. It is the world’s hottest city by mean average. The average temperature is 82°F year-round. From March to May, temperatures rise to 93°F. The best time to visit is from November to February.
The Thai National Anthem is played twice a day. It plays at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on TV and radio. It also plays in schools, train stations, malls, and markets. Everyone stands to pay respect to the monarchy. I saw this in cinemas and at cultural performances.
Bangkok is built on canals. It is referred to as Venice of the East. However, the city is sinking. It sinks 0.8 to 1 inch per year. This is due to land subsidence from groundwater extraction. Parts of Bangkok could be underwater within decades.
Bangkok’s taxis come in cool colors. They are pink, yellow-green, and red-blue. Each color represents a different company. The color doesn’t affect the taxi’s features or fare. A taxi ride starts at 35 baht for the first 2 kilometers. Then, the fare increases by 2 baht per kilometer. The fare also rises when you are stuck in traffic.
Thailand is innovative. The Tuk Tuk Auto Rickshaw is a widely used urban transport. It is an iconic three-wheeler. It runs on liquified petroleum gas. It is perfect for short trips. Muay Thai is Thailand’s national martial art. It is a key part of the country’s culture.
Thailand and especially Bangkok, present a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. From its uncolonized past to its vibrant present, Thailand offers a unique and unforgettable experience.