Ahh Thailand. I was in love with its food and fascinated by its culture. In late 2016 I took my entire 2 weeks' of vacation from work and used it all at once on this trip. I started in Bangkok, the capital and largest city, where I arrived early in the morning and took the train into the city. Stopping for breakfast I saw alot of people eating soup, so I did the same. Even though it was late November, it was hot and humid, and the warm soup might have helped cool me down. Maybe.
The next thing I noticed was that the city was in mourning. Less than 6 weeks earlier, Thailand's king of 70 years died. There were not only memorials set up for him, but most people wore black and were encouraged to do so every day for an entire year! Black and white bunting adorned buildings. Free food was given out as mourners from all over the country came to the capital to pay respects to his body as it lied in state. I got in line and helped myself, as it was open to all and sponsored by big corporations. Thais had a genuine love for their recently departed king and showed deep reverence toward him. (Not to mention that insulting the royal family or portraying them in a negative light was a penalty called "lèse majesté" with strict punishments.) In this picture above, a memorial to the king was set up at a train station.
Waiting in line for food Handing out free food Memorial on a sidewalk
Outside an army base, pictures of several royal family members adorn the entrance
Then there was the backpacker side of Thailand that I would see more of outside Bangkok. The center of this world was a place call Khao San Road, where one can find hostels, massages, food, and much else besides. It was a hectic mess where many people from all over the world melted in. Thailand is very cheap by Western standards (though neighboring countries are even more so) and it is easy to live very well for not much money. This is one reason why it is such a popular destination for backpacking - even a modest budget allows for many things.
A half-hour foot massage for $3?
Yes, please!
Bangkok is rich in culture, with a plethora of Buddhist temples and shrines. I was taken by the bright colors and intricate decorations that made these places incredibly beautiful.
The massive Reclining Buddha. It has intricate mother-of-pearl inlays at the feet.
Here is a sampling of some other places in Bangkok:
I was out early the morning and saw monks, clad in orange, walking barefoot collecting alms. Buddhist monks have no possessions and collect their food in the morning and do not eat after noon. Many Buddhists will bring food to give to the monks, and in return the monks give them a blessing. Here a couple people are receiving their blessing after placing food in the monks' collection baskets.
The Erawan Shrine in front of a hotel is a lively place to visit and was built because construction of the adjacent hotel was plagued with so many problems that it was believed that a shrine to appease the spirits was needed to bring peace to the land upon which the hotel was built.
And then there is the fertility shrine of the lingams. These penis-shaped statues would attract women who had difficulties becoming pregnant. They would pray to these in the hopes that the spirits would bless them with fertility. Interestingly enough it was located behind a hotel and next to a river - not as conspicuous as the Erawan Shrine!
Being an international city, Bangkok is also home to this impressive Hindu temple
Bangkok is crisscrossed by many waterways, and apart from the main Chao Phraya river, there were many smaller canals that served as expressways for boats to travel. One could take a boat through the city for less than a dollar! In addition, there was a Floating Market that took place on the edge of the city in one of these waterways. I went to see it, but unfortunately I showed up just as they were closing for the day.
The busy Chao Phraya river Side canals that cut through the city Floating Market
right after they closed for the day
Near the Nonthaburi Market, the water was teeming with these fish with very big mouths. It seems like the land in Asia isn't the place where things are quite crowded!
And of course, there are the markets. While Bangkok has restaurants like everywhere else, the streets really come alive with outdoor markets, especially at night. These are everywhere and sell everything - from clothes to trinkets to food.
Stinky durian fruit! Markets sell items normal... ...and exotic!
Bags on sale at a stall at Nonthaburi Market. One of them really stood out to me...