by Angela
Asia has always been an interesting continent to explore and discover. There is so much tradition and history to be found in all the countries of the region. I have chosen Bangkok as city of the week because it is a great representation of those traditions and culture that thrive in Asia. Bangkok is the bustling capital city of Thailand. The city is full of arts, music and faith. Some of the world’s most beautiful architecture can be found within in its borders and it is a huge part of the city’s culture.
Bangkok is actually a shortened version of the original ceremonial name in Thai, “Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.” How’s that for a tongue twister?! There are many theories as to where the name Bangkok actually stems from, but the direct translation of its ceremonial name is “City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s behest.” The translation of the name alone makes it sound like a magical city, and to most it is!
The city is most known for its wats, which are Thai monastery temples. More specifically, these temples hold a sacred haven for the monks of the Buddhist religion. Over 300 temples can be found within the city and they represent classic Thai architecture. Today, many wats allow a portion of their ground for commercial or residential use – such as tours, hotels or spas. The construction of the wats not only displays the fantastic architecture in Bangkok, but also exemplifies the artistry of Thai people. Many of the wats are filled with sculptures and unique paintings. The structures are a marvel to look at and exhibit a very special form of art. Wats have also influenced other forms of art from Thai people, which can be seen in many paintings and drawings. Wat Suthat is a beautiful temple located in Bangkok and is one of the city’s most important religious temples.
Bangkok fashion is also a part of its culture. People from all walks of life come to see and buy clothes here, because Bangkok integrates today’s fashion with tradition. It is hard to grasp the uniqueness of Thai fashion from anywhere else in the world. The low prices are a big incentive to buy as well.
Many festivals and events are held in Bangkok, with roots in the city’s great traditions. Songkran is the city’s traditional New Year’s Day, and is celebrated in mid-April. The date coincides with many of the Southeast Asian countries’ calendars. The most interesting and fun part of this holiday every year is the tradition of dousing of one another in water.
The city is also known for its vast variety of street vendors. The vendors sell everything, including all types of food and clothing and much more. About half of the street vendors in Bangkok are situated on the pavements, illegally, but any attempt by the government to change this has been unsuccessful. Much of the population of Bangkok actually depends on these vendors for food and other necessities. It is also a showcase of Bangkok’s culture for tourists. Newcomers have a chance to see and taste traditional food and drinks – including insect delicacies! Sounds yummy, right?
Bangkok is a very different city to the ones I have picked for my past City of the Week features. Every city offers something unique, but this city has a real outside-the-box feel to its traditions and culture. The architecture and artistry of the city creates an amazing atmosphere. The street vendors allows tourists to delve into the life of the locals and the wats helps you to discover the city’s history and religious background. Bangkok is an marvelous wonder of the world and a perfect fit for my city of the week.
