Thailand's Best-Kept Secrets!

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 14 July, 2024

How come we haven't seen it? We've been to Bangkok so many times, and we haven't come across this place!" my daughter Sara exclaimed incredulously. She was talking about a stunning public space in Bangkok, a remarkable example of the city's rewilding efforts. Now in her fourth year of architecture, Sara has developed a keen eye for urban landscapes, constantly unraveling the mysteries of ancient monuments and marveling at the modern structures that redefine city skylines.I'm thoroughly enjoying this journey, rediscovering the world through her eyes. It's an exciting process, revealing hidden gems in cities and countries we've visited before. We often find ourselves wondering, "How did we miss this before?" as we uncover new attractions or secrets of the city.

Take Bangkok, for instance. The Benjakitti Forest Park is a commendable effort by the city to preserve nature and enhance urban green spaces. Benjakitti Forest Park involves converting a former tobacco factory site into a large urban forest park. The park features wetlands, forests, and meadows designed to promote biodiversity and provide recreational spaces for residents.

Revisiting a destination is always fun because there's always something new to discover. It made me ponder how much of Bangkok and Thailand I had missed and how much more there is to uncover in the future.

Like me I’m sure you’ve been to Thailand at least once. And if you haven’t then its time to visit the land of smiles. Like most travellers who’ve been there already we’ve all visited the fabulous attractions like Safari World, the artistic temples, and the shopping malls in Bangkok and the beautiful beaches of Pattaya. But have you been to a village where tribal women wear brass rings to elongate their necks? Or a pure white Buddhist Temple where spiderman, angry birds and others adorn the walls? Visited a life-risking market on the railway tracks or visited chicken island?So, why don’t we make a bucket list of interesting places to visit and things to do in Thailand for your next trip.

Let's start in Bangkok with the Mae Klong Train Market, a unique phenomenon nestled in Samut Songkhram Province. Known as Hoop Rom or the “Life-Risking Market,” this bustling 100-meter market sits right beside the railway tracks near Mae Klong Railway Station. Offering a variety of seafood, vegetables, fruits, meats, and other goods, the market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The nickname "Life-Risking Market" stems from its proximity to the Mae Klong-Ban Laem railway line. Vendors set up stalls with parasols and awnings extending onto the tracks, creating an organized chaos when a train approaches. As the train barrels through, vendors quickly retract their stalls and clear the tracks, only to resume normal operations once the train passes. This thrilling spectacle, occurring eight times a day, is routine for locals but an unforgettable experience for visitors, perfectly embodying the market’s nickname, Hoop Rom, meaning “umbrella-closing.

If you’re wondering what else can you do on a repeat visit to Bangkok, dive into the city's hidden treasures for a more intimate and authentic experience.Explore the lush greenery and serene walkways of Bang Krachao, Bangkok's "Green Lung," perfect for cycling and escaping the urban hustle, just a short ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River. Discover Talat Noi's vibrant street art, eclectic galleries, and historic charm. Experience the spiritual tranquility of Wat Ratchanatdaram and its Loha Prasat, or "Metal Castle," featuring 37 metal spires symbolizing virtues toward enlightenment. For a unique culinary adventure, visit the night markets of Soi Rambuttri and Rot Fai Market for local street food away from the crowds. Lastly, explore the traditional Nang Loeng Market, one of Bangkok's oldest, or shop for discounted luxury goods at the newest outlet mall near the airport.

But lets look beyond Bangkok. Thailand is a country where rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes converge.Thailand is a land of contrasts and harmony, where ancient history coexists with modern vibrancy, and natural beauty complements cultural richness.

Starting at the north of the country, the Golden Triangle of Thailand refers to the region where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, forming a triangular area. This historically significant region is located in the northern part of Thailand and encompasses the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are two important points of interest here. Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Thailand, nestled in the mountainous northern region, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the "Rose of the North," it boasts over 300 temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang. The Old City, with its moats and ancient walls, offers a glimpse into the city's rich past.

Close to Chiang mai is Chiang Rai, a serene town in northern Thailand, is home to the iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a contemporary art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple in Chiang Rai, stands out not only for its dazzling white exterior but also for its unique modern paintings inside. The interior walls feature contemporary murals blending traditional Buddhist imagery with modern icons like superheroes, movie characters like superman, batman and the hulk, and global events, creating a striking and thought-provoking fusion of old and new. This innovative approach by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat offers visitors a distinctive and memorable spiritual experience.

The Golden Triangle region is rich in cultural diversity, with many ethnic minorities residing in the area. These groups maintain distinct traditions, languages, and customs, contributing to the cultural mosaic of the region.The Karen Long Neck Village refers to settlements inhabited by the Kayan Lahwi, a subgroup of the Karen people, known for the distinctive cultural practice of wearing brass coils around their necks. This tradition gives the appearance of an elongated neck, which is why they are often referred to as the "Long Neck" tribe.The practice of wearing brass coils starts at a young age, typically around five years old. As the girls grow, additional coils are added, progressively increasing the weight and the visual effect. Contrary to popular belief, the coils do not actually lengthen the neck; instead, they compress the collarbones and upper ribs, giving the illusion of an elongated neck.

Located on the Andaman Sea, Phuket and Krabi are not just about beaches; but also offer cultural experiences and Island hopping tours. You can visit the famous Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Tup Island, where you can relax on pristine beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy beachside picnics. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, combines natural beauty with cultural richness. Visit the Big Buddha, a towering statue that offers stunning views of the island. The old town of Phuket is a cultural gem, with its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful markets, and vibrant street art.Phuket is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Engage in snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing at Kata and Karon beaches. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, try zip-lining at Flying Hanuman or take a speedboat tour to the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.

With many more places visit, im sure you’ll soon have a bucket list of places to visit only in Thailand. It doesn’t matter how many times you have been to Thailand, you can always find multiple reasons to visit again and again. Come join us on our discovery of Thailand as we visit these wonderful places. One trip to Thailand is never enough!­­­­