No city is as plain as it seems. Each city has some interesting facts unknown to the rest of the world. The same is with Bangkok. This article discusses some of the top interesting facts about the city.
An Urban Oasis on the River Of Kings
Thailand is one of the best places you can visit from India. Travel to Thailand is cheap and booking one of the Bangkok to Mumbai flights will cost you as much as any domestic flights. The cost of living is low and the shopping scene is filled with varieties and often very cheap! There are so many fun things to do in the city but there are also many interesting facts that remain unknown to many around the world
City with the longest name
Bangkok has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? But did you know that its actual name has 169 characters in total? The name is so ridiculously long that forget the rest of the world, even the people from Thailand are unable to pronounce it and call it Krung Thep. The full name is, brace yourself, ‘Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit’! Bet someone to pay the drinks for the whole table if they can pronounce it and they might end up breaking a glass or two!
2. Kings anthem played before every movie
In Thailand, there is a king and so before every function (school concerts, movies, etc) the King’s Anthem is played and everyone stands in reverence. Image credit- sevenfarmers.blogspot.com
The Thais are extremely patriotic and play their national anthem every chance they get. But did you know that before you sit down to comfortably watch a movie, of which you just bought the ticket, the theatre will play the King’s anthem before the start of the movie! So don’t get too comfortable yet, as you will need to stand up and pay your respects to the anthem by standing while it’s being played.
3. The third washroom
The increasingly high number of transgenders in Thailand are known to the whole world, but did you know that the country actually has a separate washroom for them? Next time, you rush to a public washroom, don’t be surprised if you see a third washroom! One is for men, the other for the women and the third is for the transgenders.
4. The place where Redbull originated
Red Bull Energy Drink
Did the famous Red Bull drink ever help you through the night before having to submit an important paper the next day? Then you have one person to thank, Chaleo Yoovidhya from Thailand. This is the man who pioneered and created this energy drink which has today grown into a multi-billion worth power drink company that has its reach in all corners of the world and all major sporting events.
5. Dubbed Venice of the East
Nightlife in Thailand Image credit- www.gapyear.com
Thailand plays home to one of the most exciting and happening nightlife scenes in the world. The nightlife scenes are so epic here that it has been dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, primarily due to its nightlife and some parts owing to its beautiful layouts of various canals portraying a landscape like that of Venice in Italy.
Apart from these, there are many other interesting facts about the city like how all the temples of Thailand are imprinted on the back of the Baht coins. All these and more makes Bangkok all the more fascinating!
Dubai might have a floating mall, but, India is the spot for shopping all that you want like a king. Starting from street shopping to grand malls, there are a lot of places to shop in this country. Thus, it is important for all shopaholics to keep their calendar open in this country. Let us talk about the top shopping spots in the country.
Kerala
Cochin Fort Shopping
When it comes to street markets or malls, there is no place to beat Kerala. This is the top tourist destination in South India where a walk through the markets is considered to be an important tourism activity. The street of the Cochin Fort is a well-known place for shopping. Starting from antique items like clocks and vases to delicacies; you can find almost everything in this place. This is the Venice of East and this place is the best for romantic shopping. Moreover, the largest mall in the country is in Kochi. The Lulu shopping mall is found in many international spots too. If you want some luxurious shopping experience, this is the right place to stop.
New Delhi
Delhi Street Shopping
This is the capital of the country and one of the popular places when it comes top shopping destination. No matter what type of shopping experience you want, you can find the right spot in this city. Starting from Select City Walk Mall to the flea market, you can find a lot of spots to enjoy shopping in this area. It is not possible that someone visits Delhi for vacation and not roam around the local markets and malls.
Mumbai
Street shopping in Mumbai
There are a lot of markets in Mumbai and each market is famous for certain items. Many tourists love to walk through the markets, shop and enjoy the local life. You can find almost everything in these markets. Are you fed up of street shopping? You can find the second largest mall in the country in Mumbai. The Phoenix Market City has almost all attractions like restaurants, movie screens, retail stores and many others.
Chennai
T-nagar Shopping
Pondy Bazaar, T-Nagar and many other areas in this place are dedicated mainly to shopping. You can find both street shopping and big malls around here. Apart from these, you can find a lot of top-notch malls like Phoenix Market City, Vijaya Forum Mall, Sky Walk, and many others. You can find many unique items and interesting objects to buy in these malls and street shops. If you love to bargain, the street shops are the best.
Jaipur
Jaipur Market
It is the capital and largest city of the Rajasthan. It is called as the Pink City. This is famous for a lot of activities including shopping. There are a lot of malls and street shops in this spot. This place is famous for textiles, handicrafts, puppets, precious jewellery, Minakari work, quilt and many others. You can find a lot of shopping centers and authentic shops where you can find a lot of these items. You ought to take your time to walk through the markets to get better deals in this city.
Lucknow is known as a city that has seen various wars, mass executions, happening before. In a blend of a few passing’s with meandering spirits lead to spooky areas in the city itself. Today, we are discussing, 5 most frequented spots in Lucknow where various apparitions meander. The dominant parts of these ugly areas belong to the British while some of the forts and sites are antiquated, and hold a dreadful environment that pulls in individuals that love everything thrilling and horror.
Image credit- Twitter
If you are going to Lucknow from Mumbai, and since you are the one-night crawler, you are looking for the red-eye Mumbai to Lucknow flights, then wait a moment! First, confirm if the destination you are heading to in Lucknow has any of the following sites on this route. If yes, then buddy, better avoid the late night landing, or take an alternate tour. Otherwise, if you are one brave heart and kind of enjoy these thrills, then no problem, go ahead, but at your own risk!
Balrampur Hospital
This hospital stands on a graveyard which was meant for British troopers. The appearance of apparitions became a force to be reckoned with when a secretive operation was led on a patient a couple of decades prior. The operation was executed by two baffling obscure specialists who couldn’t be followed after the cross-examination. This hospital is feared by everyone in this locality. Patients are frequently startled by sudden commotion or strides down the passageway when there is nobody around. They have additionally experienced the fear when a dreadful face shows up at the window and abruptly vanishes.
Railway Quarters
Moving ahead towards the chronicled railway quarters in Lucknow. It is not the complete Quarter that is spooked but rather, a different section of this complex that is a breeding ground for the paranormal activities in this area. The quarter was named Turrets and was apportioned to Bill Turner, the central specialist of the Oudh Rohilcund Railways. It is said that once Turner found his wife in an objectionable position with a young British officer. In a state of fury, he shot the two lovers and committed suicide as well. Turner’s ghost is reportedly haunting the site till date.
Sikandra Bagh
After mercilessly slaughtering a large number of Indians, 72 Britishers died and were buried in the grounds of Sikandra Bagh. The assemblages of Indians were left to decay there. After dusk, faint cries and wails have been reportedly heard by locals. They have experienced spooky presence across the grounds and sudden chilly temperatures after twilight. The spot holds a scary hush and a negative vitality covers the spot lodging these souls.
Nirala Nagar
Nirala Nagar nestles right in the midst of the city, yet, despite its bustling boulevards and dynamic life, this colony has an eerie vibe to it. This state was as far as anyone knows based on a place that is known for graves, a cremation ground, peepal tree, five mosques and couple of sanctuaries. Whoever lives in this settlement is known to have faced downfall in their career or personal life. Not many kids are found in this region. There is an obscure hush which envelopes this colony and locals have numerous times reported that they have heard the faint commotion of kids cries and spooky ghosts going into nothingness.
OEL House
The OEL house is a ramshackle structure and was once the site of mass slaughtering of officers when a fire broke out amid the 1957 rebellion. The well in this house was utilized for dumping the burnt bodies of the soldiers. At that point onwards the spirits meandered aimlessly and frequented this house and its encompassing. Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Lucknow University began residing here and encountered these paranormal affairs. Stories have been heard about the VC’s driver’s child being possessed by the detestable spirits as he tossed stones into the well just to receive faint wails and cries consequently. He died a miserable death after this abhorrent ownership.
Well, who knew that the city that is known for its irresistible Awadhi cuisine, and the classy Chikankari embroidery details, also has this dark, spooky side to it. Now that you are well acquainted with this side of Lucknow, beware!
There’s something awfully familiar about Europe, even to those who haven’t been there yet. The continent has been a muse for many and a dream for most. Its famous buildings and romantic waterways have had the world coming to it since time unknown. But, it is not defined by just the metallic opulence of Paris and the architectural genius in Rome. It is defined by the small unknown stops that are missed when rushing from one must-see to the other. The tiny, reclusive places that don’t end up on most lists.
So, if you feel that the Eiffel Tower is nothing more than a pretentious pile of scrap and the Big Ben is a waste of time, then I think you might like my alternative guide to experiencing Europe.
We love lakeside towns. There’s something hopelessly alluring about them. Right from the calm waters to the vibrant sunrises. The sleepy Lithuanian town of Trakai is all that and more. Squeezed between two lakes and an easy drive from the capital, Vilnius, this cluster of castles and wooden huts is an easy city getaway for the locals. The region comes under the protected status of the Trakai Historical National Park and is one of the few places to catch glimpses of the Karaite culture.
The Trakai Castle in Lake Galve, a 14th-century Gothic construction with traces of Renaissance influences, is the major draw in this area. Follow that up with a visit to the Trakai History Museum before heading to the bespoke camping areas at Slėnje, 5 km out of the town.
Czech Republic’s second-largest city, Brno is everything Prague doesn’t want to be. A city that has mastered the art of balancing the old and the new; the young and the old. At first glance, you might think of this University town as another city racing towards modernity with its glassy facades and new-age designs, but stay a while longer and you’ll start noticing the subtle undertones. A lazy pullback into the Moravian way of life. The city’s history will slowly start showing itself in its castles and cathedrals.
Spend time at the Špilberk castle and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul before experiencing the Functionalist architecture at Villa Tugendhat. The estuary under St. James Church is another draw for piqued minds. After a day of landmark-hopping, visit Náměstí Svobody, the city’s nerve center and revel in the city vibe with a glass of wine.
Lying on the tourist-trodden trail between Interlaken and Jungfrau, this fairy-tale town deserves more than an impatient stopover. Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s largest conservation areas, scattered with expansive trough valleys and thunderous waterfalls. It is also a favorable spot for mountain biking and hiking. Picture chancing upon lonely mountain inns around unexpected hilly bends.
We recommend gaping at the spectacle that is the Trummelbach Falls, our favorite out of the 72 falls in the region.
4. Roskilde, Denmark
Steeped in Viking culture, Roskilde, 35 km from Copenhagen, is a highly decorated ancient town situated in one of Denmark’s most scenic areas, the island of Zealand. It is one of Denmark’s oldest cities and served as an important Viking trading post, and the seat of the Danish crown for a long time.
Roskilde is a cultural fiesta for anyone interested in the legendary Viking traditions. Start with the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the burial-place for many Danish Kings and Queens. The Viking Ship Museum and the Roskilde Museum are good stops for getting all the info. you might possibly need about the area’s traditions. If you are visiting during late June or early July, then head to the infamous Roskilde Festival for some legendary antics and a Rock n’ Roll overdose.
5. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt
Considered to be the oldest still-inhabited village in Europe, Hallstatt lies in a picturesque setting surrounded by the Dachstein mountains and the shores of the Hallstatt See. The village was a hotbed for salt production back in the day and you can catch glimpses of its salt-production days by visiting the world’s oldest salt mines. Also, visit the Beinhaus for an intriguing display of decorated skulls exhumed from the village graveyard.
Hallstatt is also the world’s first cloned village with a full-scale replica in Huizhou, Guangdong in China.
6. Brest, Belarus
The eastern European nation of Belarus isn’t on most travelers’ radar owing to its stressed political environment, and long and complex history, but trust us when we say it’s probably the most surprising travel destination in all of the Europe. While Minsk, the capital, might be the most heard of city in the country, the border town of Brest offers an exquisite mixture of history, architecture and nature.
St. Nicholas Church in Belarus
Established by the Slavs, Brest went through several invasions during the course of its history and was under the Soviet Union till as late as 1991 before it finally fell under Belarus’s territory. The Brest Fortress, a World War II memorial, is the most important attraction in the city. Just walk the grounds and spend some time at the museum to try to understand this memorial’s complicated history. Brest is also home to some interesting museums like the Museum of Confiscated Arts and the Museum of Railway Technology. After the cultural and historical initiation spends time wandering around Nabierežnaja and Hohaia St. and enjoy the town’s laid back vibe.
7. Kosice, Slovakia
Tucked away in the valley of River Hornad, Košice is Slovakia’s second-largest city and served as the European Capital of Culture in 2013. The city is close to the Hungarian, Ukrainian and Polish borders and is easily accessible by a good network of roads and rail. It is also an artistic hotbed with several theatres holding performances all through the year.
St Michal’s chapel and st Elisabeth cathedral south view
Košice has the highest number of palaces in Slovakia and is a cultural cauldron in terms of architecture with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau. The main attractions are the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral and Immaculata Statue, both examples of Baroque architecture. Most of the town’s sites are present around the well-preserved historical center and the main street (Hlavná ulica) and can be leisurely covered on foot in a day.
8. Oulu, Finland
If there’s one reason to visit Oulu, apart from the spectacular beach and the enticing walkways, it’s the locals. The Finns are a warm and enthusiastic lot and they’ll welcome you into their homes just like they welcome the first speck of summer sunlight. The city, named after the river Oulujoki, lies on Finland’s western banks, opening up into the Gulf of Bothnia.
Oulu hydro energy
Summer is the best time to visit as the city collectively breathes a sigh of relief and prepares to let the sunny warmth enter their lives. The waterfront Kauppatori (marketplace) springs into action with several food stalls and restaurants dishing out the eclectic fare. Follow up an afternoon spent ambling around the market with an easy jaunt to Pikisaari, a former industrial region transformed into a close-knit artistic community. We recommend a short visit to the Sailor’s Home Museum, Oslo’s oldest house, to get a glimpse of life in the 18th century. Spend the next morning admiring the restrained flamboyance of Oulu Tuomiokirkko (the main church) and then dive into the many museums describing Oulu’s every facet from being a shipping town to the modern, high-tech metropolis that it is now.
9. Giethoorn, Netherlands
Give the term ‘on the road’ a miss for this one. Giethoorn, 120 km from Amsterdam, is a village with no roads. Arguably the most famous spot on our list, there is something about this tiny village, also called the Dutch Venice, that kept floating around in our heads. With over 150 wooden bridges, 4 miles of canals, and some spectacular farmhouses, this town merits a halt during your trip through Holland. All tourist go to Amsterdam, Giethoorn can turn out to be best travel destinations in Europe.
Founded in AD 1230 by fugitives from the Mediterranean, Giethoorn became famous after being used as a setting in Bert Haanstra’s 1958 comedy, Fanfare. The summers bring in a throng of tourists in boats and gondolas, changing this hamlet, home to 3000 people, into a thriving circus affair. Although the thought of rowing along the canals on a warm summer afternoon is very enticing, we recommend visiting Giethoorn in the winter, when the canals are frozen over. Ice skate your way through the village, stopping only to enjoy the outstanding views.
10. Leiria, Portugal
Leiria e Castelo
Cradled between Castle hill and Rio Lis and surrounded by Portugal’s biggest cities (Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra) Leiria is a medieval town flirting with modernity. The Leiria castle towers over the town’s red-roofed town center.
Have you been to these best travel destinations in Europe?
