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| bangkok | |||
Tips Bangkok for kids |
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Before you go – | ||
It's helpful to have some background in Buddhism and the epic story of the Ramayana (Ramakien), before visiting the Grand Palace and temples in Bangkok. |
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Learn about Buddhist symbols, and different features and poses in Buddha statues. |
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For example, the Buddha's long earlobes are a symbol of his wisdom and spirituality, a flame on top of his head represents the light of knowledge. One of the most common poses is a seated Buddha with his right hand pointing down. This gesture is called "calling the Earth to witness" - the Earth goddess appeared to confirm the many good deeds of the Buddha. |
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In temples, lotus flowers are an offering and refer to spiritual growth, umbrellas are a symbol of sacred protection. |
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The Ramayana (Ramakien) is portrayed in murals and statues in many Bangkok temples. Thai culture and art integrated the Hindu epic, and it's a great story, with fabulous characters - Rama (re-incarnation of Vishnu), his beautiful wife Sita, demon of demons Ravana (Tosakanth), white monkey king Hanuman. |
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Getting around – | ||
Bangkok is spread out, and one of the main "freeways" is the Chao Phraya River. In the downtown area, a modern Skytrain (BTS) and subway (MRT) are quick and fast. However, as the, Skytrain and subway only reach certain areas, taxis and tuk tuks come into the picture. |
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At morning and afternoon rush hour, boats can get crowded (standing room only). If you have a stroller, fold it up – don't try to carry the stroller with a sleeping child from the boat to the dock. |
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In the downtown area, take advantage of the elevated walkways at the Skytrain (BTS) stops. The Skytrain walkways go for blocks and blocks - use them to cross streets (better than using stoplights) and avoid chaotic traffic. |
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Visiting temples – | ||
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Temples have a dress code, which is no short shorts, mini-skirts, tops with spaghetti straps, and preferably not sleeveless. At the Grand Palace, if you're not dressed up to standards, they'll send you to an area for a sarong to cover your legs or shoulders. Also, remember that you'll be taking shoes on and off, so wear convenient footwear. |
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Don’t do too many big temples in one day. After you've visited Wat Phra Kaew at the Grand Palace, don't rush next door to Wat Pho. Both wats are "biggies" and kids will lose interest with too many glittering mosaics and golden chedis. If there is a temple near to your hotel, go visit early in the morning. Neighborhood wats are lovely in the morning light, with people stopping on their way to work to pay their respects. |
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Food – | ||
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One of the great things about Bangkok is all day dining. Any hour of the day, food is available, and the locals are always snacking. |
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There's plenty of Thai food kids will like – wide noodle dishes with chicken, shrimp, pork, vegetables, pad thai, sate on skewers. |
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And lots of different fresh fruit cut into all kinds of shapes. One of our favorite snacks is sticky rice with fresh mango. |
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Traditional Thai food is chili hot, so you may want to ask for food to be seasoned less hot. Also, go easy on the four condiments set out on the table. These include chilies pickled, smushed, ground up, to be added to your noodles. If kids eat too many hot chilies, the best remedy is not glasses of water – milk, orange juice, rice, bread will help. |
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In the downtown area, the big shopping centers such as the Emporium, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Terminal 21, have lots for choices for international cuisine, and familiar chains. |
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Grab some sandwiches from the supermarkets or delis, and have a picnic in the park. |
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Slow down – | ||
It’s hot and humid in Bangkok, so don’t plan to rush around at top speed. Drink lots of water and fresh fruit drinks. After a day of sightseeing, allow time for kids to rest and relax. |
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Fun places to stay – | ||
Travel for Kids has lots of fun things to do with kids in Bangkok, but you'll need a fun place to stay. | |||
Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family friendly hotels and apartments in Bangkok, all styles and price ranges, near to places you'll want to explore. | |||
Accommodations are selected for their amenities for families, such as swimming pools and kid's pools, accommodations that sleep up to 6, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores in the neighborhood, apartments with kitchens and washing machines, and more. | |||
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Bangkok family hotels & apartments |
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