In Asia, and especially in Bangkok, you may experience heavenly Thai massages and mental stimulation through Buddhism study. If you are seeking for a place that will indulge you to the ultimate relaxation and new adventures, then a wellness trip in Bangkok will highlight totally your experience of rejuvenation! Let's find out the best experiences and things to do during your holidays in Bangkok, Thailand!
1. Indulge in a Thai massage!
Bangkok is worldwide famous for therapeutic treatments and especially for Thai massage, so be sure that you can enjoy it everywhere, from the streets of the capital to the best wellness hotels & resorts.
The world famous “Thai massage” originally comes from India, dating back about 2,500 years! It is different from the Western massage styles as it is more energizing and rigorous. Thai massage is done on a floor mat and as oil is not needed you don’t have to be undressed. While it may sound not a so relaxing experience, the truth is that is more rejuvenating as it focuses on pressure points. Treatment usually begins with a foot massage and gradually moves upward toward the head. As it is a rhythmic massage you will feel your energy recharged. In this way, if you are looking for discovering a new culture and relaxing holidays, pay a visit to this fascinating “City of Angels” where you will find a lavish collection of wellness hotels & resorts and more alternative spa clinics & centers in the city’s streets.
See the best spa hotels to relax during your holidays in Bangkok >>
2. Disover the Buddhist Temples!
Buddhism is heavily involved in every aspect of life and dates back to the early 15th century. Nowadays, almost around 95 percent of the citizens have great religious devotion and the statues of Lord Buddha can be found in almost every Buddhist’s house.
In every wat (temple) you may visit, you will admire the biggest statues of the Buddha. The most famous one is the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), situated within the Grand Palace. You should know that the wats are not just tourist attractions but they also play an important role in Buddhist everyday life.
Thus, as Buddhism is an essential part of Thai culture don’t miss to get up early up in Bangkok and have a walk around the temples! You will experience the famous tak baht – a daily alms ritual – where barefoot Buddhist monks, dressed in saffron coloured robes, are leaving the temple and walking around the city where they collect food from the residents. Giving alms to a Buddhist monk is a fundamental part of the Buddhist philosophy as it is believed that by giving and making merit you will attain a better life beyond this one.
3. Practise Meditation in Bangkok!
If you are a traveler with an open view to new things and new knowledge it is highly recommended to take meditation tours in this beautiful Buddhist capital Bangkok.
To explore the cultural heritage of Thailand and especially of Bangkok, there are several tours that can take you to many museums and inside the temples where you will be able to see where the monks are ordained.
But if you are one of them that are keen on exploring Buddha’s teachings, it would be interesting for you to know that there are many wats (temples) that offer courses and retreats with the most common meditation style being Vipassanā. It is popularly known as Insight Meditation which means insight into the true nature of reality and is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation that draws on traditions from Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos and Thailand. A meditative stay in a temple can be not only a unique experience but also a limestone to your personal development.
Extra tip: Some of the courses are in English and almost all of them given free of charge, although bear in mind that donations are welcomed. In Bangkok’s Wat Mahathat and in the House of Dhamma you will find some of the most famous meditation courses and centers in Bangkok.
Below you will find some extra thoughtful education and very important tips about travelling around Thailand:
- when visiting a wat always wear appropriate clothes
- monks aren’t tourist attractions so don’t treat them like that by taking intrusive photos of them during their practices
- as the feet in Thailand are considered dirty, be aware of not sitting with the soles of your feet facing the image of the Buddha or a Buddhist monk.
and most importantly!
- women should be overly aware of not touching monks in any case as if a monk accidently touches a female he has to undergo a lengthy purifying ritual!