The term Silk Road conjures up images of the overland trade route between Southeast Asia, China, India, Arabia, Egypt and Europe, but commerce also happened by sea. The Maritime Silk Road was established and operated primarily by sailors from Southeast Asia and the Arabian pennisula. Not only did this route move silk, spices, foodstuffs and pearls but like its overland counterpart facilitated the exhange of new ideas, religious beliefs and cultures.
Ports on the coastal regions of Thailand, and especially its capital Bangkok, became major trading centers on the Maritime Silk Road. Unlike their Chinese and Arab counterparts, Thai sailors did not travel far from their lands but rather acted as intermediaries to foreign traders. Overtime, these port cities grew to be international, diverse and tolerant, none, more so than Bangkok.
Today Bangkok is a world class crossroads city; a melting pot of diverse sights, sounds, aromas and tastes; an international city where mosques co-exist next to temples, mansions next to shacks and where differences in language, cuisine, dress and ethnicity are the norm. Often called the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand’s people are friendly, helful and comfortable with diversity.
This is our third visit to Bangkok and there is still so much to experience beyond the must see city tour sites. We are excited to spend a few days exploring its many wonders.
