T

HE MAGIC OF
BANGKOK
Looking out of my 25th hotel oor
room, Bangkok beckons in all its pulsating
neon glory. When I step outside the hotel,
the hissing trafc manic cabs, tuk tuks
and motorbikes is an assault on the
senses. However, you quickly learn that the
only way to survive the organised chaos
of this frenetic city, is to take a long, deep
Sarah Bladen, meditation teacher and founder of On Cloud Zen, explores the City of Angels in
search of feel-good gems to enhance your wellbeing.
Thailand
Tantalising
breath, surrender to its pace and be at one
with it. Much like the orange-robed monks
who glide gracefully along the streets, if you
adopt an attitude of zen, the magic of the
city emerges
First up, Im heading to a sacred
temple called Wat Pho, which houses a
gold, 46-metre long reclining Buddha.
Wat Pho is named after a monastery in
India where the Buddha is said to have
lived. While there are many temples in this
sprawling metropolis, this is one worth a
visit, although its ideal to come at a time
when there arent so many tourists elbowing
each other to get a snapshot of themselves
beneath the statue. Even so, this golden
Buddha whose feet are encrusted with
mother of pearl is awe-inspiring. There are
108 bronze bowls alongside the stunning
monument, highlighting the 108 auspicious
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characters of Buddha; and people who drop
coins in the bowls encourage good fortune
and help the monks maintain the temple.
After relishing the delights of the
temple, many shattered tourists wisely go
for a Thai massage, conveniently located
around the corner. Yes, just a short walk
away from the temple is the world-
respected Thai medical and
massage school. It opened
in 1955 and is said to be one
of the best places to study
the ancient wisdom of Thai
massage. Several courses
are available here including
Thai herbal steaming to
advanced Thai medical
massage. Despite its
unassuming exterior, once inside, theres
a queue of people eager to sample some
Thai massage by the aspiring students.
Amazingly, you can reap the benets of an
hour-long Thai massage for just 420 Baht
(AED 48). Its well worth it.
Exotic fruit awaits you on every street
corner. Think dragon fruit, durian (tastes
like heaven, smells foul), jackfruit, mango,
papaya, rose apples, passion fruit, star-fruit,
pineapple and more. Our tour guide takes
us to Saphan Khao Fruit market, where
there is a breathtaking selection of delicious
Thai fruit at bargain prices.
Thai food is one of the healthiest
cuisines in the world and our tour guide
takes us to a beautiful, authentic Thai
restaurant called Supatra River House,
which as the name suggests,
a wooden house on stilts
overlooking the river. While Thai music hums
in the background, we order some Tom
Yum soup, Pad Thai and green, yellow and
red curry. They are as mouth-watering as
promised and unsurprisingly, this eatery has
several food awards hanging on the wall.
Later that afternoon, we pass
Bangkoks biggest ower market, Pak Klong
Talat, a deliciously fragrant and colourful
attraction. The gorgeous scents of the
indigenous owers, from orchids to roses
and jasmine-infused phuang malai garlands,
soften the polluted air that hangs above the
city. Crafting garlands is an ancient Thai art
and these gorgeous garlands are believed
to bring good karma and fortune to the
giver and receiver.
En route back to our hotel, we pass
more temples and shrines, shopping malls
and markets where you can practise your
bargaining skills. You can haggle for a oaty
Pashmina made of pure Thai silk to your
hearts content.
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The origins of Thai massage are said to come from Jivaka
Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years
ago in India. It made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic
techniques and principles gradually became inuenced by
traditional Chinese medicine.
For centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks
as one of the components of Thai medicine. Thai massage is
more energising and rigorous than most forms of massage and
according to the teachings of traditional Thai healing; the use
of herbs and massage should be a regular part of your health
regime. This is because there are many health benets including
a reduction of stress, better circulation and exibility, more energy
and it centres the mind and body.
Thai massage experiences in the capital vary theres
everything from indulgent, plush spas to the cheap and cheerful
outlets on almost every street corner.
Besides the many markets, Bangkok
is known for its animated nightlife from
the famous seedy but funny ping pong
shows to high-end bars and nightclubs,
theres something for everyone. We watch
the sunset at Red Sky, a gorgeously striking
urban chic roof top bar, located on the
55th oor of Centara Grand, in the heart of
Bangkok. It was voted one of the best bars
for sundowners by Conde Naste Traveller
and with its stunning panoramic views; its
easy to see why. Besides a spectacular
glowing red sky, expect jazzy lounge music,
hit-the-spot cocktails and a welcome
breeze during the humid summer months.
From glittering temples to modern
glass tower blocks, Bangkok is a vibrant,
exciting city where East meets West,
a fusion of ancient and contemporary.
Shaven-headed monks walk alongside
locals and unkempt hippy travellers, who
still sing the praises of Khao San Road
the back-packers paradise. However,
among the hustle and bustle, there are
several mini oases of calm. Just like the
Buddhist monks who are striving for
enlightenment, if you visit the right spots
in Bangkok, youll surely get a glimpse of
total nirvana.
SARAHS TOP TWO PICKS
Swish Spa
Oriental Spa (at the Mandarin Oriental) is
said to be one of the worlds best spas.
Besides pioneering holistic therapies and
signature massage treatments, this spa
oozes tranquility and service second to
none. Many of the rich and famous have
been twisted, pulled, massaged and
beautied here.
Boutique Spa
Coran is a classy, low-key spa located
in a Thai villa. Coran means ripple of
water and offers well-trained therapists
and a range of treatments including hot
stone massage and herbal ball compress
massage.
MASSAGE HEAVEN
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WHY IS THAI CUISINE SO
GOOD FOR YOU?
Thai cuisine is not only tasty; it is also
one of the healthiest foods available.
Thai dishes, such as Tom Yum Soup, are
being studied for their incredible wellness
benets. Many of the fresh herbs and
spices used in Thai cooking such as
turmeric, galangal, coriander, lemongrass,
and fresh chillies have immune-boosting
and disease-ghting punch.
Each of the following Thai ingredients
boasts immune-boosting power. To
maximise these benets, cook Thai food
from scratch.
TURMERIC
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric,
is an anti-inammatory agent great in
relieving allergy symptoms as well as
arthritis (or any condition caused by excess
inammation). It is also a powerful anti-
oxidant that shielding from toxin and free
radical damage. Curcumin also protects
platelets in the blood, improving circulation
and protecting the heart.
TAKE TURMERIC
as a valuable digestive aid
helps those with arthritis
improves cardiovascular (heart) conditions
protects the body from bacterial infections
(such as wounds)
ghts skin and breast cancers in animal
studies
To add more turmeric to your diet, try to eat
a yellow curry at least once a week.
LEMONGRASS
This fragrant lemony herb is used extensively
in Thai cooking. It has also been used since
ancient times in Chinese medicine for the
following conditions...
us and colds fevers headaches
abdominal pain and other stomach
conditions arthritis fungal conditions
CORIANDER
In Thai cooking, coriander is used in two
ways: in its seed form, and as a fresh herb.
In the West, coriander is also known as
cilantro or Chinese parsley. While fresh
coriander has nutritional value, coriander
seed has been used since ancient times by
healers in Greece, Rome, the UK, China,
and India for the following complaints:
Gastrointestinal trouble (including gas as
well as bloating)
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YOU WILL NEED
1-2 red chilies (or substitute green), depending on desired spiciness, OR 1/8 to 1/4
chili akes
1 shallot or 3 Tbsp. chopped onion
1 thumb-size piece galangal OR fresh ginger
3-4 large cloves garlic
3 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. whole cumin seed
1/8 tsp. fresh nutmeg, or substitute cinnamon
3 Tbsp. sh sauce (available at Asian/Chinese food stores)
3/4 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. brown sugar (optional)
1-2 fresh or frozen kafr lime leaves, snipped into small pieces with scissors (discard
central stem), or substitute bay leaf
1 14 ounce can coconut milk
1 Tbsp. ketchup or 1 Tbsp. tomato puree
OTHER INGREDIENTS
chicken chopped into pieces
1 stalk fresh lemongrass, OR 3 Tbsp. frozen or bottled prepared lemongrass
2 potatoes, chopped into wedges or small chunks
1 green and/or red bell pepper, de-seeded and sliced
1-2 additional kafr lime leaves, left whole, OR substitute bay leaf
approx. 1 cup cherry tomatoes OR medium-size tomato sliced into wedges
1/2 loose cup fresh coriander OR fresh basil to nish the dish
First, make the curry sauce by placing all sauce
ingredients together in your food processor or blender.
OR, you can also mince the ingredients by hand,
or pound dry ingredients together with a pestle and
mortar. Process ingredients well to make the yellow
curry sauce OR mince ingredients by hand and stir
together well by hand in a large mixing bowl.
Place chicken pieces in a casserole dish. Add
the curry sauce you just made. Also add the kafr lime
leaves (left whole) or bay leaf. Stir together well, then
cover and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Note:
if you prefer more curry sauce, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of
good-tasting chicken stock and stir in. Remove dish
from oven and add the potatoes, bell pepper, and
cherry tomatoes. Stir well, then return to the oven and
bake for an additional 20 minutes (or until chicken and
potatoes are well cooked).
*Note: if you prefer your tomatoes to taste fresh rather
than cooked.
Add them right before serving. The heat from the sauce
will warm and soften them just enough to taste great.
Remove curry from the oven. Stir, and then do a
taste-test, adding more sh sauce if not salty enough.
If too salty for your taste, add a little more lime juice.
Add additional fresh chilies if you prefer more spice. If
its too spicy for your taste, add a little more coconut
milk or plain yogurt. If too sour, add a little more
brown sugar. When youre happy with the taste,
portion the curry out onto serving plates and top with
fresh coriander and/or basil. Serve with Thai jasmine-
scented rice, and enjoy
digestive problems
bacterial and fungal infections
loss of appetite
CHILIES
(fresh or dried, whole, minced or powdered)
Recent human studies show that eating
chillies helps you sleep better, keeps
your heart healthy, and helps maintain
consistent insulin and glucose levels. Of all
the chilies that have been studied so far, it
seems cayenne pepper is one of the most
powerful in terms of health benets.
COCONUT MILK
In recent years, coconut milk has somehow
been given a bad reputation when, in fact,
it is extremely healthy. Yes, coconut milk
and oil contain fatbut this is good, not bad
fat. Contrary to what you might believe,
coconut milk...
Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), while
promoting good cholesterol
Boosts immunity
Modulates metabolic functions
Provides valuable fatty acids which most
people in the West are lacking
Fights ageing
SIMPLE YELLOW CHICKEN CURRY *By Darlene Schmidt
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CHILLING IN CHANGMAI
If youre looking for a lush getaway that
is peaceful and oozes calmness, head to
Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa in Changmai.
You can sip tea in the gorgeous gardens and
laze around at the Panna Spa think Thai
teak wood, scented candles and sophoric
background music and offers a host of
enticing treatments at reasonable prices.
Theres everything from a Thai oriental
foot massage to a golden rice body wrap.
Personally I recommend the 90-minute
classic Thai Reexology Body Massage to
soothe away any aches or pains. And if you
book a steam bath or organic nourishing
bath before this treatment, you are entitled
to a discount. When it comes to signature
packages, guests rave about the Panna Flora
Detox Retreat and the Organic Garden Thai
Therapy. All the products used are organic or
natural. Get ready for pure bliss!
www.siripanna.com
BANGKOK ATTRACTIONS
Jim Thompson House
The Grande Palace
Lumphini Park
Golden Mountain
Erawan Shrine
SHOPPING
MBK
Siam Square
Central World Plaza
Ploenchit Centre
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chinatown
WHERE TO STAY IN THE
CAPITAL
The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is a
Luxury Collection Hotel (which means
it is one of the worlds nest hotels and
offers a unique experience) located in the
heart of Bangkoks vibrant business and
entertainment district. Conveniently, this
hotel features a pedestrian sky bridge link
from the hotel entrance to the BTS SkyTrain
station, the subway and also the Terminal
21 Shopping Mall.
WHERES IT CLOSE TO?
You are just a short walk away from a
sparkling nightlife, palatial shopping malls
and historic temples. Nearby attractions
include the Erawan Shrine, where locals
partake in the timeless Buddhist ritual
of making offerings to the spirits. At Jim
Thompsons House, former home of the
late American silk trader, visitors can view
an outstanding collection of his personal
artefacts in an authentic Thai teak house.
The Sheraton is not far from the citys best
treasures including Wat Pho and the Temple
of the Reclining Buddha, the Temple of the
Dawn and the beautiful Grand Palace.
For more information or to book a
room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit,
go to www.luxurycollection.com/bangkok
HOW TO GET THERE
The award-winning Etihad Airways provides
a great service and ies directly to Bangkok.
For more information or to book a ight visit
www.etihad.com
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