Traveling to America via Bangkok

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Loading...

This year’s journey to PowerPoint Live in San Diego followed a different route, with Bangkok replacing Singapore as the transit point. The change offered a range of new experiences—beginning with Bangkok itself, both the city and the airport.

Bangkok presents a sensory overload from the moment of arrival. For vegetarians, the most striking impression is the pervasive aroma of meat that fills the city air. Adjusting to this unique scent can take time. The city itself moves at an unrelenting pace, with constant motion and activity. Whether along its bustling streets or within its vibrant malls, Bangkok reveals countless nuances—each leaving a lasting imprint on the senses and the mind.

With only a few hours available in Bangkok, there was no time for sightseeing. The hotel was located in the Sukhumvit area—conveniently close to malls, street markets, restaurants, and train stations.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport mirrors the character of Bangkok itself—vibrant, unpredictable, and full of contrasts. While not as streamlined as airports in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and even less efficient than the newer facility in Hyderabad, it compensates with intrigue at every turn. Its architecture stands out for its unique design, showcasing Thailand’s deep-rooted Indian influences visible in the art, religious motifs, and cultural details throughout the terminal.

Upon entering the departures area, the eye is immediately drawn to a magnificent statue of Vishnu standing upon a tortoise. On either side, the serpent Vasuki is pulled by gods and demons in a dynamic scene. This striking sculpture depicts the legendary “Churning of the Ocean,” a central story from Hindu mythology.

Here are some pictures — click on them to see a larger view:

For an airport that showcases Indian art, it is surprising to find that there’s almost no vegetarian food available at the airport — Indian food or any other vegetarian food. The flight on Thai Airways from Bangkok to Los Angeles was good — but when I landed in Los Angeles, I discovered they lost my bag! More about that soon.