Bangkok

After a layover in Kolkata, I made it to Bangkok! I went to a Christian meeting every night but one during my visit. My accommodation was actually at a Bible school and I had breakfast with the students each morning. Throughout the day, I explored the city on my own. The King of Thailand recently passed away and I visited the shrine dedicated to him in the Grand Palace. I went to the Wat Arun and hiked to the top of Wat Saket. I enjoyed walking through the old town and the ferry across Chao Phraya.

Duration

5 days

Accommodation

Believers house (4 nights)

Favorite Food

Pad Thai

Favorite Site

Royal Palace

Cool Person I Met

Michael. Michael is from China and lives in Bangkok to attend a Bible school. He became a Christian two years ago while studying in Virginia. Consequently, his life plans changed to follow God. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. We had a great time together.

Highlight

Reflecting on my past 3.5 months of travel on top of the Golden Mount

Big Takeaway

Thailand is a Buddhist country. Up to this point of my trip, I’ve visited countries known for Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. I am fascinated at how many similarities there are between these major world religions. Even the physical features and practices of following Buddha in Thailand are different than China.

In general, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists each have some place of worship, a type of central shrine, a higher power, a fight between good and evil, a reward or punishment afterlife, significance in physical things, and more. Religion is a manmade response to a divine encounter. I tend to see religion in a negative sense. I believe in God, but desire a way to worship with others outside of religion and not be trapped in it’s world system.

Your Turn

What is your opinion regarding the similarities of world religions?

Why do you think Thailand is such a popular destination for backpackers?