Bangkok

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You hear a lot about Bangkok…

For many people, the things heard are repulsive. For others, intriguing. For most, a little of both.

We visited Bangkok for four days and three nights, and had a great time. However, the city was not incredibly photogenic and I have very little to say about it. I’ll simply summarize the following thoughts.

The culture

The Thais we have met have all been incredibly friendly and welcoming. They are proud and insular in culture, as inferred by their widespread resistance to English in spite of being an international tourist destination. They were, after all, the only South East Asian country not to have been colonized.

The city

A lot of people warned us about getting scammed. We traveled even more cautiously and skeptically then ever. What we found was pretty much the good ‘ole fashioned city-hustle. Everybody was hustlin’, everybody.

Be well prepared with knowledge of market prices and a good hustle yourself, and you’ll have no problems.

Fake goods

The prospect of abundant faked goods made me a little more shopping-oriented than I care to admit.

The sex trade

I debated whether or not to see Red Light District. Ultimately, I didn’t feel I had to see it with my own two eyes to understand it any better.

It should be no secret that sex slavery is real and people are trafficked. Such an industry would not exist without the booming demand for sex from tourists. Stop buying sex.

One night we did find ourselves strolling through a night market unexpectedly lined with strip clubs. We were offered ping-pong ball shows and Allie almost punched a guy in the face!

Later, after talking with some locals we found out that most of the dancers in that area were lady boys. I was oddly relieved.

HINTS

Metered taxi is cheaper than tuk-tuk for long distances. Tuk-tuk drivers are definitely trying to hustle, be careful! From the airport, metered taxi is best if traffic is light, otherwise negotiate a rate (currently about 3-400 baht to the city).

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Photos

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Before

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After

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The subway system in Bangkok is a work in progress. Luckily the public buses work quite well for out-of-towners like ourselves.

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Spinning silk from silk cacoons at the Jim Thompson house
Jim Thompson was an American who settled in Bangkok after WWII and produced Thai silk.

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Silk Cacoons

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At the Jim Thompson House

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At the Jim Thompson House

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A side sanctuary at the Temple of the Golden Buddha

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Tuk Tuk - iconic transportation of Bangkok.

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Allie and I wondered into a local university during our walking tour... and snapped this photo.

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Standing guard at the Grand Palace, which was overrun by tourists

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Waiting outside the Ananta Samakom Throne Hall

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Adornment

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At the National Museum
Royal decorations for a funerary procession

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At the National Museum
Royal decorations for a funerary procession

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At the National Museum

Comments

[Waan-Ching Liao]

Good insight!
I guess you do not want to visit Bangkok the second time.

[jasonwu]

Not for awhie
Probably would not go back for awhile, but would definitely visit other parts of Thailand!