Advertisement
Published: July 14th 2010
Edit Blog Post
It is tempting to say that Bangkok is just a more prosperous version of Manila. In terms of physical infrastructure Bangkok is where Manila could have been had it experienced the same economic success Thailands has enjoyed since the 90s. Both cities share the same stifling heat and humidity, high population (around 11 million), reputation for horrible traffic jams and inhabitants known for friendliness and hospitality. That's about where the similarities end.
Bangkok is easy to love. Don't get me wrong, I adore Manila and plan to write more about it in future entires. However I just feel that for he uninitiated tourist/ traveler, it's a safe bet that they'd enjoy Bangkok more readily than Manila. There is a frenetic pace here and our four days here now seem like a blurr. I look at the pictures in my camera and cannot name half of the places we visited. It's tough to recall exactly the details of our daily adventures. Instead I recall unforgettable experiences, sights, smells and sensation. It's a feast for the senses and here are a few of our favorites:
* Sweating it our while being visually dazzled by the grand palace complex.
It's incredibly hot
and humid in Bangkok, by some estimates it's the world's warmest city in terms of average temperature. It's been close to 40 degrees Celcius (>100 F) We decided to tackle this on our first day and our mistake was not going very early in the day. Modest attire is required when entering the complex. No shorts or tank tops. We had to hire long pants and shirts thus the unfortunate fashion statements in our pictures. We hired a very energetic guide at the gate and settled for a 4 our tour of not only the palace complex but also several other sights in the old part of the city.
The temples (Wat in Thai) and palaces were indeed dazzling. Some covered in gold leaf, others in multi-colored tiles they were impressive almost hard to take in all at once. I wish we had more time to linger and absorb it all but our guide (KJ) was going at warp speed and between her jokes, the heat/humidity and the visual overload I started getting a headache.
We were relieved after leaving the palace grounds and our borrowed clothes behind. From there we proceeded to Wat Arun via a water
taxi on the Chao Praya (main river here). We detoured to a side canal where KJ bought some bread and had us feed some very ravenous cat fish. She said this was for good luck. From the river Wat Arun's profile is striking but from a distance it looks gray. On close inspection though it's facade is covered by colorful tiles and broken ceramic plates. After ascending some very steep stairs the view of Bangkok and the river were a beautiful pay off.
* Fearing for our lives as our tuk tuk and motor taxi navigated the Bangkok traffic.
Tuk tuks are Bangkok's answer to Manila's tricycles. They are like rickshaws but with a motor bike. Not cheaper than taxis they are nonetheless a must tourist experience here. Even scarier are the motor bike taxis. Basicaly you just hang on to a guy driving a motorcycle, cross your fingers and grit your teeth as he weaves in and out of traffic lanes, makes hair pin turns and goes very fast. All the while he's wearing a helmet and you're not.
* Over indulging on Thai food.
Everywhere we went we were astounded by the variety, quality and price
of the culinary delights here. It's hard to have a bad meal in this city. From street food to fancy restaurants to fastfood joints, Thai food is lovingly prepared and made from super fresh, wholesome ingredients. My favorite stop were the food stalls between Silom and Sathorn street. Several vendors preparing Thai delicacies such as braised and friend meats, grilled fish and seafood, curries, stews and rice dishes. To drink there is iced cofee or tea and fresh fruit smoothies. Dessert could be fresh fruit with a dusting of chili/salt/sugar powder or fried sesame balls. You could have a complete meal here for under $5.Needless to say I went back over and over again. A bit of caution though: take your tums/ rollaids! While we never got sick from eating street food, I did get heartburn from all the chillies.
* Scentsational Bangkok.
If Bangkok were a perfume it's aroma would be a mix of lemongrass, street food being grilled/fried, incense burning, jasmine and frangipani blossoms. Especially at night when a breeze cuts through the humid air, this city smells! And that's a good thing.
* Experiencing the thrill of victory after haggling at the night markets.
We
visited the Patpong night market in the notorious red light district. Stall after stall of t-shirts, bags, knick knacks and counterfeit merchandise next to go go bars and "massage" parlors. The atmosphere was a bit sleezy but also rather fun and light hearted. A few tips on bargaining: never start unless you are sure you want the item. For high ticket items (bags/watches) always ask for half off the initial price and the vendor will then counter your offer. If you feel the price is not right you can walk away and hope the vendor tries to chase you and succumb to your offer. No matter the result always end the transaction with a khob-kun-Krub (thank you).
* People watching and soaking in the luxury and air conditioning at Siam Center and Paragon malls on a Saturday afternoon. Seemed like all of Bangkok was here. Hordes of people looking to escape the heat. Siam Paragon was the very high end mall with Gucci, Balenciaga, LV et al. While Siam center was more young and trendy with a lot of local designers featured. It's mid year sale this time of the year and there were discounts up to 80%
* Becoming a temporary Buddhist at
Wat Saket the Golden Mount This temple built o a hill houses some relics of the Buddha and offers a meditative respite for the weary traveler. The climb to the temple is an easy one, very gradual over low steps and passes rows of bells, graves and some gardens. On the top is the shining golden mount and a temple where you could say prayers/wishes, burn incense and give offerings. It's hard not to be a temporary believer after experiencing the warmth and friendliness of the Thai people. I've never been anywhere where people are so generally gentle and warm. Every interaction was polite. Even when you think they are trying to rip you off or sell you something you don't need, nothing was ever done in an aggressive pushy way. Everything was dignified and done with a smile.
It's hard to imagine that just a few weeks back there was much unrest and political upheaval here. There are signs here and there. Parts of Central World, a big mall burned by the protesters are closed for repairs and while tourism is improving people say it's not half of the level before the protests. There
is a truth and reconciliation commission and general feeling that the worst is passed. Political unrest like this are not new to Thailand and time and again they bounce back. This time should be no exception.
So it is with a promise to return that we leave Bangkok. We are exhausted but smilling. It will be nice to just lay on the beach somewhere and do nothing. In fact that is what most people who visit Thailand do. A few days in Bangkok then on to Pattaya, Ko Chang or Phuket. For us it's a different beach destination: the white sand of Boracay.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.346s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 17; qc: 74; dbt: 0.0769s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Michelle
non-member comment
Love the borrowed clothes!!!
Garret, You should really write a travel book - you make me want to visit every stop you make! I read every entry with a huge smile on my face - you make me laugh and at the same time teach me interesting new facts on very city you visit! :-) Michelle