Bangkok is best described as an unorganized mess. It’s crowded and buzzing with activity. Traffic is a total chaos. You have to pay attention to your surroundings at all times in order to keep your life. It’s extremely warm like all day everyday. There’s a constant smell of delicious aromas mixed with traffic fumes and sewer. Maybe it’s all a bit too much at once and you tend to escape the craziness as quick as possible. Don’t! Instead, take a breath, throw your habits out the window and embrace the daily life of this amazing city. There’s just something about the imperfection that makes this city quite fascinating. Hate it or love it but Bangkok is an unique experience!
Getting around?
Even though structure seems to be missing, it’s actually pretty easy to get around the city. You just have to figure out how. After arriving at the airport take the Airport Line to the city centre. Here you can change to the BST and MRT (skytrain and metro). Cheapest and fastest way to get around. Unfortunately the BST and MRT won’t take you to the old part of Bangkok. You are then designated to the local bus or the Chao Phraya Express (boat). Of course you can also take a tuk tuk or taxi. This is definitely a great way to experience Bangkok’s traffic, but it’s less safe, it will take longer and it’s much more expensive (although it’s still not that expensive compared to our standards).
Personally I like to explore a city at my own pace. When it comes to a city like Bangkok that means getting lost fairly quickly. I don’t really mind but it might not be something to your liking. Alternatively you can take a bike tour through the city on your first day. I have read many good stories about Co van Kessel!
During your time in Bangkok you have to pay a visit to a temple (or 2) of course. Wat Pho is famous for the reclining Buddha but has so much more to offer. When you wander through the temple complex you will soon discover some peace and quiet. Pretty weird when you find yourself at the heart of Thailand’s capital. There’s over more than 1.000 Buddha statues and a massage school aswell. Total zen!
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew from the inside. Because of the mourning periode lots was going on. Thai people came together to mourn and show their respects to the recently deceased King. Can’t really describe how special it feels to have witness this. Even though it would’ve been a once in a lifetime experience the queue was gonna take me all day. Therefore I observed for a while and decided to cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun.
Wat Arun has some impressive views from the top or so I heard. Due to renovations access to the top is temporarily closed. Nevertheless, it’s still worth a visit. I really enjoyed the detailed architecture and attending a buddhist ceremony. Wat Arun lights up at night time by the way.
When walking through world’s largest Chinatown your senses suddenly have to work overtime to process all the impressions. There’s just a lot going on. Don’t limit yourself to Yaowarat Road and Sampeng market but make sure to take one of the many side streets and narrow alleys you come across in this vibrant area. You’ll probably get lost again but getting lost in Bangkok is no punishment. It’s more like dessert! Starting from Hua Lamphong (main train station) or Ratchawong Pier, Chinatown is just a few minutes walk away.
Coffee, food & drinks?
‘But first coffee’ my mind said to me when I dropped off my bag (ok suitcase) at the hotel. My intuition did the rest. By chance I found Iwane Goes Nature on Soi Sukhumvit 23. Great coffee. The outdoor terrace has a nice and peaceful atmosphere that lets you escape the hustle and bustle for a few minutes. The only way to truly get a taste of Bangkok is to order a typical Thai dish at a street stall you trust. Best food I had. The night is still young so why not enjoy a beautiful city view from above? Above Eleven has a casual chic vibe and coacktails are reasonably affordable. Just saying!
Stay?
Forget about Khao San Road! No idea what’s so special about that place but that could be me. Instead, stay in the modern part of Bangkok. It might have a more international look, it still gives you that authentic feel. Way more fun if you ask me. 3Howw Hostel has a few standard rooms with private bathroom for a reasonable price. The rooms are simple but modern furnished and fully equipped. Prefer a little more luxury? Stay at Indigo Hotel on Wireless Road, where the Thai radio was born. They put a lot of detail in the interior which is very cool. Not to mention the rooftop bar and infinity pool with a mesmerizing view. Sounds perfect huh?! Except for the fact I only saw the toilet of my super deluxe room thanks to food poisoning (the ultimate Asia experience). It was a very clean toilet I can tell you that much. And I have to say: the staff was extreemly friendly and helpful. I will definitely have to stay there again.
Till next time.. 🙂
Wat weer leuke en enthousiaste beschrijving van Bangkok.
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