Bangkok: Big, Loud, Crazy, & AMAZING

When talking about Thailand, I’ve always heard people say “get out of Bangkok as fast as you can” or “don’t spend too much time in Bangkok.” I heard it was big, loud, smelly, crazy, and overrun by tourists.

Here’s what I found; it is big, loud, smelly, and crazy…AND I LOVED IT.

Bangkok gets a bad rep, but when my three days were up, I wished I had more time. From the insanely delicious food, to incredibly chaotic markets, to random parades in the streets, I loved every second of it.

Getting There: Bangkok is of course the easiest place to get to in Thailand, as it is the capital and biggest city. If coming from Chiang Mai, I would suggest the overnight train, which costs around $20 and is a very smooth ride. I had no trouble sleeping in the fold down beds, and found the train to be pretty clean. There was also beautiful scenery during the last few hours of light as we headed south. It was really nice waking up in a new city completely rested as well as avoiding the airport altogether.

Where to Stay: I would recommend staying on the outskirts of the Phra Nakhon District, which is the central district of Bangkok, so that you are close to the center but also not right in the middle of all the overcrowded touristy stuff like the Grand Palace. I befriended a few girls on the train from Chiang Mai who were staying at Once Again Hostel, which is still under construction, but the main lobby/café, rooms, and roof deck were epic. I’d say it was one of the coolest hostels I’ve been to, and did not have a party vibe at all, which was perfect. Unfortunately, they didn’t have availability for me, but if I were to go back, I would stay here for sure. (I recommend booking in advance!) Shared dorm rooms cost around $15, which is a bit pricey for Thailand, but the roof deck alone makes it worth it! The hostel staff felt so bad that they couldn’t find space for me, so they recommended I stay around the corner at Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel ($10 per night), and it too, was a great hostel. Like Once Again Hostel, it felt more like a café/hotel than a hostel, with only the shared dorm style rooms giving away its hostel nature. The only reason I’d choose Once Again Hostel over Niras is because of the roof deck, otherwise they are pretty on par! The location of these hostels is also perfect, as the area seemed to have a more authentic feel to it than the rest of central Bangkok. Just next door and around the corner you will find incredible street food where you only see locals dining.

My 9 Favorite Things To Do in Bangkok:

1. Visit Wat Pho – This is a Buddhist Temple Complex home to The Reclining Buddha, which is worth a stop for Bangkok first timers (such as myself). There is a very small entrance fee, which gives you access to several ornate temples.

   

   

   

   

   

2. Spend a Sunday Afternoon at Wang Lang Market – After I checked out Wat Pho and circled around the Grand Palace (I didn’t go in as they were closing) I made my way to the Tha Maharaj Chao Phraya Express Boat stop and was helped by a transportation staff member to get on the correct boat across the way to Wang Lang Market. The cost was 3 baht, or 10 cents. I guess I picked a good time to go to Wang Lang Market, as it was buzzing with locals and was overflowing with food and clothing vendors. I was by far the only foreigner in sight, which I always consider to be a good sign!

   

   

   

   

3. Eat Your Way Through Chinatown – From Wang Lang Market, I hopped back on the Chao Phraya Express Boat for 4 stops (9 minutes) and got off at Rachawong, which is the Chinatown stop. From here, it is an easy 15-minute walk to the heart of Chinatown. Here I met my college friend Arissara, who was born and raised in Bangkok, for an insider’s tour of the Chinatown food scene. Of the hundreds of food stands, she took me to her favorites for crispy pork belly soup, sweet- fall-off-the-bone pork leg, an incredible coconut milk soup dessert, dumplings and so much more. By our 5^th food stall, we were both so full we could barely breathe. I can’t wait to go back someday…

   

   

   

   

   

   

4. Endure a Thai Massage – After an early morning breakfast of crispy Thai oyster pancakes (oysters for breakfast was certainly a first for me!) Arissara took me to her favorite spot in the city for an authentic Thai Massage (also a first). All I can say is – OUCH. As a newbie to the Thai Massage, I had no idea how intense it would be. Over the two hour long massage, the massage therapist laughed as I scrunched my face and yelled out in pain as she bent me into a pretzel. I don’t foresee another Thai Massage in my future, but it certainly was an interesting experience!

   

5. Experience Sensory Overload on Khao San Road – This is known as party central for tourists, a place where backpackers flock to get sloppy and attempt to replicate a night like The Hangover Part II. It’s a place to try fried bugs, get a henna tattoo, dance in the street, and soak in all of the craziness! The street is packed with visitors, music is pulsing through giant speakers on full blast, beers are sloshing around all over the place, people are dancing on tables… it’s intense. Although I wouldn’t spend too much time here, I absolutely recommend stopping by once, just to experience it. I’m very glad I did! And unless you’re looking to absolutely rage, I would steer clear of booking accommodation anywhere near it!

   

   

   

   

   

   

6. Meet With Friends at River Vibe Restaurant & Bar – I am so happy that my two friends visiting from Melbourne recommended that we meet up for a mini reunion here. The views of the Chao Phraya were amazing and the food was surprisingly delicious for a non-local spot. Three new friends I had made ended up meeting us there and we all enjoyed a few Changs as we admired the incredible city views surrounding us.

   

   

   

   

7. Slither Your Way Down Sempang Lane Market – This is by far the longest, narrowest market I’ve ever been to, crossing multiple city blocks, with vendors packed along the narrow Soi Wanit 1. If you’re looking to buy 10 or more of the same item as gifts to bring home – this is your market! Many vendors only sell items wholesale (incredibly cheap) and won’t budge on selling you any less than 10 (trust me, I tried). From watches, jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories, to faux flowers, kitchen items, electronics and food, you’ll find just about anything at this market. Oh, and if you’re claustrophobic, it may be wise to avoid this market, it is incredibly cramped, but it’s all part of the experience!

   

   

   

   

   

8. Ride the Skytrain & Chao Phraya Express Boat – Whenever I arrive to a new place, it is always my goal to navigate the city the way a local person would. As cheap and easy as taxis and tuk’s are, Bangkok has excellent public transportation, so I planned on using it. It’s also a really great way to get a feel for the layout of the city. Since their public train system is elevated (hence the name Skytrain), you can catch some great views of the city and also observe the locals going to and from work. People-watching is one of my favorite things to do in a new place! I think it’s always good to observe your surroundings and get a feel for the pace of life in the new places you visit. As mentioned earlier, there’s also the Chao Phraya Express Boat (or CPX for short) that can get you anywhere along the Chao Phraya River for an absurdly small about of money (between 10 cents to $1) There are all sorts of tour companies selling boat tours to tourists, but the CPX is so easy and cheap, you mind as well take advantage of it! I had a great time cruising along the river and observing the many temples and restaurants along the river as well as the many other boats passing by.

   

   

9. Enjoy the Breathtaking View From Breeze – 11 floors below the famed Sky Bar (as seen in The Hangover Par II) you will find Breeze, a restaurant and cocktail bar with insane views of the Chao Phraya River and the bustling city below. Me and the friends I had made on the train from Chiang Mai originally planned on taking a visit to Sky Bar, but were extremely turned off by the rude staff and line of tourists dressed as if attending the Oscars awaiting their turn to take a photo in the one, roped off area to take photos. You actually weren’t allowed to take photos anywhere but the designated picture taking area…it was a nightmare! On our way out, the one very kind employee of this establishment suggested we stop on the 52^nd floor for better views and less crowds. I wish I could go back and hug her, because not only were the views so much more impressive, but there was virtually no one else there! All of the tourists were so busy trying to get into Sky Bar, that they had completely overlooked this gem. The menu is extremely pricey, but the incredible friendly staff let us admire the views and take photos at our leisure.

   

Wander On,

Wanderluluu xx