I was in Bangkok a couple of weeks ago for a few days and it was quite a break. I found the city a cultural hub where history and modernity meet head on. But instead of clashing, the seemingly polar opposites co-existed in a nice flow.
I'm not going to write a definite guide to Bangkok, but I'd like to share some points that would-be travelers to this nice city may appreciate:
- In terms of accommodation, your hotel will depend on your travel objective. I booked a nice hotel in the shopping district of Pratunam, but I soon realized that that district may not be the optimal location for that trip. Why? Because shopping was not the top priority. If you're going to Bangkok to shop, Pratunam would be the best place to stay in, if you ask me. Since the main objective was to see the nice sites of Bangkok, a place near the train stations would have been better.
- Food is everywhere! From the nice and glitzy shopping malls like Siam Paragon to the side streets of the Chatuchak Market, restaurants, food courts and food stalls are readily accessible. The common fare is Thai food (noodles, grilled meat, seafood to name a few). There are very few fast-food joints, so you better get a liking of the local food unless you want to scour for the city for a McDonald's.
- Travel around the city is relatively easy, thanks to a tourist-friendly train system, and numerous cab drivers. However, be wary of cab drivers that don't speak English, they may take you for some unnecessary turns and you may find yourself lost. So bring a map. These maps are all over the airport and the most likely the hotel you are staying at.
- As for the sites, the Grand Palace is a must see, but I found the Wat Poh very intriguing. Wat Poh is the temple where a giant reclining image of Buddha is seen. (If you know the Street Fighter II game, this location is very similar to the Sagat Stage.)
Bangkok is a great city to visit and I think it's a recommended stop to anyone who wishes to see what Asia offers best.
Tags: Bangkok
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