It’s dirty, smelly, noisy and the traffic is horrendous. All the things you should hate, but Bangkok has a magic and excitement all of its own that brings me back time and again. My wife and I have been there four times now, each time for a full week, yet we still want to return. The city is developing so rapidly that every time we go it has changed – elevated highways, major motorway links and a monorail have all appeared since our first visit in 1988.
Many people avoid Bangkok because of its reputation for sex and sleaze, yet this accounts for only two tiny areas of this magnificent city. The two areas are Soi Cowboy, down Sukhumvit Road, and Patpong between Silom Road and Surawong Road. I’ve never visited Soi Cowboy but I can say that Patpong is an extremely popular night market surrounded by girlie bars. Couples can walk unmolested but may be asked if you want to see a show, a simple “no thanks” will suffice (although I can’t vouch for what happens to un-attached males). Soi Cowboy, as I am led to believe, is rather more raunchy.
What I love about Bangkok, apart from the shopping, is the magnificent architecture and culture. Don’t miss the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the Golden Buddah (6 tons of solid gold). If you have time to spare be sure to visit Chinatown. Crossing the road can be dangerous, watch the locals, they walk across the road waving the cars to slow down and it works – I’ve tried it. On a three lane road you can expect to see at least four or five lanes of cars, two or three lanes of tuk-tuks in between, and mopeds, motorbikes and scooters weaving in and out, not to mention the bicycles.
A very good review Pete.I feel you brought out the pros and cons of this city very well. Like
you I have a love/hate view of the City of Angels-the traffic is awful,the noise unbearable but
its exuberant and the food is marvellous.
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Jan 9th, 2001
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