Bangkok, Capital of Thailand and central hub of South East Asia. Some come here and love, some come here and hate it., opinions so diverse that only a City like Bangkok can truely give you such opposite impressions.
Home to an estimated 12 million people, although official statistics say around 7 million, Bangkok bursts forward with life and vitality. Its chaos is not easily avoided and almost has to be cherished in order to appreciate this wonderfully diverse City.
Bangkok began its life serving the then capital, Ayutthaya thanks to its convenient location on the Chao Phraya River. The river still plays a huge part in Bangkok life, carrving the City into two.
Known to the Thais as Krung Thep, Bangkok, The City of Angels, now has a majestic place in South East Asian geography. With its new airport now open, Bangkok has become the main hub for South East Asia. Whether you're visiting Thailand or another ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) country you'll almost inevitably end up running through Bangkok at some point.
Its a city of stark contrast and a City where everything is possible. From the giant shopping malls of Siam and the business heart around Lumphini and Silom to the sheer chaos and mess of Chinatown, the shacks around the edge of the City and the seediness of Nana, Bangkok dishes up a feast for all.
So, you've arrived in Bangkok and looking for somewher to lay your head for a few days where should you be looking for that accomodatioon? Well there are 3 areas where most tourists will flock to to find that hotel. The budget minded will often head for Khao San Road, a travellers hub full of hostels, bars, internet cafes and its own market.. Whilst Khao San is a great place to go for a night out its very much ditatched from the rest of Bangkok with no metro or skytrain running near it. With traffic as bad as it is in Bangkok it can take you hours to get out of the area.
Sukhumvit offers an alternative, with a mix of budget and multi starred hotels dotted around the soi (Streets) off Sukhumvit Road. The area whilst being home to a great night market, also houses a main part of Bangkok's red light district in the form of Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. Whilst they come across as seedy they dont feel particularly dangerous although its stil advisiable to watch yourself around these particular areas. Staying around Sukhumvit has some distinct advantages though, you're away from the madness of Khao San and have easy access to the rest of Bangkok via the Skytrain and Metro services. There's also plenty of restaurants to cater for all tastes (and bank ballances) to keep that tum happy.
The third of the options is to stay in the Siam area. Slightly more central than Sukhumvit, you're in the heart of the shopping district and hotels often havce prices to match the exclusive shops. Theres good access again via the skytrain. Prices are likely to be more expensive here but the area is one of the best Bangkok has to offer.
If you are into shopping then Siam is the place for you. Its crammed to the rafters with department stores. The Siam Centre, Discovery Centre , Fun Centre, The Paragon and World Trade Centre are all located here, each containing multiple floors of shopping goodness! If big department stores aren't your thing and you're into markets and trinkets check out the Sukhumvit, Khao San and Patpong night markets and Chatuchak Weekend Market is not to be missed - Romoured to be the biggest outdoor market in the world, you can walk around all weekend and still not see everything. it's a draining experience mind, so prepare yourself before hand.
You'll want to get around town of course while you're here and whilst the two main public trasnport systems (BTS Skytrain and Metro) cover a great deal of ground, they dont cover it all so what are the alternatives? Well, theres the bus, its probably the cheapest way around town but without doubt the longest! A journey of a couple of miles can take well over an hour in the chaotic Bangkok traffic. Secondly theres the well known Bangkok Tuk Tuk (So called because of the sound the engine makes), essentially a motorcycle with a carriage on the back ready to take 2-4 people. Whilst its fun to have at least one ride, the drivers are notorious for trying to rip you off. Be aware that any driver offering to take you around for 5-10 baht is without doubt scamming you. Its fun to take once but you'll soon relise that in Bangkok (unlike most of the rest of Thailand), jumping in a cab is a far cheaper way of getting from A to B. Just watch out and grab a cab with "Taxi Meter" above it and always, always ask for the meter, they'll try and charge you insane amounts otherwise.
One area of Bagkok that you'll need to get a cab out to is Rattanakosin, the City's most historic part and home of some of the finest temples (Wat) the couintry has to offer. Here you'll find the immense Grand Palace (without doubt worth the entrance fee), Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun, the Sunrise Temple across the river. Be selective in what temples you choose to visit, tehr are so many to choose from that you'll never get around to seeing them all.
So you've got your hotel, worked out how to get around, seen some temples, done some shopping and had a bite to eat, what next? Well its upto you! Go for a drink in one of the many bars all over the City (Khoa San and Sukhmvit are among teh most popular bar areas), go and watch yoga in Lumphini Park first thing in the morning (you'll have to be up early to catch them!), go see Jim Thompson's House, now a museum celebrating the man behind the famous Thai Silk or maybe go for a ride down the Chao Phraya River.
Go on take your time, explore this City and its people, find out why yellow is often worn on Mondays and just talk to some of the friendliest people on earth. Bangkok offers so much, it can be draining of course but this modern City in the heart of South East Asia delivers on so many levels it deserves a chance.
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