Bangkok

From seldom-visited Myanmar we headed to the heart of travelers’ and backpackers’ SE Asian itineraries: Bangkok.  In The Beach (a cult classic among travelers and hostels in southern Thailand), Leonardo DiCaprio’s character describes Bangkok as “Good-time city, gateway to southeast Asia, where dollars and Deutschmarks get turned into counterfeit watches and genuine scars.” That’s pretty accurate, but dated, as not only have Deutschmarks disappeared, but Bangkok has become a modern, developed city; albeit one that exists in tandem with the sleazy traveler underbelly of years past.

Tuk tuk rides around town

Thai TV broadcasts the national anthem twice a day, and everyone stands when they hear it – even in the train stations

We got a lot of warnings about Bangkok – not warnings about our safety, but warnings about how much we were going to hate the city. We found it just the opposite: we loved Bangkok! While it can be hectic and dirty in parts, once you get out of the traveler black hole of Khao San Road there is a huge, modern city to explore.  Our first few nights we stayed in the Siam Square area, and it was a great base. Close to transit and walkable to shops, street food, and sights, it was hard to see why Bangkok got such a bad rap.

Our first visit was to Sky Bar, home of a famous scene in the Hangover 2.  It was as spectacular as it appears in the movie.

Sky Bar

Jami and friend overlooking the skyline

Of course, we saw some of the seedier areas too, like Soi Cowboy, a street filled with a Vegas-like array of neon.

We visited the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, which was cool but seemed very contrived and touristy at this point.

The floating market

Boats would go by with different food vendors

Shopping and selling boats

Trying out my date mug

Bangkok also had a number of cool temples.  Coming from Myanmar, where many of the temples were run down, Bangkok’s sparkling temples were quite the sight.

Looking at temples of the palace

Jami and friend walking through a temple complex

A huge lying Buddha.

One of our favorite things about Bangkok was its great street food.  Not just in markets, but down nearly every street were stands selling all different types of produce, meat, and noodle dishes.  Our favorite area for food was the Sathon/Lumphini area, which was loaded with tasty treats.

Fresh fish everywhere

Vendors grilling up crispy bacon – these were GOOD.

Jami’s favorite street food – mini crepes

Even the street juices were amazing!

And of course we had to try some of the street critters – not so bad!

Jami about to bite in.

Even when Jami had to head to a hospital because of infections, we found the hospital to be amazing – with high ceilings, chandeliers, and marble floors.

A Bangkok hospital

Of course, we had to check out Khao San Road as well.  It was busy and touristy, but fun.

Jami on Khao San Road

Khao San Road at night

After being off the beaten path for so long, it was fun to be back in a party town.  We had a great time in Bangkok and were ready for the rest of Thailand.