Thailand on Your Own: You will either Love Bangkok or Hate it
There are qualities of Bangkok you simply cannot deny...
You would be hard pressed to find a city, which inspires so many controversial emotions. In case of Bangkok it usually applies that you will either love this city, with everything that goes with it, or you will accept it as a necessary interchange station to another destination, wishing to get away as quickly as possible. Whether it is the option A or B, there are things about Bangkok that you cannot deny, it is what makes the place!
Food: Luxurious street food offers classic dishes or scorpions on a skewer for gourmets
There is no doubt that in Bangkok you can get absolutely luxurious street food. Fried noodles, rice, rolls, coconuts filled with ice cream, Thai desserts similar to pancakes, insects including scorpions on a skewer for the bravest, jars filled with exotic fruit and countless fresh juices and smoothies dominate the Thai streets; these goodies will certainly make you to loosen your belt a bit.
Temples: Behind their gates you will find yourself in a different world altogether
Thai temples are a popular destination for tourists and a refuge of local Thais. While the first mainly admire the luxurious decorations, natives generally calm their minds, praying when kneeling at the feet of the gigantic statues of Buddha. Those most often visited by tourists include Wat Phra Kaeo together with the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Saket, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanatdaram or Wat Benchamabophit.
My favourite has become the less known Wat Chana Songkhram Rachawora Mahawiharn located near the most well-known Bangkok street, Khao San Road. Its quiet atmosphere, luxurious decor and presence of a number of monks, gave me the feeling of peace and harmony. And this is indeed a reason why we visit such Buddhist places.
Night life: At Khao San Road it is one big Gangnam Style and non-stop ride
The most popular street in the heart of Bangkok, Khoasan Road, in whose vicinity is also a lot of hotels, lives a crazy night life. It is full of stands with food and souvenir shops, massages, restaurants and bars, in which the local Thais, but also tourists after a couple of drinks, dance to the timeless hit Gangnam Style, enjoying every second.
Trade: In the town you can get just about anything; the airport is a showcase of perfect luxury
In comparison with a number of places which I have had the opportunity to visit during the 5 weeks, I can say that Bangkok is simply truly alive and you can get absolutely anything here. Whether it is something to wear, a new suitcase, or backpack, souvenirs, something to sweeten your tooth or jewellery and accessories. The Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is among the largest airports in the world, and where you certainly will be heading, is a place of luxury boutiques where you can find the most luxurious brands.
My advice to conclude; i.e. be careful!
To avoid any unexpected situations, you should know that:
1) In Bangkok, as well as throughout Thailand one pays with bahts. It is therefore best to take with you only a small amount of cash in EUR or Dollars exchange that after arrival and then draw cash from ATMs. Local bank fee is 220 Baht, which is approximately 145 Czech crowns.
2) When you get bored when waiting in a queue for a taxi or for lunch, do not draw on the banknotes. The Thai king is very esteemed in the country and any innocent drawing could suddenly turn into a big problem. Do not exporting sea shells or coral.
3) They drive on the left here and quite wildly. Although not as wildly as in Cambodia, but be careful.
4) Prices here are uncertain and therefore don´t be surprised it you once pay for a taxi three times what you paid before. You will have to learn to bargain, whether you like it or not. Or pay.
5) Certainly do eat street food! My favourite became fried noodles with cashew nuts, but there are a lot of other goodies that I did not have the opportunity to try. So please go to Bangkok, attack the street food and send me a picture to the editor´s office by mail with what else is worth a try, so that I know better the next time!
