After a 28 hour journey from Austin, I am finally in Bangkok. Coming from winter temps in the 50’s and 60’s back in Austin to a very balmy 90+ here has me sweating profusely. I actually had a Thai tout point and laugh at me in the airport.
I managed to successfully navigate through the rip-off touts to find the metered taxis and made my way to the Wendy Hotel in Siam Square. It’s a bit expensive for my tastes, but having a soft place to crash has been invaluable. I was pretty wiped out upon arrival, to say the least, but a brief 14 hour nap seems to have really taken the edge off.
My first impression is that this city is insane in the most wonderful way. I’m staying downtown, so it’s especially hectic. A billion mopeds, motorcycles, tuk-tuks and cabs fight for space in the streets, all of them brilliantly painted in thousands of bright colors. My hotel is by a main intersection with 2 levels of overpasses and massive shopping malls on 2 corners. It all looks like one of the city scenes from Blade Runner, but here someone turned up the lights, dosed Liberace with acid, and put him in charge of the decorations.
Food stalls line the sidewalks at every turn — I walked just a couple of blocks and must have passed 50 of them. Many look really clean and well maintained. Others look like they lifted their equipment from a slaughterhouse 50 years ago and haven’t cleaned it since. I can’t wait to dig in.
This morning was my first chance to get out and look around. I managed to get off the main drag and stumbled into a block long market where you could get a glimpse of the real, everyday Bangkok. Every kind of fruit and vegetable was on display next to vendors chopping the heads off fish and chickens, vendors selling clothes, shoes, and even one guy specializing in watch bands. I hope to go back in the morning and get some good photos. But first, I need a shower.
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Awesome start Wes. I for one am massively excited to hear about your adventure as it develops. I’ve never been to Thailand but I am going to be there briefly later this year – any useful tips through the eyes of a newbie to those lands will be massively useful.
Shaun´s last blog ..Self Censorship and Being Afraid to Speak Your Mind Means You Lose
Thanks, Shaun! I’ve only just dipped my toe in but I’m really loving Thailand and I suspect you will too. Best of luck in your travels! Hope we bump into each other at some point.
Soi Kasem San 1 is a good place to be located, very central and easy access to MRT. Plus a quick stroll to all of the central shopping district insanity. Give the Saen Saeb khlong taxi a whirl for a fun ride to Banglamphu and the old city, pick it up at the Saphan Hua Chang Pier, just behind the Jim Thomson House.
I’m at Wendy House, across the street from A One (they took internet reservations). Will probably move to A One or a different area in a couple of days. Hooking up with a fellow traveler tomorrow — we’re gonna take the klong and visit the palace. I stumbled across the pier by accident just this morning.
Loving BKK so far — can’t wait to get out and check out some of your suggestions.
“easy access to MRT”
and BTS Skytrain of course!
my mom just stayed at a new place in Banglamphu, Roof View Place. Looks like much better digs for about the same rate as A-One Inn, if you are keen for new surroundings: http://www.roofviewplace.com
some very good Thai restaurants along Th. Phra Athit in Banglamphu, Hemlock is recommended.
Dude, I’m going to create an iPhone app called “Everything You Need to Know About Thailand”. When the user opens the app, it will dial your phone number ;)
You game for a 50/50 deal?
Ha! sure what the hell…
Great stuff, Wes. I loved the energy and vibe of Bangkok. Can’t wait to hear more about your time in Thailand.
I hear you about the heat and humidity. I knew it was coming and was used to Singapore, but it’s still an adjustment (especially coming from the desert climate that I’m used to).
Looking forward to hearing what you get up to now that you’ve had a good nap!
Joel´s last blog ..Guest Post at “A Pair of Panties and Boxers”
Yes – if there is anything Asians like is fresh food with all the poultry killed before your very eyes! How delicious!
Agreed. hard to get fresher than that ;)
I freakin’ love BKK!
Jerk!
: )
OOH gotta love that chaos!! Glad you got there in one piece. Looking forward to more posts!
Glad to see you’re enjoying the adventure – sounds wonderful!
how ’bout a monster picture?
Oh man, you bring back memories. I always thought of Thailand as LA on crack. But as you said, in a good way. Kao San Road is decent to meet other travelers, but otherwise, local culture might be a bit scarce. You know what killed me? Seeing all the stray dogs who looked half dead. It fracken broke my heart. Ooh, the food! You will have such fun eating everyday. Go Wes!
Nomadic Chick´s last blog ..Gypsy Wednesday – The Exile Lifestyle and Untemplater
yeah, I’ll check out Kao San at some point just to say I did, but it doesn’t really intrigue me. As for the dogs, maybe it’s just the area I’m in but so far they seem pretty plump and happy.
Those jet lag induced power naps are great aren’t they?
Glad to hear you’re settling in. Can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Francoise´s last blog ..cultoftravel: @HealthyVoyager Congrats! Been thinking about doing the same lately.
I thought I had adapted, but my intended 1 hour nap yesterday turned into a 3 hour one. And then I woke up at 5am this morning. Getting better tho!
Great, visceral description.
Thanks Zoe. Your site looks very intriguing — you’ve got a new subscriber.
How Exciting!! I can’t wait to see more posts! We were going to head to Italy first on our RTW but I think we are going to switch that to SEA – so I am really excited to read about it. Every time I eat Thai I just imagine eating it there. :)
Bethany´s last blog ..Whale Watching Baja Style – Our Guest Blog at OneTravel.com!
oh man, there is amazing food everywhere. bummer is that I haven’t adapted to the heat and I’m hardly ever hungry :/
This brings back so many warm (pun intended) and insane memories. You will have such a great time there.
The most fascinating thing for me was how a street changes throughout the day. During the afternoon there are regular stalls, as it progresses into evening it becomes an eating area, later in the evening there are drinks and after midnight it starts to get very interesting.
ayngelina´s last blog ..My Traveling Companion
I’ve noticed that too. some streets are empty during the day, then spring to frantic life in the evenings. I woke up at 5am this morning (urgh) and got to watch the nearby market setup and come to life. Lovely…
Sounds like a great start. Looking forward to see what you get up too mate what with that huge backpack and all :)
Chris – The Aussie Nomad´s last blog ..Travel Blogger Friday #13
Great first impressions of the city, and I am curious about how you feel after a day spent trolling around it (on many modes of transportation, natch). I apologize for obsessing over every single food stall but BKK’s glory lies in the juxtaposition of things you know and are comfortable with (good doctors, a new BTS system, big highways, malls) and things that you need to explore with gusto (the food, first and foremost, but also the small winding sois, the small canals and the myriad of ways to get around). Definitely a place of endless energy. Hope you had a good day!
Can’t wait to see those photos, there is nothing like a photo with contradictions!
more, we want more!