Bangkok

Despite our late night arrival into Bangkok, we still managed to get stuck in heavy traffic on our way from the airport to our guesthouse. The taxi driver kept us on the edge of our seats as he used his brakes heavily to avoid tail gating cars in front. He wasn't sure how to get us to our destination but somehow we spotted the glowing guesthouse sign in a maze of dark alleyways. The morning light gave us confidence to start exploring what had seemed a pretty ominous place the night before. Staying close to Khao San Road (backpackers haven), we were within walking distance of many temples and attractions. And also the highest concentration of Thailand scam artists! The first tuk tuk scam was so convincing we almost fell for it! We learnt pretty quickly and have put together some tips for those of you planning to visit the Thai capital:

• Avoid anyone who actively tries to get you into a tuk-tuk
• An over friendly local usually has an ulterior motive, it's okay to be cynical in this city
• It's probably not a public holiday promoting tourism and tuk-tuks never cost 20 baht for a decent trip
• Don't get into a taxi that won't use their meter
• Taxi's don't have seat belts and most drivers think they are rally car racers...you just have take your chances (or the trains if you can!)
• Avoid street grilled fish, the local (filthy) rivers are suspiciously full of life
• If you're looking for the highly rated Raja's Fashions, avoid the fake replica across the street. Ask for Bobby or Raja.  And do your research on suit styles before you go so you don't get absolutely overwhelmed by the choices 





Tuk-Tuk on Khao San Road 

After our first giant Budha (standing a whopping 45m tall) at Wat Intharawihan, we wound our way up the steps of the Golden Mountain for a sweeping view of Bangkok city, both old and new. Then onto Wat Pho to realise a childhood dream of seeing the giant reclining Budha.

Reclining Budha at Wat Po 

Reclining Budha at Wat Po

Amongst the smells and dirty streets of Bangkok we found food to fill our bottomless bellies.  From instant pad thai cooked in front of us to sidewalk barbequed meats (often unknown variety), to restaurant panang and massaman curries and our all time favorite sticky rice and mango pudding.  

Pad Thai on Khao San Road

Travelling around the city proved a test of patience.  Finding a taxi driver that agreed to use the meter rather than charging inflated fixed fares wasn't always easy.  The same applied to tuk-tuks, which we tried anyway for the experience.  We also used the metro which was great for avoiding the traffic jams but didn't always suit our destination.  We travelled to the newer city area to reach the Vietnamese Embassy for our visas and to search out a highly reputed tailor - Raja and Bobby at Raja's Fashions. Here Marc was measured and fitted for a flash new suit to be picked up on our way home later on in the year.  

Traffic in Bangkok

There were endless shopping malls in Bangkok.  Most accentuated the disparity between the rich and poor.  Stepping off the dirty beggar-lined streets into air-conditioned designer stores was a big eye opener.  In this huge capital known as the big mango, it appears that if you search hard enough, there is something for everyone.      

Golden Budhas at Wat Po