Did you know that Bangkok is just a short, more popular name for what actually is: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
The rough translation of it is: City of angels, great city of immortals, the magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at Indra's behest.
Yeah, that’s the longest name of any city in the world, and I swear, I didn’t come up with it.
In my opinion however the name is a good representation of the city itself
Bangkok is loud, busy and chaotic.
The traffic is insane; the sounds and the smells are overwhelming.
It’s the first stop to many freedom seekers, heading to South East Asia, in attempt to leave the worries and cold winter days behind, as they slip into a bikini, flip-flops and shorts that barely cover the pale-skin legs (sometimes you even get a glimpse of white but-cheeks).
It’s a city built on canals; apparently sinking 2-2,5 com per year..
it’s hot! Very hot! According to the world metrological organization it is the hottest city in the world. Adding to that steam – densely population and over 22 million international visitors every year.
For the first time travelers eager to explore South East Asia, it’s an obvious destination. Whichever part of the Western world you come from, it’s a culture shock, often served with a serious yet-lag. Two to three days is probably enough to give you a taste of it.
If you have no interests in experiencing the steam and the chaos, skip it and head straight to the beach – Bangkok international airports have one of the best (and cheapest) connections to other, further destinations in South East Asia; there is also an overwhelming choice of domestic flights that will take you to picture perfect Islands in Thailand.
The city has a reputation for the red light district. It’s nothing like the famous streets in Amstedam’s red Light District. Patpong is loud, the bars have the doors wide open, exposing half-naked girls pole-dancing as you walk by.. They are not hiding behind a curtain, a lot of girls are lined up on the street, waving as you pass by, welcoming you to join them for a fun night. It's shocking to see how young some of them are..
This area of the city is packed with curious tourists, just like me, but I am sure there is a very dark truth to it and a lot of the visitors are there for more than just a 'quick look around'
If you are keen to immerse yourself in a local culture - check out the famous PingPong performance.. (It’s something that most people are interested in experiencing for various reasons. I was pulled in by my natural curiosity and I want to warn you that it is nothing particularly aesthetic or pleasant, but it’s a real raw look at the life and it leaves you with an after-taste of appreciation for the privileges you were born with.
If you want to learn more about prostitution issues in Thailand , there is a lot of information out there. I recommend this documentary..
The famous Khao San Road will also leave you with a wide variety of emotions. Just be very careful with your handbag/belonging and never take your bank card or passport with you. They are much safer at your hotel room or if you are staying at a hostel – you can always ask the reception to store your ID at their office!
Another must-have experience is floating markets which is overwhelming to say the least, but it brims with vibrant color and incredible photo opportunities of the old ladies selling fresh tropical fruit and veggies (a great place to try Thai traditional dessert Sticky rice and Mango).
Talking about great photo opportunities.. Bangkok is filled with small cute and very creative cafes serving Instagram-worthy cookies and ice-creams and unicorns and rainbows.
Having a cocktail happy hour at the famous SKY bar perched high above Bangkok city
is another must-do!!
If you are planning a trip to Bangkok – I’ll help you with guided tours and delicious food recommendations.
If you want to follow every cultural and historical monument in the city – you can do that, but the true taste of the city lies in long walks along the tangled electricity wires that stretch through the city, sliding in the markets that lie in between the neighborhoods and taking a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River to see the life from a different angle (also to enjoy a desired breeze of air.) ..
Ice cold beverage and thai massage to recover your feet from the long day.
Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed. Just got with it..
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