After analyzing the daily street style and partaking in unadulterated shopping at the plentiful outlets Bangkok had to offer, I took the time to collect my thoughts and reflect on my experience. To sum it up simply, Bangkok has been extremely kind in ensuring that my virginal trip there was thrilling and filled with great memories. Here I share some nifty finds – tips and tricks, about the city I’ve gleaned from this trip.
Accommodation
My friends and I opted to stay at Suk 11 which is a hostel located at Soi 33, at Sukhumvit 11. Although it might have seem rather dodgy – staying at a backpackers in an Asian country, the place turned out to be the perfect choice.
Filled with an authentic Thai vibe and brimming with quirkiness (the common room walls were filled with notes from previous travellers), Suk 11 wasn’t only one of the more interesting backpackers I’ve stayed at; it was also great in terms of budget. The full rates are located at the hostel’s website here.
One of the main factors why we selected Suk 11 as our accommodation was the prime location too. Located a mere three minutes walk from the BTS Sky Train Nana station and right along Sukhumvit Road – one of the major roads in the city, it made travelling around very convenient.
Geting Around
There are three main ways of getting around the city; cab, tuk tuk and train. Cabs in Bangkok go by the meter so you don’t have to worry about prior haggling about fare. Depending on distance, cabs might decline their service and instead suggest you take the train, as a cabbie did when we requested to go to Chinatown. Do avoid taking a cab at peak hour if you will be travelling along Sukhumvit Road. The mad traffic will leave you nothing but frustrated and taint your holiday experience. If need be, utilize a tuk tuk instead.
Tuk tuks are a handy three-wheel motorcycle/trishaw open-aired vehicle that are everywhere in Bangkok. Athough I cannot account for the safety of the vehicle, it is by far one of the fastest ways to get around Bangkok – especially during peak hours. It also gives you a rather unparalled experience of the Bangkok streets, much akin to a roller coaster ride without being strapped in.
Tuk tuks normally take two people – although my friends and I managed to fit four with one of us taking the floor of the tuk tuk, in what was a rather unforgettable experience One very inebriated gentleman I met at the hostel shared his tale of how six grown men amanged to fit into a tuk tuk, although I’m more apt to think that might be the alcohol speaking. It is necessary to settle for a price before riding to avoid being fleeced by the driver.
Then there’s the BTS Sky Train which is the major railway that runs through the city. The BTS connects all the major suburbs and passes major shopping sights which makes it my top pick for getting around in Bangkok.
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Stopping at the Siam station will get you to Siam Square, where major shopping malls like Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Centre and MBK are just in walking distance of each other. One way to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market is to take the train and stop at Mo Chit station. A short walk later and shopping paradise awaits you!
Dining
It’s safe to say that when in Bangkok, eat as the locals do. Get your fill of pad Thai and tom yum while in Bangkok. The blend of herbs and spices ensures that your tastebuds get a workout each meal. Not once did I have a bad meal while in Thailand; a surefire sign that these guys know their way around the kitchen.
When eating at food courts of shopping malls, take note that a prepaid value card system or coupon system is usually used. The leftovers credit can be exchanged again for cash after you are done.
While I may not have any personal recommendations in terms of food, Thai desserts are a whole different matter. Not to be missed is the durian with sticky rice at the food court in MBK.
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It is apparently one of the best places to sample the Thai dessert, and also offers a mango version for those not so inclined to the acquired taste of the durian.
Another must-taste is the coconut ice cream at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Sorbet-like in its consistency and served with sweet coconut flesh and juice, it’s fair to say that no other coconut ice cream will come close to topping this delicacy.
Head to the large corner store near Soi 21, right in front of the used bookstore at Chatuchak to try this authetic Thai dessert.
Bangkok Trivia
The majority of the population are Buddhists, and the Thais incorporate a lot of the religious aspects in their culture. Monks are deeply respected and often given first priority in everyday life. On the BTS Sky Train yellow notices requests that seats priority be given to monks above pregnant women and the elderly.
It is not uncommon to see religious prayer areas in the public. Right in front of Siam Discovery shopping mall, there is a large alter where the locals perform their religious practices. Perhaps it might be an offshoot of the fervent religiosity in the country, but Thais are one of the calmest people I’ve ever met. Ever present with a smile, a happy-go-lucky attitude and eager to chat despite of the language barrier, it’s plain to see how Thailand earned her moniker, ‘The Land of Smiles’.
Suan Lum Night Market
According to Wai Kit, our Editorial Director, the locals also dress thematically according to the days. In honour of their well-loved king, the locals usually don yellow, the royal colour, on Mondays. While I cannot confirm this phenomenon myself, I will say that it could be entirely possible given the nation-wide veneration of the royal family. On Friday, I remember seeing a lot of the colour pink worn on the streets. Just a coincidence or perhaps there’s a deeper meaning to that? Let me know if you’ve any inkling of this!
Thailand uses a two-prong 220V electrical output, which makes a converter necessary if you’re travelling from Singapore or Malaysia.
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Nonetheless, if like me, you absent-mindedly forgot to bring one, head on over to MBK to get an adaptor. One of my favourite buys from Bangkok is this universal travel adaptor which I purchased for 200 baht (RM20) from MBK.
With multiple prongs for various electrical outlets, the efficient and clean system means I can discard the multiple adaptors I collected from previous travels and in the future just use this one-size-fits-all handy adaptor!
When you head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, I would highly recommend a casual outfit of shorts and thongs as well as a hand fan. The market can get unbearably stifling in the afternoon heat and the lack of layers and fan will only do you good. An umbrella might also be a good thing to pop into your bag because you never know when showers might occur. Beware the pathways of Chatuchak when it rains for a poor drainage system means almost certain flooding. It might be best to leave the market when rain clouds start appearing or risk the possibility of walking in murky rain water.
Last but not least, I’ll end this Bangkok recollection post by sharing my favourite buy in Bangkok (clothes not included, naturally). Along the indie designer section at Chatuchak, I chanced upon a store that was selling independently designed notebooks for cheap.
Upon returning home, I had a thoroughly good time freaking out my parents by showing them my new Thailand ‘passport’!
Do shout out your favourite nooks and crannies in Bangkok in the comments below!
