Destination Thailand - Some Things To Do and See Around Bangkok
So you've recovered from your jetlag - welcome to Bangkok! You will more than likely want to get out and about to see the attractions Bangkok has to offer as soon as you are ready. Beware, the heat and humidity will hit you like a brick wall as soon as you walk out of the air-conditioned foyer of your hotel!
Getting Around Bangkok
The tuk tuk drivers will also hit you like a brick wall!! These are probably the easiest way to get around Bangkok and are also very cheap. They are the three wheel taxis that scoot around the city - and yes it can be a hairy ride at times! You will probably only fit two people into one, so if there are a few of you, you will need to hire more than one. Do make sure you negotiate your fare before you even begin to climb into the vehicle, and make sure the driver is clear on where you want to go. Most of the drivers speak passable English, but it will help if you have your phrase book with you to help: they always like it when people attempt their language of course! A good guide book will usually give you a rough estimate of how much you should pay to get from A to B, or you can always ask at your hotel reception. You can negotiate with a driver to take you around to the many attractions for a few hours at a very reasonable rate.
There are also many regular taxis and buses that can be used. Bangkok has a basic underground system and also the Skytrain which can be used to get around. You can get a lot of information about these from the internet or good guide books.
Some Suggested Bangkok Attractions
There are so many attractions to see and things to do in Bangkok, it is hard to know where to start, and of course I will only briefly cover a few of them here.
Khaosan Road
Many people head to the Khaosan Road during the first couple of days of their visit. This is the main backpacker's hangout and a great starting point. The area has loads of restaurants, beauty and massage centres and travel agents. There are also markets where you can barter for almost anything, or set yourself up as a "true" backpacker with some "fisherman" pants!
Patpong
Patpong is another area that draws quite the crowd:. There are fantastic night markets in the area, and as you enter the general vicinity you could feast on roasted cockroaches and the likes from many a street vendor! This area is also well known for it's live sex shows and a drawcard for the "girlyboys": if nothing else it is quite interesting and eye opening just to sit at a street bar and watch the life of Patpong revolve around you!
Siam Square
If you are looking for an area that isn't so crazy, Siam Square has some lovely restaurants and is a great area for shopping without the hustle and bustle of a market. These shops of course are fixed price - but sometimes it is nice to just go with what the tag says and not get into the whole bartering game! A lot of high standard hotels can be found in this area as well - still at a very reasonable price and it is on the Skytrain route.
Bangkok Temples
There are so many temples that can be visited in Bangkok. Two of the most amazing ones that I have been to are the Grand Palace where the Emerald Buddha is housed and not far from it is Wat Pho where the gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha can be found. Do refer to a guide book about the days and times that these places are open, but they are definitely two that I would recommend.
Floating Markets
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is about 80kms west of Bangkok. They operate from early morning until noon. Visitors can travel around by boat through the canals and check out the hundreds of vendors selling their produce and wears from boats. A must see! A regular bus runs from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
At the end of a long, hot, hard day a can thoroughly recommend a Thai Massage. You will become addicted! They really hurt but it is the kind of good pain that makes you feel alive when it's all over! There are Thai massage shops everywhere - don't worry they offer legitimate massage! A good introduction could be to get a foot massage first and then work you way to the full body:.
You will find many good guidebooks and hundreds of websites with information on things to do and attractions to see in Bangkok. I have merely mentioned only a few of them. Do a bit of research to find out what interests you, and have a fantastic time!
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