The Long Way Round Asia 21477 views
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Step 23/60: Thailand - Bangkok

Bangkok photo by Jantine De jong

About Bangkok

I wasn't in Bangkok at the right time. Songkran Festival was still going on, but here they're not as civil as in Chiang Mai (where they stop after sunset). Starting in the late morning and going on all night long, throwing buckets of freezing water and smearing powder in your ears and eyes (since they're not looking where they're smearing it...). Not great when you're recovering from a pneumonia. I had no dry clothes left after a while... Also there were riots in town due to the Red-Shirts (a democratic group). I didn't notice anything, it just wasn't a good idea going into the eastern side of town. So I got pretty much stuck in my room or in Khao San Rd area. After a few days the riots were over and I was able to go out and see the Grand Palace, other temples and some malls. Due to the riots I had already booked a flight out of Bangkok before coming here, so again...I didn't get to see much of the city, unfortunately.
Bus/Coach icon
How I got here ?

Price: 12 €

Traveling time: 10 hours

Nighttime sleeper bus. A very fancy one with a stewardess, diner and breakfast, reclining chairs, aircon and a onboard bathroom.

Tips & Tricks

Things to see

Grand Palace 9 /10
7 €
Grand Palace photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Kind of a must-visit when in Bangkok. This is the ultimate vertex of bling.
Wat Pho 8 /10
1 €
Wat Pho photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
Nice big colorful complex! It's most famous for its huge, golden lying buddha statue.
Chao Praya River Express 8 /10
0.3 €
Chao Praya River Express photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
The easiest, nicest, best way to get across town! Get away from the heat with the cool wind in your hair. It's cheap as well. Even just nice riding the boat for the scenery itself!
Khao San Road 6 /10
- €
Khao San Road photo by Jantine De jong

User's opinion
This is the most famous street in Bangkok. It's supposed to be a really busy party street... But since I was here during Songkran, the street was quiet during the day. At night it was busy, but everybody was just throwing water all night long! You can buy cheap, backpack attired clothing here though! Harempants rock! Don't actually try and stay/sleep on this road...

Practical

7 holder guesthouse 5/10
Price 6 $
Address

216/-2-3 Khao San Road
Bangkok

User's opinion:

Really bare, small rooms with fan and a small bed. No real lock, just your own padlock. No window. It was like a cell. Cold showers as well.


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