After a long time, the moment has finally arrived, flying!
Somewhere in July/ August I booked a trip through TUI to Thailand – Bangkok.
A trip that I would take with one of my best friends.
We were looking forward to it for so long and we really couldn't wait. Especially the last month was really hard. We flew with Emirates, a good airline with generally positive reviews.
What I personally dislike is that there is a stopover in Dubai. I prefer direct flights, but that is a very personal preference. In any case, the trip has been well worth it!
Furama Silom
We stayed at Hotel Furama Silom which we booked through TUI. The hotel was very good. It had very good service, spacious rooms, a nice view and a central location.
In addition, there was a breakfast buffet in the morning that exceeded all expectations… See for yourself in the photo at the bottom of the page.
I have traveled quite a lot in my life. Besides India, I have seen little of Asia. I’d always heard many wonderful stories about Asia that had made me very curious. Thailand is the second country in Asia that I have visited.
Bangkok
Our trip started in Bangkok, the capital city. We stayed there for six nights before going to Krabi Island. What an amazing metropolis! We had enough time to discover Bangkok and we really saw a lot!
Bangkok is known for its rich culture. It is a very cosmopolitan city. Besides Thai people, you will also find many Chinese and Indian immigrants as well as many Western expats. Due to the mix of cultures, there is a wide variety of restaurants, cuisines and street food.
อาหาร - Food
We mainly ate street food because it is tasty and cheap. We always checked to see if it was busy at the eateries before eating there.
Here is a shortlist of restaurants that you need to visit.
§ Mama’s
This is a street food corner diagonally opposite our hotel and we had dinner there several times during our holiday. There is plenty of Asian food and there were plenty of choices for vegetarians. Since I eat vegetarian two days a week, I also pay attention to the vegetarian food options. You’ll spend an average of 150 to 200 Baht for a meal, which is about 5 or 6 euros. You will really be full after this delicious meal.
§ Lebanese restaurant – Numada
Prices considerably higher, smaller portions. The tip is included when you pay.
§ Turkish restaurant
Good Turkish food and value for your money. Examples of dishes include kebab and spiced chicken pieces. The two of us spent 750 Baht here and we had three drinks, two main courses and a side dish (fries), which came to just under 20 euros.
ช้อปปิ้ง - Shopping
Besides the eateries, you will also find many shopping opportunities, such as overwhelming malls and local markets that are next to each other. Besides the tourist markets, I like to focus on the smaller, local entrepreneurs.
§ Saphan Phut
That's how I ended up at the Saphan Phut market. It’s a night market that mainly attracts the young people of Bangkok. Here I was most amazed to see a tarot card reading in the middle of the street.
§ Platinum Fashion Mall
At the Platinum Fashion Mall, you will find a lot of clothing. It has five floors with clothing and accessories. Definitely worth a visit if you love to shop.
§ Chatuchak
Chatuchak is one of the biggest open-air markets in the world. It’s so huge that you really don’t know where to start. You can really find anything. Next to fashion items, you will also find art, ceramic, books and probably anything you can think of. Good quality and a very low price. Don’t forget to haggle.
การขนส่งสาธารณะ – Public Transport
Public transport is very cheap in Bangkok. The Metro, bus, BTS Skytrain (above-ground metro), taxis and even motorbike taxis are all easy ways to get to your destination. The streets are very busy.
To avoid rush hour, use the BTS Skytrain. However, many locals will do the same. The BTS Skytrain has two lines. The Sukhumvit line is 39.92 kilometers long and has 36 stations. The Silom line is 14 kilometers long and has 13 stations.
In contrast to the BTS Skytrain, the metro runs completely underground. You will recognize metro stations by the MRT sign. Unlike in other countries, the metro here is clean and always on time. You can buy a day ticket for approximately 120 baht. There are only three metro lines that connect this large, chaotic city.
Here’s a tip if you decide to grab a taxi: always ask the driver to turn the meter on in the taxi. Some drivers want a fixed fare, but that will always be to your disadvantage.
§ Tuk tuk
A ride in a tuk tuk shouldn’t be missed when you’re in Bangkok. The drivers charge the highest price for a ride when you get in at Khao San Road and Rambuttri. I advise you to walk a bit and take a tuk tuk further on. Don't forget to negotiate! You must take a ride for the experience.
สถานบันเทิงยามค่ำคืน - Nightlife
After a lot of sightseeing, eating and shopping… it’s time for us to discover the nightlife of Bangkok.
§ Patpong
Mainly frequented by tourists and thus eating and drinking in this area is expensive compared to other areas. It is busy and chaotic on the street. In Patpong you will find the most ladyboys and sex shows.
§ Soi Cowboy
It soon seems like the nightlife consists only of red-light districts. Soi Cowboy is much like Patpong. Soi Cowboy is a lot smaller and there are not as many ladyboys as in Patpong… or perhaps I simply couldn’t recognize them.
§ Nana Plaza
If you think you’ve seen it all… there’s Nana Plaza. It is known as an adult playground. It’s a complex with four floors. This definitely isn’t a place to visit with your family.
Krabi
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth. After all the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, it’s time to relax on this beautiful beach. The clear blue water, the high rocks, the sand and the bright sun make me relax again. Krabi is really a picture from a holiday magazine. It also has an exceptionally large number of shops. Nothing like what we saw in Bangkok.
การหลอกลวง – Scams
Although we enjoyed a wonderful holiday, there are many people who fall for scams.
Bangkok is a great city, but it also has a dark side. One example I mentioned is the taxi drivers that want to agree on a fixed fare. You should also be wary of the girls (ladyboys) at the adult playground, anyone offering a free tuk tuk ride, and being charged a “Landing Fee” if you have enjoyed a boat trip.
Just remember to always be careful!