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There’s much to dislike about Bangkok. The air pollution is difficult to take. The traffic is a nightmare. Cab drivers who have no idea where they’re going, incessant heat, and sixty-something Western men with their much younger Thai girlfriends add to why many people can’t stand the city.
But I have no problem saying that, because I fell absolutely in love with Bangkok, embracing the chaos, the humidity, and noise. I’m a big city girl at heart, and Bangkok is the latest city that I have grown to adore.
The chill night streets…and, of course, the frog ladies.
The temples and their devoted.
Street food — there is no better way to eat in Bangkok.
The craziness of Khao San Road — and the hidden farang-free spots nestled inside it if you know where to look.
Designer decadence at Siam Paragon, a contrast to the rough streets immediately outside.
Amazing local rooftop bars like Phra Nakorn.
The amulet-filled markets just blocks away from tourist sites, nary a farang in sight.
I stayed in Bangkok for ten days, longer than I had planned. As I traipsed down to the front desk to extend my guesthouse stay again and again, I knew that Bangkok was becoming dangerous. The longer I stayed, the more reasons I found to stay.
It would be easy. I could find a job teaching English as a second language, volunteer with an organization I found, find an apartment and eat every meal from a street vendor.
It was a familiar feeling. I had previously imagined myself opening a hostel in Capri, working in a bar in Interlaken, getting a luxury apartment in Las Vegas for the same rent I was paying for a shoebox in Boston!
I met a friend who had been living in Bangkok for the past four years. Why so long? He taught for a year, then went home and was miserable, he told me. Like it had for so many people, Bangkok has gotten under his skin.
But how lame would I have been if I stopped in the first city I visited on a seven-month jaunt around Asia? It was time to move on to Chiang Mai, or this epic seven-month trip would never happen.
My time in Bangkok is far from over. I’ve already promised people that I will return.
Until then, I’ll always have the memories of these ten days that I will treasure forever:
Eating crickets with a fellow adventurer.
Feeling sad because this little girl worked so late, but god, she was cute — and a hilarious salesgirl.
Having a bottle of Sam song and gazing at a temple in the distance.
Navigating the world of unlocked iPhones in Siam Square. Working in the open-air study area at Thammasat University. Realizing that kamikaze pitchers mixed with Bangkok heat will knock you off your feet. Navigating chaotic Chatuchak Market. Cramming five people into the back of a taxi. Finding peace and solace in a park by the Chao Praya.
And especially spending time with Bangkok’s refugees: a very personal and emotional experience that I will detail later in time.
Bangkok, you made me fall in love with you. I will never forget my time here.
Great sum up of Bangkok Kate with lovely pics as well – seems like an amazing and exciting place to visit.
Thanks, Sofia! You’ve been there, haven’t you?
That girl looks familiar to me. This was on KS road wasn’t it? Glad you enjoyed your stay so much. I hope you have a great time here in Chiang Mai too!! Welcome.
Bangkok sounds like an incredible place, are those insects you are eating?
Don’t you secretly love when a city just forces you to fall in love with it, though? It seems like Bangkok steals the hearts of many… I hope I can make it there one day and experience it for myself!
Until then, I’ll just have to live vicariously through you and all the others traveling through SEA.
You’ll make it — and I’m sure you’ll love it!
Oh wow, I was sold a flower by that same little girl (at 1am) on Khao San!
I was determined not to buy, but she WAS the best salesperson I’ve come across in a long time.
Now those are some familiar faces! Hi Pam! Haha. Love these photos, I really want to experience loving in such a big city like this at some point in my life…
Your blog is so inspiring! My life is somewhat in transition right now, and it makes me really want to go on a solo trip. Thanks for sharing your experience, tips and photos!
Thank you so much, Molly! I’m so glad you’re getting a lot of the site!
Nice post! Pretty much describes how I felt when I came here for a four-month vacation… in 2001. Ran out of money, got a job, and bam! A decade has passed. I hear what you said about your friend going back and not liking it… as much as I love Canada, if I ever had to move back I think it’d be dreadfully boring. Good thing I have no plans on going back. 😀
A decade! That’s amazing, Greg!
I visited Thailand a long time ago before I learned how to travel. Your post makes me want to return to Bangkok. Looking forward to reading your post on Chiang Mai. I’ve heard so much buzz about that place!
Ahhh I love falling in love with a city unexpectedly! And I think it will be easier to leave knowing that you’ll be returning. Great pics, though girl how on earth could you eat a cricket????
CRICKET DELICIOUSSSS
I’m loving following you!
I’m heading to Thailand in Jan/Feb. Do you have recommendations of where to stay in Bangkok? I will be traveling alone and would like something clean and walkable to attractions.
thanks!
I stayed at Wild Orchid Villa. You won’t find a better deal than the 250B single rooms. VERY SMALL with shared bathroom, though. I liked it a lot.
I`m not saying this is bad, but I`m not agreeing with everything you have to say though
Was there a difficult language barrier? How did you manage?
Everyone who works in tourism speaks English. Most people speak a little English. Learn a few expressions and you’ll do fine. 🙂
I love Bangkok. Its one of my favourite cities in the world. I hated it at first but it crept up on me over time. My big tip would be to make sure that you stay somewhere right near a BTS station(BTS = the sky train). We like the suburb of Sukhumvit in particular but anywhere near a BTS station will do. The BTS can take you anywhere in central Bangkok in a matter of minutes in air conditioned comfort for under a buck. Once you discover the really great Bangkok public transport it changes everything. I wouldnt dream of catching a taxi in Bangkok.