All that I knew about Bangkok I learned from a song. And, yes, that one night in 2001...
Bangkok! With over 8 million people, it is Southeast Asia's 3rd largest city--if you do not include China. Getting "lost" in a big city allows you to discover its hidden treasures...and the layers of BKK are deep. OK, "deep" is almost inappropriate as this "Venice of the Orient" is actually sinking!
Canals are everywhere and they offer one of the quickest, cheapest ways to go from one part of town to another. There is also an underground rail, or Metro, and an above ground line called the Sky Train. Both are clean and quick, though, only convenient if you are hopping from one shopping center to the next. There are taxis, too, but way over-priced. To really get to know the streets in all their glorious mayhem, take a motorbike taxi: fast, efficient, cheap, and if you are lucky, only stroke inducing rather than the heart attack you would get from riding your own. I chose to walk. If you do the same, keep this in mind: At a two-way street one needs only to look one direction to begin crossing. Halfway through, you look in the other direction.
For one-way streets you need to look both ways at all times.
As with any town there are commercial and tourist centers that are the sole reason most people visit. Between and within these hubs of wallet emptying is where you will find the real city. Stroll along the paths of any one of the numerous parks. Although, stay clear of the green paths: they are reserved for bikes...and cyclist are known world wide for not giving a shit about pedestrians. Just my observation.
Get your tone on at an outdoor gym. Walk the canals and witness the washing machine effect of the commutter boats as they speed past. Loose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow alleys in China Town. Gawk at the unconventional building designs. Amble along the unused rail lines to witness a level of squalor difficult to imagine otherwise. Step into the upper crust past at Jim Thompson's House. Stop along a raised footpath above the never-ending frenetic pace of people and machines. Find a spot along the Chao Prya River and watch the diner cruises and party boats pass by while gaizing up at glass covered sky scrapers reflecting the setting sun.
Or perhaps you crave a more active sceen. Bankok is not lacking in this department. Nightlife starts with "Karaokes" where a girl or guy of your choosing will hum you a song. It gets seedier from there. Ed Sheeran was in town and Bruno Mars is on his way. I happened upon a water polo tournament. On Khao San Road pingpong is very popular...as is the eating of scorpions and other creatures. The streets off of Rama I just behind Embassy Row catter to a more sophisticated crowd: which is to say you will pay more for same thing and they may throw in a new passport photo for free. Night markets are plentiful and many of them do not open until after midnight. Silom Road is good for all that ales you. On the weekend, head to Chatuchak Market: everything you ever didn't know you wanted. And they will ship your shit...I mean, priceless finds...anywhere in the world.
Near Bangkok there are many things to do and see only a day-trip away. Save them for when you need a break from (in)humanity: Like taking the Death Train to Kanchanaburi.
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