Bangkok - First impressions

Hello fellow travelers,
I am sending the best of wishes from the South-Eastern Asia! I will probably be covering this trip for the next few days, maybe weeks so get ready for a lot of sunshine, heat and dozens of little crazy asian perks that surprise you at every step. Welcome to Bangkok.

The first thing that will definitely strike you when you are in Bangkok for the first time, is the everlasting heat. I know that they say it's warm there, but that doesn't even begin to describe it. Being one of the hottest cities in the world all year long, the place is scorching hell. Even in the cooler periods from December to March, you can expect 30 - 40 degrees whole day. Dress lightly.

Another thing that may surprise you, is the traffic. The word to describe the traffic in Bangkok, is horrible. And also terrible. I mean, you get used to seeing the tuk-tuks everywhere trying to lure you in, but then seeing absolutely jammed roads of three lines with five cars next to each other, while crazy motorbikers ride around 200km/h, may stun you. And if you are adventurous enough and take the famous yellow bus to have a trip around the time, bring also a bit of bravery and patience :D
All that said however, after some time, you realize that even though the situation on the streets looks totally insane, it actually has some kinds of weird insane rules and once you learn them, it should be ok. Just be prepared.



Saying that, what suprised me, is that the metro and skytrain (some kind of a elevated train) look quite modern, clean and wholly western-like. And signs, vending machines and conductor are in English too. Which can come really handy, for (no offence to Thai people), Thai language is ridiculously complicated.

If you are not familiar with Thai culture, another point that may make you wary, is how you find the picture of their king practically everywhere. And I mean it. His images are on buildings, on walls, and along all the major boulevards in the city. They simply love and adore him and if you don't want to spend you life in thai jail (which you really don't¨), be sure to never say anything bad about him or members of his family.

Another thing that is maybe worth mentioning is that you really shouldn't drink tap water (and also be wary of ice in the cold drinks) and unles your stomach is made of asbestos, maybe avoid some of the spiciest that dishes. Trust me, they really mean it when they say spicy :D

The last thing i would want to point out is - bring some earpods. Seriously, if you plan on sleeping and are staying in the center (especially near the Khaosan Road), put something in your ears. The music is loud, curfew probably not existent and no one cares that you room keeps vibrating from drums the whole night. :D

THat's all for today. See you next time :)

Lex