Bangkok is where most people go, or at least start from. Horrendous traffic and third world living conditions juxtaposed with modern city life. Sounds terrible, huh? It’s not. Bangkok is a city full of surprises and, with the right attitude, you’ll swear it is one of the greatest cities on earth (and in my book, you’d be right). Whatever your purpose or interest for visiting, be it cultural, history, religion, shopping, dining, the exotic, or sex, you won’t be disappointed. This is truly a city that knows how to please.

The People Of The Land Of Smiles, Or “Hey Mistah, What You Want?”
The Thais are an exceptionally friendly people, and, as long as you look at the world from their viewpoint, some of the most honest, loving, and caring people on the earth. Notice the disclaimer there. If you hold to your American values and viewpoint you will be disappointed and negative opinions will arise. Don’t. It’s their country, not a suburb of yours.

So let’s talk about you. Or at least how the Thai people view you. You are an American. Therefore, you are rich. You are visiting their country, having flown half way around the world to do so. Therefore, you are rich. You have numerous credit cards and $100 bills to exchange for baht.Therefore, you are rich. And while there is not a strict class structure in Thailand, like in India, there is a very real social hierarchy. As a rich American your place is pretty far up that ladder and as such you have certain obligations to those below you . . . which is the majority of Thai people you will encounter.

So, you are rich, they are not. They have something to offer you (merchandise, food, a ride, advice, sex) and you have something to offer them (money). All that’s left are the details . . . how much of your cash you will fork over. That you are willing to spend it is a given, or why else are you out shopping, sight-seeing, or bar hopping? The “Hey, Mistah” opening to a transaction is, therefore, not aggressiveness on their part but merely a helpful intro into transacting a bit of business with them. Keep this in mind when you walk through a street market . . it’ll keep you from getting pissed off at the constant come-ons you’ll experience.

Now American = rich is fine. American = stupid is not something we want to establish as a given. So learn to haggle over prices well, don’t overpay needlessly, but don’t over do it. That 100 baht you’re busy bartering over is not much money in your life but will probably feed their family for the next day or two.

That having been said, recognize that EVERYTHING is for sale in Bangkok. Whatever you want, provided you are willing to pay for it, can be had. Which is one of the reasons that this city is such a popular destination for those looking for a bit of illicit sex.

On Taxis and Tuk-Tuks, Or AAAAAARGH!
What’s more thrilling, scary, and guaranteed to raise your blood pressure than any roller coaster you’ve ever ridden? Taking a taxi or tuk tuk for a quick jaunt through the streets of Bangkok. Forget the museums and cultural attractions, for real memories of Thailand hop aboard your choice of local transportation.

Taxis are much like those at home, only smaller. The drivers are what make the trip. Yep, you’ll usually have to haggle over the cost of the ride, but it’ll still be cheaper than any ride at Disneyland and much more exciting. And if you are a single guy, as an added bonus, you’ll be offered a woman . . . or two . . . or three. No? How about a boy?

The true thrill, however, is a tuk tuk. These are noisy little three wheeled semi-motorcycles with a wide (to The Thai way of thinking) cushioned seat enclosed, kinda, in the back for the passenger(s). The drivers outdo all of the other crazy Bangkok drivers for performing feats of skill, thrills, and daring-do. And all for 30 baht. Or 15 baht if you bartered well. For this price you’ll get to suck in more of Bangkok’s pollution, experience more of Bangkok’s heat and humidity, and may even get to the destination you’d planned on. If you go to Bangkok you have to ride in one, even if it is for just a few blocks (in fact, you should only ride in one for just a few blocks) to experience the wobbly, god it’s great to be alive feeling you’ll get when the ride is over and your feet are back on solid ground.

Ramble On . . .

Mosey On Back . . .

SIGHTS OF:

Bangkok

Wats