Today Is Not Over Yet

Bangkok is worth a visit

When in Bangkok, head straight for Khao San Road; it’s sheer madness, only at night though. During the day the street is lined with vendors selling anything from knock-offs to food. But, at night, the street is lined with actual makeshift bars that display signs like, ‘Cheap drinks, no ID required’, and tons of street sellers approaching you to buy the worst souvenirs that any self respecting tourist shouldn’t buy, but they do. Elephants even make an occasional appearance on the street.

Actually, I think Khao San is a bit of a ritual, a must do, at least for one night, but not more than that. Where I was staying, at one of the better hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, the concierge is glad to steer you else where, were one can meet other fellow travellers more easily, and since Thai food is so very very delicious, one should most definitely eat at restaurants instead of the fare being served on the street. Those roadside kitchens might serve a good curry and Pad Thai for a cheaper price, but nothing compares to being waited on and served with the same quality food in a nice air-conditioned room where you can have a decent conversation without having to deal with all the action going on in the street. I know there’s a great buzz around these street kitchen’s, but I prefer to know that I’m getting what I ordered and that the food was prepared properly.

Out on the street, you will encounter some scam artists, like if you go to the Grand Palace , there will be people telling you that a certain temple is closed for prayer and steer you into getting fitted for clothes you don’t need or buy jewelry. But, don’t let that stop you from going inside, because it’s only a scam and it’s so beautiful inside the temple. It’s well worth braving through all the scammers. Well, actually, Bangkok is well worth it no matter what my issues might be with it.

Related posts:

1. Bustling Bangkok
2. Phra Pathom Chedi