Trip Report: Paying The City of Angels A Visit

I have been to Bangkok several times, but never once did I manage to write a travel account. Maybe I was too busy shoving my face with the scrumptious Thai food available everywhere in the city, or I was too busy covering my mouth in order not to inhale the pollutants in the air. Either way I think I should write one since I am quite familiar with this city known as ‘The City of Angels’. My most recent trip to Bangkok was the one I took with my dad, mom and sister (the entire Lim clan) during the Christmas break.

Bangkok is a city founded in 1782 by King Rama I as the capital of Thailand. It has over 8 million in population. Like any typical big cities in the world, Bangkok is filled with modern skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, great spas and world-class restaurants. But like any other big cities, it also has the notorious traffic as well as the infamous smog that engulfs the city save a rainy day. What makes Bangkok different than other major cities is that despite the modern living and the years of exposure to the western culture, the locals still exude the great Thai hospitality. They are pleasant, gracious, polite and attentive (none of these traits I display despite being a quarter Thai myself).

There are many foreigners in Bangkok (the locals call them Farangs). While many of them come to Thailand to enjoy the many attractions and beauties the land has to offer, others come to appreciate the powerful currency of their countries and the service and acknowledgement they get for their skin colors (and money of course). You will find many senior Caucasian men walking down the streets with Thai youths (girls or boys). As an Asian guy, I find this behavior gross and nauseating.

Among the many tourist traps to check out in Bangkok, there are three that are not to be missed; The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Chetuphon, The Pat Pong night market and the Floating Market. Also don’t forget to check out the night view of Wat Arun along the Chao Phraya river. The view is rather breathtaking.

The Grand Palace was established in 1782. Covering an area of 218,000 square meters, the temple houses the royal residence, throne halls, government offices and the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Founded in the 16th century, Wat Phra Chetuphon is the oldest and biggest temple in the city. It is famous for the world’s longest reclining Buddha statue (46m long and 15m high). Pat Pong night market is located in the Silom area and offers all kinds of merchandise ranging from knockoff bags to tacky jewelry. These items should be bargained hard before purchasing. My rule of bargaining is to take 60%-70% off the asking price, and just walk away when the vendor refuses to accept your proposal. Believe me, eight out of ten times the vendor will chase after you to sell the merchandise to you. Besides the night market, there is also adult oriented entertainment in this area. The shows are quite an eye-opener if you ask me. As for the Floating Market, although the more authentic floating market has been moved to Damnoensaduak in Ratchburi Province, a trip to this floating market in Bangkok is still worthwhile for those who enjoy seeing the canalside Thai life.

I ate like a pig in Bangkok. Thai food has got to be one of my most preferred ethnic food of all that I have tried. The Thai food here is definitely more inexpensive than those you will find in New York. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in the city with low or moderate prices:

Mango Tree, 37 Soi Tanthawan (off Suriwong Road) Phone (0) 2236-2820

Atlanta 78, Sukhumvit Soi 2 Phone (0) 2252-1650

Ban Klang Nam, 288 Soi 14, Rama III road Phone (0) 2292-0175

As for shopping (ah, those who know me well know that shopping is my favorite past time besides eating), Siam Center and the new Siam Paragon Center are not to be missed. The traffic in Bangkok is horrendous so remember to take the BTS skytrain and get off at NANA station to get to these malls.

Congested traffic and polluted air aside, Bangkok is really a fun city to visit. The hospitality of the Thais coupled with the delicious and inexpensive food, great shopping and accommodation of many varieties make this city well worth the 17-hour non-stop flight from New York (Thai Airways operates a JFK-BKK express five days a week – please read my flight report on that service). There are no four seasons in Bangkok but you will find the weather from December – February to be the most comfortable of all months. So check out this city they call "The City of Angels".