Bangkok: It's Hot In Here....But Look At All The Pretty Colors!!

Friday, January 23, 2009 - Shannon

So Bangkok is a bit humid.  Nothing to worry about, you will soon get used to the constant out of the shower feeling.  Not too many bugs, but you know, most people say that when they have been in a mosquito infested country and haven't been bitten in 24 hours.  I felt that I was a little over-prepared for the trip out here, and thought I would share my top 10 pre-departure information for those destined to backpacking orientated adventures.
 
1. If arriving in Bangkok, buy nothing but medication and a good pair of shoes.  You need not buy a backpack.  You'll get a much better deal here, and have a much better time buying one and filling it with everything you could ever imagine buying... all for a few hundred bucks.
 
2. Drink water - like 2 liters a day.  Finding a bathroom is no problem and you will mostly be sweating it out anyways.
 
3. Talk to everyone you meet.  The host country nationals are friendly and talkative.  They want you to have the best time possible, so that you tell your friends back home.
 
4. Blisters are part of life.  Clean often.
 
5. Bargaining is about finding the right price for the seller and the buyer.  Chances are you aren't being cheated, you are just converting wrong.  So just relax - should be more like a conversation than a competition.
 
6. Look the other way before crossing the street.  Traffic in Bangkok operates on the other side.  In addition, you never know what kind of driver is behind the wheel.
 
7.  Eat everything.  But be reasonable - stop when you feel like you are going to be sick. Also, pass on favorites from home.  The local food is much better and much cheaper.
 
8. Have a map.  Locals like to point out where you are and what is going on in the area.  All of this makes much more sense with directions.  Plus, chances are they know more about what is going on in the area than you do.
 
9. Smile - a lot.  People are very friendly.  But don't be stupid - they probably want you to buy something as well.
 
10. Look up.  So often the streets are congested with so much activity that you miss what is going on above street level.  Also keep in mind your toes are on the ground - with all the cars, tuk tuks, and motorbikes.