GETTING SCAMMED, ROOFTOP BARS & BANGKOK’S BEST HOSTEL
MY FIRST TASTE OF BANGKOK
Arrived in Bangkok after Kanchanaburi with a few hours to spare before check-in so decided to see what Bangkok had to offer
Typically I had a bit of an issue on the way though. Heading down the footpath there was a flock of pigeons going crazy and me not having a rabies jag decided to take no chances and cross the road. But before I could an old lady came to me and tried to hand me some bird seed – think Pigeon Woman from Home Alone. I told her no thanks and tried to walk on but she wasn’t taking no for an answer – “please it’s good luck.” It was then I realised something was up, gave her a quick smile and tried to continue on.
IT WAS THEN I REALISED I WAS F**KED
Realising I wasn’t for giving in she took my hand threw the birdseed in and shock my hand to spread it around. “F*$k” I thought, how much is this going to cost me. And straight away they demanded 150bhat (£3). £3 is £3 but principle is principle (check out my other post on this) and I told them no. Well didn’t she lose the rag and 2 appeared (without teeth) and squared up to me.
I don’t carry a wallet but had a few 1000 baht on me as I was sightseeing early in the day. That’s probably why they were there. I placed my hand in my pocket and found two 20-baht notes. They said it wasn’t enough, but that was all they were getting. I walked straight through the birds without caring about rabies. I have warned everyone in the hostel, and many have seen the birds but knew to cross the road.
WHERE IS BANGKOK?
Descript
RECLINING BUDDHA AND THE ROYAL PALACE
Anyway, the Lying Buddha (Reclining Buddha) and Royal Grand Palace were pretty special, but I’ve never seen a busier place! Be sure to wear at least a t-shirt and trousers to cover your shoulders and legs, or you can purchase some for 500 baht. As you can see, I encountered some con women before I even entered the facilities. Be aware of pickpockets and people trying to sell fake tickets, which can be bought inside the complex. I don’t expect many people to have issues, but keep an eye out for the tourist police. They are incredibly helpful if and when you need them.
Lying Buddha (Wat Pho) – Simply a huge gold Buddha lying down. A symbol of Buddhism this is common in countries across Asia as it represents the historical Buddha during his last illness.
Royal Grand Palace Palace – The official residence of the King since 1782 the Grand Palace is to Thailand what Buckingham Palace is to the United Kingdom.
RIVER CRUISE
The following day, a few of us took a taxi boat down the river to visit another area. These boats run like buses, stopping every few hundred meters on either side of the Chao Phraya River. It was a great way to see the city from another perspective.
Getting scammed in Bangkok
NAP PARK HOSTEL
I stayed in probably the best hostel yet, Nap Park. It doesn’t have many facilities, but it’s the easiest place I’ve found to get to know people. I received a recommendation and wondered why it was so special until 20 of us ended up organizing a night out together. The only common area is in the reception, just a huge mattress on the floor, so everyone ends up almost sitting on top of each other. It’s easy to get to know everyone. It started with 1 or 2 of us talking, and then half the hostel joined us to the SkyBar at the Lebua Tower.
SKYBAR, LEBUA TOWER
It’s the bar from the movie The Hangover, which serves a special Heineken sold only here for £13. It’s one of my least favorite beers, but when in Rome! Bangkok is full of rooftop bars, and I highly recommend visiting at least one. Check the dress code first, as most (including Lebua Tower) require trousers. Skybar isn’t strict on formal wear as long as you wear trousers and a t-shirt. One of the guys with us wore Hi-Vis trousers, and there wasn’t an issue.
View from The Lebua Tower
If you plan to go, taxi drivers double the fare because they know how much you’ll pay for drinks. Generally, taxi drivers in Bangkok aren’t that bad. They will try to get a little more money out of you but will back down if you talk to them firmly and respectfully.
Rooftop Bar, Lebua Tower
KHAOSAN ROAD
From there, we went back to Khaosan Road because none of us could afford another drink. Khaosan Road is the main backpacker street in Bangkok, where everyone goes to get drunk. It can be absolute carnage at times but always entertaining. Even if you aren’t a huge drinker, you must visit. Have a coffee at one of the quieter bars and people watch or head to a few of the rooftop bars, which can be quite chilled but lack the views of the bars in the city. Nap Park is just 100 yards away on an adjacent street, so you have the convenience of the parties without the noise if you need sleep.
Khaosan Road
FINAL THOUGHTS
I could almost say this day was perfect, even considering getting hounded by three pigeon women. This scam made me more aware of these kinds of situations, which became more frequent. Nap Park was another blessing as I bumped into several people I met along the Southeast Asia backpacker trail. Not to forget, Bangkok became one of my favorite cities; the chaos is like nothing you would ever experience.
NEXT UP
Heading down to the islands tomorrow and meeting up with the Americans; Dusty and Mike, cannot wait to see them. Will be doing my Advanced scuba certification, click to read about how we ended up swimming with a huge Whale Shark!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
23/229
This post is part of The South East Asia Series, for the next article click here.
