One Night in Bangkok

As a quick, cheap side trip from Hong Kong, I ventured to the city of Bangkok, Thailand. I booked a hotel near the Pratunam street market, which proved to be an easy (but fun) place to get lost amongst clothes, trinket stands, street food and bustling crowds. It was late on the first night (Friday) of my arrival, so I planned to get an early (early for me is 8 a.m.) start the next morning.

Since there was a tour desk in the lobby I figured that was the best place to start. Upong speaking to the kind woman booking tours, I was sad to find out all of the tours had already left for the day. Seeing my disappointment, the tour guide offered to give me a solo tour of the Grand Palace and surrounding areas. Her name was Apple, the same name of the tour guide I had in Beijing. Taking it as a sign, I happily obliged. The palace was amazing. Gold-leafed towers and stories told through beautiful paintings and statues.

By far my favorite experience was seeing the famed Jade (Emerald) Buddha. After removing shoes and being told no pictures inside, I filed into the crowded line to get a glimpse. It was stunning…the largest piece of Jade I’ve ever seen standing about two feet tall and surrounded by a beautiful temple filled with statues, paintings and offerings. The smell of incense strong and pungent.

After a long, humid day at the palace I decided to get freshened up and hit the streets not far from my hotel. I ate some REAL Chicken satay kabobs for lunch and I heard from my friends in Hong Kong that I HAD to get a foot massage.

They were so right. I found a local place, they did not speak a word of English, so I pointed to my feet, pointed to some cash and we were now fluent in what we could do for each other. Little did I know for what I converted to being about $6 US dollars later could I imagine enjoying the most incredible foot, leg, back, neck, shoulders and head massage I have ever had in this tiny, simple sunlight parlor. I really entertained giving them about 100 Baht and staying there all day, but alas I had so much more to see before I left the next morning to return back to Hong Kong.

I found an indoor street market (ah, I am a true sucker for street markets and haggling – which I found is a universal language and did I mention it was about 30 Thai Baht to ONE U.S. dollar?) I only travelled with a backpack and although I entertained buying a suitcase, I was “good” and purchased a small wooden carved elephant, a few pashminas, beaded necklaces and beaded necklace souvenirs for some girlfriends in California. I was surprised to find a Swensen’s Ice Cream parlor and a Dunkin Donuts, but I wanted to experience local fare, so I took my chances with a barbecued chunk of mystery meat off a cart on the street and a barbecued corn on the cob – both delicious! After some up and down of the aisles along several street markets and carts, oh and not resisting an awesome knock-off Prada purse, I headed back to the hotel to figure out my plans for the evening.

The concierge recommended Siam Center – where there’s a huge mall, restaurants and clubs along the busy streets. It was a mere few US dollars cab ride downtown and I roamed the streets mostly people watching, snagged up a deliciously fresh fruit drink off a cart and picked up a Hard Rock Cafe shot glass (yes, I still collect them) which I knew my husband would be happy about. I also couldn’t leave without adding to my Starbucks City Series mugs.

I found a restaurant inside the square mall, again no English, but Thailand being the friendliest place I have ever been, it didn’t matter. I pointed to pictures and other tables and ate the most amazing bowl of spicy noodles, chicken, vegetables and other unidentifiable but God-sent savory food items.  All for about $3 U.S. dollars. After more roaming, I enjoyed some street band artists and shopped a few street vendors, laughing at the bootleg industry of DVDs. It was getting late and my feet were starting to give out, so I decided time to hail a cab for the 20 minute ride back to my hotel.

I jumped in the backseat and handed the driver the card for my hotel. He told me it would be 200 Baht. Clearly he picked up the wrong tourist to try to scam. I know this game, thanks to my experiences in Hong Kong. I shook my head no and pointed to the meter to run it. He tried to argue, but when I started to get out, he conceded, begrudgingly. We drove off. I knew he was taking me a longer way, but at least I made it back in one piece. He tried to overcharge me again and keep my change. Normally I am a generous tipper, but there was principle here. The valet asked me if there was a problem. I told him the man is trying to up charge me for a cab ride I know should’ve only been about 50 Baht. The doorman said something in Thai and I looked at the driver and said in English, if you hadn’t tried to cheat me, I would’ve happily given you a big tip. He understood more English than he let on.

I found Bangkok to not be as clean as Hong Kong, but the people were so much nicer than Beijing. Everyone smiled from ear to ear, hey – even when they were trying to swindle you. The food is unmatchable and so is the shopping. My one night in Bangkok was memorable…I really need to come back here with a bigger suitcase.