Asia provides so many diverse and interesting cultures. Historic sites mixed with modern cities & beaches, tasty inexpensive meals and massive shopping & markets.
Took a short trip to Bangkok with the intention of renting a motorcycle to ride up to Chiang Mai, where a few documented tour routes await, only to be told when I got there, they would not rent a bike to a single person for such a journey, I had to be part of a tour group. Bother. I tried a couple of other bike rentals but got similar result, so my discovery excursion plans had to change.
Quick lesson, being spontaneous does not always help you achieve your plans. That being said, over analyzing can get in the way of adventure too !
So I embraced a few days in Bangkok instead. With a retail background, I wandered the multi-story shopping centres, seeing many creative shopfits doing a very good job of enticing custom; and balanced that will strolls through the multitude of markets.
The famous Chatuchak Weekend Markets are accessible by an inexpensive and easy to follow MRT and well worth any bargain hunters day, or 2. Aisles go on forever and the products are very diverse. The world famous Floating Markets are also a must do experience
Magnificent temples abound for visiting, along with the ability to take a variety of Canal Tours and see the city from a different perspective.
Tips:
Get familiar with the BTS & MRT. The BTS or Skytrain is an elevated railway, the MRT is mostly an underground railway. Both are inexpensive and easy enough to work out through “pay at the wall” or customer service booths at some stations, and these can be much quicker than a taxi in Bangkok traffic.
Taxi’s do have meters, but not all drivers will use them. Unless you don’t care what you are charged, always insist on the meter running. Tuk Tuks are a bit of fun, but every one I encountered wanted to take you to a Tailor, not where I wanted to go.
If someone on the street tells you XYZ attraction or centre is closed, generally ignore it. I didn’t figure out what that scam was about, but it was just a waste of time. I was heading to the MBK Centre where there are floors of watches etc, and at 11am, was told by a bloke it was closed. I walked on anyway, and found thousands of people in the centre shopping.
Barter hard. You will generally find the same thing at dozens of outlets, so test your skills. Deals get done when you walk away, so if you offered too low, walked away and they did not chase you, then you know to offer a bit more to the next one, IF you really want it.
Make the time to do a boat tour. Bangkok is very interesting from the water !
The trip was over too quickly, and as a parting experience, the departure lounge at Bangkok airport appeared more Men In Black Headquarters than the airport. I will have to return.
