In this episode: The boys and I explore the other side of the Thai capital, featuring vertical mega-malls and dentists that don't hesitate (Recorded 7/28/23 in Bangkok)
Are you looking to stay within bangkok? Or a day trip? Ayuthaya is a short train ride north, along the river. Ruins a few centuries old. A longer day trip if you want truly bizarre - is Lop buri. The town is overrun with monkeys. Like the movie Willard (dating myself), just not rats. It smells like monkey p**p the moment you step off the train lol
Within bangkok, the chatuchak market - weekends only. Walk through chinatown. Take a longtail boat tour on the river and canals. Do a sky bar at night - my fav is the cooling tower at the Carlson on sukhumvit. Massages - your feet will love you. Soi cowboy or soi 11 for people watching lol
If you have time I would recommend you take a look at Bumrungrad International Hospital while you are in Bangkok. Bumrungrad International Hospital is the largest private hospital in Southeast Asia. The hospital complex is huge and a cross between a shopping mall and a luxury hotel. Pick up some souvenirs and get a CAT scan.
Glad to hear you are enjoying Bangkok and looking forward to hearing about Chang Mai.
Finally have a chance to catch up on your podcasts. Thailand, for me, is an absolute bucket list destination. What I would have liked to hear about are less fancy hotels. I was once told by a former Thai resident, that you could book a nice hotel in Bangkok for around $20/nite. Assuming this type of facility probably would eliminate all the hotel workers on top of you, looking out for your every need. I'd like to know more about vacationing there on a budget. Also would have loved to hear some specifics regarding the cost of a dental visit. I don't know if that's taboo to talk about or not, but I'm curious.
I lived on a soi along Sukhumvit from the end of 2004 through 2011. Recently I visited for a week to complete some business. Westerners are usually bright eyed and bushy tailed re their experience in Thailand. Soon I will find out if I have been scammed out of a million dollars by a Thai women. It is a common scam executed by Thai women. They will romance the westerner in ways no western women can duplicate and completely mesmerized marriage seems like a good idea. They expect all the thing a westerner would and the husband buys a house and all the required necessities and then leave him. This is an easy play for the Thai do to Thai laws. Needless to say I not longer live there. My take away from Thailand on Thais is as follows: smiled, sweet lips and black hearts. An American friend who I met in Thailand recommended Cambodia for multiple reasons, and I followed his advice. My 9 years in Cambodia have be exceptional and I love the people here and the ambience they create. The government here treats expats much, much, much better than Thailand. In Thailand any interface with the government, even the most mundane is fraught with disrespect for the visitor. In Cambodia I have experienced nothing but respect and kindness from government employees. Also, during covid, Cambodia had among the lowest death rates in the world because of the competency of the government. Oh, I have an on point comment regarding why Thai food in America is different than that in Thailand. For a number of years the Thai government offered a training program for citizens on how to start a Thai restaurant in a foreign country and how to adapt the Thai food to that country. Lots more to say on this topic, but busy enjoy another beautiful and peaceful afternoon in Cambodia. Keep up your good work. I am a big fan.
Our time in Bangkok was just a few days - and I agree with Susan - every morning started with a wonderful foot & leg massage! So easy with a walk-in and comfy chair, and so inexpensive.
Get a foot massage. Get many.
If you have any interest in martial arts, Friday nite muay thai fights at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is a must see.
Guess you're not coming to Chiangmai. Maybe next time?
Agree with Ayuthaya; wat Arun; reclining Buddha; gold Buddha; king’s barges; floating market; is there still a weekend market in Lumpini Park?
I would recommend visiting the early morning market on the water. It is fascinating and interesting.
Are you looking to stay within bangkok? Or a day trip? Ayuthaya is a short train ride north, along the river. Ruins a few centuries old. A longer day trip if you want truly bizarre - is Lop buri. The town is overrun with monkeys. Like the movie Willard (dating myself), just not rats. It smells like monkey p**p the moment you step off the train lol
Within bangkok, the chatuchak market - weekends only. Walk through chinatown. Take a longtail boat tour on the river and canals. Do a sky bar at night - my fav is the cooling tower at the Carlson on sukhumvit. Massages - your feet will love you. Soi cowboy or soi 11 for people watching lol
If you have time I would recommend you take a look at Bumrungrad International Hospital while you are in Bangkok. Bumrungrad International Hospital is the largest private hospital in Southeast Asia. The hospital complex is huge and a cross between a shopping mall and a luxury hotel. Pick up some souvenirs and get a CAT scan.
Glad to hear you are enjoying Bangkok and looking forward to hearing about Chang Mai.
Pat pong
What has happened to the Oriental hotel? It was the original standard setter.
Stay tuned for part two! I am going to cover the Mandarin Oriental.
Finally have a chance to catch up on your podcasts. Thailand, for me, is an absolute bucket list destination. What I would have liked to hear about are less fancy hotels. I was once told by a former Thai resident, that you could book a nice hotel in Bangkok for around $20/nite. Assuming this type of facility probably would eliminate all the hotel workers on top of you, looking out for your every need. I'd like to know more about vacationing there on a budget. Also would have loved to hear some specifics regarding the cost of a dental visit. I don't know if that's taboo to talk about or not, but I'm curious.
Don't miss the weekend Chatachuk market. Skytrain takes you right to it. It is huge, can find anything, and always my favorite place to shop
And a city food tour via tuck tuk
I lived on a soi along Sukhumvit from the end of 2004 through 2011. Recently I visited for a week to complete some business. Westerners are usually bright eyed and bushy tailed re their experience in Thailand. Soon I will find out if I have been scammed out of a million dollars by a Thai women. It is a common scam executed by Thai women. They will romance the westerner in ways no western women can duplicate and completely mesmerized marriage seems like a good idea. They expect all the thing a westerner would and the husband buys a house and all the required necessities and then leave him. This is an easy play for the Thai do to Thai laws. Needless to say I not longer live there. My take away from Thailand on Thais is as follows: smiled, sweet lips and black hearts. An American friend who I met in Thailand recommended Cambodia for multiple reasons, and I followed his advice. My 9 years in Cambodia have be exceptional and I love the people here and the ambience they create. The government here treats expats much, much, much better than Thailand. In Thailand any interface with the government, even the most mundane is fraught with disrespect for the visitor. In Cambodia I have experienced nothing but respect and kindness from government employees. Also, during covid, Cambodia had among the lowest death rates in the world because of the competency of the government. Oh, I have an on point comment regarding why Thai food in America is different than that in Thailand. For a number of years the Thai government offered a training program for citizens on how to start a Thai restaurant in a foreign country and how to adapt the Thai food to that country. Lots more to say on this topic, but busy enjoy another beautiful and peaceful afternoon in Cambodia. Keep up your good work. I am a big fan.
Our time in Bangkok was just a few days - and I agree with Susan - every morning started with a wonderful foot & leg massage! So easy with a walk-in and comfy chair, and so inexpensive.
re. great 5 star hotels in Thailand: the Four Seasons Chaingmai is unique and it's my favorite https://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai
re. plant-based/vegan restaurants in BKK, Khun Churn is an excellent choice; buffet and menu https://www.facebook.com/KhunChurninwhite
BTW, I'm a retired dentist
Thank you!