Bangkok probably has the quirkiest and most interesting street scene in all Southeast Asian Countries. From its intricately designed palaces and temples, stretchy street markets and shopping districts, cheap tropical fruits and local cuisines, to extreme sights such as prank toys openly sold on sidewalks , deep fried insect delicacies , lots of out and loud lady boys, and all night long partying at Khaosan Road. Bangkok streets will never go boring .
I Stayed at Rambuttri Road, one of Bangkok’s backpackers area where affordable hostels and guesthouses are located, with price ranging from 200-400 baht (6-12 usd) per person. Rambuttri Road, is located in Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin District and is a walking distance to the palace, museums and buddhist temples , and is also just 2 blocks away from the famous party street, Khaosan Road.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Intl. Airport is 60 – 90 minutes travel by Taxi to the city center , and the city’s railway system do not reach Bangkok’s old district where most backpackers area are located . Metered taxi fare can go as high as 450 baht, per way (12 usd) . The most convenient way to get to Rambuttri Road and Khaosan Road from the airport is by shared taxi/van arranged by travel agencies, for 100 baht / person (3 usd) . Shared taxi/van are just outside the airport and the the english speaking tourist information center at the arrival area can talk you through this. Public bus may be cheap, but could be very confusing for first timers.
Below are some snapshots I took on my three days visit to Bangkok last September 2013 . It was my second time to visit the country so this time I just passed by the usual tourist spots. This trip was more on checking the city streets and enjoying what local Thais do and indulge on .
Pad Thai for Breakfast at a street side eatery along Rambuttri Road. 35 baht (around 1 USD)
Stir fried Thai Chicken, 50 baht (1.6 USD)
Wat Pho Temple is open 8am-5pm daily. I went just before closing time, around 4:30 and I did not pay the 100 baht entrance fee anymore.
The Reclining Buddha
2 Baht boat ride, crossing the river to Wat Arun . The small Port is just at the back of Wat Pho(Reclining Buddha Temple)
View of Bangkok from the top of Wat Arun’s Central Stuppa .
View of Bangkok from the top of Wat Arun’s Central Stuppa
Various Skewers just outside Wat Pho.
Stunning View of Wat Arun at night, from the opposite side of the river
Sample of Thai Architecture – inspired building.
More Skewers along Rambuttri Road
Thai styleTaco , topped with coconut cream, and coco shreds.
Grilled ripe banana (Saba Variety)
A store of Ready made – take out food.
Ready made food for take out. this is their version of Filipino Karinderia
Took a bus from Rambuttri Road to Pratunam District , where most malls are located . Bus is at 7 baht .
A streetside installation near Siam Paragon
Ronald Mcdonalds saying Sawasdee !
A salad bar in Siam Paragon. Yummy !
View outside Central World Mall in Pratunam
A Partying street side restaurant in Chatuchak Market with a Dancing cook and a DJ . They serve good cocktail drinks
More deep fried dumplings. Thai use more anise spice , compared to chinese , which gives it a very strong smell.
Meat balls , with a strong Anise smell .
Deep fried pork
Bus ride back to Rambuttri area during peak hours , 7pm
Night market near Grand Palace . They have portable pizza oven
Thai street noodles for 20 baht
Stewed pork legs with a very strong Anise Smell
Fried Bugs and insects. Thailand’s known exotic delicacy!
Fried Hoppers . Not strange for me since hoppers are also eating in the Philippines
Fried Worm
View of the Bars along Rambuttri Road at night.
Khaosan Road Party Scene, tourists taking over the street
Transportation packages to other Thai cities
An interactive screen from one of the Malls
Biyahe ni Josemanuel 