Checking out Bangkok from the rooftop bar at our hotel
After five months of incremental movement across parts of Europe, our arrival in Bangkok feels like a pretty dramatic change.
This is a city of extremes, all packed in together. Luxury hotels and air-conditioned malls abound. But you are never more than just steps away from alleys jammed with cheap food stalls and chaos of all stripes.
Our first evening last night was a perfect study of that contrast. We’re in a pretty luxe 60-story hotel here; your hotel money goes further in Bangkok than anywhere else I can think of. Before heading out for dinner we stopped by the rooftop bar for an overpriced cocktail and spectacular views of the city. Then we headed into the chaos of the immediate neighborhood in search of a restaurant I’d researched online. The place was impossible to find in the labyrinth of streets and alleys, so we eventually gave up and settled for a typical place in the neighborhood. That meant plastic chairs on the sidewalk, food so spicy it made our noses run, and a dinner tab ridiculously under budget.
We are excited about the new kinds of adventure ahead of us — the kind that can be more stressful and more difficult, but more exciting and rewarding, too. And just to get it started right, we’ve both got appointments at a Bangkok dentist this afternoon for our semi-annual teeth cleaning. I’m hoping I won’t have anything too interesting to report back from that.
Jim savors our first dining adventure in Bangkok
The chef at work
Apparently The Hangover, Part II was partly filmed in our hotel, including this room right next door to ours. It almost makes me want to see the movie, though it might be tough to follow since I haven’t seen the first one.
Be sure to check out the floating market. Also if you get time you need to go to Ching Mi (unsure of the spelling) go to the elephant camp. It was awesome?
Hi Debbie –
Yeah, the floating market was very cool. We were up in Chang Mai a couple years ago and as much as we liked it, we’re heading into Cambodia instead of going north. But it’ll be a long winter, so we’re keeping the option open of coming back into Thailand before we head back west into Europe for the summer…
Stay well!
You describe Bangkok so well! A city of contrasts. If you get the chance to see a dance program somewhere in the city I highly recommend it. Thai dance is mesmerizing. And going on a trek in the north (Chang Rai) is also fantastic — riding an elephant, going down the river on a raft they build for you in front of your eyes, staying in villages.
I hope the dentist visits are uneventful!
Sending love,
Athena
Yes, the dentist visits were uneventful, except in noting how much cheaper they were than in Cambridge – literally a quarter of the price, and I think the quality was just as good. As for northern Thailand, we were up there a couple years ago and are going to bypass it for now. Headed into Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and we’ll see what happens after that.
Cheers!
Hi you two,
Was great to meet you and love your blog and pictures. I can see how I will live vicariously through your travels as the Wisconsin winter begins! Stay safe and enjoy your travels.
Bonnie
Thanks Bonnie. I spent 12 winters in Wisconsin when I was young (and another 15 or so in Minnesota) so I know something about what you’re in for. Stay warm!