"Bangkok - It's not what you think it is... " a Bangkok Travel Page by beebah

Since it's my hometown.I really don't know what to say about it.(Actually I always read more than write)

Some people like Bangkok,Some don't.

Some think that all we got here are all about prostitution, Thai Massage (no matter it's "happy-ending" or not), cheap eat, cheap shop, traffic jam, sex tourism, and of course, Ladyboys.. the transvestites.

I'm not gonna try to convince you to believe that those things I mentioned above don't exist in Bangkok. Because they sure do. And I'm not that naïve like some our "Minister of Cultures" here in The Land of Smiles who always got bloody boiled whenever she sees "pervert" sides of Bangkok published on foreign medias.

Anyway, Before you come here. (intend to stay or just passing through) Please come with open-minded and you'll see Bangkok as so much to offer and it's not all about kinky massage or red-light district.

Bangkok is a lively big city. yet you'll find people are still welcoming and friendly. Everything is affordable here. If you take and "easy day" in Bangkok. Don't go to only Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun..

But hop on our express boat along Chao Phraya River instead. (http://www.chaophrayaboat.co.th) Start from the beginning of the route (Taksin Bridge) to the end (Nonthaburi province.. suburb of BKK) don't need to go to any "attractions" Just enjoy the views and see lives along the river from the boat. That's more or less.. a "real" Bangkok. More real than the floating market.

BANGKOK TOP 5 (to me)
5) Shopping at MBK : since it's not expensive place to shop and so many choices.

4) Try REAL Thai food at decent restaurant at least once : Not just cheap 15 Baht (so-called) PAD THAI on Khaosan road. That fills stomach but it's not real deal :-)

3) Get some good traditional Thai massage for at least 2 hours!

2) Take an express boat along Chao Praya river from first stop to last stop. Just to get the ambience.

1) Visiting The Grand Palace. If you come to Bangkok and never set your foot in there. Shame on you!! ;-)

Oh yes, how bad? If you plan to go anywhere in Bangkok around 8:00-9:00 people are going to work, buses will be loaded of office people

12:00-13:30 lunch time, office people go out for lunch, often that they would go somewhere away from their office coz staying around office is too boring.

17:00-19.30 peak!! people have to run for the bus, taxi, boat.. whatever and fight to get in there to go home soon enough to watch soap drama in time.

Try to avoid those hours.. (don't know if possible) but I never leave office before 19:00 traffic is just too crazy. Could drive you mad.Better to hang out some places and move to other place in the other hours. Good for your mental :-)

And yes, traffic in Bangkok is quite crazy indeed. So if u have to catch your bus or train.. prepair at least 1 hour for that.

We don't expect that you will be able to discuss politic issues in Thai or anything. ^_^ Thai language is quite tricky regarding the "5 tones". (Almost) every word.. Each tone has completely different meaning. (That's why we sound like we're singing all the time..I know)

But learn some words and try to use them when you have chance. We love it that you at least put some effort to say something in our language.

In Thai language. Regardless of gender of person you're speaking to. It doesn't matter. What matters is WHO IS SPEAKING. I guess it's the same in Hindi.

If you're girl. Ending phrase with "Kha" makes it polite form. But if you're boy, it will be a word "Krub" instead.

Some useful words (and often used)

- Swad-dee kha (Girl speaking) = Hello
- Swad-dee krub (Boy speaking) = Hello
- Sabaai dee mai (Kha, krub) = How are you?
- Pom sabaai dee krub (Boy speaking) = I'm fine.
- Chan sabaai dee kha (Girl speaking) = I'm fine.
- Khob Khub (Kha, Krub) = Thank you
- Mai pai (kha, krub) = No (I don't want to go)
- Mai ao (kha, krub) = No (I don't want it)
- Mai pen rai = Never mind, no worries, it's OK, Not a big deal (this one is used veeeeery often)

- Pom cheu........krub (Boy speaking) = My name is.....
- Chan cheu....... kha (Girl speaking = My name is.....
- Mai gin ped na (kha, krub) = I don't eat spicy (food)
- Mai ped maak (na kha, na krub) = Not too spicy, please (Believe me you will need this one..lol)

- Bye bye = bye bye ;-)

Do not worry about the tones. People understand you anyway if you say the whole phrase as it depends on context. So don't be afraid to speak it! :-)