"Beautiful Bangkok" a Bangkok Travel Page by ickee

At first glance, it is every bit like Manila. The people look Filipino, the traffic resembles Makati rush hour, and the cabbies are every bit as sneaky. Majority, everyone was equally hospitable and equally gracious but like in the Philippines, it is not spared from the tip-hungry masseuse who will demand you give more than what she/he deserves. Yup, in the beginning i felt like i had not left my country at all. The only difference was Bangkok had more temples and was obviously a far more superior tourist spot. Even the street food culture was similar. Though admittedly, they are far more creative....from the dirt cheap pad thai to the steamed fish in banana leaves and the crispy fried insects (which i skipped, thank you very much). Contrary to reports, for me there was nothing chaotic about Bangkok. Except, perhaps, the influx of the growing young Western community (aka, solid backpackers) who fell in love with the small Asian country and preferred the tropical environment to their own....(uh, i think i've seen this in a movie.. wasn't Leo in it? ;p) Though most are pretty friendly, some can actually be quite scary from an Asian point of view (Asians are pretty sensitive...). Even older Westerners find them a bit alarming.. As was told to me by the Australians I met in the plane who were travelling there themselves, "It's not the locals you must be wary of sweeie, but fellow tourists!"... It's so engaging, there are too many people coming in. Almost reminds me of our own, Boracay. Guess a beautiful place really can't remain a secret for too long.