Bangkok, Thailand: My First Impression

Sawadee Krup! I spent 16 days in Thailand-Cambodia and had the chance to explore Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Siem Reap. I experienced traveling in solo, duo and group. Let me narrate to you my first impression on Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

THE AIRPORT

After hours of traveling via bus and airplane (Manila-Clark-Bangkok), we finally reached the Suvarnabhumi International Airport! I had high expectations prior to the flight, and I’m glad that it didn’t disappoint. It reminded me of the Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 because of the various tourists from different countries that were roaming around. There were flights from different airlines that arrived at the same time we did thus the long lines at the Immigration area. We lined up and waited for more than an hour just to have our passports stamped.

Am I still in Southeast Asia or am I in Europe? You can hear white people speaking in English, German, French and many more. You can see that they’re excited to explore the Amazing Thailand. How I wish my own country will attract as many tourists as Thailand does.

THE TRAIN

Right after having our passports stamped and claiming our backpacks from the Baggage Area, we went to the nearest 7-11 to meet up with Den, a close friend of Doi and Edcel. I appreciate the fact that she patiently waited for us and even gave us some tips on how we can reach Khao San Road the cheapest and safest way possible. I heard that taking a cab from the airport to Khao San Road is expensive.

We payed 40 Baht for our fare and instead of the usual ticket given in train stations, we were given a red chip. Astig!

The train ride from the airport to the city proper is not as toxic as I expected it to be. It reminded me of the London Midlands train for some reason.

A LOCAL THAT CAN SPEAK AND UNDERSTAND TAGALOG

“Filipino?” a local in his fifties called our attention.

“Yes”

“Ah Filipino! Tagalog ang salita niyo, diba?” he then asked

“Opo! Half Filipino ba kayo?” I asked

“Hindi. Dito talaga ako lumaki” He replied.

“Filipina ang asawa niyo?” Drew asked.

“Hindi rin. Natuto lang ako dahil naririnig ko at nagbabasa ako” He replied.

Blown away with his Tagalog, he suddenly asked us if any of us speaks in Ilocano. I told him that I know a little. He then asked me if I have relatives in Zambales.

Aside from giving us tips on commuting and Thailand in general, he also gave us some unsolicited advice about life and relationships.

This is a good sign that we will have a great time in Thailand! Thank you Mr. Sutee for the warm welcome! =)

TUKTUK RIDE

It’s 4:30 in the afternoon – rush hour time! We tried to ride a cab, but the drivers were asking us to pay 400 Baht. No Way! Hmp!

Along with other tourists who are also as tired and frustrated as we were, we waited and tried to negotiate for the fare. A tuktuk stopped and he said that he can take us to Khao San Road for 200 Baht. Since we really want to rest, we gave it a go. We were not sure if we were ripped off by the tuktuk driver, but we didn’t care anymore. We do appreciate that he would stop in some landmarks so we can take some decent photos.

KHAO SAN ROAD and SOI RAMBUTTRI

Khao San Road is dubbed as the backpacker’s mecca of the world. When the tuktuk driver pointed the famous street to us, we were a bit shocked with the number of people in the area. It is a crowded place, but I feel safe. We tried to explore a bit and saw some Pad Thai and other local food within the street. We then realized that we need to look for our hostel, which is located in Phra Ahtit Road. We still need to pass by Soi Rambuttri, which is located just a few minutes walk from Khao San Road. It is the tamer version and I prefer this part to be honest.

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in Thara House for two nights as recommended by Flipnomad. He mentioned that the place is one of the cheapest and the internet connection is fast. It is also located in the not-so noisy and crowded street which means we’ll be able to get a good night sleep

PAD THAI

For our first dinner in Bangkok, we tried the Pad Thai in Soi Rambuttri. For 40 Baht, we got a Pad Thai with Egg, Vegetables, Seafood and Pork. Drew got really excited upon watching the Pad Thai vendor cook the dish in front of us. Hey, this Pad Thai is delicious and the serving is just right for hungry travelers like us! Lamon na!

KHAO SAN ROAD NIGHTLIFE

Our curiosity on how Khao San Road is at night pushed us to spend the whole night there. Right after eating Pad Thai in Soi Rambuttri, we went straight to Khao San Road and did a little food trip over there. The popular street is lively at night. Shoppers will surely love it here because there are numerous items for sale. Those with hungry stomachs can purchase some cheap but delicious food on the sidewalk and there are also some establishments for drinking and partying! No wonder that aside from Siam, Silom and Patpong, tourists would go to this part of Bangkok.

First time in Bangkok and we’re lovin’ it! 😀