Thailand 2024 Tag 3+4

The jet lag took hold and we slept for twelve hours. But it's vacation and we're not stressed.

So what was our plan after we had already seen the big sights? A small self-guided Khlong tour. Khlongs are the tributaries of the Chao Praya, the small canals that run through the entire city.

After a small breakfast (croffle and coffee with coconut) in a side street, we ended up in what was probably the most rotten market in Chinatown on the way to the metro station. Quickly over and on. We then took the metro to an entry point, where we then looked and looked and looked. No boat, no nothing, but a nice couple from Kiel. After some back and forth and asking around, it turned out that the tour was a pilot project and it was discontinued. Well, that's just how it is.

A quick change of plans and we took a Grab taxi to a “floating market” (Khlong Bang Luang floating market). There wasn't much floating, but there was water and a small but nice district with art and culture. And there was some good food, we people-watched and waved to the boats passing by.

After a short walk at lunchtime (not necessarily recommended) we went to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. And because the world is a village, we met the couple from Kiel again. The Wat itself is very beautiful in terms of its complex and cannot be overlooked thanks to the huge gold-colored Buddha. Right next door is the Khun Chan Temple. It was more like semi and in my opinion you can leave it out.

After an adventurous bus ride (you can book it for free if you go on vacation with Egg ☺) back to Chinatown, there was a new Starbucks cup (I'm starting to need a bigger shelf) and, as a small snack, a roti with corn and cheese and sweetened condensed milk . Sounds strange - but it was delicious.

In the evening we had the choice between a train market (where there are no trains) or the Asiatique market. Because of the distance it became the Asiatique market. Here you can also find the Travestie Cabaret Show in Calypso, which we had already visited in 2019 and is highly recommended.

It's good to know that Bangkok is changing, but a certain structure remains. So finding the pier after getting off the bus wasn't a problem, even if you still had to walk for another 5 minutes. You (woman) know your stuff.

Asiatique itself is a good thing and I would describe it as an upscale night market. We had a spicy hotpot with lots of offal. The way back was quite adventurous as usual and we only waited 30 minutes for a bus. If you want to know what riding the bus in Bangkok is like, search for the scene on YouTube where Harry Potter rides the bus. That pretty much fits very well.

Finally we went for a short walk along Yaowarat Road. And there was Sticky Rice with Mango. Unfortunately very tasty.

And then we are in Bangkok on the last day. After a little deliberation, we decided against the famous Maeklong Train Market (where the slow train runs through the middle) and instead went to one of the largest shopping centers in the world - centralwOrld. To say the least, the thing is huge, but the better toilets can be found in Terminal 21 (another mall). The Japan Expo is currently in Bangkok and it is even more flashy and colorful and loud. And people dressed up in anime style are running around everywhere. Fascinating.

After a quick snack on the food-only floor, we wandered around the building a bit and Egg finally got to know the Muji store. Similar principle to Ikea, only with clothes and less furniture. Rather small interior. But we found a lot there too.

The bus ride was exciting that day too and the bus numbers are sometimes confusing. At least you don't have to pay a fine if you get on the wrong bus. It's best to ask about your destination before you get on. Bus rides cost between 8 and 20 baht.

In the evening we went out to eat again and had dimsum, bao buns and drunken chicken. And as a vegan alternative, spinach wrapped in rice dough. Not all that spicy, but still very tasty.

All in all, I can say for myself: Chinatown is rancid, crowded, loud, sometimes dirty (even if the garbage is picked up every day) and it can smell unpleasant, but it's still worth a visit. You have to be aware that the streets here are very crowded on Friday and Saturday evenings. And you are approached from all sides. Anyone who knows me knows that I love something like that so incredibly - not. But here it matters less to me. Just dive in and enjoy.

Our hotel was the Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown. Perfectly fine for me. Clean, with pool and small rooftop bar. (3 nights 176€ via booking)

And now we are on our way to the sea to Khanom in the south of Thailand.

A little side note about getting around Bangkok:

You can certainly take a tuk-tuk ride, but we didn't do it, so I can't say anything about prices and negotiations. You always have to negotiate hard, it's much more expensive than an air-conditioned taxi - but it can certainly be fun to explore Bangkok like that.

I also can't say anything about the motorcycle taxis, they always look very sporty. But I don't need it in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Bus is definitely a very cost-effective alternative, but you should bring your time.

Metro, sky train are also inexpensive and actually punctual.

Another thing worth mentioning is Grab Taxi. You can also see the price straight away via the app.

When taking a taxi, it's best to always use a taximeter; taking the highway is perfectly fine and it's easiest to have a 100 baht toll ready. Then the drivers know that it's not your first time driving and are less likely to try to rip you off. We paid 350 baht including tip for the taxi from the hotel to Don Muaeng airport, the toll was an additional 80 baht.

And then thanks to Egg for proofreading. You can keep whatever mistakes you have now.

️