On my last trip to Thailand, I spent way too much time in Bangkok. Let me preface this by saying, I am not a city girl at all and Bangkok is the definition of metropolitan. It’s too busy, a little bit smelly, and very loud. However, like every city, it has its charms, the people for one. Bangkok natives are filled with life, laughter and a fun amount of cynicism. As you begin to interact with locals you get a sense of who is from Bangkok and who is there seasonally to work. A lot of Thai people from the countryside come to Bangkok to make money to support families back home.
Tourism is so ingrained into Bangkok’s society, after intentional observation, you begin to understand the rules of the city and its operations. For instance, the way the tour guides, taxi/tuk-tuk drivers and merchants interact. You can tell there’s an agreement between them and if you pay enough attention you can also tell when a Thai person knows something being told to a tourist is absolutely ridiculous but can’t say as to not break the accord. The best part is, they don’t look at you curiously, not even when traveling in a group with 3 other black women. The four of us have become accustomed to staring, whispering and blatant questions/comments when traveling together but not in Thailand.
Anyway, you and I both know there are a million and one websites about things to do or favorite places to go in Bangkok. This list is a bit different, it’s more so a tips/guideline to prepare you for your time in Bangkok. If you’ve already been, leave a comment below and let me know what I’ve missed.
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