3 Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok can be a confounding city. The streets are almost as incomprehensible as the system of addresses. Even walking around the city can be difficult unless you are prepared to risk life and limb crossing busy streets while under the dizzying influence of exhaust fumes.

And then there is the sheer amount of choice involved with deciding what to do and how to do it. Markets, temples, museums, art galleries, parks, malls, restaurants. You name it; you can see it, buy it, eat it or do it in Bangkok.

Here are some of my humble recommendations.

1. Take a ride on a tuk-tuk, or, if your will is in order, on a motorcycle taxi. Tuk-tuks are three wheeled, motorized carriages that prowl the streets looking for fares. If you are a tourist, the fare price you are first quoted will be unreasonably high. In general, taxis are cheaper that tuk-tuks, but the open air and whine of the two stoke engine make these vehicles fun to ride, at least once. Motorcycle taxis offer a bit more of an adrenaline rush as the drivers weave between cars and pedestrians to reach the front of the cue at a stoplight. These two-wheelers are the fastest way to get around town, and also the most dangerous. You will be reminded of that constantly as you see the large amount of accidents on the roadways.

2. Learn something. Cooking schools like BaiPai offer fun courses that will leave you with the confidence to whip up several dishes easily. To settle your mind after a hot morning of cooking, you can take the free (donations are expected, however) meditation classes at the Mahathat Temple meditation center. These classes are heavily attended by foreign visitors. A more hands on learning experience would be to visit one of the many Thai massage schools around town.

3. Bangkok can be a wonderful city to shop in. Some of the shopping malls are large enough to warrant a whole day of exploration. Many of these malls have cinemas and food courts. Unlike malls in the west, some of these food courts offer fresh and authentic local dishes. Local markets are great, though often frustratingly crowded. You have to bargain hard at many of the stalls, and can more than likely be assured that what you are buying is not “authentic” or “brand name.” The night market on in Patpong is quite an experience. The center of the alley, in between the go-go bars is filled with virtually ever kind of bootlegged item you could imagine. Need a fake Rolex? Just window-shopping is entertaining here.

Bangkok has something for everyone. A little planning can go a long way towards making a memorable trip.