5 Thoughts You’ll Have When You Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand
“Wow, it’s hot here!”
The moment you step out of the airport you’ll be hit with a cocktail of heat and humidity. Coming from Arizona with our super dry-heat, I was not prepared for Southeast Asia’s tropical monsoon climate. If you’re from Houston or Miami, you may be somewhat prepared, but the humidity is on a whole new level in Bangkok.
Throughout the year, Bangkok’s humidity hovers around 80%, highs remain in the 90s, and lows dip into the 70s. July through October is the rainy season when there can be some serious downpours and flooding. If you plan on traveling during this time, no need to fear! The rain did not affect any of our travel plans and the downpours only happened in the middle of the night. It takes about a day or two to get adjusted to the humidity. Wearing breathable fabric and drinking a lot of bottled water will keep you energized while exploring the city.
“Traffic, traffic everywhere!”
The moment you step out of your hotel, you’ll realize that traffic is grinded to a halt in every direction and you won’t know what to do. But there’s hope! Weaving in between the cars are thousands of mopeds and tuk-tuks, auto rickshaws, ready to take you to your destination in a flash!
Hold on tight and be ready for a thrilling ride! These drivers will zigzag their way around town, making the journey a memorable experience. One helpful tip: ask the concierge to write the name of the place you want to go to in Thai. Hand the piece of paper to your tuk-tuk driver and settle on a price before hopping on the rickshaw to avoid being scammed. Prices can vary based on the distance, but generally tuk-tuk prices are comparable to taking a taxi in Bangkok. A 10-minute trip can cost around 70 baht, or $2 U.S. dollars.
“The architecture is unreal!”
The moment you enter the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kew, Wat Arun, or any of the numerous breathtaking landmarks in Bangkok, you’ll be stunned by the intricate designs of traditional Thai architecture. You’ll see colorful spires and ornately decorated statues. You’ll see towering prangs and mosaic roofs. At the top of Wat Arun, you’ll have a birds-eye view of Bangkok. With its gleaming glass skyscrapers and vibrant Buddhist temples, you’ll realize Bangkok is an amazing infusion of the modern and ancient world.
“Pace of life changes quickly!”
The moment you drift into one of the many narrow canals off the mighty Chao Phraya River, you’ll be immersed into a completely different side of Bangkok. No longer are you surrounded by the hussle and bustle of a major city. Small wooden boats full of fruit and vegetables slowly float by and kids swim around in the still water. Jungle-like trees create a canopy over the canal and you will no longer see the city or hear cars zipping by. Six million people call Bangkok their home and going from the city’s epicenter to a quiet canal neighborhood within minutes is astonishing.
You’ll also notice pockets of calm throughout the city whenever you pass a neighborhood temple. Away from the major tourist temples, you’ll see a glimpse into the serene life of neighborhood monks and worshipers going through their daily routine.
“The food…the glorious food!”
The moment you enter a street market, cruise down a canal, or eat at a local restaurant, you’ll realize that authentic Thai food is absolutely amazing! Street food can be high risk (delicate stomachs be warned), but there can be high reward when you find the perfect chicken or beef served hot on a kebab! Exotic fruit line every boat in the floating markets, and restaurants serve meals for any budget. The food options are limitless in Bangkok and all you need is an adventurous spirit to tackle the variety of exotic foods.
By: Justin Hartzler
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