Bangkok Trip

Bangkok - city of angels.

I had a completely different idea about Bangkok before going there. It's quite dodgy and it stinks like toilet sometimes. Once you get used to that it starts getting interesting. Well, the only problem is that everyone tries to cheat you. We were a little bit surprised when the friendly local guy who was drawing so nicely on our map turned out to be a tourist trap. In the end it wasn't that bad, it actually was quite funny... It works like this: A nice and friendly local approaches you and asks you what you have seen so far. "Oh you haven't been there and there? You definitely must go there and check this and that." And one of the things you have to do is usually a tailor or a souvenir shop. We wanted to get some suits made anyway so that was a good coincidence. And of course it was the last day of a special sale. So we ended up ordering a few suits at "Voglee". Until now we are still quite happy with that decision. The suits fit well and the material is also good. The price was also reasonable at least compared to German standards (less than 200 Euro per suit). Maybe we could have get that cheaper in Bangkok but you never know whether it's the same quality. So that was our "Voglee" experience. I read a few other stories about them in the web. Some people were happy some were not. So I leave it to you to judge.
With the Tuk Tuks it has been a little bit more annoying. They only bring you to the next tourist shop because they get a free gaz coupon for that. So it's better to take a cab. But take care it might happen that the meter is not working especially during the night time. Then you have to bargain with the driver and it's usually a bit more expensive. But if you compare that to European standards it's still very cheap.
Well, once you have adapted to these weird rules you will start liking Bangkok. You should pay a visit to Kao San Road. Have an original Thai massage as well (1 h/380 Baht, e.g. Herbal Association in Sukhomvit). That was so relaxing. And then the temples are of course a must see. Take the Chao Phraya express boat to get there (just take a single ticket, the tourist ticket will be more expensive). We didn't like the area around Silom that much but for those of you who want to see the Ping Pong bars this is the place. Despite all the hassle and cheating we have decided to go to Bangkok again!