THAILAND AND MALAYSIA
Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpur
It's been 10 years since we first visited Bangkok. It was our first experience of Asia in 2006 when we did a few days each in Hong Kong and Bangkok and then a week in Koh Samui. After our first night I think I described it in my travel diary something like "a mad, brain melting, surreal experience". It was a culture shock at first but one that I liked, the way of life seemed so fascinatingly weird at first but on subsequent trips to similar regions all those sights that were really really weird become more normalised. I never quite recaptured the wonderment of that first clash against my comfort zone but on the upside I think we've become more travel wise, knowing what to expect can help you get more from the overall experience.
Anyway, Bangkok. 10 years have passed and we're staying in a different area than last time with a completely different list of activities we want to try and do so I'm expecting it to seem like we're visiting somewhere completely new.....
31st October 2016
Arrived in BANGKOK
Got to Hotel Trang at night, a bit travel knackered but in need of food so dropped our bags and went straight out to get food and a quick drink. The well known backpacker tourist area around Khao San Road is ram packed full of bars, food stalls, neon signs and busy full of tourists from all over the world and of all different ages. Bangkok doesn't attract a particular type of person, it seems to appeal to everyone and have them all mingle together. Back to the hotel to crash out and start proper in the morning.....
Things I noticed today;
*An array of deep fried insects on 'food' stalls down Khao San Road. Scorpions, cockroaches, grubs, crickets and so on. Shame I'm veggie eh?
*Paid too much for the taxi from the airport despite being determined not to get ripped off before we arrived. they're good at it and they know we're too polite and tired when we first arrive.
