RadioRoryI was recently asked to describe Bangkok and finally settled on calling a wild, adventurous place, but with a safety net. If you want one.
You can find plenty of trouble in Bangkok, but there are basic structures of a big city that USUALLY keep you from going too far afield. Police, taxi cabs, and safe hotels are everywhere. Even if you take up one of those screeching offers of a “massaaaggee” you’ll probably leave with both of your kidneys in place. Probably.
And you’ll find every level of service. From 5-star luxury to, well…
You’re much more likely to die in a tuk tuk.
Laugh along with the ride or close your eyes tight as a trip through downtown can be terrifying. Just make sure you work out the price in advance!
The floating market at Bang Nam Phueng is another place where you put your life in your hands. Actually, it’s the hands of pick-pocketers you have to worry about. The food being cooked at the market combines with the stench of yesterday’s garbage, saturating the air.
The water “flowing” nearby doesn’t appear to offer much relief.
You can equip your home with the stuff on sale at the market, but most of it is aimed at tourists. Apparently, Orlando tourists.
Actually, the ferry ride to the market is an enjoyable adventure and costs just a few cents. Fair warning though, if you don’t have a scooter (or rent one when you arrive on the island) you’re in for a LOT of walking.
This is another case of the journey being better than the destination….but I’m still glad I made the journey.