What do people enjoy about Bangkok?
Ok, so I´ve been to Bangkok twice, and must say I really don´t like the place.
- I have visited most of the major attractions (various tempels, Royal palace, private rider boat trip) and was pretty underwhelmed - people trying to scam you: maybe entertaining the fist time, but gets old pretty fast - taxi drivers range from kamikaze to useless. Most taxi driver are unable to find a hotel a few km away even when giving them a map and everything printed in Thai - massages: I enjoyed a few reasonably priced massages, but overall the quality has been hit and miss, even at high-end hotels - "special massages"/gogo bars/hookers: sorry, not interested Obviously millions of tourists disagree with me, or am I missing something? |
Originally Posted by Jasper2009
(Post 19854836)
Ok, so I´ve been to Bangkok twice, and must say I really don´t like the place.
- I have visited most of the major attractions (various tempels, Royal palace, private rider boat trip) and was pretty underwhelmed - people trying to scam you: maybe entertaining the fist time, but gets old pretty fast - taxi drivers range from kamikaze to useless. Most taxi driver are unable to find a hotel a few km away even when giving them a map and everything printed in Thai - massages: I enjoyed a few reasonably priced massages, but overall the quality has been hit and miss, even at high-end hotels - "special massages"/gogo bars/hookers: sorry, not interested Obviously millions of tourists disagree with me, or am I missing something? Taxi drivers are rarely from Bangkok and might not know the hotels, they will typically know the streets. Maps are useless and just serve to confuse people throughout Asia. I've always found massage hit and miss and, after getting a good one, tend to frequent that particular establishment and, more to the point, that particular woman. The happy massages, gogo bars etc was never my cup of tea and, IMHO, are to be avoided like the plague unless a fool and his money are desired to be separated. Bangkok is a city I enjoy immensely off the tourist trail. Frankly I don't see how the touristy things continue to pull back tourists so I tacitly understand and agree with your points (excepting the temples which I think are physically interesting buildings). Edit: can't believe I forgot to include this: FOOD. |
Originally Posted by Jasper2009
(Post 19854836)
Ok, so I´ve been to Bangkok twice, and must say I really don´t like the place.
- I have visited most of the major attractions (various tempels, Royal palace, private rider boat trip) and was pretty underwhelmed - people trying to scam you: maybe entertaining the fist time, but gets old pretty fast - taxi drivers range from kamikaze to useless. Most taxi driver are unable to find a hotel a few km away even when giving them a map and everything printed in Thai - massages: I enjoyed a few reasonably priced massages, but overall the quality has been hit and miss, even at high-end hotels - "special massages"/gogo bars/hookers: sorry, not interested Obviously millions of tourists disagree with me, or am I missing something? Personally, I love the food (high and low end), shopping (malls and outdoor), cheap (real) massages, and the organized chaos. I also love visiting Vietnam. To me, it's the sense of adventure and embracing what the city is - not the opposite. BKK isn't for the timid - that's why SIN is there. ;) As for scams, it happens everywhere - Asia, Europe, N+S America, and the city where you live. |
Originally Posted by Braindrain
(Post 19856772)
Just as a comparison, what international destination do you like?
Originally Posted by Braindrain
(Post 19856772)
Personally, I love the food (high and low end), shopping (malls and outdoor), cheap (real) massages, and the organized chaos. I also love visiting Vietnam.
To me, it's the sense of adventure and embracing what the city is - not the opposite. BKK isn't for the timid - that's why SIN is there. ;) As for scams, it happens everywhere - Asia, Europe, N+S America, and the city where you live. I´m sure Thailand has some nice places, but Bangkok left me very unimpressed. |
Originally Posted by Jasper2009
(Post 19857735)
Pretty much most places I´ve visited incl. most of Europe, Canada, US, Carribbean, Israel, South Africa, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands...
I find in BKK, the scams are pretty easy to spot and don't (normally) physically harass you - unlike many other places you've mentioned. Personally, I really don't mind going to BKK as it was relatively scam-free outside of the tourist traps. |
Originally Posted by Jasper2009
(Post 19854836)
Ok, so I´ve been to Bangkok twice, and must say I really don´t like the place.
It's a city that grows on you, not love at first sight. |
Simple!
THE FOOD!!!!! |
Originally Posted by Braindrain
(Post 19858033)
In IST and CAI, tons of people walking around just trying to hit you up for a scam. etc, etc, etc.
Originally Posted by Braindrain
(Post 19858033)
I find in BKK, the scams are pretty easy to spot and don't (normally) physically harass you - unlike many other places you've mentioned. Personally, I really don't mind going to BKK as it was relatively scam-free outside of the tourist traps.
|
Originally Posted by dieuwer2
(Post 19858741)
...
Example of a typical BKK scam? 20 baht tuk-tuk tour. 1 day only government gem sale. 500 baht taxi fare to airport. |
Peninsula Hotel
Peninsula Hotel Food Orient Express train to Singapore |
Originally Posted by glob99
(Post 19858798)
Temple closed, Buddhist holiday.
20 baht tuk-tuk tour. 1 day only government gem sale. 500 baht taxi fare to airport. |
Originally Posted by dieuwer2
(Post 19858909)
Maybe I am clueless, but Buddhists don't have holidays? And 500 baht taxi to the airport ($16) is much less what I pay in Boston ($50). :D
Who cares if 500 Baht is less than what you pay in ____. If a local dinner costs $40 and they gave you a bill for $80 would you say, 'oh, but it's cheaper than eating in NY?' |
Originally Posted by dsquared37
(Post 19858945)
If a local dinner costs $40 and they gave you a bill for $80 would you say, 'oh, but it's cheaper than eating in NY?'
|
Originally Posted by dieuwer2
(Post 19858741)
Example of a typical BKK scam?
|
Originally Posted by Braindrain
(Post 19859535)
The classic "the temple is closed but I'll show you a place that's open" leading up to "this gem shop is owned by a friend that will get you a super deal". Then there are the taxis who don't turn on meters to "this skewer of meat/roadkill is beef." :eek: :D
That chicken at one point had four legs and wagging tail. ;) Oh well, it did sate me until the remainder of my order arrived. |
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