Each year, when winter hits here in Montana, I start to dream of warmer destinations. In one of our first years of extensive traveling (in 2017), we took off to Asia in the winter, enjoying every minute of the hot, humid weather.
Bangkok was our first Asian encounter on a 4-month adventure at the beginning of 2017. It was quite an assault on the senses and a great way to dive head-first into a brand-new experience.
If you are hoping to go to Asia but are anxious about culture shock, here are a few tips to get your feet wet. We were initially overwhelmed when we arrived in Bangkok jet-lagged, but it was a great way to kickstart South East Asia!
Bangkok is a great starting point from a logistical standpoint since it is a hub for airports, buses, and trains across the continent. I was prepared for a total shock when arriving after hearing stories.
Here’s what we learned from our four days spent in Bangkok:
LESSON ONE: Bring your own toilet paper
Most countries we visited in Southeast Asia preferred using a hose to clean themselves over toilet paper. In Westernized areas, you might be lucky to find toilet paper at your hotel.
It’s a quick learning experience when you reach for the toilet paper and realize that the only way to a clean butt is a wet butt. I never got the hang of it. Luckily, toilet paper is for sale at 7-Eleven and is a top item in every Western traveler’s backpack. Just don’t forget to throw your tissue in the trash to prevent blocking any old sewage pipes not used to toilet paper!
LESSON TWO: Wait for the crowds to choose a restaurant
After reading many exciting articles about how good Thai food is, I was also ready to dive head first into trying new foods. The rule I have heard and can confirm is to buy food from the busy stalls filled with locals where it is being cooked piping hot right before you. Ok, easy enough?
Well, it turns out that if you’re trying to follow the hoards, you have to be in the markets and food stalls at the appropriate time (a.k.a. food rush times; I know it makes sense). So when our jet-lagged and hungry butts went out from our hotel at 3 in the afternoon to find “dinner” we searched around the city for 2 hours. The city comes alive for typical lunch (12-1:30) and dinner hours (5:30-ish-9), so let the crowds (and your eyes and nose) steer you to the best spots!
Our food couldn’t get any fresher on our second night. We threw the raw ingredients into a boiling pot and then waited! Mmmm…. delicious!
LESSON 3: Take local advice with a grain of salt
Tourist traps. We expected them, but what I didn’t expect was that the friendly “locals” all seemed to be in on the same tricks. We had more than one person direct us to the “information/tourist office” to get info on the train and bus systems for planning the rest of our Asia trip. It turned out to be just another touring business trying to get us to buy their ridiculously overpriced tour packages and train tickets.
Everyone we met was very kind, and some even had useful information for us regarding events going on over the weekend. But for the most part, sadly everyone had a hidden agenda.
In general, don’t let anyone tell you a site is “closed” or let them take you to some “site” that isn’t on a standard tourist map (this is usually their shop that they will try to make you buy something at). Our first experience was a man convincing us that there was a secret “golden Buddha” that he could take us to, when he couldn’t show us where it was on our tourist map. He admitted that he also had some “beautiful jewels” he wanted to show us if we jumped in his tuk-tuk.
Our first successful tuk-tuk ride. No hidden agendas and Honza managed to negotiate a good price!
LESSON FOUR: WATCH YOUR STEP, VEHICLES ARE EVERYWHERE!
Pedestrians in Asia: they absolutely do not have the right of way! Be quick and on your toes, even with a green walking light. After a while, you learn when to hesitate and when to step quickly into the ebbs and flows of traffic. It is quite chaotic yet pretty amazing how there never seem to be any major accidents (in 4 months, I didn’t see so much as a dog, let alone a person get run over!).
We found vehicles were more likely to stop when a big group of people was crossing, so we tried to rush if there were any gaps. It’s ok to test and start stepping out, but be prepared to jump back! Even on sidewalks and in quiet alleyways- always be aware! Basically, you get to participate in a live game of Frogger every time you step outside.
People everywhere. Get used to “dancing” with cars, bike, carts, people, etc.
LESSON FIVE: GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO ACCLIMATE
It’s Hot! We underestimated this since Bangkok was in its “winter.” This added to the overwhelming noise and smells of the city. Our first few days, we ended up taking a “brain break” from the noise in our room. When planning for our first few nights, we were unsure whether we should get a room with AC since this can make it harder to acclimate.
However, for the first days, it was worth it and a lifesaver for my skin that ended up with some pretty terrible heat rash within my first five hours of exploring! After about a week, we found using a shower and fan made the rooms we stayed in bearable. Other activities we found helped us cool down and relax from the craziness were finding a quiet massage parlor (there are plenty if you get off the main tourist streets) and shaded green space (parks are limited, but there are a few!).
Thai massage time. We had the whole parlor and were treated to fresh green tea at the end! It is much more relaxing than hanging with the hoards of tourists getting massages on the main drags.
LESSON SIX: BE RESPECTUL.
Always be respectful to Thai people and the King. Thai people will “save face” at all costs to avoid confrontation. Being respectful and smiling goes a long way in this culture! The best part was that the kind faces we encountered didn’t seem to be fake or patronizing. Coming from a culture that constantly criticizes its leaders, it’s strange to see how respectful every Thai is to their King.
With Buddhism being such an essential part of Thai culture, it makes sense that people are generally kind and peaceful.
All in all. Bangkok is busy, as expected, and much time could be spent exploring here if the noise and congestion don’t drive you crazy. Personally, for us, 3.5 days was plenty before escaping North!
Been to Bangkok, or are you nervous about going to Asia? We welcome your questions and comments! Thanks for reading!
