Highway to Hell: Bangkok on a Tuk-Tuk!
This city is very different from other cities in Thailand: larger and much more populous (12 million people!). Getting around is difficult by foot given the distances to cover and the traffic. The Chao Phyraya River dissects the city and along with the sky train and subway system is the main transportation system with boats running up and down the river all day making dozens of stops along the river.
Our first evening we ventured into the Banglamphu area via the efficient water taxi system, a haven for the young backpackers. The taxi does not operate after 7:30 so we bartered a fare with a tuk-tuk driver to take us back to our hotels (Mark has become our official group negotiator!). Needless to say the ride back was harrowing but exhilirating. A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled open-sided vehicle. Tuk-tuk driver’s take the liberty of weaving in and out of the halted traffic with disregard of the common traffic laws! We hung on for dear life!
On Saturday we tackled the Chatuchak weekend market in Mor Chit. This venue is an enless array of vendors selling everything from trinkets to furniture to native foods at a fraction of cost as compared to our country. It was easy to get lost in this maze and crowds.
Today we are headed up the river to explore the Kokret Island. It is the oldest settlement of the Mon people who were potters. We will see artifacts of what was left behind from this culture. The boat ride there promises to be exciting and full of sights.
More later…..
Busy Bangkok train station
Alms for the monks: Found at most temples
Dogs everywhere! They are part of the fabric and are just everywhere roaming free.
Near some of the hoop houses where flowers are being grown to sell at the market
We had to try the fish spa of course!
Long tail boats in Bangkok
I misunderstood your heading " hell". Still your photos give a good impression of Bangkok.
This heading was written in a comic form, I meant my travelling in a tuk tuk but what about Bangkok, it is a beautiful city.
Very good quality of photos, and the trip you have made very interesting make you want to visit thailand will follow your post
Thank you for such kind words)
I'm very much upset seeing the heading of this post. I think Bangkok is not too bad like your wording, "hell". You may experience with the only one Tuk Tuk's driver that had badly driven but you make other people feel that all Tuk Tuk's drivers in Bangkok have such behavior.... It's not fair for Bangkok city and Thailand. (:
I am sorry that I made you upset, I wrote this heading in a comic form, meaning my travelling in a tuk tuk. I am not argueing, maybe other drivers are much better but I am writing here about my own experience and impressions. In any case, Thailand is my favourite country and I really love Bangkok.
Thank you for clarifying. Frankly speaking, it's not funny for me at all for that kind of your heading words about Bangkok.
Anyway, I'm glad to know that you consider Thailand as your favorite country and you love Bangkok. Hope you have a pleasant time during your stay in Thailand.
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