A quick overview of Bangkok -Thailand

Right, currently sitting in the back of an open 4x4, heading towards Chiang Mai mountains to go elephant trekking (can't contain my excitement), so grabbing this moment to do a quick overview of Bangkok. 

Bangkok is a mismatch of old and modern infrastructure. Poverty is mixed with wealth; tinned roof houses are squeezed in between run down apartment blocks and traditional Thai houses. 

The heat in Bangkok is like no other; due to the buildings being so high, the air is still and muggy. This was quite a big shock for me since I'm from Brighton which is by the sea, whereas in Bangkok, I started to feel like I couldn't breath. With not much fresh air passing through the winding streets, there's a constant polluted sewage smell which takes some getting used to. 

Tips for around Bangkok: 

 

- Bargain as much as possible, don't give up and you'll hit the lowest price merchants and drivers can give you. 

- Don't stay at Kohsan Road if you want to get some sleep at night, there are loads of niche guesthouses near by. 

- Try and do Bangkok in 3-4 days, if it's your first time travelling, then you might consider staying longer, however once you reach other parts of Thailand you'll realise it was a waste of your visit. 

- Try check out the Skybar if you can afford it, drinks are skyhigh in price (see what I did there) but the views are phenomenal. It's where the Hangover 2 was filmed and the cheapest drink is around 700TB (£14) which could buy you two nights in cheap accommodation instead.  Dress code is smart; no flip flops or shorts. 

- Beware of your belongings on tuk tuks, bike thefts are known to snatch bags out of people's arms. 

- Respect the Thai culture, always say hello, pronounced "swadicaa" for girls or "swadicap" for guys and bow your head. Thank you is pronounced "kapuncaa" for girls and "kapuncap" for guys. 

- Beware of "helpful" people; some Thais come up to you offering you some help and information but will charge you after. 

- If you don't want to be hassled by street merchants or in general, it's always good the act confident; people will feed off your vulnerability, so keep your head held high. 

- There are loads of cute Thai kids sellings roses around the bars and cafés; challenge them to a thumb war and see what happens. 

- Keep water on you at all times, kinda common sense, but it's easy to suffer from sun stroke, dehydration etc. 

- Go out and explore the streets without a map, you'll end up getting a real feel for Thai culture since you'll get lost between markets and alleys. This way you won't stick to tourists points and you can always catch a tuk tuk out.