When you arrive in Bangkok, the city is just so big, lively and full of people trying to sell you something it can be quite disorienting.
That’s why I’ve decided to post some general information that might help future travelers.

Choosing where to stay

There are lots of interesting areas and, as always, the type of accommodation you choose depends on what type of vacation you’re after.
As Westerners, feeling “safe” in the midst of other people like us can be a key factor in our choice of hotel.
Bearing that in mind, I would recommend 3 areas in particular:

• Shopping Center Area
• Suhkumvit
• Banglamphu

The Shopping Center Area is the most modern district of Bangkok, where enormous skyscrapers stand alongside crumbling old buildings.
The most famous hotels, several multi-national companies and some consulates are located in this area. The Shopping Center Area borders on Sukhumvit, a recently-developed district that has become home to many expats. The first things you notice upon arriving here are the huge shopping malls, the abundance of international brands and a certain flamboyance. Dig just a little below the surface though and you’ll also discover the roadside stalls with typical local products, homeless people lying in the middle of the sidewalks and throngs of street vendors. A contrast that really makes you think.

It was Banglamphu, the backpackers’ district, that captured my heart though.
The main streets are Khao San Road, with its chaotic atmosphere, and Rambuttri Road, which is slightly quieter but still very lively.
This neighborhood is a melting pot of young people and families of all ages and nationalities, although there aren’t many Italians here yet. What characterizes this area, apart from the multitude of roadside stalls selling Thai products, is that it’s always packed: crowded, full of things to eat, people to meet and talk to, places where you can have a massage.
In other words, no visit to Bangkok would be complete without coming here.

Some Prices

• A double room with private bathroom and hot water in the Khao San Road area: 800 bath (approximately €20)
• A taxi to go from one side of the city to the other: 100 bath (approximately €2.5)
• 1 large bottle of Chang beer: 80 bath (approximately €2)
• 1 green curry + rice: 120 bath (approximately €3)
• A 1-hour Thai massage: 200 bath (approximately €5)

5 must sees in Bangkok

1. Khaosan Road – though famous as a backpackers’ destination, I believe business men and women would also find it well worth visiting.
2. Chatuchak Market – Thais come to this Sunday market to buy just about anything: household goods, clothing, books, handicrafts and antiques. A place to spend a few hours and get a real taste of the local life. I recommend comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
3. Grand Palace e il tempio di Wat Phra Keaw – at the very heart of Bangkok, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple.
4. Shopping Center Area – a place to spend a little time observing the marked contrasts that exist in this city.
5. China Town – bright colors, flashing lights and bustling with life: a trip to Bangkok’s Chinatown district is an absolute must and will certainly give you an insight into this population’s spirit of adaptability.

5 things you must do in Bangkok

1. Have a green curry – typical local soup made with about 16 different, very hot, spices (I would advise you to order the mild version). However well you make this at home, yours will never be able to compete with the original.
2. Have a massage – the Thai-style massage is by no means relaxing, but it does provide a revitalizing experience for contractures, pain or even just physical fatigue!
3. Observe the local Thai way of life – a different culture that needs to be observed to be understood. Fully-equipped mobile shops mounted on bicycles, people transporting impossibly large loads of boxes on tiny carts, mopeds loaded with pieces of furniture more than two meters long, street vendors who stop in the middle of the road to sell fruit to passing taxi-drivers. It’s a totally different way of life.
4. Try fried grasshoppers, scorpions or worms – Thais don’t eat them, but don’t you think you ought to try them at least once in your life?
5. Hire a Tuk Tuk – definitely picturesque, be sure to try out this local means of transport. Watch out for scammers, some drivers will take you to stores where they get a commission on sales, others might charge far more than the average price. My advice: always negotiate the price first.

These are our suggestions after a few days in Bangkok. There is, of course, plenty more to see.
In Thailand there is still a piece of my heart, it is certainly one of those places to spend at least a few weeks..

Have you ever been to Bangkok? If so, what struck you most about this city?
If you want to let me know your opinion or give me some advice for the next time I’ll pass by, I look forward to reading your comments 😉