My journey started with a flight from Cologne in Germany to Bangkok. Bangkok is as you can see the central mega city in south-east asia. There are direct flights to any of the surrounding countries. Just Kuala Lumpur and Singapore offer similar opportunities.
When I arrived in Bangkok I was totally crushed by the heat. I've been to Costa Rica before and Bangkok is even warmer. I was lucky and met a German girl in the plain (she was sitting right next to me), so I didn't have to search the hostel alone.
I stayed at Yodsiam Hostel, a place which I can highly recommend. It's close to the river and in this heat there's nothing better than driving with the boat and getting fresh fruit shakes at the piers. In addition it is very central so you can easily walk (approx. 15-20 min) to Khao San Road if you want to party. It is located above the Yodpimam Flower Market, which is a good photo location too.
Temple Experiences and Cultural Encounters
On my first day I didn't want to waste my short time in Southeast Asia, so I went to the Grand Palace with a German guy from the hostel. But it was way too crowded for me there and it was too hot so we decided to try some of the delicious street food, get out of our sweaty clothes and relax.
In the evening we went to Khao San Road and to a Blues Bar in one of the million sideways.
The next day I went to Wat Pho. This place is famous for its huge Buddha statues. Later I heard it is also known for one of the best Thai massage places. Many people even in Bangkok haven't spoken to a foreigner yet, so they're quite nervous and excited at the same time when you ask somebody for help.
The English classes in contrast are told to approach you to practice their English and get rid of the nervousness. At Wat Pho I met a group of Thai girls from such an English class, a group from Croatia and I approached some monks and asked them if I could take a picture.
Most of the time I was photographing but the light during the time I stayed in Bangkok was horrible. I haven't seen a single cloud, probably because of the smog.
Daily Activities and City Life
On the third day I met a Thai girl I knew from Aachen. We met at Lumpini Park and went for breakfast, which was the only western meal I had during the entire trip, but just because she wanted to go there. After this we went through other parts of the city.
I was impressed how the locals use subway stations, huge shopping malls and other places with air conditioning to never do a step into the heat. After some shopping (like a strong mosquito spray which you can't buy in Europe), we went for a Thai massage. In the evening we went to some rooftop bar. Sadly the highest level was closed for a party. On the level below there were man-high dirty glass plates and tripods were forbidden too.
Transportation Adventures
I traveled around using tuk-tuks through China Town, which provided an authentic way to see the city despite the heat and traffic. The river boats were my preferred method of transport - not only practical but also cooling in the intense heat.
*Note: Tripods are often forbidden in Bangkok, but don't forget, you can use any flat ground instead.*
Floating Market Experience
On the fourth day we drove to the Khlong Lat Floating Market. The day was fantastic but due to the narrowness of the market it was hard to make shots I am able to show to the public without violating laws of one's own image. Both images I managed to capture were asked for in Thai by my friend from Aachen.
Evening Adventures and Nightlife
In the evening I met with some guys I knew from the hostel. We went for dinner in a rooftop bar at a medium-level house by the river. Later I left to go to the Festival for the King (a hint from the hostel) at Sanam Luang. There I saw a ladyboy show.
On the way I photographed Wat Arun from the opposite side at the river and had a beer at a bar there.
Street Food and Cultural Observations
There was no place where the food was so various and cheap. If I walked back to the hostel in the evening and all those smells of the food around me from the night markets came to my nose, I was not able to pass by.
The street food scene was incredible - the variety, the flavors, and especially the prices made it impossible to resist trying something new every time I walked through the markets.
Departure Challenges
In the next morning I wanted to take a bus to Siem Reap. But first I lost a lot of time while waiting for a 5 a.m. boat which didn't exist, then I didn't find the real bus terminal which lies hidden behind a market.
Final Reflections
To conclude with the time in Bangkok: There was no place where the food was so various and cheap. The combination of dreamfood and citylights made Bangkok an unforgettable introduction to Southeast Asia. The heat was overwhelming, the temples were crowded but magnificent, and the street food was absolutely incredible.
The locals' mix of nervousness and excitement when meeting foreigners, combined with the sensory overload of smells, sounds, and sights, created an authentic backpacker experience that perfectly set the tone for my Southeast Asian adventure.
Practical Tips
**Accommodation:** Yodsiam Hostel - centrally located above the flower market, close to river transport and walking distance to Khao San Road.
**Transportation:** River boats are your best friend in the heat. Tuk-tuks for authentic city exploration, but embrace the chaos.
**Photography:** Tripods often forbidden, but use any flat surface. Light can be harsh due to smog - early morning and evening are best.
**Cultural Etiquette:** Always ask permission before photographing monks or locals. English students may approach you for practice - embrace these cultural exchanges!
Bangkok serves as the perfect chaotic introduction to Southeast Asia, where every sense is overwhelmed and every corner offers a new adventure.