What’s a bangkok trip without ever trying a tuk tuk ride?

Before going, I read about tuk tuk scams and all that so I am trying to avoid it my best. But the thing is, riding on a tuk tuk seems kinda thrilling especially in Bangkok traffic. Tuk tuk drivers are driving in fast and furious style too and they push the brake quite abruptly leaving you no choice but to maybe pray or laugh. That certainly left quite a bit of impression and some memories.

So far, I have tried Songthaew which is an open truck that works like a taxi. I don’t know if they have a fixed line or something but you can hop in one, pay around 10-20 Bath that could take you either to Seacon or some malls. You can press a button if you want to hop off. From what I see, Songthaew is also commonly used by locals to commute especially for short distance trips. During peak hours, people crowding the songthaew and they were even hanging on the lowest back of the truck. It definitely was a wild experience seeing that.

Sometimes I find that BTS and MRT can be quite a hassle and can get even more expensive than Grab. So, it really is a matter of knowing which one is more economical to go around and convenient too.

The other day, I went back to Icon Siam which apparently has one of the nicest Starbucks with a view of Chao Phraya River. Icon Siam also has a spot called Icon Siam Park where you can also view the river and even hop on a boat that will take you to the pier nearby Icon Siam. The inside itself is lined up with a mix of Thai and western culture where you can find food, fashion and even investment management in the same mall.

Maybe if you’re a billionaire, you can also purchase a Porsche in this spot, as they have the gallery inside the mall.

But since the mall is maze-like, I didn’t know where to go and just found the small Starbucks on the first floor to get my caffeine fix. Then, I walked through the Apple store and out to the park area where people take pictures and enjoy the afternoon breeze. The view was breathtaking and they played good music that accompanied my stroll. A random guy just shouted to his friends “ what an amazing view”. I mean, it was amazing. It was a mixture of the present, past and future. You can see how grand some things are but also some developing parts of the city.

As the boats casually moved along, I had some revelation about how all these went. I felt like it was an unreal experience that I got to be here and the place swayed me.

I started developing feelings for this place. It’s got everything I wanted within reach where I don’t seem like I have worries just to eat pork, beer and perhaps, finding some new places to see. I wonder if that was the novelty but I think that I can fit right here. I just have to learn some Thai and I’d pass on being one. After all, during the trip, they kept trying to speak Thai to me and all I could say was no, I am not Thai and I don’t speak Thai. What is even more amazing is the heat over here where it’s much more bearable than Jakarta. I can still wear my thick jacket just fine and I didn’t feel that burning sensation when I walk around. I guess, I can see myself coming back to this place at one point.

After that stroll, It was time to check out Khaosan Road, which is apparently dubbed as the backpackers’ haven. So, from IconSiam it was a matter of choice, between Grab, metered taxi or lined up Tuk Tuks. Well, what’s a Bangkok trip without a tuk tuk ride?

So, it’s time to experience the touristy things to do in Bangkok. From Icon Siam to Khao San Road, it was about 400 Bath that would be around $11 for a 6KM ride. For my brain, that’s not too expensive considering horse carriage in Indonesia would cost 9$ but only goes even less than 1KM. That’s why it was a win for me but maybe for some, it was too much.

Once in a lifetime experience

It was super fun being inside the tuk tuk ride. There were moments when I thought the tuktuk would flip around. It’s also crazy how it can go up to the flyover street and compete with sedans and cars that are way bigger than them. I had some moments when I was a bit jumpy because the tuk tuk driver just stopped abruptly. But I made it through and arrived at Khao San Road.

Is Khaosan Road Worth The Hype?

I have to say, Khaosan road isn’t for me. To me, it’s like a short road filled with go-go bars, pubs, and hostels that are similar to poppies lane in Bali or some dark alleys at Malioboro in Yogyakarta except Khao san is uniquely thailand and offers that “tourist” look of Thailand. I reached the place around 6 PM when the sellers were still trying to prepare their goods.

As soon as you get to the road, you can already spot some unique things like Alligator satay and some ladies trying to offer you to try the fried scorpion. They were walking around the road trying to offer you one but I certainly don’t eat those and won’t try those things.

In the middle of the Khaosan Road, there’s a place called Plantopia and ironically next to Mcdonalds. In this area, there are designated spots to smoke and also dispensaries selling various weed strains, edibles, and all-things weed at a tourist price. Perhaps if you’re into weed and since it’s decriminalised in the country that could be your go-to place to explore the weed city.

Strolling through Khaosan, there are pubs which either play loud music or a relatively louder music offering either Changs or Leo. I heard Chang is the local beer so that was my thing, I want to try Chang in Khaosan road.

There are also drinks from the bucket and the laughing gas offered but after a pint, I wasn’t in the mood for that.

I am not sure if things are more expensive around Khaosan but since I don’t think I’ve successfully lived like a local, I think they were a fair price for a tourist price. I had a pint of beer, fried rice, seafood and also the spring roll for 440 Bath which was a fair price considering eating out in Bali was even more expensive than that.

I think that everywhere you go, everything is adjustable. It all again depends on lifestyle and general goals but to me, considering everything, I was satisfied.

While I am in BKK, I’ve always compared it to Bali because I think BKK is slightly cheaper than Bali where going out to restaurants, shopping in some areas can feel like Australian and actual American prices. It’s the same in Jakarta as well which makes me think going out to BKK is actually cheaper than exploring in Indonesia where things can get significantly more expensive. For example, street food in Khao san costs 20 Bath/piece while back home it can cost 25-30 Bath. Though the differences in prices aren’t that significant, I think that 2000 baths in the city is enough for living costs excluding the rent.

As the night gets darker, the road becomes even more packed and I can’t fathom parents who bring their baby into the area. I guess you gotta introduce them early to nightlife, weed and beer life. I don’t think that road is family-friendly at all but considering it has everything from shopping “cheap” galore to weed and Mcdonalds, maybe it was senior and kid friendly after all. It just isn’t for me and maybe it’s worth the hype for some people. But yeah, one thing definitely that you should never even miss is the tuk tuk ride experience while in Bangkok. They might as well make Bangkok Tuk Tuk Fast and Furious movie.