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When I was studying in Hong Kong for my exchange year, Thailand was the number one country destination for study abroad students. I could see why; it was an affordable, close, and very tourist-friendly destination.So, in classic Maryam fashion, five days before my flight, oh, which I booked two days before my trip, I started planning my itinerary. Thankfully, my friend, whom I was meeting for half of the trip, sorted out all our activities; however, I was left to do the rest myself.
My research started on Google, looking up “Ten-day Thailand Itinerary”, and then I followed up with a TikTok search, where I found similarities within these “to-do lists”.
“Bangkok is skippable”
“Spend like 1- 2 days in Bangkok if you have to”
“There’s nothing to do in Bangkok”
“Don’t waste your time in Bangkok”
The overwhelming belief was that Bangkok didn’t have anything to offer and was not worth spending much time on a short trip. Listen, I’m not the itinerary police, travel how you want, do the things you want; it’s literally your holiday. However, after visiting Bangkok and staying for as long as I did, I’m glad I didn’t listen to this sentiment and forged my own path.
My Bangkok experience
If you told me when I started my year abroad that I would stay in Bangkok for nearly eight weeks, I would’ve looked at you with a confused expression. My December trip to Thailand gave me four days in Phuket, two days in Krabi and three days in Bangkok. Those three days didn’t go the way I wanted them, that wasn’t Bangkok’s fault, but rather my chaotic group project deadline that followed me on every step I took through the bustling streets. But still, in these three days of solo travel, I met some really cool people, reconnected with my uncle and glimpse of what this city had to offer.
On my final day, I took the risk to try to wake up at 7 am and quickly head to a clothing market to do a little bit of thrifting before my 12 pm flight. I know for most responsible human beings, the alarm bells are ringing, as this sounds like a very unfeasible idea. Well, you would be correct, and after not waking up on time and underestimating how long it would take to sort myself out, I missed my check-in by three minutes and my chance to thrift in Bangkok. Although this was very unfortunate, I was blessed with the opportunity to complete my trip to Bangkok by staying with my uncle after my Hong Kong tenancy ended. What was initially going to be a couple of weeks ended up being nearly two months in Bangkok, and with it came more than I could have imagined.
Your Bangkok Experience?
Zooming through Chinatown
First and foremost, your opinion on whether Bangkok is worth the stop will depend on the type of traveller you are and the type of trips you like to take.
I’m a city girl and have always been. London, to be exact!
I love the fast pace, and I’m very used to the chaos, which I somehow can still find peace within.
However, I can understand that for some, that isn’t what they want from a holiday. Especially coming to Thailand, the top destination to find yourself and “inner peace”. However, I can understand that for some, that isn’t what they want from a holiday. Especially coming to Thailand, the top destination to find yourself and “inner peace”.
What really drew me to Bangkok over the many cities I visited was its quality clothing selection at such a great price. I convinced myself I would be saving money while being in Bangkok because the cost of living is cheaper; however, I forgot to add the cost of my shopping addiction. When I say I shop, I shop, specifically second-hand clothing, which Bangkok has in abundance. And it isn’t just the second-hand markets, but pretty much all of the malls have cool things to offer and put those in London to shame.
Most malls I visited, big or small, had many floors of clothing stalls, which meant leaving Bangkok with baggage under 23kg was virtually impossible. Bangkok gave me one of my favourite jeans for 50 Bhat, which I know for a fact in London would cost me at least £40. My heart is still with the random stall I stumbled across at Siam centre, which sold the cutest skirts for 100 Bhat (I left spending 2,000 Bhat).
Not only did I fill up my wardrobe, but I also made sure to get gifts for my friends, which weren’t just key rings, but a cool selection of bags, jackets, jewellery, tops, bottoms and electronics. And when I needed a break from filling up my shopping cart, there was always a lovely food court with a wide selection of cuisine waiting for me. So, see, it doesn’t sound like a bad day at all, leaving with memories and a cute new wardrobe
Not only did I fill up my wardrobe, but I also made sure to get gifts for my friends, which weren’t just key rings, but a cool selection of bags, jackets, jewellery, tops, bottoms and electronics. And when I needed a break from filling up my shopping cart, there was always a lovely food court with a wide selection of cuisine waiting for me. So, see, it doesn’t sound like a bad day at all, leaving with memories and a cute new wardrobe.
