Exploring BANGKOK in 2024 - History, Sights and Scams!
Hi everyone! This is the start of a new series in which I explore some parts of Thailand. In this video, I am in Bangkok, the capital.
The vlog starts with me walking around the Grand Palace area in Rattanakosin. I talk briefly about the history of Bangkok, which can be traced back to the beginning of the 15th century under the Ayutthaya Kingdom. I then explain how King Taksin and King Rama shaped the history of Bangkok by placing their capitals on certain sides of the Chao Phraya river.
I then decide to hydrate myself in the warm, humid weather and buy a refreshment from a local seller. I continue to walk around the Rattanakosin area and talk about the various transport options in the city ranging from taxis, buses, tuk-tuks, the BTS Skytrain and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (or MRT).
Next I look for anyone who might resemble a tuk-tuk scout and approach a smartly dressed man. (Note 1 - this man approached me earlier when I was strolling in the area and before I started filming this vlog. I declined his services then but told him I might be back. Note 2 - I've taken a similar tuk-tuk ride when I visited Bangkok in 2011 and know how they tend to operate). After a brief conversation, he introduces me to a driver and outlines a plan for the journey at an agreed price of 100 Baht, with various stops included as part of the itinerary. I ask him "no suit shop or jewellery shop", but it looks like he includes it anyways, stating I don't have to buy anything.
I set off in the tuk-tuk with the driver, but after a brief ride, he suddenly returns to the same spot we departed from! Apparently he needs to do a different job, which I'm not sure I buy. I am then allocated a new driver who I instinctively feel less of a connection with. I try to fist bump him, which he doesn't reciprocate, and he also do not tell me his name at first. I try to build some rapport with him during the journey and even gave him my card.
We arrive at our first stop, a temple somewhere in Bangkok. I recognise this as a place I visited on my 2011 trip, but can't remember if this was free to enter. I ask the driver if it is free, to which he replied "free". The way he responds sounded to me like he asked a question, so I said "yes" in response. He then says "free" and I ask if I need a ticket, as some free museums often require some paperwork to enter. He then responds with an aggressive "free". This raises a red flag with me. I then ask how much time we have at the temple, to which he replied "two minutes". Another red flag, but perhaps there were just communication issues.
I approach the temple where I spot another man or guide, who tells me that I cannot take video inside the temple. Right. I decide there and then that the tuk-tuk journey is not going to work for me if I cannot film. I turn my camera off at this point.
Off camera conversation: The guide asks me if I already bought a suit, to which I replied yes (I haven't, but figured a 'yes' was the only right answer for me here). He then communicates with the driver in Thai - the latter immediately wanted to renegotiate the price of our journey. I tell him I was unhappy about the filming situation (after all, I am a vlogger) and, knowing that the next stop would likely be the suit shop, that I am not going to buy a suit (after all, I asked the scout not to include this shop as part of the itinerary). My instinct, based on my interactions with the driver to date, tells me not to renegotiate the price for further sights sans the suit shop.
Camera back on: The driver decides we should go back to the departure point and he ultimately refuses my payment offer.
This tuk-tuk arrangement, where someone lures tourists to undertake a massively reduced journey to some random sights and some fashion outlets, is common in Bangkok. I was comfortable to chance this journey as I've done it before (suit shop included), but I would not recommend this to anyone.
Anyways, after the tuk-tuk adventure, I walk along the Chao Phraya river further and give more information about the city and its history. I also decide to sample some local fruit, explain the meaning of the colours on the Thailand flag, and interact with locals whilst walking towards Sanam Chai metro station.
I decide to take the metro to Chatuchak Market (cost 43 Baht), the largest market in all of Thailand. Here I browse through a plethora of stands, highlight various prices and sample a notorious sweet...
After visiting the market, I head back to my hotel. En route I see a spirit houses and give some information about it, especially on the significance of red soft drinks. I then arrive in the Nana area and end the vlog with a tour of my hotel room.
I hope this video gives you a good introduction to Bangkok and that it informs you about the history, the transport options especially the tuk-tuk rides, and the prices in some of the areas.
Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a COMMENT!
Happy exploring!
Willie
Пікірлер: 41
Thailand a great country..wonderful country. Greetings from Argentina my friend 😀🙋🏽♂️
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Hi, thanks for watching! Appreciate the engagement!
what a contrast of country from your previous video
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Indeed! But change is as good as a holiday, they say ;) Thanks for watching!
Very interesting Willie! I'm not sure I would be able to travel to a country where I can't speak the language. Your description of the situation being "intimidating" is apt. Great video!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and engaging, Jasper! As for the language, I always say that you can use your lack of familiarity to your advantage - perhaps a different take on things! But it can be a daunting experience, for sure. Cheers for the support!
Willie!! I don't know why I stopped getting notifications of your vlogs, but the last time I saw one, you were in South Africa! It seems I've got some catching up to do. 😊 I was in Bangkok myself in October. It was only a short trip, and I was only there for a few days as I split my time between there and Luang Prabang in Laos. If I'm honest, Bangkok was too busy, hot and humid for me, although I'm glad to be able to say that at least I've been! I'm interested to hear your take on it. If you get the time, do consider spending some time in Luang Prabang, it's a wonderful town and only an hour's flight from Bangkok. Plus you get to add another country to the list!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Nice to hear from you Andy! Haha no worries, that happens when you subscribe to others and the algorithm seemingly favours videos from the latest ones you subscribed to. Cheers for the Laos tip - I went there in 2011 but unfortunately won't have time for other countries in the region on this particular trip. Bangkok certainly a very interesting place! Watch this space for more videos. Hope all is well on your side!
@andybaker2456
5 ай бұрын
@@willieexplore All good here thanks mate. I'm heading to Morocco in the morning for a relaxing few days, which will be a good opportunity to catch up on all your videos that I missed...assuming there's decent WiFi in the oasis I'll be staying at! 😉
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
@@andybaker2456 that's excellent mate, hope you have a great time and make some memories!
Head over to the other side of the river Willie it's fantastic and no irritating people!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Cheers for the tip my friend. Wonderful to see your channel going from strength to strength!
From Helsinki to Bangkok. That's quite a change in scenery and temperature.
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
That is for sure! Cheers for watching and commenting!
Hey Willie , What a complete change of scenery my friend from snowy northern baltics to warm and sunny Thailand, what an awesome place it definitely is on my travel bucket list they don't call it the city that never sleeps for no reason just like New York, by the way that Tuk Tuk dispatcher looked familiar the guy with the purple shirt i think I've seen him on (SCAM CITY BANGKOK ) they take the tourists to some shady jewellery shops then the drivers get paid by the store owners lot's and lot's of shady business going on there behind the scenes you gonna watch out for scammers , you've got a great deal on that hotel room considering the fact that it's currently high season in thailand that's a steal of a deal , the hustle and bustle of bangkok is insane there is so much going on but man it's a cool place . My friend i applaud you for your patience with that grumpy Tuk Tuk driver you were so nice to him I would have told him to F OFF and would have walked away , I heard that durian fruit smells like rotten eggs so I'm sure that candy was horrible 😂 Finally I give you an 8 on 10 for your effort on reading Thai .😂👍 Keep up the good work and stay safe brother 🙂👊
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Thanks my friend! Yes definitely a weather change from the Baltics and Finland! I've taken a similar tuk-tuk ride in 2011 where I actually did stop at the suit and jewellery shops, but never paid anything. It did feel a little bit strange to me back then and I can see it is still a popular way to lure tourists into taking a cheap tuk-tuk ride. As you say, I suspect they get some commission too from any fashion or jewellery sales, in addition to perhaps some petrol or gasoline tokens. I was trying to be as patient as I could be. Haha and thanks for rating my pronunication! Hope you enjoy the rest of the upcoming series too my brother, stay safe yourself!
Hi Willie, very interesting city , don't know that I would go there but still great to see it with you while sitting at my computer at home, lol. Very nice room with everything you would need. Amazing Bangkok thank you for the walk around the city and the amazing markets: Kiwi from Virginia
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Thanks Swanoaks! Definitely not the easiest city to explore on foot, especially not when it's humid! Much easier to explore virtually on the computer yes haha! Always a pleasure, I was very pleased with my hotel room. The markets were great!
Willie ek is mal oor Bangkok dit is n super intressante plek! Ek was daar twee keer! Groete en geniet Thailand!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Self my tweede keer hier, Tosca! Groete daar en weereens dankie vir die ondersteuning!
@toscabrutus1781
5 ай бұрын
Willie die Tuk Tuk scam herinner my aan Bali waar die locals baie aggressief is en probeer Jou bangmaak!! Groete@@willieexplore
Bit risky but good video especially tips on what expect from when doing certain things good examples of Asian products places that are scary and scammed are you considering indonesia or Philippines on your travels ? Willie big thanks again for your wonderful time on these videos useful where you are visiting places and viewing so us can share to watch and hint some ideals what to get one others are planning to travel to thanks again for showing this very interesting opportunity !
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Hi Simon! Absolutely need to be careful of scams in Bangkok. But I am a bit more streetsmart than what they thought. No Indonesia or Philippines on this particular trip but they are on the list :) Cheers as always for the support!
Woww this is just Great , as all your videos!! 👍 There is a strong possibility that I’m going to Thailand next year, so I appreciate this series , Spot On Sir! 🤣🍺🍺 I also watched the video you did with Matt , at his vlog at the SA restaurant in Brighton, I will have to give it a visit for Sure! I was in Durban last month, eating the same thing!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Oh hi again! Glad to see you enjoyed the collab video with Matt, I think he liked the bunny chow! Definitely a unique dish and glad to hear you tried it too :) Hopefully my Thailand videos will be useful for you as you plan your trip there!
@travel_and_explore_with_BIP
5 ай бұрын
@@willieexploreRegarding sun tan, yes you are on to something! I know that it’s the same thing in the Caribbeans, the “light skins” mixed raced are seen as “nicer” or better, so they don’t want to go in the sun to get darker!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
@@travel_and_explore_with_BIP interesting, never thought that might be something in the Caribbean too!
Great video brother.. I really enjoyed it looking to your next vlog
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Thank you very much! I appreciate your support and encouragement!
Hi Willie, Thailand is not a country I would ever visit for various reasons but your vlogs may give me a different perspective! Very nice hotel room though and cheap too. I am glad that driver didn't take your money, he didnt deserve it. Definitely underestimated you. The man in charge gets points for matching his umbrella to his shirt, however 😉
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Hi Sheila! I totally get you re reasons for not visiting; it isn't everyone's cup of tea. My aim is to vlog around all the unsavory or seedy elements and show the side you don't always see. Unfortunately these tuk-tuk arrangements are far too common in the city and I'm actually amazed that they allowed me to film (although I guess they figured later on the filming was going to be a problem). The man in charge definitely had some fashion sense and matching colours!
Another great video!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Wow SuperWillie I'm surprised by how surly and aggressive that tuk tuk driver was, when I was in Thailand it lived up to its name as the Land of Smiles, not so much with that fella! Although I actually skipped Bangkok. In the UK you can get on the spot fines for littering and especially flicking cigarette butts but it's rarely enforced. Some absolute bargains in that market eh! Hotel's a decent price and a lovely room. Condoms in the minibar 🙈 Great video mate!
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Cheers Matt, I have to say that I was also surprised by his attitude, but in some ways I am also amazed that they all allowed me to film so freely prior to arriving at the one temple. Having already been there in 2011 helped a great deal. I actually didn't know about the UK fines for littering, so thanks for clarifying! Good old condoms for sale in my very room mate, what can I say!
nice video ... though Bangkok is full of hidden gems and secret places... ... the lady next to the one who was selling u mango was telling u ..that she doesn't have a BF haha ...
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
Hello my friend! Thanks for the support and the comment. Definitely a lot of hidden gems. Haha oh right that's what she said! :)
@osamaark6206
5 ай бұрын
yeah yeah ...ur most welcome...@@willieexplore
One mistake there as he telling not colonized by any country, I think that's not correct.
@willieexplore
5 ай бұрын
If you press Enter on the Google machine you will see the internet agrees with me, not with you