B is for Bangkok
We visited Bangkok as part of a tour of South East Asia in 2002. Although there are many beautiful temples to visit, it’s not a city I particularly liked or wish to return to: dirty, polluted and busy. Things improved when we discovered the best way of travelling was to avoid the streets altogether. A Sky Train stopped outside our hotel, we took that to the river and then used the water taxis. I don’t remember now where any of these photos were taken or what the pink elephants signified, but I do remember going to see the Lady Boys…
Temple
Temple statues
Temple statue
Buddha
Pink elephants
Curious cat
River taxi stop
Boat detail
Dancer
Lady Boys
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
Hah! Too funny. I have to say, capital cities are really never my favorite parts of a country!
LikeLike
Chang Mai is on my bucket list, and I am pretty sure that will include a stop in Bangkok. It will be one city I keep a very close eye on my teenage girls.
LikeLike
Yes, I recommend care at all times!
LikeLike
To me, Bangkok looks older than time. The wats and the temples there suggest civilizations that are ancient unto corruption. I did have to laugh about your “ladyboys” comment. That looks to me like Key West on any given night! Mary, aka Viola Fury @ViolaFury in Twitter, http://www.homelesschroniclesintampa.blogspot.com
LikeLike
Hmm – Key West sounds interesting!
LikeLike
Firstly I love how you have adopted a similar mosaic style on your photo galleries, that is exactly the approach we have taken on our series of Photo Galleries – kudos to you on that one, our readers really seem to like it!
Bangkok is a location that intrigues me…period! Over the last 18 months my overall perception and opinion on Asia in general has changed purely because I have read several posts such as this one that are really appealing and make me want to explore further.
LikeLike
I like the mosaic style because it gives a good overview and readers can click to enlarge if they want to look further. The best of both worlds!
There’ll be more to come on Asia in my A to Z.
LikeLike
I really can’t wait to be in Bangkok – November 4th!! Great choice for ‘B’ even if I am a little biased about it 🙂
LikeLike
Really well written and concise – in just one paragraph you got me interested in visiting Bangkok. Great “B”, see you tomorrow!
LikeLike
Oh well, there’s one person I haven’t put off! I tried to comment on your Butchart Gardens post earlier, but I don’t think it worked. I’m relying on mobile and dodgy wifi at the moment and it’s very picky about what it will do. We went to Butchart 20 years ago and loved it. Must go back! But then, I say that everywhere I go.
LikeLike
I always thought Bangkok sounded like such an exotic city. It’s a shame about the pollution and dirt. The sky train sounds like fun!
LikeLike
It IS exotic – and we enjoyed it once we learned how to handle it. Worth seeing once – the temples are amazing.
LikeLike
My friend just spent his 3rd winter in Thailand but he also does not like Bangkok although he was there for New years this year right in the thick of things which I think was too scary. I would love to visit this country though as I heard it is beautiful and the people are lovely. The “girls” are amazing and look better than actual girls
LikeLike
They do look good on the stage – but they line up at the exit at the end, and let’s just say the illusion is not maintained!
LikeLike
Your memories of Bangkok are very similar to my own. It is not one of my favourite cities either for the same reasons. The lady boys and the scene along Patpong Road was definitely an eye opener and an education for this young traveller many years ago!
LikeLike
Yes, we passed through Patpong briefly during the day but steered clear at night. Best thing to do I feel!
LikeLike