Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of those cities that just makes me feel happy. The people are so gracious and hospitable, food is amazing, and the atmosphere has a contagious "buzz" that draws me in. My first time visiting Bangkok was back in 2010 and I have so many fun memories from the trip. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to spend two weeks exploring even more of Thailand's capital.

My hotel has a stunning mix of classic and modern design that made me feel right at home. It was also a perfect escape from the chaotic and lively streets. Sensory overload is a big part of Bangkok's appeal, but I don't think I would appreciate it as much if I couldn't escape to such a comfortable retreat each night. Perhaps I have been brainwashed in my current industry, but I really think it is important for travelers to splurge for a nice hotel so they can go to sleep with a sense of ease and wake up each morning feeling refreshed.



My retreat from the busy streets of Bangkok

When I look out over the city each morning at breakfast, the skyline appears just like any other modern metropolis. Buildings and construction cranes fill the landscape around the hotel, while Western businessmen fill the lounge. Walking through the streets is the only way to notice just how quickly Bangkok must have engulfed the local people in its rapid development.  The remnants of a simpler day exist on almost every sidewalk, as street vendors sell low-cost food and clothing items to those who can't afford the luxury that now surrounds them. Bangkok truly has something for everyone.



View of the city from the hotel's executive lounge

The staff is always so proud to share their local foods with me and Bangkok is one place where I enthusiastically accept anything that appears on my plate. Thai food is so rich in variety and I was eager to try it all.  Knowing this, the staff treated me with a feast of options at every meal. I enjoyed every single thing that I tried, which is very rare for such an otherwise picky eater. Of course I don't remember the names of anything because they were always ordered (in Thai) on my behalf. The staff even brought in some homemade food for me to try throughout my two week stay. The delicate mix of flavors and the fresh ingredients make me think that I would double in size if I lived in Bangkok.

On Friday night, a few of us visited Asiatique. which is an entertainment complex that was formerly a factory district. I loved the fun atmosphere and it actually reminded me of Downtown Disney. Throughout the week, I kept telling people that I love spicy food, so they really tested my limit by ordering some of the most spicy things they could find on the menu. After only a few minutes, I was pouring sweat in the middle of the restaurant, while my local colleagues looked like they were eating a bowl of ice cream. I learned quickly that my tolerance to spice is measured to an entirely different standard.  


View of the riverfront from Asiatique



One of the entrances to Asiatique

I couldn't resist riding back to the hotel in a tuk tuk because they are always more fun than traditional taxis. In Bangkok, the polished chrome bars are perfect for reflecting the colorful lights that shine from these noisy, polluting vehicles. My colleagues said that locals never ride in tuk tuks (other than students), and their statement was proven true many times as we approached the hotel.



Riding back to the hotel and looking like tourists

My fascination with Thai culture extends to religion; particularly all the beautiful shrines that are seen throughout the city. There is no official state religion in the Thai constitution, but over 90% of the population is Buddhist and almost every home or building has its own "spirit house" displayed in a very auspicious location to bring good luck. It is not hard to see the many spirit houses in front of each building but I had to keep my eyes open because there were also several beautiful shrines hidden between modern skyscrapers. Here, the Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan sits undisturbed between two shopping malls and I would have never noticed it if I didn't look above the barrier walls that separate it from the street.


Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan (Buddhist Shrine)

 

This is what the inside looks like

The Erawan shrine at my hotel is the most widely visited in the entire city. Seated within the shrine is the 4-faced Brahma God and it is constantly surrounded by visitors that offer gifts and prayers. If you don't have a gift to offer, it's no problem because there are countless street vendors nearby selling everything from flowers to fruit. Tourists are also treated to women that sing and dance, wearing some elaborate outfits and dangerous headgear!



Erawan Shrine, as viewed from the pedestrian walkway above the street



This headgear would be considered a weapon in most countries!

Nightlife and shopping are probably the biggest attractions in Bangkok and they are actually somewhat intertwined. Many of the street markets don't even open up until after dark, and they sell everything imaginable (and even some things that you wouldn't imagine). I always thought that bargaining is part of the whole experience, but I found that most vendors these days offer a fixed price to avoid the haggling (which I much prefer). Although the street markets are fun, a lot of the items for sale are very low quality. Nightlife, on the other hand, is amazing from any perspective, and you can enjoy any type of bar without judgment. Dive bars, ladyboy shows, karaoke rooms, and luxury rooftop lounges are all part of the landscape, and the prices are generally much lower than other big cities.



Heineken Bar in front of Central World



Drinks with colleagues from Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia

Anyone looking for luxury shopping has plenty of options in Bangkok, and the malls are on par with any other major city. Siam Paragon mall has everything from Dior to Burberry, where bags sell for higher than an average working class annual salary. Walking through the mall felt like being back in America. Even the food court was full of American classics such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Cinnabon, and even Garrett's Popcorn.

People with more avant-garde taste in clothing can also find plenty of options in Siam Center mall. If I hadn't just ordered two custom suits for myself earlier in the week, I may have been enticed to splurge for some truly unique clothing. Instead, I just amused myself by window shopping at the widest range of stores I have ever seen - including some that sell eyebrows (which they call "eye wigs"). Who ever heard of such a thing?  Only in Asia...



Trendy shop in Siam Center Mall



Browhaus...for your eyebrow needs!



Even people without eyebrows can look beautiful here!

I can't really decide exactly what it is about Bangkok that draws me in. I have been to many places with nice people, good food, and fun nightlife, but Bangkok elevates each of these experiences to the next level in my mind. Elements of Thai culture are apparent to anyone who takes the time too look, but the city also has plenty of modern conveniences that appeal to those who are less willing to branch out of their comfort zone.

More fun in the Philippines?

Anyone visiting the Philippines has probably seen their marketing slogan...

...and over the past two weeks, the people of Manila showed me that, yes, it really is more fun in the Philippines. 

Every time I stepped outside the hotel, I was surrounded by a flurry of activity.  Street vendors were selling everything from bootleg DVD's to knockoff Samsung phones.  I was approached multiple times by ladyboys.  Whenever I passed a bar, someone was already waiting out front to solicit my business.  Some places even had "sexy" women out front, enticing people to go inside what I can only assume were strip clubs.  

The advertising for fun wasn't always so obvious.  A few times, I noticed locals who would simply outline their hands in the shape of a woman and nod at me with an obvious proposition.  There were also some low-key entrepreneurs who were just laying on the grass near the waterfront, next to a blanket and a sign offering massages.  I assume that I would just have to wake them up if I wanted their services.  

To be honest, you only need to walk around the streets for five minutes to confirm that people in the Philippines know how to have fun without any pretentiousness.  

My hotel has a casino that was full almost every night of the week.  For those who can't afford the high stakes, I noticed people placing bets on the side of the road and watching the results on an old TV screen: 

Gambling doesn't get much easier than this

During my first weekend in Manila, I attempted to visit Intramuros (the historic walled part of the city dating back to the 1800's, when Spain colonized the country).  However, before I could reach there, I was enticed by the Shell Eco-Marathon.  This event existed primarily as the showcase for a global student competition to build energy efficient cars, but they also had huge tents set up with games and interactive exhibits. 

One of the energy efficient cars "speeds" past

I didn't wait in line to drive one of the cars, but I did join a fun game that basically involved running in a giant hamster ball.  I expected to win my heat but it turns out that marathon experience does nothing to improve hamster ball performance!  

Hamster ball competition at Shell Eco Marathon in Manila

Once I finally had my fill of the Eco Marathon, I ventured over to Intramuros for some history.  As I walked through the gates, I was approached by several people offering to give me a tour in a "side car" (they pedal on a bike while the passengers sit in a side car like a clown at the circus).  Leave it to the Philippines to make even the mundane historical tours more zany. 

Walking past local people, I definitely heard some Spanish conversations (not Tagalog but actual Spanish).  The streets were full of kids playing - not surprising since the accommodations were minuscule.  For the first time since arriving in Manila, it was evident that the city really does have a high population density. 

Homes and shops in Intramuros area of Manila

Kids playing on the streets in Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros also has a couple historic churches on the UNESCO world heritage list although one is under repair so I couldn't go inside.  Despite the lack of "attractions", I was definitely feeling the Hispanic flair of the tiny district. 

One of the gates to enter Intermuros

Nightlife is one of the highlights in Manila, but the shopping also deserves mention.  Manila is home to some of the largest malls in the world, and I had to see what they were all about.  The first thing I noticed was the massive crowds of people (It is reported that Mall of Asia sees 200,000 visitors every day).  Also, it seemed like the majority of outlets in the malls are restaurants, which is much different than in the United States.  Another thing I found amusing was all the global brands that carry clothing with an "Asian Fit".  (How do Asian clothes fit??) 

"Asian fit" shirt at Zara in Mall of Asia

On my last night in Manila, the team took me out to the Seafood Market for quite the memorable meal.  This place is really fun because you can purchase fresh seafood from vendors and then walk it across the street for the restaurants to cook.  When I say "fresh", I mean that the fish are still swimming in tanks.  

Having some fun in between sales

Negotiating the price of dinner

I was amazed by some of the fish for sale.  From translucent prawns to some of the biggest lobsters I have ever seen in my life, it was like paradise for any seafood lover.  Perhaps the ugliest fish in the tanks is called a "stone fish" and they basically just hop around on the bottom of the tanks.  I wanted to buy one as a pet, just so I could laugh at it all day, but it unfortunately won't fit in my suitcase.  

Stone Fish at the Manila Seafood Market

Some of the biggest lobsters I have ever seen

The final purchases were made without me so that the team could negotiate a better price.  I don't usually care much about food, but I was genuinely excited to see what would come out of the kitchen. We rented a private room with a karaoke system, which provided yet another layer of entertainment while we waited for the seafood to be prepared.  Asian people take their karaoke seriously and Filipinos are no exception.  If their day jobs don't work out, I know about 8 people who would make great lounge singers!   

All in all, it was such a fun night.  I really appreciated the team coming out to celebrate the end of the project and it was nice to just relax and have fun without even thinking or talking about work.  

The group at dinner

Leaving Manila, I already can't wait for a return visit.  If anyone is considering a trip to Asia, I would recommend the Philippines without hesitation...but only for those who like to have more fun.