Bangkok: Girls, don't take it slow, take it solo!
 |
| Going solo! |
I got married in early February and quit my current job a month later to move to a new and completely different job. My life was all about transitions. Overwhelming transitions. Life changing moments that was happy, sad and everything in between. I had applied for Thailand visa a couple of weeks back and I got it but initially had no plans to go. In the beginning of March, things got too much to bear. Nothing happened in particular but everything was confusing and I needed to get away from everything. EVERYTHING. In an impulse, I took the decision of a solo trip to Bangkok. Budget was tight right after the wedding so it had to be a budget trip. Tickets were reserved, hotel rooms booked and I was ready with just a backpack with 4 sets of clothes and thunder in my heart.
This is to all the ladies out there. Its never too late or early to travel. Go take that trip you have always craved for to a country you are comfortable. I chose Bangkok because I felt it was safe for me to walk alone in the streets wearing any type of clothes.
I limited my travel budget to BDT 60,000 but I spent a total of BDT 70,000. I am sharing the details of the entire trip so that you can take tips and plan your solo trip accordingly.
Duration: 4 days 3 nights
Total Cost of trip: BDT 70,000/-
Includes:
Return air tickets (Regent Airways)
3 Night Accommodation with breakfast (Hotel Manhattan, near Asok BTS)
Eating out at various restaurants and cafes of Bangkok (mid range and high range)
Transportation and shopping!
The first adventure I took was taking the BTS to my hotel destinatation rather than a regular taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems connect the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city, while river taxis and express boats can be used to explore many historic sites and attractions at the riverside. Taxis are cheap and appear on virtually every corner at almost any time. Tuk-tuks, once a big Bangkok attraction, are slowly disappearing in favour of more comfortable transport, but are still worth a ride at least once.
The Skytrain gives you amazing views of the urban Bangkok with skyscrapers, temple tops and lush green parks in the middle of the concrete jungle. It also gives you the chance to look around and observe the locals of Bangkok- the funk, the swag and the rush to head to work.
The first adventure I took was taking the BTS to my hotel destinatation rather than a regular taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) rail systems connect the main shopping, entertainment and business areas of the city, while river taxis and express boats can be used to explore many historic sites and attractions at the riverside. Taxis are cheap and appear on virtually every corner at almost any time. Tuk-tuks, once a big Bangkok attraction, are slowly disappearing in favour of more comfortable transport, but are still worth a ride at least once.
The Skytrain gives you amazing views of the urban Bangkok with skyscrapers, temple tops and lush green parks in the middle of the concrete jungle. It also gives you the chance to look around and observe the locals of Bangkok- the funk, the swag and the rush to head to work.
I split my time of 3 days into visiting places where usually Bangladeshis do not go to. We tend to stick around the Sukhumvhit, Nana and Asok BTS stations. These places are great for shopping and night life and I made sure my hotel was around these places. But I chose to visit places out of someone's regular Bangkok tour.
Cafe hopping was my first priority and these are the cafes I checked out without any regrets!
- Chu Chocolate Cafe (Exchange Tower)
- The Bookshop Cafe
- The Irish Pub
- Be My Guest
- 24 Owls
 |
| The Commons |
Two other amazing places that I visited was the Auto Vintage where a personal collector displays an array of his vintage cars- Mercs, BMW, Cadillac, Mustang. You name it, you got it! It is also a 20 mins drive from On Nut BTS. Another place you would love to visit if you are an Arsenal Team fan is the Arsenal Soccer School. The people are amazingly friendly there and you can watch the kids play!
My favourite shopping spots? Central! Any branch of Central Plaza/World has amazing collection of rare things. They are not as cheap as MBK or Fortune World but definitely worth the money. Electronics is quite reasonable there as I bought my GoPro for THB 7900 (BDT 20,000 approx) from there.
Also, check out the night market- Ratachad Train Market behind Esplanade Square! Amazing place for vintage buys and street food and drinks. A more posh type of market and getaway along the river is the Asiatique Waterfront where you have rides for the kids and amazing shops! I bought cool watches, phone covers and an Ukelele from there. To go to Asiatique Waterfront, get off at Saphan Taksin BTS and follow the directions to the bay!
I managed to visit almost 20 places in 3 days and I skipped the temples as I am not much into religious history. But don't miss out on them on a solo trip.
My appetite intake was limited to McDonalds and A&W but I did try the Irish Pub and Hooters but I am not big on risky food and it was easy on my wallet too. But I suggest you explore 7/11 and their goodies. I love their microwave goodies and Breezers and local packed snacks!
Last advice, stay hydrated and let people back home know your whereabouts at least every two hours!
Cheers, ladies!
PS: I also took a walk along Cowboy Soi- the red light district of Bangkok. No one harasses you or bothers you if you look like a tourist. In fact, I had a chat with a female stripper and bought her a beer! :D
