Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.
Preparation
Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and polluted but it's also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not make it a longer stay?
Where to stay
The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It's not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.
How to get around
Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.
Where to eat
The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world, and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.
What to do
After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the snake farm and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if you want to!
I' ve visited Thailand two time. I had a good memories. The street food is delicious, there are many many big shopping center in downtown where we can buy everthing. But the traffic is not good.
If I have a chance I wiil visit Thailand because the scence is beautiful and Thai people are very freindly and helpful.
Would you like to visit Bangkok? Why or why not?
Since I love to experience new locations and sites, I really like to visit Bangkok . I think I will encounter completely new amazing culture.
I'd like to visit Bangkok and do some shopping in street markets. Though it says there is a huge traffic, the alternatives sound interesting. I'd be happy to travel in skytrain or boat taxi which would definitely a new experience to me.
The sounds good.I would like to visit.It`s intersting city.
Absolutely not!! I don't think I would like this sort of city where the traffic jam everywhere and I have to waste my time waiting. I have heard some reviews about it they praised it, but I'm still not convinced, maybe because I prefer fancy cities.
I got to know more about Bangkok, the places to visit and have a good experience visiting the place
I have ever been to Thailand 2 times. There are have a lot of interesting things like friendly peoples, good food and specticular scenery,... I once tried water sports games in Coral Island in Pattaya, I remember friendly staff there. When you visit Bangkok, let's try fruit juice and mango sticky rice - it's so wonderful taste. If I have a chance I will come back Thai and to visit the Chiang Mai's weather
Definitely yes! I want to eat Thai food and see how people live there. I really like asian culture - chinese, thai, korean, japanese. But despite this I wouldn`t stay in Bangkok and in general in Thailand for a long time, I don`t like noise and crowds. And if I choose an asian country for life, it will be South Korea.
I think I would have problems with the noise, I prefer to visit quieter places.
If I have the opportunity, I would like to visit Bangkok to explore the culture there and try to understand the way of life in that place, although it looks a very different way of life than mine, I think it would be Interesting to stay there for a few days and explore their traditions.
Thanks for the episode.
Great site!!