The City That Never Sleeps

We all know that New York City has been dubbed the city that never sleeps. However there is one city in the world that really deserves this title. For anyone that has ever step foot and spend a few nights in Bangkok Thailand they would probably not disagree with that statement. There’s a reason why the movie Hangover 2 took place in Bangkok. The city has a little bit of everything to tempt you into having late nights or all day sightseeing experiences.

With over 10 million people living in this city and Bangkok being the most popular destination city visited by tourist around the world. This city has chaotic, hectic and bustling written all over it. However it also has tranquility, beauty, culture and traditions that sparkle through. It’s hard to describe this city in comparison to other cities around the world. I’ve had the luxury of doing lots of traveling and have seen and spent many nights in other large cities around the world like New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and Mumbai to name a few. This city takes on a whole different level of intensity, energy and craziness. This is a city that you need to make sure you have your wits. Like all cities around the world there are areas, places and situations that you need to make sure you don’t put yourself in. Bangkok is no different in that if you’re looking for trouble it will find you but it seems to find you much easier here. I’m sure it has lots to do with the Thai buckets that seem to be so easily consumed.

Let’s start with all the wonderful activities that are possible in Bangkok during the days. There are many ways of getting around in the city which are much more scenic and encouraged then taking any type of cab or tuk tuk. During the day and especially at rush hour this city has chronic and crippling traffic! One of the best ways to get around is by water taxi(buses) which serve commuters every day. Most times this is a great picture opportunity with monks in their orange clothed robes but also because of all the sights, sounds and things going on at each stop along the way. Another way of getting around the city is by the skytrain which flies by you overhead.

Temples should be on your list of must see and do’s. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is a spectacular monument that soars 70 meters high and is probably the most recognized and photographed temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is the reclining Buddha temple that many people go and see. Others include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Golden Buddha and the Grand Palace. A newer attraction is Escape Hunt a theme park set 100 years ago in central Bangkok. Hitting up the local markets in Chinatown as well the floating market will keep you entertained the entire day. Another place to stroll around and do some shopping during the day is Khao San Road. This place is also the hot spot at night for dinner, drinks and a little partying. Street food and vendors line the streets where you can get a fantastic meal including a beer for under $5 dollars. Street performers, live music and a whole lotta people watching makes this a lively fun place to be. The nightlife in Bangkok is epic. From Khao San Road to Patpong where you can see live sex shows, lady boys and lots of others crazy things. Patpong is the red light district area which is also the heart of the Bangkok sex industry. I do recommend checking this place out just for the shear shock value and laughter! It can be lots of fun. If partying isn’t your thing then you might want to check out a few live shows, theatre of perhaps a Thai boxing (Muay Thai) match. This great combat fighting style martial art involves lots of skill and is a very entertaining sport to watch especially here in Bangkok with the locals.

Bangkok is truly a city that never sleeps. Before you know it the sun is rising and the day is about to get busy and bustling once again. This city runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I will always recommend people spend a day or two in this city but like another city that never sleeps…Las Vegas…this is not a city you want to spend too many days in! Bangkok for many years has been voted the “World’s Best City” by Travel and Leisure and for good reason. However a few days is all you need or want. Get yourself to the countryside, up north to the mountains, jungles, local hill tribes or down south to the pristine beaches and warm blue turquoise waters. So many wonderful things await you here in Thailand and Bangkok is one of them for its complete craziness!