Welcome to Bangkok - my Gateway to Asia

 The Bangkok has many names, some official, some unofficials - some that are being used only by externals. Some people are calling it a Gateway to Asia - and this is my favourite name.  

Most of the times when you want to visit South-East Asia you will reach Bangkok - the most well known city in this part of the world. (And yes it is also about the "Hangover 3" movie).

My first visit to Bangkok was very intense - i was planning it at least a year prior to the flight. And i was sure i've got it all secured. I haven't. Especially that my first visit was less then 24 hours - as we were flying to the North part of Thailand.

We have landed on the international airport called by name which is close to impossible to pronounce - Suvarnabhumi, altough once you speak it out loud for few dozens times you might get close. Luckily for us - we have made a change to the connecting flight (to the north of Thailand), and we were not in a rush. This was a very good move - due to the fact, that even leaving the airport took us like 2 hours - just for everyone to get changed to the more convienient clothes (if you are planing to go there with kids - please take this into considerations).

After we were finaly able to leave the "arrival" zone - we moved to a common zone - only to find that since we have pre-booked the SIM cards, we need to find one specific pickup point. Do not make this mistake - NO PRE-Booked SIM CARD!! - there is just insignificant difference in the cost, and it is a huge difference in time it takes to pick it up.  There is only one booth for this - and it is very busy most of time (I have confirmed this quite a few times).

It took us over 2,5 hours and we were finally able to make it out of the airport. Then it was fairly easy to find the bus that would be able to take us (free of charge) to the second airport Don Mueng, where we were to catch the next flight to Chiang Rai. Since we were not in a rush it was not a problem, but it took us approximately 30 minutes to board onto the bus (and it was not due to the fact of many people - there were just a few) - it just takes time. It took us somewhere between 1 - 1,5 to arrive at Don Mueng airport. 

We did not even get into the airport but just followed the guidelines we got from our hotel and we moved to find our accomodation. It was not easy, the whole crew was tired, and the mosquitos started hunting us. It turned out that the guidelines were wrong, and i had to ask a pharmacist for the directions. After another hour we were finaly able to find our hotel, we checked in to a quite clean hotel - we booked a lift to the aiport for morning and we moved out to find something to eat

... and boy this is magic - the street food in Asia is magnificient, and even after eating on the street for 3 weeks noone got sick (only after eating something in Pattaya - but i am convienced that it was connected to Burger King which my friend had with her kids).

Couple of hints:
1. Do not be afraid of ice cubes - especially if they are shaped - this is from the store. If there are "cubes" you are good to go. If it seems that the ice was broken from some bigger block - then you might want to stay away.

2. Do not be afraid of trying new dishes - the food is really cheap - and even if you do not like you can order something else - you will not go bankrupt. The food is tasty and it is the best opportunity to try new things. 

3. Stay away from restaurants - most of those are designed and founded for Western people - this means it is not real Thai. Stay where locals are - this is the bread and butter of Thai cuisine. 

4. Show by the finger - it is easy and well accepted by locals that you will point your finger to show what you want - even if you need to go inside the kitchen (do not worry they would be thrilled). Do not be afraid that they will screw you on the price - they would not. 

5. Be aware that if you order from menu - there is a huge chance that you will get something different - the chances are growing if you and your family order many dishes. "You order what you want, you eat what they bring you" - i was never dissapointed - although if your kids are ... just eating a few things - like chicken and rice - be ready to order again. 

6. The food is fresh and it is never spoiled - they are cooking only the amount that they can sell - so if you go to the stall very late at night - you might be surprised by the info - that they have sold out almost 80% of the dishes. 

7. They often cannot speak english (especially outside turistic areas - so exactly where you need to be ;-) for great food experience), but the problem is that they sometimes are not able to read, so even with the translator it can be difficult - make sure you have a "speaking" translator. 

But first and foremost - just enjoy! One of the reason i love this part of the world - is the food - it is great wherever you go you will definately find something amazing! I already envy you - unless i am in Asia again ;-).