Thailand Trip With My Boyfriend

Sorry for being MIA for a while. I'm just working and trying to get through every week like any other adult adulting out in the world. Despite my rather busy work schedule, I managed to get away from everything for a while during the first week of February and guess where I went?

Yep, I went to Thailand for eight glorious days of sun, food, and temple runs with my boyfriend. I'm not the backpacker kind of traveler who's down to be always on the move, so we just stayed at Bangkok the whole time.

Part 1: Thailand Is a Foodie Paradise!!!

The most memorable part of Thailand for me would have to be the FOOD, which were always so fucking FIERY. Their dishes were the kind that makes you question your culinary decisions but you still dive in nonetheless - and I fucking love it!

On our first night in Bangkok, we ordered a seemingly harmless omelette rice dish (forgot what the local name was) and cluelessly asked the server to make it spicy. 

Right then and there, we learned our first lesson in Thai cuisine - their dishes are normally spicy, so if you ask to make your order "spicy" because you're clueless AF like us, then expect to be downing your service water in seconds because your tongue/mouth would be burning.  

Part 2: Lunar New Year at Chinatown in Bangkok

In my very limited travel experience, I have learned that if I want to get a saturated dose of color and culture, the best place I could find that is in Chinatown and here in Bangkok, their Chinatown does not disappoint.

Since it was the start of the Lunar Year aka Chinese New Year, we got to witness their new year festivities in its glory - from the colorful dragon dance for good luck to the awesome streetfood choices and decorated temples that were super crowded but still looked amazing.

Part 3: Temple Runs

Our Bangkok tour would not be complete without visiting the numerous temples dotted all over the city. From the ones near Chinatown to Wat Pho and others, they're are really magnificent structures that should not be missed when you go to Thailand.

Part 4: Don't Trust That Random Tourist Officer

Imagine waking up with an ugly zit on your forehead right when you needed your skin to clear up because of a special event that you have to attend. It is annoying AF and this experience is kinda like that annoying zit from hell.

As my boyfriend and I went from temple to temple, we were approached by someone who looked like a legit tourist officer, complete with white uniform that says "Tourist Information Officer" and all.

He's seemed like a nice old man who's out to help tourists who are lost or don't know where to go next. We found out later on that he's part of this very elaborate scheme that scams unsuspecting tourists and it has been going on for years (you can check TripAdvisor about this).

This was what happened:

1. The old man approached us, seemingly wanting to help. He talked about the different temples in the area and smoothly transition to telling us about how the country was currently celebrating some religious event, with that day being the last (hell yeah FOMO!). For this reason, he told us that most of the temples would not be charging any entrance fees so it's the perfect time (and our "last chance") to visit.

2. From temples, he told us about this "fashion exhibit" that was supposedly being held at the moment and that it has some really high-end deals that we shouldn't miss.

3. The old man then suggested that after we visit that exhibit (that we "definitely would not want to miss"), we should go to the pier and take a private boat ride to see the scenery. Supposedly, it would normally cost around 5000 baht but if we go to this certain dock that he suggested, we could take a private boat ride for only 2800 baht. Imagine that? 😏😏

4. Tuk-tuk scams are rampant in Thailand, and everybody knows it but with this scam having been tried, tested, and polished over the years on so many countless tourist victims, of course they know how to cover up the weak points. For this reason, the old man made a show of "calling" this specific tuk-tuk driver who he claimed to be accredited by the government.He  made a point of showing us that he told the tuk-tuk driver not to scam us.

5. Once in the tuk-tuk, the driver drove u to a small temple, claiming that it's not usually in the tourist guide. After checking out the temple, the driver told us that he had to go to the toilet so we had to wait in the tuk-tuk.

6. While waiting,  a random man sitting nearby struck up a conversation with us, asking things like where were from etc. PRETENDING TO BE A LAWYER. He'll talk to you and convince you to check out that "exhibit" because it's supposedly "worth it".

7. The tuk-tuk driver comes back and takes you to the "exhibit" but IT IS JUST A BOUTIQUE that sells tailored suits. While they are good and not as expensive, it's not really every budget traveler's cup of tea as it could still cost a lot. And they will try to convince you to buy something.

8. After there, the tuk-tuk driver will take you to the pier and will accompany you inside to make sure that you take that "private boat ride" that cost around 2800 baht. Remember - the tuk-tuk driver gets a commission if the customers he brought buy a suit or take that boat ride so if you're not up for it, just pay the tuktuk driver and make up some excuse to not take the boat ride just yet - like checking out drinks at the 7/11 outside coz you're thirsty. They'll probably insist that you pay first but just tell that you'll come back coz you're not feeling well or something.

Part 5: Traffic, Tourist Sim Card, and Other Tips

Traffic and smog - Traffic in Bangkok can get pretty heavy but if you're from the Philippines, you'll find that it's not as bad as what we're used to. As for the air and pollution, you could see locals everywhere wearing masks. The weather could sometimes look gloomy but I'm not sure if that's because of the reported pollution or just normal overcast weather.

Sim card - You can buy them everywhere in 7/11 and other convenience stores. Just make sure to bring your passport when you get one.

Rabbit Card - If you plan on using BKK's skytrain system, you can get a Rabbit Card for 200 baht that includes 100 baht of consumable amount.

Clothes and footwear - Since it's hot, it's normal to wear sleeveless tops but you have to cover up when you enter the temples. If you happen to be wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, you have to cover up as well. Ideally, wear footwear that you can easily take off and put on because some temples require that you leave your shoes outside.

Well I guess I should stop here. It's already midnight and Monday so I should get some ZZZs already. See you!

#thailand #thailand2019 #iamizobelle