As an untravelled traveller I arrived for the first time in the Capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Whaaa I was in Bangkok and more precisely on Khao San Road, the backpackers Mecca of Asia. It was overwhelming! I dropped my stuff at the hotel a even though I had a massive jet lag, I had to see what it was all about. Was it really like my friends told me it would be? Lots of backpackers, fruit stalls, street shops, bargain clothes, fake brands, sunglasses for 2 pounds, many food stalls with delicious noodles and small bars to relax and cool off…
It was! It was exactly like that but then 10 times more than I expected! Closing my eyes I heard and smelled so many things! Wow, what a different world! Around 4 PM it got really busy on Khao San and I enjoyed a nice cold Chang beer (that would later give a Chang Over) on a terrace in the middle of Khao San Road. I would do some shopping later and have one of these Pad Thai noodle dishes from a lovely lady on the streets. And for desert maybe a pancake with banana and sweet milk.
After this first time travel I came back many times to this backpackers haven called Khao San Road. I always arrived with and empty stomach and an empty Backpack. Filling both up on the always overwhelming Khao San! Never staying longer than 3 days…it will drive you nuts!
Another great thing about starting your travel in Bangkok is that there are great massage places, magnificent after a long journey, and spa places where they fluf up your face from the long plane journey that seriously dried your skin out…and for the girls…they paint your eye lashes here, for almost nothing! Perfect for diving and beach days!
After a good night sleep it is easy to have a wonder around in the still cool mornings. There is some great sightseeing to do. Just a 10 minute walk from Khao San you can get on the public boat that takes you all along the famous Chao Praya river straight through Bangkok. You see slums along the river with next to it the most luxurious hotels. You can get off the boat at several stops to see temples like Wat Arun (!! not to be missed) and the last stop will take you to the sky train! Taking the sky train is really cool too. Here you see a totally different and ultra modern Bangkok. Stop off at the MBK centre …heaven for shopaholics! Or go to the overcrowded China Town. Both very worthwhile. It will cost you some time, but hardly any money. Transport in Bangkok is Cheap!!
Most Xtreme Gap, Gap Year travel Thailand programmes start in Bangkok. And we know how important it is to have a good night sleep after a long plane journey, so we have booked a great hotel for you next to the backpacker’s street Khao San. And not far from Kings Palace and other wonderful attractions and must sees!
All this and more information you will receive in a pre departure pack after booking your Thailand Gap Year with Xtreme Gap.