Everything was "almost" perfect. People were very friendly, food was divine and there were so many night markets and malls to choose from! The only thing that I didn't enjoy was their weather because it was too hot for me. But I can't blame them for something that's beyond their control. Anyways, we even had our honeymoon there!
After a few years (last year to be exact) , I visited Thailand but this time we went to Phuket. And I can honestly say that I enjoyed it! Except for one incident in the airport where a Thai tour guide (assisting a european couple) really went berserk and slapped my hands because I was holding the trolly that was supposed to be for her client! For crying out load, there were so many trollies around us, if that was a special trolly (gold plated perhaps?) then she could at least tell me in a very nice way to leave the trolly alone! And so I thought that she was just an exception, a nuisance, a black sheep.
Anyway, I went to Bangkok last week with hopes that people are still as friendly and as warm as when I first went there a few years ago. Surprisingly, much to my dismay majority of them changed big time! From street food vendors, to market vendors.. even the sales associate in some malls were very very different. They were not smiling, looked pissed if you inquire on their merchandise and will even harm you or curse you (well I based it on their reactions) if you did not buy anything from them. But I am not saying that everyone changed, it's just that majority of the the people I met were very different from the Thais I used to remember. I am not sure though if westerners get to experience my ordeal. But anyway, there were still some who were very very nice and very friendly so at least I still have another reason to go back.
And besides, even if majority of them changed, the food still tastes the same! So that is one factor to definitely consider. Street food, restaurants, food courts... they will definitely not fail you!
My favorites and definitely a must try:
1. Barbecue -along the small streets of bangkok. I saw them selling from noon until around 6 pm (or while supplies last) From the marinade to the sauce.. perfect!!
2. Basil pork (pad kra pao moo (moo is pork) )- can find it anywhere! It is minced pork stir fried in holy basil. A little spicy though so you have to have a bottle of water beside you.
3. Pad thai- the best pad thai I tasted was in one of the streets in Siam square near the Siam BTS staircase.
4. Larb Moo- minced pork with a very refreshing dressing. It's basically a salad without the greens.
4. Mango tango - in Siam Square. A dessert place where they sell anything with mango. Yummy!!
5. Thai Iced tea- not your usual japanese, chinese or english tea but just as good (or even better!?)
Try their massage as well, although many foreigners complain that Thai massage is not so relaxing because it is a very hard massage, just make sure to tell the masseuse to be very gentle. I normally just get the foot massage (which normally includes a little of the back, shoulder, arm and if you are lucky you also get a head massage)
I kinda enjoyed the markets but not so much, because for one I didn't like their attitude, second clothes are free size so that means it only caters to petite girls (and even boys!) and you are not allowed to try it and lastly I am not into the business of reselling their stuff in my country so I don't get the same discount like the other (asian) foreigners who buy in bulks!
Anyway, going back to Thailand for the food and the massage is still so worth it!:)
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