Bangkok is quite simply, the greatest capital city on earth and the most visited. 40 million visitors before the great cough, making it number one on the planet. Im from the UK living in Thailand and love Bangkok as well as many of the coastal areas of Thailand. Amazing country!! 👍
My number one tip for Bangkok is to always take public rail transport. The subway(MRT) and the elevated trains(BTS & Airport Link) are easy to use, inexpensive and well air conditioned. The ticket machines are in English too. Amelia and JP paid $35USD for a taxi from the airport to downtown. The train from the airport is about $2USD.
No way would we drag our suitcases on a train from the airport. If we were backpackers, definitely the train. But as RUclipsrs with all our gear…no way.
Living in Bangkok for a year now. Use it as a base for Asian travel due to airports and borders many other countries. But with smog getting worse, traffic horrible, the crush of people, I will be moving on soon. But the city has so many great things to offer if you can put up with its few faults.
The elevated trains are a great way to get around. We got around mostly by the skytrain and the river boats. We loved visiting Bangkok over Christmas. So fun. They have great style and shopping for home decor. We did get pickpocketed and couldn't leave Thailand for a month because we had to get U.S. documents replaced. This was 20 years ago. It happened on the skytrain and a police officer was right at the exit door when the thieves ran out. The police officer would not even look at us when we approached him, sooooo ... we can add 2+2. Despite that we have great memories of Bangkok, went there about 3 times years ago. We went two years in a row and visited the same foot massage, the facial and haircut shop, and everyone remembered us from the past year and even remembered things from our last conversation. The people are lovely! It's time to go back!
Absolutely, our favorite aspects of Bangkok were the delightful people and great service. Least favorite? The smog, which really got to my wife. We are seriously thinking about spending about half a year (each year) in Thailand during our retirement and the other half split among other low-cost places such as Panama or somewhere around the Mediterranean.
I am here now and staying in the same hotel that you stayed at tomorrow. I am not sure what to think yet but so far i am loving the people, the food and the positive energy. It feels more like Hong Kong to me than NY or Las Vegas and i loved Hong Kong. It is still a lot to take in.
I LOVED Bangkok. Favorite is puttering around/along the Chao Phraya, stopping at Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the flower market, and just grabbing photo ops, I hope we return though your stay in Kuala Lumpur gave me another "want to" destination. Thanks again for inspiration.
Loved Bangkok. Stayed in Phrom Phong. It was so easy taking the BTS to the mall or catching a tuktuk. The night markets and water markets are awesome. Very affordable, lots of food choices.
Bangkok & Thailand had been on my bucket list but I’m with you Amelia….I’ve been to Las Vegas lots of times and New York City once and a younger me would love it and did, but the older me at 69 says I want to relax and see the scenery without a lot of people around…..although I’m not really into Christmas I love the lights and keep a strand of lights up all year round………love the boats on the river, that’s for me! I’ve known about Thailand awhile since the 70s through my cousin, he married two Thai women…….love the monitor lizards roaming freely🦎Great Video as always!! Tobey in Phoenix 🌵🌞
Loved Bangkok when we were there several years ago. We found Tuk Tuks were the cheapest way to get around for short to medium distances. We would go for a Thai massage almost every day. Was about $5 to -$10 for 30 - 60 minutes. I would always tell them I wanted a relaxation massage, because the regular massages can border on painful. Also, made to measure clothes (suits / shirts / dresses ) were rediculously cheap and great quality.
My Thai friends in Bangkok would say," You getting more massage?". I would be getting them almost every day as well. I pulled up how much a massage is in the states and they were surprised.
Hi I’m Gary. My wife is Thai and we were thinking of helping people with their Thailand trip that’s best for them. My wife n I know about great places to see. How to beat the heavy traffic. I have a house in Bangkok and plan to move there full time in a few years. The river boat cruises. There are many of those. We can help you find the right one. Thanks Gary.
Been to Bangkok several times (before the advent of those ultra modern shopping malls + MRT expansion) but each time it was hot and muggy-tough to adjust but would go back again to visit those malls and try more street food. 😋
Hint for the MRT and BTS: for the MRT just tap your credit card at the turnstyle, no need to wait in line at the kiosk or attendant window. For the BTS just buy a rechargable Rabbit card and recharge when the kiosk lines are empty, saves so much time.
Another fabulous tour, thank you so much JP and Amelia, love it, I love NYC, Las Vegas is not my cup of tea, walking in the streets with heavy traffic sounds very chaotic.
You nailed it! That's Bangkok! I have been there many times over the years, and it has grown on me more and more. i used to want to get out of there after a few days. Traffic is crazy.... you need to always be on alert. The heat, humidity, and air pollution can be a bit much. The people are so nice and friendly. Love the Thai massages. The food is fantastic. Too bad you didn't take a ride on the Chao Praya River......They have dinner cruises, too, on the river. So many interesting things to see!
The River Taxis. Our Hotel was next to a stop and you bypass all the ground traffic-ithe breeze is comfortable and it's very very cheap. I also like the street food. We had 11 days here about 10 years ago.
16:18 That's exactly the image of Bangkok I've always had. Overbuilt, and horribly smoggy. I am glad to see your look at the city, as you showed many nice places within it. It seems to be a place with some lively, enjoyable sections, but the sum of the parts is: a difficult city to live in.
You two have become the best travel channel. I've enjoyed watching over the years. Probably the most comprehensive and interesting, in my humble opinion.
I'm so glad you enjoyed Bangkok. You gave a totally fair assessment. I lived in Bangkok 6 years, then 2 years in the countryside, and 3 weeks ago I moved back to Bangkok. All my life I lived in suburbia (Connecticut, San Francisco) but now in my retired stage of life I just love Bangkok, the big city. There is so much to do here. I'm living not far from the Phrom Phong area that you stayed in.
For those watching and planning to got to Bangkok order a grab from airport, very easy - will likely be less than half $35. Mine was $15. I ordered once I had suitcase (by luggage belt) and taxi was there waiting when I got to Grab point.
The price varies a lot by time. We priced the Grab first and it was $27 to our destination in Bang Rak. So an extra $8 for an immediate departure and help with our luggage was worth it to us.
Ancient Krungtep ( BKK ) was navigated by canals and floating markets, and current day canals are what remains of what was once the Venice of Southeast Asia..I'm seeing comments comparing BKK to Vegas, Hong Kong, etc but if you didnt know,...the proper name of BKK translates to" City of Angels" so now you can add LA to your comparable cities list. Put that in your pipe and smoke it :-)
I lived in Thailand 5 years, Bangkok is great for 3-4 days. Stick to the subway and Skytrain and, like all big cities, avoid rush hour travel. The parks are very nice early morning and evening. The air quality can be very bad but not always. Going back to The Land of Smiles next month!
One of the must do things in Bangkok is to do one of the canal tours. It was fun and interesting. The other required thing is a real Thai massage. I'm a big guy and an 80 pound older lady turned me into a pretzel. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep at one point.
I live in Bangkok, and originally started watching you years ago because of my Ecuador travel roots. I’m sorry to say that you took the sucker taxi. The yellow and green ones, in the same frame as your video presentation of the blue ones, only cost about 300 Baht (9 dollars) from Suvarnabhum to Bang Rak (where I work). There was a public taxi queue where you grab a slip and wait, usually less than 5 minutes. Also, $3 for a tuk tuk is not over-priced. You got lucky! Most taxi drivers (and any street vendors, really) are honest.
Was in Bangkok last November. It has an energy that’s not found in Manila, KL or Singapore. We barely scratched the surface. As a possible retirement home we prefer KL less chaotic and family friendly IMO. You live to party…Bangkok 💯.
@ KL is cleaner. Not saying Bangkok is a dump. Bangkok is definitely cleaner than Manila (with the exception of BGC, the best area of metro Manila). KL is just more laid back. There’s traffic but no horn honking. A different kind of vibe.
I'm going to Thailand this Saturday! It will be my third trip this year. My first trip was just to Bangkok last April and if you thought Bangkok was hot in December, do NOT go in April. My second trip and my upcoming trip will be in multiple locations, but I always start and end by spending four or five days in Bangkok. I usually don't like crowds, but for some reason it doesn't bother me in Bangkok, but the traffic is a bear. Bangkok has its pros and cons, but hey, it's hard to argue with $10 foot massages that last an hour. But I would recommend downloading the Grab app before going to Bangkok and not taking an airport taxi as you will literally pay two to three times what it would cost to take a Grab taxi.
@@AmeliaAndJP Roger that. Maybe because I was there during the low season? Grab for me was only about $18 (to the Sukhumvit area, but the first time I took the official airport taxi, ask the driver to use the meter, and the meter was rigged to run fast, and I ended up paying about $50. I didn't say anything as I didn't want to cause a fuss, but I swore to never take a Bangkok airport taxi after that. :(
Glad you enjoyed it and agree on all points. I may have even been in one of those places when you guys were. It was quite a relief when the Christmas songs eventually stopped :-)
@@williamm1258 Well, not at the Emsphere, which I visit frequently. But yeah, some other places still haven't taken their tree and decorations down :-o
My wife and I plan to slow-mad travel around Southeast Asia next winter. Would love to hear your budget for your stay in Bangkok, as well as Thailand overall. Always appreciate and enjoy your content!
Bangkok is more expensive than those she mentions but you can find quality budget hotels and food easily. Prices are still so much better than the west.
@thurian - the cost will depend on your budget & lifestyle. I've recently watched 2 "cost of living" vids for BKK. One couple spent around $1600 and another spent $2600. Both couples stayed for a month in BKK. One couple ate mainly street food or at home (cooked) while the other couple ate at restos & cafes, had dental treatments, more massages, etc.
Yeah, we're not "low-budget" travelers so that's actually fine. We do have a budget, it's just not as restrictive as what I see from a lot of other people.
Thank you for telling us about Thailand. I was in the military and heard many things about Thailand and the Philippines, but never visited either place. Something I've noticed when people are visiting and post videos, and the times I've been to Asian countries, is how respectful everyone is, and how clean the public places are. If it wasn't such a long trip, my wife and I would consider moving to a couple of Asian countries, one of them I've spent almost a year in. We have children and grandchildren to visit that would take too long for us to came back, or for them to get to us, so we are not considering it at this time.
@@williamm1258 Hi William, thanks for replying. Yes, we are in the US, and we have already scheduled a tour in Panama. Cross-country drive to see the country and its people. You meet expats as well to ask any questions you need answered in order to make up your mind.
Bangkok is a great city to visit. The transit systems are easy to use. The food is good and cheap. And the experience is really great. My recommendation is to stay close to a BTS station. Those areas tend to have a lot going on too. Ari and Asok are both good stations. We usually stay at the Yard Hostel near Ari as a budget choice. For a reasonable upgrade to a hotel, the S15 on Sukimvit near Asok is good.
There is a dedicated and well organised official Taxi rank directly outside the airport where you can get an licenced metered taxi. It is not really necessary to arrange a Bolt or Grab taxi if you do not wish to do so.
I've been to Bangkok several times, for around a month each time. It is always hot there. Dec 11th 2024 was 104F real feel temp(80s F as the low). I see they just got a cold front in mid-Jan and the lows reached 59F. So there is a small window of tolerable weather mid-Jan to end of Feb. April is the hottest month, and I would go during rainy reason(May-Oct) rather than April. Unfortunately Songkran(an amazing water festival where everybody is squirting everybody else with water guns, pails, etc.) is in April.
The street food is cheaper, but only if you have an iron gut. We talked to more than one person who got sick after eating it. And the health codes seem nonexistent.
When finding a taxi from airport in Bangkok: Note that taxi scams are common. At Suvarnabhumi I recommend going to the public taxi stand - fixed pricing and very well organized. When some driver approaches you, be aware of ´payment risks´...Which means always negotiate the price to where you´re going. And make sure that the highway-fees are included...!!
Good point. We never recommend getting in a taxi at the airport. Really, anywhere. It's safer to use Grab, Blot, Uber, etc. When we walked out of the airport, there was a taxi kiosk with the prices clearly stated. We should have been more specific about that.
While on active duty in the Marine Corps, I spent most of my enlistment in Asia. Bangkok was a popular R&R destination. After graduate school I took a transfer to Singapore. I was surprised to see how much Bangkok developed. Would I live there? No. Frankly, it's just too crowded. Same with many Asian cities. I was very glad to return to the USA. Towards the latter part of my career I transferred to Europe. I retired to the Netherlands and 2 years ago I resettled in Innsbruck, Austria.
The song is about a chess match FYI Taxis from airport, there is an official taxi stand at each airport, and there is usually zero wait time. You would have paid less than half of what you paid from the airport. There may not be many electric cars, but every taxi and many busses run on LPG, so almost no emissions. Did you eat any street food? Did you have the noodle soup they have on every street? it's only $1.50 and it's part of the Thailand experience.
Wow! I have been to Thailand four times and hardly recognized anything! Bangkok is a great place to buy silk and jewelry. Hope you made it to Ko Samet.
Amelia & JP, I do understand about certain cities. I’m not a Las Vegas kid myself.P.S. If everything was the same everywhere it would be unbelievably Boring! I’m loving your videos, so much in fact, I’m glued to yours! lol !!!
You have to take a ticket from taxi machine and make sure your taxi has a meter if not get out and get one that does it only costs 500 to 600 baht from Airport to downtown.
haha... you stayed in bang rak (sathorn-chon nonsi?) and phrom phong (sukhumvit corridor) which are the most touristy and expat-concentrated areas, no wonder it's expensive!!! there are many areas (4-5 mrt or bts stops outside of these) where you still have all the convenience & be around more authentic, local foods. one can ride 15-20 min. subway in to the high end commercialized malls once every week or 2, for fun & upscale shops+eat. 3 years and counting, i still find new interesting, quaint corners along the riverside communities and near park+monuments for quieter times. enjoy, we
Bangkok is a bucket list city. City is safe, mostly clean and locals speak English in tourist areas and beyond. Stay near a BTS line for ease of getting around.
As a Swede I love the hot weather in Thailand. I went to Bangkok in dec 2023 and dec 2024, and it was way warmer in 2023. I actually found it cold second time I went. I'm the one who actually doesn't like air conditioning, especially in trains or malls. 😂
I visited Bangkok in 2023 and 2024. The first time was a bit overwhelming, but I was really excited about returning the next year. Hoping to spend a few days there again this year. Be sure to use the skytrain ... it is my favourite way to get around, though it's a little bit limited. I take it you didn't visit the Sunday market in Chiang Mai, if you think Limphini Park was crowded! 😉
I've been to Thailand twice the first time I flew into Bangkok and out of Bangkok and I barely left the airport I only went outside to drink a beer and smoke waiting my plane ride to Chiang Rai. I've seen videos and I know it's a good place but I'm not a party person and I hate huge cities so I even stayed in a city that's much smaller than Chiang Rai when I stay there
i agree with you , bangkok is not a bargain …and it’s a cacophony of lights and sounds ….it’s interesting and the Thai people are lovely …..but i’ve been and i won’t go again …as always thanks for your video and as always your honest presentation…..until soon ……Alex🇬🇷
I really think that not taking the BTS skytrain was a huge missed opportunity. I never take cabs or Grabs in Bangkok unless I'm not close to any BTS or MRT stations. Plus seeing the city from the skytrain is a fantastic experience. I love Bangkok so much that I got a 20 year visa to live there.
Maybe Pattaya (Jomtien) if you want a city which is near the beach. Hua Hin if you want beach town & more laid back (more retired expats). Both are relatively near Bangkok - they're 2 & 3 hrs away, respectively.
Great video, do you have a breakdown of prices that you felt were higher than last time? The rental prices, even in Bangkok, still look pretty good comparted to the US. And they seem to be lower yet in Hua Hin or Jom Tien (possibly misspelled!) both of which seem to be popular with expats.
Bangkok is more expensive due to the demand for being there. So many expats and ease of getting around Thailand if you are based there. Hua Hin/Chan Am, Jomtien/Pattaya, can be much cheaper. But compared to the west, Bangkok is still a great bargain.
I just got home from Bangkok. The malls were fabulous, but definitely not cheap. I was really hoping to find some items that i thought were too expensive here in the US at a nice discount, but couldn't. Prices at the malls in Bangkok are the same as in California. Now, in the local shops you can definitely get some deals.
@AmeliaAndJP true. There is pressure to keep prices low in malaysia too. But since the gov still subsidise fuel, we may hold on for awhile. That is the main factor in all cost calculation
How easy was it for you to reserve a hotel room before you arrived there? What platform did you use to reserve a hotel? How much was the airfare to fly to Thailand from where you were? You do an excellent job with your travel videos.
I liked it, but it was too hot. I stayed on the khlongs, it was the only place to catch a breeze If you find yourself on the street of some sun parched country and you're disperate for a drink of water, Starbucks is the place to go, it has cold filtered water
Hi guys thanks for the video. I am planning a trip to Bangkok in 2026 would you mind sharing what area you stayed in - sorry if you did and I missed it.
Hi. I didn't get it either but I've always stayed in the area of Asok/ Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit is a long road. Asok is a BTS (sky train) station. It's an area where the BTS and MRT stations converge. There's a mall (Terminal 21) which has a great food court. That area is very safe & accessible. I travelled as a solo female and I felt safe always. It's also near the airport link/ train. So from the airport, you can transfer to the MRT.
@ thank you I was looking at somewhere along the sukhumvit area and my only concern with Asok was it might be too much of a party area - only my husband and I travelling and we do like lively bars and restaurants but a little bit too old for the young party scene - what’s your views on the Asok area for the 50 year old age demographic?
@caroljordan4316 you're welcome. Soi Cowboy (where the gogo bars are) is near that area but you don't have to go or stay there. There are many hotels & Airbnb in that area - Sukhumvit 15 to 19, like Four Points by Sheraton, Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sofitel, Arte Hotel, etc. However, I've stayed 2x at Best Comfort Bangkok hotel since I'm not posh. It's an old-ish hotel, but it's at a good location. They have a rooftop pool & simple breakfast is included. If you plan to rent via Airbnb, there are many condos there, as well as convenience stores, small food stalls, etc. Easy to get to from Suvarnabumi Airport (pronounced as soo wah nah poom). That's the bigger, modern airport. Don Mueang airport is farther away & caters more to local & International (regional/ Asian) flights. I've been to Thailand several times. Good luck!
Looks like i will add Bangkok to my list for a short trip. Amelia, i do not care for LV or NY. Thank you for making videos that are relevant and trustworthy.
You mentioned a couple times that Bangkok is very expensive. You have to understand - this is a major capital city of a country with a very healthy economy, and this is where the wealthy come to live and play. And all manner of services and retailers are everywhere to serve the rich and famous. BUT, you can't let that intimidate you. In every category, there are very inexpensive options. You have to work to seek out the budget options. From hotels to food, from transportation to shopping, there are attractive budget options. It may be the case that those of us traveling in countries known for their low cost and bang for buck, are used to being able to enjoy living the high life with the countries richer citizens. Sorry, but that's not the case in Thailand. The vast majority of us foreigners cannot afford to stay at the poshest hotels, car shop at the in-mall Bentley or Ferrari dealers, or pick out a new wardrobe at Louis Vuiton or Chanel. But dig below the glitz, and you can still enjoy a very affordable, comfortable and delicious visit.
We didn't say it was "very expensive." We said it was not as cheap as we expected or as it used to be. We're on a tight budget and certainly don't shop at those places.
Yep. We went there too. The difference was that in Phnom Penh, there are fewer lights and the traffic almost never completely stops. It’s way more fluid but crazy how there appear to be no traffic laws.
Bangkok is quite simply, the greatest capital city on earth and the most visited. 40 million visitors before the great cough, making it number one on the planet.
Im from the UK living in Thailand and love Bangkok as well as many of the coastal areas of Thailand. Amazing country!! 👍
My number one tip for Bangkok is to always take public rail transport. The subway(MRT) and the elevated trains(BTS & Airport Link) are easy to use, inexpensive and well air conditioned. The ticket machines are in English too. Amelia and JP paid $35USD for a taxi from the airport to downtown. The train from the airport is about $2USD.
Public transport by train is amazing in Bangkok... cheap and efficient. Grab for short hops is also perfect.
No way would we drag our suitcases on a train from the airport. If we were backpackers, definitely the train. But as RUclipsrs with all our gear…no way.
How easy is it to board train with luggage and find a seat though??
But the trains stop running at 10 pm.
I was just there and paid only 7 USD from airport to center of BKK
The faster pace of this video and the fact you both look happy and healthy make it very entertaining.
Living in Bangkok for a year now. Use it as a base for Asian travel due to airports and borders many other countries. But with smog getting worse, traffic horrible, the crush of people, I will be moving on soon. But the city has so many great things to offer if you can put up with its few faults.
I loved going for walks in Lumpini Park in Bangkok. So many activities going on there!
The elevated trains are a great way to get around. We got around mostly by the skytrain and the river boats. We loved visiting Bangkok over Christmas. So fun. They have great style and shopping for home decor.
We did get pickpocketed and couldn't leave Thailand for a month because we had to get U.S. documents replaced. This was 20 years ago. It happened on the skytrain and a police officer was right at the exit door when the thieves ran out. The police officer would not even look at us when we approached him, sooooo ... we can add 2+2.
Despite that we have great memories of Bangkok, went there about 3 times years ago. We went two years in a row and visited the same foot massage, the facial and haircut shop, and everyone remembered us from the past year and even remembered things from our last conversation. The people are lovely! It's time to go back!
The sky trains are great!
Absolutely, our favorite aspects of Bangkok were the delightful people and great service. Least favorite? The smog, which really got to my wife. We are seriously thinking about spending about half a year (each year) in Thailand during our retirement and the other half split among other low-cost places such as Panama or somewhere around the Mediterranean.
@@markwatson7652 come to Turkey :)
I am here now and staying in the same hotel that you stayed at tomorrow. I am not sure what to think yet but so far i am loving the people, the food and the positive energy. It feels more like Hong Kong to me than NY or Las Vegas and i loved Hong Kong. It is still a lot to take in.
Dont know how long you plan on staying but give it a chance, terrific city if you like big city life.
@ I am loving Bangkok, the city has such great energy and i am always excited to try my next food cart or restaurant.
I LOVED Bangkok. Favorite is puttering around/along the Chao Phraya, stopping at Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the flower market, and just grabbing photo ops, I hope we return though your stay in Kuala Lumpur gave me another "want to" destination. Thanks again for inspiration.
Wish you would have come down to Hua Hin..south about 4 hours. Totally laid back vibe. Very popular for retired expats.
Favorite lyric from One night in Bangkok, "I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine!" Another great video!
Loved Bangkok. Stayed in Phrom Phong. It was so easy taking the BTS to the mall or catching a tuktuk. The night markets and water markets are awesome. Very affordable, lots of food choices.
@@loydpryor179 I looked at Phrom phong area for my trip next year. Would you mind sharing the name of your accommodation please?
Bangkok & Thailand had been on my bucket list but I’m with you Amelia….I’ve been to Las Vegas lots of times and New York City once and a younger me would love it and did, but the older me at 69 says I want to relax and see the scenery without a lot of people around…..although I’m not really into Christmas I love the lights and keep a strand of lights up all year round………love the boats on the river, that’s for me! I’ve known about Thailand awhile since the 70s through my cousin, he married two Thai women…….love the monitor lizards roaming freely🦎Great Video as always!! Tobey in Phoenix 🌵🌞
Loved Bangkok when we were there several years ago. We found Tuk Tuks were the cheapest way to get around for short to medium distances. We would go for a Thai massage almost every day. Was about $5 to -$10 for 30 - 60 minutes. I would always tell them I wanted a relaxation massage, because the regular massages can border on painful.
Also, made to measure clothes (suits / shirts / dresses ) were rediculously cheap and great quality.
I think you’ll find that everything is a lot more expensive now, but still a great city.
My Thai friends in Bangkok would say," You getting more massage?". I would be getting them almost every day as well. I pulled up how much a massage is in the states and they were surprised.
That song always comes to mind as I study Thailand! I plan to take a vacay there and your videos help a lot, thanks!
We have been living in Bangkok for five months. We quite agree with your assessment of the city. Come and enjoy Thailand and the friendly people.
The people are so friendly!
Bangkok is probably one of the best megalopolis in the world. I was also there during Christmas and New Year's Eve. It was fun but very busy.
Hi I’m Gary. My wife is Thai and we were thinking of helping people with their Thailand trip that’s best for them. My wife n I know about great places to see. How to beat the heavy traffic. I have a house in Bangkok and plan to move there full time in a few years. The river boat cruises. There are many of those. We can help you find the right one. Thanks Gary.
Would have loved this TLC. We left last month
Been to Bangkok several times (before the advent of those ultra modern shopping malls + MRT expansion) but each time it was hot and muggy-tough to adjust but would go back again to visit those malls and try more street food. 😋
We enjoyed the Old Town area of Bangkok and the weekend market was huge!
Hint for the MRT and BTS: for the MRT just tap your credit card at the turnstyle, no need to wait in line at the kiosk or attendant window. For the BTS just buy a rechargable Rabbit card and recharge when the kiosk lines are empty, saves so much time.
Good tip!
Another fabulous tour, thank you so much JP and Amelia, love it, I love NYC, Las Vegas is not my cup of tea, walking in the streets with heavy traffic sounds very chaotic.
A 1 hour massage is what most people do. I don’t want people to think they will spend half there day getting a massage. Thanks for making your video.
It’s ok to choose your therapist. I got an older lady with bony fingers that was too strong and caused nerve damage in my arms for a week :(
You nailed it! That's Bangkok! I have been there many times over the years, and it has grown on me more and more. i used to want to get out of there after a few days. Traffic is crazy.... you need to always be on alert. The heat, humidity, and air pollution can be a bit much. The people are so nice and friendly. Love the Thai massages. The food is fantastic. Too bad you didn't take a ride on the Chao Praya River......They have dinner cruises, too, on the river. So many interesting things to see!
A 100 baht Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok is incredible! Especially at night time. That's very cheap.. Even if you were going 500 meters 😂😂😂. Great video.
Going in three weeks. Can’t wait. Thanks for the info
We've got our first trip to SE Asia next month, so excited! Thailand and Malaysia 🎉 And yes, that song haunts me too 😅
The River Taxis. Our Hotel was next to a stop and you bypass all the ground traffic-ithe breeze is comfortable and it's very very cheap. I also like the street food. We had 11 days here about 10 years ago.
The river taxis are great!
16:18 That's exactly the image of Bangkok I've always had. Overbuilt, and horribly smoggy. I am glad to see your look at the city, as you showed many nice places within it. It seems to be a place with some lively, enjoyable sections, but the sum of the parts is: a difficult city to live in.
Not really difficult, if you are coming for a visit just bring patience and a smile.
You two have become the best travel channel. I've enjoyed watching over the years. Probably the most comprehensive and interesting, in my humble opinion.
Thank you so much! 😊
I'm so glad you enjoyed Bangkok. You gave a totally fair assessment. I lived in Bangkok 6 years, then 2 years in the countryside, and 3 weeks ago I moved back to Bangkok. All my life I lived in suburbia (Connecticut, San Francisco) but now in my retired stage of life I just love Bangkok, the big city. There is so much to do here. I'm living not far from the Phrom Phong area that you stayed in.
It’s great to see someone who has lived there long-term still enjoys it!
For those watching and planning to got to Bangkok order a grab from airport, very easy - will likely be less than half $35. Mine was $15. I ordered once I had suitcase (by luggage belt) and taxi was there waiting when I got to Grab point.
The price varies a lot by time. We priced the Grab first and it was $27 to our destination in Bang Rak. So an extra $8 for an immediate departure and help with our luggage was worth it to us.
Hi guys, Welcome to Thailand - Loved the metro - Enjoy! 🎉
Great video. I really enjoyed your tour. Thanks
Ancient Krungtep ( BKK ) was navigated by canals and floating markets, and current day canals are what remains of what was once the Venice of Southeast Asia..I'm seeing comments comparing BKK to Vegas, Hong Kong, etc but if you didnt know,...the proper name of BKK translates to" City of Angels" so now you can add LA to your comparable cities list. Put that in your pipe and smoke it :-)
I like had you had great video footage. I am retired and live in Canada and Bangkok is my favourite city in the world. Give it another chance.
I'm in Bangkok now and I have also been singing this song. I haven't even finished watching your video yet. I just stopped to comment about the song.
It’s such an ear worm! 😂
I lived in Thailand 5 years, Bangkok is great for 3-4 days. Stick to the subway and Skytrain and, like all big cities, avoid rush hour travel. The parks are very nice early morning and evening. The air quality can be very bad but not always. Going back to The Land of Smiles next month!
Love Bangkok for its positives but its just too big for me.
@@bruce6641 I agree 3-4 days but no more. It wears on you
One of the must do things in Bangkok is to do one of the canal tours. It was fun and interesting. The other required thing is a real Thai massage. I'm a big guy and an 80 pound older lady turned me into a pretzel. I was so relaxed that I fell asleep at one point.
We love the Thai massages, too. Makes you feel like a brand new person!
Heading to Bangkok next month!!
I love Murry Head! thanks for the vid - brightened my day!
I live in Bangkok, and originally started watching you years ago because of my Ecuador travel roots. I’m sorry to say that you took the sucker taxi. The yellow and green ones, in the same frame as your video presentation of the blue ones, only cost about 300 Baht (9 dollars) from Suvarnabhum to Bang Rak (where I work). There was a public taxi queue where you grab a slip and wait, usually less than 5 minutes. Also, $3 for a tuk tuk is not over-priced. You got lucky! Most taxi drivers (and any street vendors, really) are honest.
Bangkok rules! I’ve been here 2 weeks and I never want to leave.
Was in Bangkok last November. It has an energy that’s not found in Manila, KL or Singapore. We barely scratched the surface. As a possible retirement home we prefer KL less chaotic and family friendly IMO. You live to party…Bangkok 💯.
Woo hoo. Is infrastructure better? Stinky sewage or piles of trash? KL seems cleaner?
@ KL is cleaner. Not saying Bangkok is a dump. Bangkok is definitely cleaner than Manila (with the exception of BGC, the best area of metro Manila). KL is just more laid back. There’s traffic but no horn honking. A different kind of vibe.
I'm going to Thailand this Saturday! It will be my third trip this year. My first trip was just to Bangkok last April and if you thought Bangkok was hot in December, do NOT go in April. My second trip and my upcoming trip will be in multiple locations, but I always start and end by spending four or five days in Bangkok. I usually don't like crowds, but for some reason it doesn't bother me in Bangkok, but the traffic is a bear. Bangkok has its pros and cons, but hey, it's hard to argue with $10 foot massages that last an hour.
But I would recommend downloading the Grab app before going to Bangkok and not taking an airport taxi as you will literally pay two to three times what it would cost to take a Grab taxi.
We checked the Grab prices and it was $27 from the airport to where we were staying. The prices vary by demand and a bunch of flights had just landed.
@@AmeliaAndJP Roger that. Maybe because I was there during the low season? Grab for me was only about $18 (to the Sukhumvit area, but the first time I took the official airport taxi, ask the driver to use the meter, and the meter was rigged to run fast, and I ended up paying about $50. I didn't say anything as I didn't want to cause a fuss, but I swore to never take a Bangkok airport taxi after that. :(
Nice share. Thanks. Have to say... FOOD is a major part of Bangkok!!! Not doing that, you really missed out. Awesome rooftop bars too!!!
Im 90% street food. Safe, cheap and delicious.
Wow, great video. Thanks for sharing. This is a destination I would've never considered
Glad you enjoyed it and agree on all points. I may have even been in one of those places when you guys were. It was quite a relief when the Christmas songs eventually stopped :-)
Xmas decorations leading right into Chinese New Year decorations. It is 16 Jan and STILL xmas music everywhere.
@@williamm1258 Well, not at the Emsphere, which I visit frequently. But yeah, some other places still haven't taken their tree and decorations down :-o
Great video. You two really know how to make a video interesting.
We're glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for such an honest view of the area.
I like instrumental holiday music.
Wow you did great for a quick trip. I could not get to as many sites as you did. Well done !!
We were there for more than 2 weeks.
Appreciate this review. ❤ I don't like heat, crowds, noise or lights but otherwise I would go!
My wife and I plan to slow-mad travel around Southeast Asia next winter. Would love to hear your budget for your stay in Bangkok, as well as Thailand overall. Always appreciate and enjoy your content!
It was not cheap. KL, Cambodia and Vietnam are much cheaper.
Bangkok is more expensive than those she mentions but you can find quality budget hotels and food easily. Prices are still so much better than the west.
@thurian - the cost will depend on your budget & lifestyle. I've recently watched 2 "cost of living" vids for BKK. One couple spent around $1600 and another spent $2600. Both couples stayed for a month in BKK. One couple ate mainly street food or at home (cooked) while the other couple ate at restos & cafes, had dental treatments, more massages, etc.
Yeah, we're not "low-budget" travelers so that's actually fine. We do have a budget, it's just not as restrictive as what I see from a lot of other people.
They have great vegan food!
And 🐛 and many other fried something on a stick.
Thank you for telling us about Thailand. I was in the military and heard many things about Thailand and the Philippines, but never visited either place. Something I've noticed when people are visiting and post videos, and the times I've been to Asian countries, is how respectful everyone is, and how clean the public places are. If it wasn't such a long trip, my wife and I would consider moving to a couple of Asian countries, one of them I've spent almost a year in. We have children and grandchildren to visit that would take too long for us to came back, or for them to get to us, so we are not considering it at this time.
It’s tough to be so far from family.
It is a long was from the US, which I assume you are in. Look into central south America, plenty of great retirement spots just a few hours away.
@@williamm1258 Hi William, thanks for replying. Yes, we are in the US, and we have already scheduled a tour in Panama. Cross-country drive to see the country and its people. You meet expats as well to ask any questions you need answered in order to make up your mind.
Bangkok is a great city to visit. The transit systems are easy to use. The food is good and cheap. And the experience is really great. My recommendation is to stay close to a BTS station. Those areas tend to have a lot going on too. Ari and Asok are both good stations. We usually stay at the Yard Hostel near Ari as a budget choice. For a reasonable upgrade to a hotel, the S15 on Sukimvit near Asok is good.
Always stay near the BTS, easy, cheap and plenty of connections to MRT.
Haven seen you for a while. I’m surprised JP got Amelia to Asia.🤣👏🏼👏🏼
Me too! 😂
There is a dedicated and well organised official Taxi rank directly outside the airport where you can get an licenced metered taxi. It is not really necessary to arrange a Bolt or Grab taxi if you do not wish to do so.
Grab is great here but from the airport, the waits can be really long. Bus, train, or the legal taxis are the way to go.
That's what we used. It was a taxi kiosk.
I am so glad you came to Thailand. I love it here.😀
I want to go there and eat everything!
Dont shy away from street food vendors, cheap and delicious. Been here a year, live off street vendors and not sick yet.
I've been to Bangkok several times, for around a month each time. It is always hot there. Dec 11th 2024 was 104F real feel temp(80s F as the low). I see they just got a cold front in mid-Jan and the lows reached 59F. So there is a small window of tolerable weather mid-Jan to end of Feb. April is the hottest month, and I would go during rainy reason(May-Oct) rather than April. Unfortunately Songkran(an amazing water festival where everybody is squirting everybody else with water guns, pails, etc.) is in April.
I am actually on my way to Bangkok.
Are you singing the song yet? 😁
It is cheaper if you eat Thai food mainly street food. Travelling with the BTS is great as the river taxi.
The street food is cheaper, but only if you have an iron gut. We talked to more than one person who got sick after eating it. And the health codes seem nonexistent.
@@AmeliaAndJP 8 years in Thailand and I never have gotten sick from the street food. I have gotten sick from tourist restaurants.
When finding a taxi from airport in Bangkok: Note that taxi scams are common. At Suvarnabhumi I recommend going to the public taxi stand - fixed pricing and very well organized. When some driver approaches you, be aware of ´payment risks´...Which means always negotiate the price to where you´re going. And make sure that the highway-fees are included...!!
Good point. We never recommend getting in a taxi at the airport. Really, anywhere. It's safer to use Grab, Blot, Uber, etc. When we walked out of the airport, there was a taxi kiosk with the prices clearly stated. We should have been more specific about that.
While on active duty in the Marine Corps, I spent most of my enlistment in Asia. Bangkok was a popular R&R destination. After graduate school I took a transfer to Singapore. I was surprised to see how much Bangkok developed. Would I live there? No. Frankly, it's just too crowded. Same with many Asian cities. I was very glad to return to the USA. Towards the latter part of my career I transferred to Europe. I retired to the Netherlands and 2 years ago I resettled in Innsbruck, Austria.
The song is about a chess match FYI Taxis from airport, there is an official taxi stand at each airport, and there is usually zero wait time. You would have paid less than half of what you paid from the airport. There may not be many electric cars, but every taxi and many busses run on LPG, so almost no emissions. Did you eat any street food? Did you have the noodle soup they have on every street? it's only $1.50 and it's part of the Thailand experience.
Wow! I have been to Thailand four times and hardly recognized anything!
Bangkok is a great place to buy silk and jewelry. Hope you made it to Ko Samet.
I'm sitting in a Starbucks as I watch this! It's a small planet.
Amelia & JP, I do understand about certain cities. I’m not a Las Vegas kid myself.P.S. If everything was the same everywhere it would be unbelievably Boring! I’m loving your videos, so much in fact, I’m glued to yours! lol !!!
We like variety too! Thanks for watching!
¡Gracias!
Gracias! 🥳
You have to take a ticket from taxi machine and make sure your taxi has a meter if not get out and get one that does it only costs 500 to 600 baht from Airport to downtown.
haha... you stayed in bang rak (sathorn-chon nonsi?) and phrom phong (sukhumvit corridor) which are the most touristy and expat-concentrated areas, no wonder it's expensive!!! there are many areas (4-5 mrt or bts stops outside of these) where you still have all the convenience & be around more authentic, local foods. one can ride 15-20 min. subway in to the high end commercialized malls once every week or 2, for fun & upscale shops+eat. 3 years and counting, i still find new interesting, quaint corners along the riverside communities and near park+monuments for quieter times. enjoy, we
Looks very interesting. Still not sure if we should add it to our list. Perhaps after we become seasoned travelers.
Bangkok is a bucket list city. City is safe, mostly clean and locals speak English in tourist areas and beyond. Stay near a BTS line for ease of getting around.
Great city. Great food. Beautiful women
I'm in BKK now Chaing Mai tomorrow.
As a Swede I love the hot weather in Thailand. I went to Bangkok in dec 2023 and dec 2024, and it was way warmer in 2023. I actually found it cold second time I went. I'm the one who actually doesn't like air conditioning, especially in trains or malls. 😂
In Bangkok now and love it. ... not too sure about the sidewalks... tripping hazards everywhere. Thank you.
We had a few stumbles, too!
Next time please come to Hua Hin...
I visited Bangkok in 2023 and 2024. The first time was a bit overwhelming, but I was really excited about returning the next year. Hoping to spend a few days there again this year. Be sure to use the skytrain ... it is my favourite way to get around, though it's a little bit limited. I take it you didn't visit the Sunday market in Chiang Mai, if you think Limphini Park was crowded! 😉
I didn’t film the worst of that park. We were literally in a crowd crush situation and I was afraid to mess with the camera. It was scary!
Markets and festivals get can get extremely crowded. The Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, it got so bad for me I had to leave.
I sm curious to check out Bangkok. Probably potential retirement destination.
Good place to start in Thailand. Easy to travel to other parts to compare.
I've been to Thailand twice the first time I flew into Bangkok and out of Bangkok and I barely left the airport I only went outside to drink a beer and smoke waiting my plane ride to Chiang Rai. I've seen videos and I know it's a good place but I'm not a party person and I hate huge cities so I even stayed in a city that's much smaller than Chiang Rai when I stay there
i agree with you , bangkok is not a bargain …and it’s a cacophony of lights and sounds ….it’s interesting and the Thai people are lovely …..but i’ve been and i won’t go again …as always thanks for your video and as always your honest presentation…..until soon ……Alex🇬🇷
You guys are great, have you ever thought about being guest stars on Dan’s Vagabond Awake channel?
A heart icon doesn’t really answer the question
See that is me too. I get to over stimulated.
I really think that not taking the BTS skytrain was a huge missed opportunity. I never take cabs or Grabs in Bangkok unless I'm not close to any BTS or MRT stations. Plus seeing the city from the skytrain is a fantastic experience. I love Bangkok so much that I got a 20 year visa to live there.
We didn't stay near a BTS stop for most of our stay. We were right by a MRT stop, though.
The BTS system is actually so much more convenient than the MRT. Did you try dimsum in Chinatown?
We didn't stay near a BTS stop for most of our stay. We were right by a MRT stop, though.
I don't like NY or Vegas either but I bet there is a place in Thailand you would like. Any ideas where that would be?
Maybe Pattaya (Jomtien) if you want a city which is near the beach. Hua Hin if you want beach town & more laid back (more retired expats). Both are relatively near Bangkok - they're 2 & 3 hrs away, respectively.
Great video, do you have a breakdown of prices that you felt were higher than last time? The rental prices, even in Bangkok, still look pretty good comparted to the US. And they seem to be lower yet in Hua Hin or Jom Tien (possibly misspelled!) both of which seem to be popular with expats.
Bangkok is more expensive due to the demand for being there. So many expats and ease of getting around Thailand if you are based there. Hua Hin/Chan Am, Jomtien/Pattaya, can be much cheaper. But compared to the west, Bangkok is still a great bargain.
I just got home from Bangkok. The malls were fabulous, but definitely not cheap. I was really hoping to find some items that i thought were too expensive here in the US at a nice discount, but couldn't. Prices at the malls in Bangkok are the same as in California. Now, in the local shops you can definitely get some deals.
Local shops sell fake items at times
Thailand is not cheap anymore.
@AmeliaAndJP true. There is pressure to keep prices low in malaysia too. But since the gov still subsidise fuel, we may hold on for awhile. That is the main factor in all cost calculation
How easy was it for you to reserve a hotel room before you arrived there? What platform did you use to reserve a hotel? How much was the airfare to fly to Thailand from where you were? You do an excellent job with your travel videos.
I liked it, but it was too hot. I stayed on the khlongs, it was the only place to catch a breeze
If you find yourself on the street of some sun parched country and you're disperate for a drink of water, Starbucks is the place to go, it has cold filtered water
Bangkok is a cement hot spot, true. Bottled water at a 7/11 can be had for 10-15 cents, rooftop bars and restaurants for a decent breeze.
Hi guys thanks for the video. I am planning a trip to Bangkok in 2026 would you mind sharing what area you stayed in - sorry if you did and I missed it.
Hi. I didn't get it either but I've always stayed in the area of Asok/ Sukhumvit. Sukhumvit is a long road. Asok is a BTS (sky train) station. It's an area where the BTS and MRT stations converge. There's a mall (Terminal 21) which has a great food court. That area is very safe & accessible. I travelled as a solo female and I felt safe always. It's also near the airport link/ train. So from the airport, you can transfer to the MRT.
@ thank you I was looking at somewhere along the sukhumvit area and my only concern with Asok was it might be too much of a party area - only my husband and I travelling and we do like lively bars and restaurants but a little bit too old for the young party scene - what’s your views on the Asok area for the 50 year old age demographic?
@caroljordan4316 you're welcome. Soi Cowboy (where the gogo bars are) is near that area but you don't have to go or stay there. There are many hotels & Airbnb in that area - Sukhumvit 15 to 19, like Four Points by Sheraton, Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sofitel, Arte Hotel, etc.
However, I've stayed 2x at Best Comfort Bangkok hotel since I'm not posh. It's an old-ish hotel, but it's at a good location. They have a rooftop pool & simple breakfast is included.
If you plan to rent via Airbnb, there are many condos there, as well as convenience stores, small food stalls, etc. Easy to get to from Suvarnabumi Airport (pronounced as soo wah nah poom). That's the bigger, modern airport. Don Mueang airport is farther away & caters more to local & International (regional/ Asian) flights. I've been to Thailand several times. Good luck!
We said it near the beginning. You must have skipped past it.
@@kitty_s23456 thank you so much for the info. 🥰
Tailand is an outdoor kitchen
Looks like i will add Bangkok to my list for a short trip. Amelia, i do not care for LV or NY. Thank you for making videos that are relevant and trustworthy.
Thanks!
You mentioned a couple times that Bangkok is very expensive. You have to understand - this is a major capital city of a country with a very healthy economy, and this is where the wealthy come to live and play. And all manner of services and retailers are everywhere to serve the rich and famous.
BUT, you can't let that intimidate you. In every category, there are very inexpensive options. You have to work to seek out the budget options. From hotels to food, from transportation to shopping, there are attractive budget options.
It may be the case that those of us traveling in countries known for their low cost and bang for buck, are used to being able to enjoy living the high life with the countries richer citizens. Sorry, but that's not the case in Thailand. The vast majority of us foreigners cannot afford to stay at the poshest hotels, car shop at the in-mall Bentley or Ferrari dealers, or pick out a new wardrobe at Louis Vuiton or Chanel.
But dig below the glitz, and you can still enjoy a very affordable, comfortable and delicious visit.
We didn't say it was "very expensive." We said it was not as cheap as we expected or as it used to be. We're on a tight budget and certainly don't shop at those places.
one word.skytrain!
If you think the traffic is crazy in Bangkok, wait until you go to Phnom Penh, Cambodia--even though it's not nearly as big as Bangkok.
Yep. We went there too. The difference was that in Phnom Penh, there are fewer lights and the traffic almost never completely stops. It’s way more fluid but crazy how there appear to be no traffic laws.
How much was the 5 hour massage?
I put the price on screen. It was under $200 total for both of us.
Hi I was curious if your ecourse is more for moving abroad to permanent place. Or would nomads moving abroad also benefit (FT traveler)
It's for both since a lot of the tasks are the same. And we're working on a new module for it that is specifically about slow / full-time travel.