How Not to Go Sightseeing in Bangkok

Since my arrival in the Big Mango, I seem to have been afflicted by a curious tropical malady that I’ve decided to term “sightseeing amotivation syndrome.”  The primary symptom of this disorder is a chronic disinterest in visiting tourist attractions of any kind.

Normally, I like going to museums and temples and other places of historical interest.  I’m a humanities geek,  and Thailand’s culture is as fascinating as any.  But the truth is, I’ve been so swept up by that culture since I’ve been here that I just haven’t found the time to go to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, or even the National Museum (and believe me, I like museums: I once spent three days straight exploring the British Museum in London).

Instead, I’ve basically just been hanging out with all my newfound friends–eating, drinking, dancing, shopping, and generally having an amazing time.  I’m learning to speak a little bit of Thai, and probably spending more time with Thai people than with other farang, with the exception of my new buddy Rob, a fellow American who I met at a vipassana meditation class at Wat Mahadhatu.  After our class, we hit the famous Amulet Market, where I bought a tiny Buddha-image pendant which has the mysterious ability to make me irresistibly attractive to women (…just kidding!).

I’ve also been to MBK (probably Bangkok’s hippest mall) twice now.  Normally I don’t like spending a lot of time in shopping malls, but at MBK I’m like a kid in a candy store.  Actually, my first full day in Bangkok I went there to buy a Thai cell phone–which I am now rather attached to.  I even downloaded a ringtone from the Thai rock band Bodyslam.

Actually, come to think of it, I’ve hit several of Bangkok’s major attractions just by accident, including Wat Mahadhatu, the Amulet Market, and MBK; as well as Lumphini Park, the National Gallery (it was closed, but I picked up some postcard prints by local artists at the Weekend Art Market), and of course Khao San Road.  I’ve also been practicing T’ai Chi in a historic park by the Chao Phraya river, just a short walk from my guesthouse.

I still want to go see the Grand Palace, the other famous Wats, and the National Museum at some point, so I may have to extend my stay in Bangkok a little bit.  Anyway, I like this city.  In fact, it’s quickly becoming my favorite.  Why?  Mostly because it’s just so much fun.  In fact, sanook, or fun, is one of Thailand’s most important cultural values.  Don’t believe me?  Next time you’re in Bangkok, check out a ska show at Brick Bar off of Khao San Road and dance the night away with a club full of Thai college students.  I think you’ll see what I mean.  And maybe you’ll realize what I’ve realized: that in the end, it’s all about the people.