Intro: Common Misconceptions About Bangkok

Before my first trip to Thailand, a number of people told me that Bangkok was a pass-through city, a place to stay for a night or two en route to “better” destinations like the various “Kohs” (islands). Another friend, who lived in Thailand on and off for a decade, told me the opposite: Bangkok was a must visit, a place to see Thais going about their every day lives and a fun international city to eat, drink, and explore.

I trusted his opinion and it aligned with the primary reason I wanted to visit Thailand to begin with, to experience a culture and environment that was different from my day-to-day surroundings in the US, not to just sit and play on a beach for two weeks or only interact with fellow tourists. There are easier and less expensive ways to do that than taking a thirteen-hour flight to a country around the world.

So, I pushed to ensure that the group I was traveling with spent a few days in Bangkok. And I’m glad I did. Bangkok is a vibrant, bustling city with a diverse range of things to do and explore. It is a destination in its own right. I was so taken by the city that I went back again alone for six days and when I left the city, I wished I had booked more time there. I’d go back without hesitation.

The following are three of the most common misconceptions that I’ve heard (and continue to hear about Bangkok):

Misconception #1: Bangkok is Dirty
Misconception #2: Bangkok is Not Safe
Misconception #3: Bangkok is a Pass-Through City

I think these and other misconceptions keep people from spending time in Bangkok or giving it a fair chance when they do. I’m in the process of writing about each misconception and my thoughts on each. As I finish each one, I will post it and link to it in the list above.

In the meantime, here are some other takes and tips on Bangkok from other travel writers: