Is Bangkok a good vacation spot?

[Maserschmidt]

@Siam_Sam

Just saw this and may be a little late to the party. But I lived in Thailand for 24-1/2 years, and 22-1/2 of those years were spent in Bangkok, living in both the city and the 'burbs. Bangkok is very much worth a visit, and anyone who says it is not simply does not know what he or she is talking about. It is one of the world’s great cities. The city may be an acquired taste for some, but Bangkok and the rest of Thailand are yin and yang. You cannot even begin to understand one without some experience of the other.

But only a fool would travel all that way just to spend 100% of the time in Bangkok and then head home. It’s good for a few days at least. I would recommend a week, maybe two, depending on how much time you have for upcountry. Some people stay in Bangkok first before heading out, others save Bangkok for the end of their trip. Either way is good. While still cheap by Western standards, Bangkok is relatively expensive compared with the rest of the country. You’ll find money flying out of your pocket.

Bangkok is awesome if you have the taste for a live, vibrant city. If time is condensed, it’s worth hiring a private guide for a day - yes it’s “expensive” relative to the rest of Thailand, but still VERY cheap on your Western pocketbook. Look online for those types of guides, there are large, reputable agencies that have TripAdvisor reviews you can rely on.