V/O [Matt] Welcome to Bangkok Thailand! Bangkok, that’s its short name. Its official name holds the Guinness World Record for longest name of a city. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and home to 1 in 10 Thais. With more than twenty million visitors, Bangkok was the most visited city in the world in 2016. From Wat Po to the giant reclining Buddha, Pad Thai and partying, I’m going to show you how to navigate the city in both high style and on the low end.
V/O [Matt] Hi! I’m Matt. I’m a New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. I’ve been to over over 80 countries and territories, flown hundreds of thousands of miles, slept in all sorts of places, tried weird food and learned that you don’t need to be rich to travel but, I always wondered how do the rich travel? So I set out to combine the two and this is what I got.
SOT [Matt]: Hey guys I just landed here in Bangkok. I just got off a [insert sponsor airline] 14-hour flight from Boston and I’m exhausted but, I’m excited for this city. Now all I have to do is wait for my bags and away we go.
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SOT [Matt]: Finally, OK as you can see I’m outside of Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok’s main international airport. I had an amazing flight so I don’t mind roughing it so will start with the less expensive options. As you can see there is a row of taxis here. Depending on where you’re staying in the city, the cheapest and fastest way would be the airport line, via the Skytrain for 50 Baht, just under a buck, but with my luggage we’ll be hailing a taxi. To get into the city, a taxi should run you about 125 Baht which is equivalent to about four US Dollars.
SOT [Matt]: Oh my flight over I did some searching for where I should stay. There was a pretty nice American chain hotel in Sukhumvit for $124 a night, a designer loft on Airbnb in Bangkok’s Silom area for $75 and a quaint little hostel for 17 bucks a night. I’m feeling a little adventurous so, I’m gonna stay at the hostel. [The Posh Hostel.]
Driver: Where to my friend?
SOT [Matt]: I’m headed to The Posh Phayathai in Pathumwan.
Driver: Ok!
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V/O [Matt]: The Posh is halfway between flash packer hostel and boutique hotel, ideally located near downtown Bangkok and within easy reach of the airport. The common area opens onto a roof terrace which has great views of Skytrains zipping past every couple of minutes. There’s a large and popular whirlpool tub from where the panorama is even more awesome. They have 10-bed dormitories and one of the dorms is for female guests only. You can opt to stay in one of the cabins. They also have single rooms and family rooms as well.
SOT [Hostel Agent]: Sawadee ka! Welcome to The Posh Hostel
SOT [Matt]: Sawadee kup! I’m checking in for one night.
SOT [Hostel Agent]: What accommodation would you like to choose.
SOT [Matt]: I’m going to try out one of the cabins.
SOT [Hostel Agent]: Ok, Mr. Kepnes. Let me show you to your cabin.
SOT [Hostel Agent]: Here is your cabin Mr. Kepnes. Your cabin comes with complimentary breakfast and be sure to check out the deck where you can hang with some of the other guests.
SOT [Matt]: Thank you, I will.
SOT [Matt]: Wow! This is cool. I feel like a kid again. Here is a small LCD TV. Everything has a place and it’s all hidden. This is cool. Let’s check the rest of this place out.
V/O [Matt]: The bathroom is pretty standard, but very modern. You look here it has a little occupied light up sign. How cool is that?
SOT [Matt]: This is where all the guests mingle and get to know one another. Over here you have a pool table, hey guys.
This is a pretty sweet deck and it comes with a hot tub. I must say this hostel is one of the best I’ve been in thus far and I’ve stayed in many hostels.
SOT [Guest 1]: I come to Bangkok a lot and this is one of my favorite places to stay. I always run into cool new people and the price is unbeatable.
SOT [Matt]: As you can see, the night is beautiful. I’m going to enjoy this hot tub for a bit, catch you in a few.
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SOT [Matt] This is a good bed! At 17 dollars a night, this is a great bed. HaHaHa
SOT [Matt]: Last night I got some rest and I’m happy that I can wake up, walk down here and enjoy this breakfast buffet.
V/O [Matt]: Today I’m going to find some fun things to do here in the city that won’t break the bank. Bangkok is home to some 400 Temples, many which are free or cost a few bucks. There’s Wat Arun which cost about 50 baht, Wat Po, the reclining Buddha, which is 100 baht or Wat Trimitr for about 40 baht. I hear Wat Arun is the most popular and has a river boat ride. We’re gonna go with that!
SOT [Matt]: I’m here at the Chao Praya express boat that’s gonna take me over there to Wat Arun Ratchawararam, meaning Temple of Dawn, locally as Wat Chaeng. The temple, which is named after the Indian God Aruna, God of Dawn, sits majestically on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and is easily one of the most recognizable and memorable landmarks of Bangkok’s skyline. This is gonna cost of all of 5 bucks. Can’t beat that.
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SOT [Matt]: Wat Arun’s star attraction is its central prang, a Khmer-style tower, which stands at 260 feet tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. It’s even possible to climb the tower, although the steps are incredibly steep, the viewpoints at the top reveal stunning vistas of the winding river, with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho visible on the other side. Let’s go inside.
SOT [Matt]: Inside the ordination hall of Wat Arun, you can see how the walls are decorated with many intricate murals, you can view the golden Niramitr Buddha.Wat Arun is an architectural representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. The position of the outlying pagodas, with their guardian images facing in four directions, and the grand pagoda in their middle reinforces the temple’s symbolism.
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V/O [Matt]: As you can see, I couldn’t wear my tank top inside, there is a strict dress code. Wat Arun is a functioning Thai Buddhist temple, and as such, visitors dress in a respectful manner. This means that men must wear long pants and short-sleeves or long-sleeved shirts. Women must wear skirts or pants extending at least to the knee and no bare shoulders. And bring your camera, you can take as many pictures as you like.
SOT [Matt]: That was a very cool temple. I should probably eat something. Taxi!
SOT [Matt]: I’m heading over to Khao San Road.
V/O [Matt]: "Khao San" translates as "milled rice", a reminder that in former times the street was a major Bangkok rice market. Today, however, Khao San Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker paradise" and a place for guaranteed cheap eats!
SOT [Matt]: With so many eateries on and around Khao San Road serving bland and pricey Thai food, it’s no surprise that street food vendors dish out some of the cheapest and tastiest eats around. The ubiquitous pad Thai is fine, but let’s poke around to expand our Thai food horizons.
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SOT [Matt]: Let’s see. Do I want Pad Thai, fried crickets or curry? I’m going to go with the obvious choice, Pad Thai, here of all places at Pad Thai Restaurant.
SOT [Waiter]: Sawadee Kup! What would you like.
SOT [Matt]: I’d like the Pad Thai, a Coke and one of your delicious brownies.
SOT [Waiter]: Ok
SOT [Matt]: I just ordered a whole meal for about eight dollars. This is great!
V/O Matt: Oh that smells so good.
SOT [Matt]: This is going to be delicious! Kob khun kup!
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SOT [Matt]: That food was amazing. That’s Bangkok for you, great food and great partying. There are so many places to have fun in the city.
V/O [Matt]: There’s Soi Cowboy, named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s with its bright lights and dive bars. Nana Plaza, it's three stories of eye-popping activity for the all night partier or right outside the hostel door, Sukhumvit.
SOT [Matt]: Because it’s literally, right outside my door. I think I going to go to this happening rooftop bar called Octave.
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SOT [Matt]: Octave is the bar that brings to life the sounds, sights and skyline of the city every night. The comfortable and colorful setting, starting on the 45th floor and ending atop the Marriot Sukhumvit hotel on the 49th floor, is home to live DJs and in-the-know crowds.
SOT [Matt]: Time for some fun!
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SOT [Matt]: The drinks here at Octave are moderately priced and they serve Asian Fusion tapas if you need a bite to eat. There is no cover to get in but, it should be, just look at these views.
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SOT [Matt]: Last night was epic. Octave is amazing. No rooftop bar in city has its 360 degree views. The drinks were a little pricey but, for free admission, it was well worth it. Let’s look back at our trip so far.
V/O [Matt]: We arrived here and the cheapest and fastest way into the city was the Skytrain but, because I packed a ton, we opted for the taxi which was four bucks.
V/O [Matt]: Although the chain hotel had great reviews, thanks Chris, I chose to stay at the The Posh Hostel and this is one of the better hostels that I’ve been to. There were several room options. I picked the cabin which was $17 a night, with taxes and gratuity, I spent roughly 40 bucks for my stay.
V/O [Matt]: After getting some shut eye, it took 14 hours to get here people, I chose to go visit Wat Arun, boat ride included, that was roughly five US dollars.
V/O [Matt]: Walking Wat Arun got me a little hungry so, I headed down to Bangkok’s infamous KhaoSan Rd and it did not disappoint. I skipped the crickets and got the traditional pad thai, with a Coke and dessert, it cost me 249 Baht or eight US dollars.
V/O [Matt]: Grabbed a quick taxi, another 4 bucks and up to Octave I went. Price of admission? Free. I had a few drinks and my tab came up to 16 dollars but, hey it was free to get in. Ha Ha Ha
V/O [Matt]: So what was the damage for sleeping good, eating great and partying the night away?
SOT [Matt]: A whopping 77 dollars. I know some of you who phone bills are more than that a month. Ha Ha. That’s it. 77 dollars. And now on to the fancy stuff.
SOT [Matt]: This part of the trip is always the easiest. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the lavish accoutrement of the rich and famous. The three most luxurious hotels in Bangkok are said to be?
V/O [Matt]: The Peninsula, The Siam and The Mandarin Oriental. Because all of these places are awesome,
SOT [Matt]: I’m just going to eenie meenie minee mo. Well, The Peninsula Bangkok it is.
Hello, I’d like to book the Peninsula Suite. Oh my name, Kepnes, Matt Kepnes.
My car should be arriving shortly; I need to finish up.
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SOT [Chauffer]: Good Morning Mr. Kepnes, may I take your things.
SOT [Matt]: Yes you may.
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SOT [Bellman]: Good Morning Mr. Kepnes. Welcome to The Peninsula Bangkok.
V/O [Matt]: First opened in 1998, The Peninsula Bangkok is a well-loved luxury property in the Thai capital. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, the hotel boasts 370 rooms, three riverside restaurants, a 288-foot three-tier pool; a 14-room spa and for guest who want to beat the traffic, a helipad to park your chopper.
SOT [Matt]: Fun fact, the pastry team creates over 300 of chocolates daily. Yum!
SOT [Front Desk Agent]: Sawadee ka Mr. Kepnes.
SOT [Matt]: Sawadee kup! I’m checking into the Peninsula Suite today.
SOT [Front Desk Agent]: Yes, you can follow this gentleman to your right.
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V/O [Matt]: The Peninsula Suite is the pinnacle of luxury in Bangkok. Situated on the 34th floor of the hotel, the 3900 square feet suite has a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, walk-in closets and a butler's room. The dining room seats up to ten people and an amazing terrace that looks over the Chao Phraya river and last my not least.
SOT [Matt]: Somchai, a personal butler, at your beck and call 24 hours of the day and
V/O [Matt]: he even gets his own room
SOT [Matt]: all with a hefty $9000 a night price tag. Sheesh!
SOT [Matt]: Can you believe this place? Look at this view. This suite is just about as big an entire floor in The Posh Hostel. I’m still feeling a bit of a kink in my neck from my flight so I’m going to head down to the spa.
SOT [Matt]: O hey Somchai!
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SOT [Matt]: I’m not into spas much but, this has been long overdue. This is ironically called the four hand massage. One hour here well set you back $350, not to mention this 24 karat gold leaf mask for an additional $150. Time to relax. I’ll see you guys back at the room.
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SOT [Matt]: Normally, I would have to find something for me to do today but, The Peninsula Hotel won’t let me.
V/O [Matt]: I spoke with the team on my ride over and now the concierge is working to find me a few amazing things to explore today.
SOT [Concierge]: Hello Mr. Kepnes. Today we have curated two amazing tours for you.
SOT [Matt]: Let’s get to it.
SOT [Concierge]: I have two day tours for you Mr. Kepnes. One is at Erawan Falls with elephant bathing and a bamboo raft, finishing up at the Erawan museum OR the Damnoen Saduak floating market, with all access to the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha of Wat Phae Kaew. Both tours come with a private English speaking tour guide, a chauffeured Mercedes and a 6 course dinner at any Michelin rated restaurant of your choosing.
SOT [Concierge]: I’m going to go with option two.
SOT [Concierge]: Great. Right this way
SOT [Concierge]: Traffic in Bangkok can be unbearable, it’s much more comfortable in these seats than a taxi, that’s for sure.
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SOT [Matt]: From 1866 to 1868, by order of King Rama IV, the 20 mile long Damnoen Saduak Canal was constructed to connect the Mae Klong and Tha Chin rivers.
V/O [Matt]: During the early morning hours, female traders, often wearing traditional mo hom apparel, with wide-brimmed straw hats, like mine, called ngob, use sampans, small wooden boats, to sell their wares, often produce, that comes directly from farms. These boats are often full of vegetables and colorful fruits.
SOT [Matt]: The market is one of the top destinations for tourists visiting Bangkok and haggling is common place.
SOT [Matt]: We’re headed to the dazzling and spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city’s most famous landmark.
V/O [Matt:] Built in 1782 it was the home of the Thai King and royal court for 150 years. The Grand Palace leaves visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate details, which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people.
SOT [Matt]: Looks like we’re here
SOT [Matt]: Within the palace complex there are several buildings including Wat Phae Kaew, the small, but very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.
V/O [Matt:] Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand.
SOT [Matt]: Located in the historic center of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot, the Emerald Buddha.
V/O [Matt:] The highly revered Buddha image is meticulously carved from a single block of jade. The Emerald Buddha is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.
SOT [Matt]: This day was quite awesome; I think it’s time to get something to eat.
V/O [Concierge]: Matt we have made reservations for a six course meal at a two star Michelin rated Mezzaluna Restaurant, 64 stories above Bangkok, the driver knows how to get there.
SOT [Matt]: Kob khun kha sir.
SOT [Matt]: As you can see, I had to clean up a bit. Mezzaluna has a strict dress code which I was not in accordance with coming from my adventure.
SOT [Chef]: Hello I am Chef Ryuki, welcome to Mezzaluna.
SOT [Matt]: Thank you.
SOT [Chef]: Today we will be serving you the six course special with wine pairing. I’m gonna let it be a surprise to you and I hope you enjoy. Kob khun kha
SOT [Matt]: Kob khun kha,
in case you’re wondering, it means thank you in Thai.
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SOT [Matt]: Wow! The food was amazing and for the price tag of 30,000 Baht or $1,200 per person, this is the most expensive meal I have ever eaten. It was so flavorful, the spicing was right, everything was perfect. Well I’m going to finish this up, I’ll see you guys back in the car.
SOT [Matt]: If you didn’t know, Bangkok has some of the worst traffic. According to the Tom Tom Traffic Index, Bangkok ranks number two on the list of cities with the worst traffic in the entire world. Traffic in peak evening hours increases a whopping 118%, and it’s not peak evening hours but, don’t fret, we’re rich.
SOT [Matt]: So we’re going to take the chopper. We are cutting our traveling time down to 15 min from what was estimated to be an hour and it comes with a price tag of 1300 Baht per minute, so roughly $600 and that’s not including lading and waiting fees, but hey, when in Rome or Bangkok.
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SOT [Matt]: As you can see, I’ve changed out of my swanky dinner attire and into something more comfortable for my second night on the town. Let’s go.
SOT [Matt]: Levels is a luxury nightclub in the heart of Bangkok that caters to foreigners. Tonight we are getting a private booth with VIP table service. Levels brings the European nightclub scene to Bangkok; that means great music, large open dancefloors and a diverse mix of party-goers for an all-round great night out.
CLUB MUSIC in the distance
SOT [Matt]: I feel bad. No wait! I can get used to this.
SOT [Bouncer}: Right this way
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SOT [DJ]: Everyone give it up for Matt.
SOT [Matt]: I’ve always wanted to do this! Spray expensive bottles of champagne without worrying about the cost LOL. Normally I would be down there but, it’s really cool to have this option.
SOT [Matt]: I’m here with the club owner Matt Boyd. Hey Matt, I’m Matt.
SOT [Owner]: Hey Matt.
SOT [Matt]: You guys cater to your VIPS every whim while there in the nightclub. What was the craziest or most ridiculous thing someone has asked for?
SOT [Owner]: The craziest thing we provided for a client? One VIP client was hungry and said they wanted something quick to eat. She wanted butter toasted points and caviar. We have relationship with the Four Season up the street so we were able to accommodate her in about 30 minutes.
SOT [Matt]: And what does something like that cost?
SOT [Owner]: We billed her roughly 93,000 Baht or around 3,000 US
SOT [Matt]: Wow! I’ve really enjoyed my time; I think I’m going to turn in for the night. Thank you for having me.