David Swan

Travelling alone in Thailand Part 2

Live Music in Thailand is one of the things I like about Thailand. Thai people are great musicians and singers, and they know most Western classics. You can listen to a guitarist singing ‘Country Road’ or go to a smaller boutique to listen to a jazz band. Of course, you can google ‘live music near me’. For Example:

Adhere The 13th Blues Bar

4.6(1.2k) · ฿200–400 Bar

13 Sam Sen Rd. (This is a ten-minute walk from Soi Rambuttri)

“Small in size, great music and a nice, relaxed and intimate atmosphere.”

Or the Golden Giraffe near the end of Soi Sukhumvit 11. I mention this bar because it can be difficult to find. A good music bar, not full of young women trying to rip you off. I never went down Soi Cowboy because I had read the reddit answers that talked of people being charged extorionate fees for drinks. Which could lead to arguments and bouncers being involved. Be careful in Thailand. Middle-aged men are vulnerable, like women can be vulnerable to spiked or powerful cocktails.

A fun example is having a good night at The Golden Giraffe, finishing at 11 PM, but then you are half-pissed. You walk past a bar called Bunnies on Soi Sukhumvit 11, and it seems quite mixed with another live band. If you are alone then a woman will join you and ask for a drink. Yes, young and pretty. Her drink is mainly water with Thai whiskey, but it won’t be too expensive. When you are more drunk, another woman approaches you with a tray of six shots for everyone, including her. You don’t want to appear cheap. So you pay 1000 baht for six shots, but you think fuck it. I’m having fun. After a few more Jack Daniels, 2 more trays of six shots, you are thinking you might end up with a hefty bill. Unless you are rich or can handle that much booze. Personally, there is a point where I just walk out the door, get in a taxi, and head home. Nursing a huge hangover the next day. These nights can be fun, every now and then, but you don’t want to spend that much cash always, so you have to think about the bars you go to, and the streets you walk down.

Always get a taxi home, whether man or woman.

Soi Rambuttri is also near the main tourist attractions:

buddhist temples bangkok

Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks are everywhere and can be exciting. There are always plenty around, but be sure you haggle for a fair price. If you are not going further than 30 minutes, then pay no more than 200 Baht. If you want to go further, maybe consider getting a taxi via the Grab App. This is their Uber, and it works fine.

The problem with long Tuk Tuk rides is that it may be fine for the young, but you feel like you don’t want to suck in exhaust fumes for 40 minutes. A taxi cab is a nice way of relaxing in an air-conditioned space to escape from the heat, and they are not too expensive. The app works out how much the ride is beforehand, so you don’t get ripped off.

tuk tuk in bangkok

The Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya river is also near Soi Rambuttri, and from there you can take a ride on the modern ferries. These can be quite cheap, no more than 100 baht, and will take you to some of the favourite tourists spots along the river. As well as the famous Buddhist temples, there are also modern and expensive shopping centres like Icon Siam.

As well as Icon Siam having all the expensive brands, if you are rich, there is also an extensive food court and market down below if you want a bargain. Most Thai shopping centres that have expensive brands also have a lower court with cheaper food and stalls to grab other bargains, like cheap t-shirts and trousers.

bangkok buddha

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