We visited in July 2010 and found it a vibrant center of fun. It helped that we stayed at the famously quirky and atmospheric Atlanta Hotel. Founded by an eccentric German expat, it’s run as an institution rather than a business. Their vegetarian restaurant is as good as any we found in seven months of travel. Prices are low and bad behavior is not tolerated. The hotel’s attitude toward the seedier sides of Bangkok is encapsulated in the big signs decrying sex tourism, announcing zero tolerance for drug abuse.
Closer to the center of the city, just down from Siam Square, is the Jim Thompson House, a museum of old Thai structures collected by the American businessman who helped revitalized the Thai silk industry during the mid 20th century. Its Colonial architecture provides a wonderful setting for the hotchpotch collection of curiosities, which range from the evocative to the esoteric. Staying east-central also allows a better look at modern-day Thailand from a local’s perspective. With fewer tourists around, there’s more chance to enjoy the markets at your own pace with a little less hassle. There’s also the chance to see some genuine backstreets as you wander around.
After Pattaya we’d been dreading Bangkok, fearing another few days of seedy boredom with people who shame our culture and image as visitors to a great country. But by the time we left, our attitudes had changed completely and we felt sad to board the train.
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This post was a guest post by Sophie Collard (@QunoSpotter). Sophie is a travel writer who you’ll find writing about places to travel or people she’s met while on her travels. She’s traveled in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia and loves how train travel gives a sense of distance and changing landscape. Check out Sophie on Twitter and find out more about her incredible adventures!