Left: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (Wikipedia photo). Top Right: Pantip Plaza (courtesy photo). Bottom Right: Tuk-tuks take passengers around the city. Background: the Chatuchak Market with Bangkok's skyline in the rear. (both Explore Thailand photos).
BANGKOK
Pat, Big Issue Australia vendor Sawasdee ka! My name is Pat. I am 58 and started selling The Big Issue in Perth, Western Australia, when I was struggling to get a job. I soon realized that this is indeed the right job for me! It’s great work that helps me pay my rent, and I love the people in Perth: they’re very generous. In March I visited Bangkok, in my home country of Thailand, after my mum passed away last year. If you’re thinking of going to Bangkok yourself, here are my tips for a great trip.
Getting around The Skytrain and the subway are quick, cheap ways to get around the Bangkok central business district. Fares start from 16 baht (51 cents USD) and increase by two or three baht per stop. It’s also easy to get to the international airport by train, and taxi fares are very cheap! Or to get around, try tuk-tuks, which are around the same price as taxis.
Tech heaven Pantip Plaza is Bangkok’s number one tech mall. Across five levels it has a wide range of computers, cameras and any electronics you want. There are very competitive prices, and you can try your hand at bargaining in many of the shops. Many of the stalls there can even issue you documents that you can use to claim tax refunds for tourists at the international airport on your way home.
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Catch some culture The Thailand Cultural Center provides educational activities through performing arts, various activities and a cultural library. Or, you can head to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, a treasured, world-class national center that stores some of Thailand’s precious stories. It’s open all year round and can comfortably accommodate up to 6,000 people.
Head to the market Chatuchak Market is the world’s largest weekend market. It has more than 15,000 stalls spread across 34.5 acres and has everything from food to fashion, art to antiques and more. It’s full of crazy cheap prices and new ideas. You can shop till you drop — definitely! You can taste a lot of Thai food here at Chatuchak, also known as JJ Market.
Out of town Fruit farms in the southeast, around three hours’ drive from Bangkok, are worth a visit. You can escape for a break among a variety of fruits, like mangosteen and durian. The price includes accommodation, breakfast and a tour of the farms. You can pick your own fruit fresh off the trees! Delicious.
When to visit Any time of year is a great time to be in Bangkok. Keep a sharp eye out for cheap flights – it’s a really bang-for-your-buck holiday.
