A Shot in the Rain: Bangkok
Shoppers take the monsoon rain in stride in Bangkok.
Photo by Jamie Rector
Photo by Jamie Rector
The eastern City of Angeles gets a lot more rain than the one in the west, with Bangkok averaging about 58 inches of rain per year compared to L.A.’s fifteen. A little rain, or even a lot, doesn’t stop the Thai people from going about their everyday business as usual. This month, writer and photographer Jamie Rector shares some of her favorite rainy day activities in Bangkok, Thailand. From the frenetic energy of a Muay Thai Boxing match to the serenity found inside the city’s thousands of Buddhist temples, Bangkok has something for every taste.
Kayte Deioma, Editor
Bangkok Features:
- Shopping Heaven in the City of Angeles
- One Rainy Night in Bangkok
- Spirits and Sucker Punches: Muay Thai Boxing in Bangkok
Kids Stuff:
spend an entire day wandering the floors of the MBK ( Mah Boon Krong) , a huge eight-story mall across from Siam Square. It has a very modern, western feel. Among its 2000 shops are trendy boutiques, bootleg electronic stores and market-type kiosks that line the walkways. As you meander up the various floors you can find almost anything you need, and a plenty of things it hadn’t occurred to you to covet.
For a change of pace, or style, get a haircut, manicure, and pedicure. Not done pampering yourself? Stop by on the main floor for a public chair massage. However, I would only recommend this as a foot rest from the shopping. There are many locations that offer a traditional Thai massage, often for a very low price. I paid $4 for a one-hour Thai foot massage. Believe it or not! Don’t forget to tip your masseuse.
bags, another good break is a stop at the karaoke booths on the top floor. If you’re too shy to sing yourself, you can watch other people making recordings of their version of a favorite song.
Hill tribe people sell necklaces or rings on any number of streets. They will happily show you the jewelry they have for sale. For the right price, they will even sell you their hand made headdresses.
In the same area you’ll find an abundance of artists’ shops and studios. Artists work in clusters on their various paintings, drawings, pottery, ceramics, metalwork, woodwork and other crafts right there for you to watch. I, for one, could spend hours watching these talented people make beautiful art right before my eyes.
Keep in mind that prices are often inflated for tourists and it is up to you to bargain the price down. This goes mostly for shopping on the street. If you find a nice painting on the street for $30, you can likely get it for $20 or less. Even in the mall, prices are negotiable. Show interest and express that the price is too high. Be prepared to walk away as that is sometimes the key to getting the price to finally drop.
organized shopping tour. There are many tourist locations that can help you find one. Your guide will take you on a trip that will introduce you to the local jewelry makers at the Royal Lapidary. They will show you an informational video that explains the mines and how they choose their stones as well as how the jewelry is made. You can also get a peek at some of the jewelry makers working away in the back of the building. Finally on the showcase floor, you can purchase a nice ring, necklace or bracelet for yourself or as a souvenir gift.
known around Bangkok. You can peruse tables full of catalogues showing off a variety of styles including shorts, blouses, pants, dresses, suits, etc. Each of these items can be custom made for you with a large assortment of fabrics and styles at a fraction of the price you would pay in London, Paris or the United States. Some will get your outfit to you within 24 hours, but it’s best to give them a little bit of time and allow for more than one fitting.
When the nights fill with rain, you can stay dry inside while whetting your whistle with a cool drink and some lively company. The nightlife in Bangkok has a bit of a wild and lusty history. As the visitors of the past were mostly American GI’s and German or Arab sex tourists, the nightlife offered a wide array of scandalous choices. But as the tourist census has changed and more couples come for shopping and innocent-natured fun, the range of places available to spend an evening has grown. Still, even venues that appear innocuous, may have servers who will go home with you for a fee.
Billiards is particularly big in Thailand. One popular haven for this pastime is the Factory. The contemporary, artsy environment offers two full bars and about 6 pool tables. Neon lights make the balls glow as they spin across the felt tables. There are also coin-operated internet kiosks where you can check your email while waiting for your turn to play. For the freaky deaky, and the right price, you can take one of the serving girls with you for the night.
Brunswick is another popular night spot. This large pool hall with a field of felt tables has more tourists. It is also a restaurant, so you can order dinner between chalking your cue stick. They often have informal tournaments going on. Just put your name up on the chalkboard and wait for your turn in the game. When you enter a game as a new challenger, it is your responsibility to pay for the game. If you win, you get a new challenger; if you lose you go back onto the chalkboard.
Soi Cowboy is a bar with a glass ceiling above ground level and a dance floor upstairs. Sitting at the bar below you get a voyeuristic view of the people dancing above you. Funky lighting makes everyone glow.