Day 1: Arrived in Bangkok at about 8.10am. After passing through VERY slow passport control and collecting my bags, I got a Taxi and asked to go straight to Khao San Road. I hadn't booked any accommodation so given that is backpacker central, I thought it would be a good place to start. The drive took about 45 mins and gave me an early introduction to Bangkok traffic (seriously crazy).
I finally arrived at Khao San Rd and the culture-shock was pretty incredible. No sooner had I got out of the taxi, than I was being mauled by the locals, each asking where I was staying, given the rather large backpack I had on. I was then practically forced into a police station (not literally but the people of Bangkok don't really give you much choice). I was then sat down and dictated to by some guy who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw. He's bombarding me with rules about where I shouldn't say (Khao San Rd basically) and showing me phone videos of people who had come in earlier claiming all their money had been stolen. Anyway, I didn't like him and left as quick as I could, backpack still weighing me down on these insanely crowded, sweaty and dirty streets. Like I said, culture-shock. I hadn't slept a wink on the plane either.
After walking round the surrounding roads for a while, I finally found a guest-house that was recommended by my lonely planet book (on Khao San Rd - surprise surprise). They had a room so I checked in and tried to firstly come to terms with it all and then get some sleep. Was about midday by this point though and so so hot and humid - sleep was not happening. So I decided to go explore the city.
After walking around for a couple of hours I had my first tuk-tuk experience, which wasn't the best. They will offer to take you on a tour of the city and kept telling me that today was a one-off and I could travel around all day for 10 Baht (about 20p). I soon found out that this involved detours to suit shops, jewellers and tourist info centres, which I hadn't asked for. The drivers want you to stay in these for at least 10 mins so they can get ''free gasoline'' coupons. As it happened, I stayed in the tourist info place for about an hour and got some good information (and nearly booked some things, which I'm now glad I didn't). Anyway, I finally go outside where my driver is waiting and he's got his precious coupon. Then, as we're driving away, he starting having a go at me for how long I was in there!!!! Can't win. I did get to see some of the smaller temples on my trip out though so wasn't a completely wasted trip.
In the evening (still no sleep since before my flight from UK), I decided to explore Khao San Rd and prefered it much more at that time of day. Still busy as anything but a bit more chilled than in the daytime. You get constantly stopped by locals wanting to sell you suits etc and have to fight you're way past them. Some will just grab your hand and follow you for ages. I was warned about all this but nothing can really prepare you.
Got some food from a stall and then settled down for a beer in one of the bars. A fellow lone-traveller was doing the same and I got chatting to him for a couple of hours. He's doing a similar trip to me but in reverse so we exchanged emails and may meet if our paths cross. Finally hit the sack about 9pm and did sleep. Woke up again at 3am though but wasn't too bothered - Just went down to the hostel bar and watched 2nd half of the Liverpool game - Get in!!!
Day 2: Got up late morning and went to a nearby travel centre to book a trip to Chiang Mai. Got a very good price for a 3 day, 2 night trek there (about 47 quid, including overnight bus to get there) so I booked it. Bus would be picking me up at 5.30pm that day. I'm going back to Bangkok later in the trip so wasn't fussed about missing some stuff (Grand Palace etc). I will see the rest of it then.
Spent the next few hours on a tuk-tuk again (prepared this time though - sort of). Actually went to see a lot of the bigger temples this time and also a large mansion. The driver tried to pull the same trick on me once we had seen them though but I wasn't falling for it this time and fancied having a proper look-around on foot. So I got off and walked the streets again for a couple of hours trying (and failing) to get my bearings. Eventually I'd done so much walking that I got another tuk-tuk back to Khao San Rd. I asked for the direct price this time though.
Got back and had a couple of hours to kill before my bus. Treated myself to a Thai foot massage and Fish Spa (awesome if you havn't tried it). Weird sensation at first and a bit ticklish but quite relaxing when you get used to it. Spoke to another couple of travellers, while there and had a good laugh.
Went to catch the bus at 5.30pm, it arrived at 6.30pm. Was gonna be a long trip, due to arrive in Chiang Mai at around 6am. Once on the bus, I sat next to this cool canadian guy and we chatted for hours. Really nice bloke. Tried to get some sleep before our early arrival in........
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