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Whether you’ve visited Thailand before or plan to do so in the near future, give a listen as my guest Manfred gives valuable knowledge that’ll go a long way in elevating your experience in Thailand.
Originally from New Zealand, Manfred is a travel content creator who has visited Thailand for years as a kid, and has now been based in Bangkok for the last few years.
In this episode, Manfred takes us to Bangkok and Udon Thani, Thailand. We also talk a bit about his background traveling as a kid, and he shares tips and actionable information (like helpful phrases and motions) so travelers can better understand Thai culture/mentality and act more like a local.
Main Points & Some General Points/Stories Discussed
Locations: Bangkok & Udon Thani, Thailand)
Travel Topic: Integrating With & Understanding Thai Culture and Mentality
Main Points
- Guest and Topics Intro (1:31)
- Get To Know Manfred “The Person” (4:37)
- Insight on Udon Thani (16:41) and Bangkok (25:00)
- Get To Know Manfred “The Traveler” (49:18)
- Manfred speaks on the travel topic (1:00:35)
- Cultural Do’s/Don’ts & Useful Phrases/Actions (1:04:10)
- Typical Meals (1:21:50)
- Sports & Hobbies (1:29:23)
- Ladyboy Culture (1:33:55)
- Dating/Courtship (1:37:58)
- Rapid Fire Questions & 30 Seconds of Glory (1:45:42)
- Triston speaks on the travel topic and addresses non-fans of Bangkok (1:48:38)
General Points/Stories
- Manfred’s moments of meeting locals in Udon Thani (17:48)
- Why you should see more of North-East Thailand (Isan) (22:53)
- Manfred’s history of travel as a kid (50:06)
- Manfred briefly talks about the Killing Fields in Cambodia and shares a story about his visit to the Bridge of the River Kwai in Thailand. (53:52)
- Manfred buys beer at 9 years old. (56:11)
- How travel as a kid influenced Manfred. (58:56)
- Challenges Manfred faced when he moved to Thailand (1:00:56)
- Manfred and Triston briefly speak about Myanmar. (1:43:05)
Things to See and Do
Udon Thani, Thailand
- Red Lotus Lake (Thai: Chiang Haeo) in Kumphawapi District, best in Dec-Feb
- Two big parks in the city center (one with a large lake)
- Night Market
- Large Chinese New Years Festival
- Udon Thani Commemoration of the Town (festival for town anniversary)
Bangkok, Thailand
Temples/Palaces
- The Golden Mount (Thai: Wat Saket)
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho (reclining Buddha)
- Wat Triamit
- Grand Palace (where the Royal Family resides)
Markets: Shopping, Food & Entertainment
- Ratchada (Rot Fai) Night Market (Train Market)
- Srinagarindra Train Night Market (near airport)
- Sri Nakarin Night Market
- Chatuchak Market (only open on weekends)
- China Town (Wat Triamit near) (by Yaowarat Road, best during the week)
- Asiatique Market (with Calypso Ladyboy Show)
Transport/Scenic Transport
- A trip down the Chao Phraya River (15 baht Orange bus boat that heads downtown to major points of interest)
- Ride the canals in a canal boat (many points across the city)
- Take a bike ride around Bang Krachao (The Green Lung) an island by Chao Phraya River. Catch a boat to Bang Krachao from Klong Toei area.
- Take a boat to Ko Kret Island (north of the city, arts and crafts market on weekends, craft beer bar)
- MRT (subway/transit) (downtown)
Bars/Nightlife
Old Town
- Khaosan Road (famous backpacker street in Asia, relaxed during day, louder/party at night)
- Rambuttri Road (parallel to Khaosan, live music options, more relaxed, get cheap liquor buckets)
Downtown
- Skybar Lebua (where Hangover was filmed, very expensive, not recommended)
- Recommended Skybars: Octave, Aire Bar, Brewski Bar (Radison Blu), Belga Bar
Downtown & other Points of Interest
- Ekkamai (area)
- Lumpini Park (nice evening photography)
- Terminal 21 (destination mall, decent food court)
- MBK mall
- Bangkok Art & Cultural Center (BACC) (right across MBK Mall)
- Ghost Tower
- Abandoned mall near Khaosan Road
- Watch Muay Thai fights: Free: Channel 7 Stadium, Paid: Rajadamnern Stadium
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)- Larger airport in Bangkok
Useful Phrases/Actions
- Mai pen rai (no worries)
- Sa bai (relax)
- Wai (a bow locals do as they say hello)
- Sa Wat Dee krup/ka (Hello) Males say “Krup”, Females say “Ka”
- Tao Rai Krup/Ka? (How much is it?)
Food
Central Thai
- Rice Soup/Rice Porridge, Omelet on Rice
- Soups, curries, fried dishes
- Pad Kra Pao (Thai holy basil with meat and garlic, favorite with locals)
- Tom Yam (hot and sour thai soup, favorite with locals)
Northeast Thailand (Isan)
- Sticky Rice (with mango, salad, larb, grilled meat)
- Som tam (papaya salad)
- Larb (meat salad)
- Khao soy (creamy spicy soup with egg noodle, crispy noodle and chicken)
Resources Mentioned
- Casey Neistat
- Sam Kolder
- Line (popular messaging app in Thailand/Asia, similar to Whatsapp)
- Back Home Backpackers (Triston’s frequent base and best hostel in Bangkok)
Connect With Manfred
Instagram & Facebook: @adventuresoftits
Check out his vlog and videos on his Youtube channel.
Connect With The Backpacker Society
🎒 Explore more travel conversations at backpackerssociety.com/
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