Thanks Big C, you nailed it, even the most boring thing – going to the 7-11 – can be a really fun adventure for a foreigner here.

The difference with other places having lots to do like LA, there is Universal studios, Muscle Beach at Venice, Hollywwod, all the movie and TV show sets and locations, Star tours, etc

But in Bangkok just going to the 7-11 can be an adventure that can be repeated daily. Not a one off tour.

As to the food, BKK street food is affordable, yes NYC and othe cities have their gastronomical secion but how many dishes can you try for $100 – one. Bkk you could try 100 different dishes, side orders, special orders and generalised weirdness AND it’s not about being cheap it’s about the variety.

I lived near a vibrant outdoor market with vendors doing ‘tours’ of the dozen or so markets in the area. My Thai girlfriend and I would go everyday to the market walk around and find something neither of us had eaten before – every day for over a year.

I can’t understand how Bangkok is better in food scene than NYC ? NYC is the capital of the world, you can get food from all corners of the world just going around one block. One thing is that I am not sure what language is spoken by those working at NYC food retail industry. Certainly not English.

Hey Chris, yeah, it’s a fine line to walk – you need to keep things under control and make sure the rules are followed (as much as they are in Bangkok, anyway) but not to the point where the local culture gets diluted.

Hey Arthur, fair enough, it ain’t for everyone. One thing London and NY pulverize Bangkok on is historical and architectural sites – especially considering how quickly Bangkok is knocking down it’s old heritage buildings for new skyscrapers. But even after 16 years here, I still find new things to see and do all the time. I’m sure other big cities are similarly equipped, but what I can I say, Bangkok’s in my blood. 🙂

I’ll be honest I’ve been to Bangkok lots of times and to my mind it’s not that amazing IMHO. The malls are just the same as everywhere else, anonymous and globally generic. The skyline is spectacular and takes my breath away. I’ve never bothered with the nightlife (the skybars are too expensive and the other nightlife doesn’t appeal, I’m no prude I’ve been to Walking Street a few times but professional affection isn’t my thing). The food can be great but sadly I’ve often been disappointed too. 🙁

I wander around an overpriced shopping mall for a while getting bored, then stroll around a park getting too hot and then get stung by a taxi with a “malfunctioning” meter and before long I’m desperate to get back to the hotel room/condo for cool AC and a shower.