Bangkok for Passport Renewal

Location : Bangkok, Thailand

Off to Bangkok
My passport was nearing its 6-month expiry threshold - time to have it renewed at the embassy in Bangkok. This trip also gave me a break from Chiang Mai, its pollution (Jan-Apr is burning season) and its heat (cold in winter and scorching in summer).

Because of Covid times, flights were cheaper than train fares. My VietJet flights to and from were less than $40 (~B770).

Mike the White Knight
Mike, always forward-thinking, sent me links for cheap flights and even handed me his MRT and BTS cards. What can I say? What a guy!!!

Mascot Hostel
Lodging was also cheap. One night at Mascot Hostel was B100 with a/c. Not bad considering it's on a central Pratunam location. For the price I paid, I couldn't complain - despite being cramped in a really small room with 4 guys. I hardly got sleep since the guy on top of the bunk bed worked at night on his laptop. Every slight movement he made shook the bed. Oh well, c'est la vie.

The place was also owned and staffed by Filipinos. It's funny that the owner, an avid Marcos devotee and acting patriach of the Filipino staff, started debating me about politics within 5 minutes of my arrival when I mentioned I was a UP student/teacher. I called his attention twice, "I just arrived, I'm tired, I want to settle in...and you really want to talk to me about politics?". That still didn't stop him. Although in fairness, he was a nice guy who enjoyed engaging me in conversation. It seemed like he hasn't had that in a long time. He was keen on underscoring that he came from a rich family and that he was a somebody in the Philippines during his time. Odd, but he didn't seem comfortable with a selfie shot. Anyway, he was quite a character..this Reine character.

Kwyn Wyn celebrating her birthday at Mascot Hostel

Adhere 13th Blues Bar
Bangkok is not complete without a visit to its iconic blues bar, Adhere 13th Blues Bar. They have a band nightly, and they just play blues - so no surprises here. Small beer was a surprising B130 (compared to B90 at Boy Blues Bar in Chiang Mai) - but hey, this is Bangkok! The place was packed and the community vibe was all good and chill.

band break but Adhere 13th Blues Bar was packed

Getting Around
Aside from the passport issue, there was nothing imperative for me, or even exciting for me in Bangkok. Just the same, I tried to keep busy, doing a lot of walks, bus rides, boat rides and making short stops for street food and taking pictures. After a while, they all looked the same.

Old Friends, New Friends
Yaro was also in Bangkok at that time, so the BKK crew got together at W District for some outdoor eats and drink - Yaro, Gualay and Marcela. Later, Yaro's girlfriend's friends (Mee, Pooh) arrived and the fun continued.

with the usual Bangkok suspects: Yaro, Gualay and Marcela

meeting new friends - Mee, Pooh, etc.

Ending Thoughts
I could have stayed longer in Bangkok, but I wasn't feeling it. I wanted to be back in Chiang Mai. Having traveled as long as I have, I'm no longer sure what would excite me again about traveling. But this trip made me realize a few things:

1. my backpacker instincts are still sharp
2. I'll be safe for another 10 years when my new passport is issued
3. I'm not too hot about traveling again. Hopefully, a new destination will bring back the excitement again
4. I really love Chiang Mai...despite its pollution and heat

I'm writing this in Chiang Mai. Home sweet home ❤

--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

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Bangkok Map

Bangkok, Thailand

HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

 GYM| YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250

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