[Vacancier Permanent]

I'm as baffled as the rest of the guys here in his very negative post about BKK. First time I went there, my plan was to stay there for a month but I ended up staying a few months. I found BKK a city with a unique vibe, with cool people, awesome food and an amazing night life. I also found BKK not too chaotic or rather, it's to be expected like in any major city around the world. Actually, part of that chaos that you see in certain parts is part of the charm of that city. As other mentioned, I also wonder where you stayed in BKK and where you were eating to have such a bad experience. I only went one night to Kao San Road and that was all I needed never to return. My time was spent mostly on the Thong Lor area and ate at both nice restaurants and the occasional street food and never ever had any problem. I found the people to be friendly, nice and warm. Just like anywhere, as long as you behave as a civilised person and not start shit with others, you'd be fine. In the months I spent there, the only time i came close to any altercation was with some stupid drunk English hooligan at a bar during a football match. Never had any problem with any Thais as I used common sense and I'm an experienced traveler to so called developping or 3rd world countries. Speaking of that, I didn't see much difference between Bangkok and Toronto. As a matter of fact, in a few key areas, I found BKK even better than Toronto. Trasnportation, communication, level of service in stores etc..was better in BKK. And my internet connection there was also faster than here in TO. Go figure for a 3rld world city. lol

[EPMD]

I haven't got anything bad to say about Thailand really.

Haven't been there in a few years, but will visit this winter. The people are friendly and smily, genuine friendliness or not - I don't care - try going to Russia/Ukraine where they are miserable bastards on the outside and on the inside.

Thailand for me has the best food in the world, sure the standards are not going to be up to Western levels. But again try going to Russia/Ukraine where you get served a plate of filth from the filthiest of kitchens you will ever see.

I also am not into Thai girls that much, I concentrate on foreigners, and I don't mean the fat American bitch travellers you find on Koh San Road, I mean regular hotties in Phuket straight off the plane.

I do agree you get a load of freaky foreigners in Thailand, but who says you have to be like them too?, they are a constant source of entertainment to me.

Bangkok - yes it's a shit hole to me, i've been to different parts of the city and it has few redeeming features.

You cannot fail to have a good time in Thailand, if you get get laid there then you have no penis.

[Gaston]

El Mechanico Wrote:

All these Asia threads confuse me. It's hot, it's not. Where do you go? I'm not big on shitholes. Actually Santo Domingo DR is about as low as it's going to get my way. Perspective??

I don't think anywhere in Latin America can compare to worst in Asia. But I also don't think Bangkok as a whole is a shit hole. It's a big, sprawling city and it aspires to be "modern", but beneath the aspirations certainly there are parts of the city and the overall elements of it that make it downright shitty especially if one is to stay there long(er) term. It is this shitty-ness that is hardly ever mentioned that I am addressing here. To be fair there are similar scenes in other popular Asian cities, so perhaps that could be addressed in another thread.

Menace Wrote:

I agree with this. Where is this for you?

Well, for Leonardo DiCaprio's character in The Beach, the journey to one such place started on Khao San road (For those of you who haven't seen the film in some ways it is relevant to some of our topics and ambitions, so get it from your favorite torrent site right now

There's no nirvana. The collective wisdom of this forum tells us that there's hardly a place and time left in the world any more that can deliver us the holly trinity at the same time: cheap, great, healthy. At best we can choose any of those two at once (that historical train departed the station in early 1990s, and in few cases as late as 10 years ago). And even if you were to find some possible exceptions that perhaps in theory could deliver closer to all three at once, those may be reserved for locals only and we will be precluded from enjoying the spoils due to being foreigners since social orders and circles and traditions are so tight and established that women simply can not be seen with foreigners in public, let alone else. Even if you were to penetrate one family's tradition, you can't bent the culture, so you'll still stick like a sore thumb whatever you do, and there's no escaping that.

But I'll be lying if I don't tell you that such question isn't the one I'm frequently grappling with.

Tigre Wrote:

Is there a certain part of the world you're bullish on right now?

In my view there are certain few niche markets that are open to be taken advantage of. Some are almost totally ripe, and some are just emerging.
There are also particular situations that some of us can create in order to bring pussy to us (some which were already brought up by RVF members on other threads)These can be setup in either potentially beneficial locales, or favorable micro-sites.

RioNomad Wrote:

Few questions:

Look, there's no need to "deconstruct" my experience. It's not a simple case that because of certain things I did that I had certain outcome. Put simply, personal experiences certainly can be subjective, but not at the expense of erasing objective realities.

(10-23-2012 12:16 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  

There is plenty of great info on BKK on this forum, he really should have read it.

It's not like parachuted into the city and country expecting to have a certain experience, which then never materialized. Or not knowing anything about it. Far from it.

[OGNorCal707]

While I do think Gaston is being a bit negative, he does have some points in my opinion. Personally, I did think that Thailand was over-rated, but I had really high expectations going in as it is probably one of the most hyped up countries there is.

For one I did think BKK was kind of a shit hole, although I can see what V.P. means when he said, "part of that chaos that you see in certain parts is part of the charm of that city", Bangkok has a very unique vibe, and energy, it is in a lot of ways a city that never sleeps. That said, I did think it was a bit too chaotic and congested for me, traffic is possibly the worst in the world, and it sucks getting stuck in a cab and barely moving more than a mile in half an hour. On top of that the pollution is really bad, especially the air pollution. Maybe some guys here don't care, but I value a clean environment, and clean air, I felt like the pollution was having a negative affect on my health.

Also, if you go to Thailand in the high season it will be really taxed. Everyone in Cali. was trying to act like Thailand was so cheap, I heard numerous stories about people getting nice hotel rooms for $10 a night, shit that may have been the case back in the 90's, but $10 a night will get you a complete dump in BKK or the southern islands.

I love Thai food, but I might be the only one on here to think that Thai food in Thailand is disappointing. Yes, I will say it, I feel that I had better Thai food in the D.C. area as well as the San Fran bay area in California. In two months in Thailand I only had a few meals that stacked up the the best Thai I've had in the U.S. I don't know if this is because the Thai I've had at my favorite spots in the U.S. were using better ingredients, or maybe just putting more effort into the preperation of the food.

While street food in Thailand is a great value, very cheap and big portions, I thought a lot of it was kind of gross. It was greasy, kind of slopped together, and multiple times I got little bits of egg shells in my pad thai, or gross bits of bone or whatever. The conditions aren't exactly sanitary, and if you observe how they clean the dishes, it will make you never want to eat there again, basically they just soak everything in tubs of soapy water.

As far as "land of smiles" goes, sure there were nice and friendly Thai people, but I did get the impression that a lot of Thais are over tourists and tourism. It seems a lot of them are jaded by having to serve tourists all day, just to eek out a living. I found the people in Chaing Mai and nothern Thailand to be much friendler and nicer than their counterparts in BKK and the southern islands. Overall, I thought the people in the southern islands were less friendly.

[Veloce]

While your OP was a bit of a downer, I can respect that was your experience.

I will say one thing, you're a hell of a writer. Along with that I get the sense that you're too damn smart for your own good. I've never been to Thailand but most of the guys who hype it up probably have more animal and impulsive tendencies than you do.

[WanderingSoul]

(10-23-2012 01:04 PM)Gaston Wrote:  

RioNomad Wrote:

Few questions:

Look, there's no need to "deconstruct" my experience. It's not a simple case that because of certain things I did that I had certain outcome. Put simply, personal experiences certainly can be subjective, but not at the expense of erasing objective realities.

So, about a week?

Your reluctance to answer basic questions shows me that you did what most tourists in BKK do, and went to shitty parts of the city. You are blasting a whole city because you didn't know where to go or what to do.

It's ok, I did the same thing my first time in Thailand. I hated BKK and went up north to CM for 3 months. You can read about it in my CM data sheet. It wasn't until I had a friend show me around BKK that I finally understood why BKK is such a badass city. I spent about 4.5 months there earlier this year, and will be going back soon.

Bangkok really is a city that it takes living in to enjoy. Otherwise, you just won't know where the good parts are. The traffic, smog, dirty streets, etc. are all a huge turn off at first. Couple that with a bunch of hookers, sexpats and ladyboys all over lower Sukhumvit, and you are bound to think BKK is a giant shit hole filled with pros. That isn't the truth though. That is just the section that the large majority of foreigners end up in.

Your rant is very similar to how I felt, so I won't blast you over it. You just missed out on what Bangkok has to offer, like so many thousands of people do. One good night out in Thonglor with a few friends and you will start to love BKK.

[Beyond Borders]

Even though I've delivered a lot of intel on Thailand, I actually liked this post. There's a lot of truth to quite a few things the OP has mentioned - no doubt about it.

Personally, I think far too many people who come to Thailand walk around with rose-colored glasses, completely ignoring the negative aspects or misinterpreting them - common issue with short-term travelers. Case in point: I went to North Vietnam and marveled at how aggressive and rude the people were compared to Thailand. Everyone I met there who couldn't believe I ever saw such a thing were the same people who were paying double for every meal, never calling out a scam, and never even negotiating - is it any wonder they were well-received?

They were walking around with their wallets in their hands and their heads up their asses and never really got the real picture of their surroundings because their naievete separated them from the truth.

They do the same thing in the Land of Smiles, putting themselves in danger in this and other ways because the truth is that in some ways Thailand is a fucked-up, dangerous place that takes some real streets smarts to navigate properly. Living there long-term can be even more nutty, especially if you're not paying attention. Many a short-termer who had the "best 3 months of my life" or "was always treated kindly and loved the smiles" would argue with me, but it's because they never lifted up the mask to peek behind that smile at the real good and the bad behind it.

For more insight into the negative aspects of Thailand, my favorite website is StickmanBangkok.com (excellent reading for the culturally curious). You can also read through the forums at thaivisa.com to get both wisdom from the boots on the ground as well as insights into just how fucked up a lot of the guys wearing those boots are.

(10-23-2012 06:20 AM)Gaston Wrote:  

If you've never been to Thailand and are considering it either short or long term do think about it some more because at best you will simply not get anything out of it other than what I have described in above paragraphs.

That said, I think the text quoted above is going too far. If you've personally decided that living in a notch above a 3rd world shithole (let's be honest) is not for you, right on. For some of us, on the other hand, it's completely possible to go to a place like that and get more out of it than what is described above.

That's because there is more to it than that. It's the type of place you can completely see as the greatest place or the worst place on Earth, depending on your perspective. Truth is that, as always, neither perspectives are right. Instead, it's somewhere in the middle. And that's the type of shit I personally thrive on - the dynamics of an alien place where people are in some ways so much like you yet in so many ways so different.

I thrive on how the discomfort and the comfort and the hospitality and the danger and the amazing food and the greasy street plates and the sexy women and the lying whores and the overall energy is all rolled up into this crazy, addicting ball (just don't snort it all at once). It's not about visiting the best place on Earth; it's about experiencing something different.

I've said time and time again to anyone who will listen that while I love Thailand and will probably return over a lifetime, it is not my choice of a permanent home base. I'm still looking for another place that would be more inviting and a little less dangerous, though I'll never expect it to be perfect.

I still haven't found that place yet because the dirty charm of Thailand sucked me in and hasn't let me go yet - but I will get there.

Another thing to recognize is that no matter what country you choose to visit, you'll never be at a loss to find some expat forum going off to no end about the shitty, negative aspects of the place. No place is perfect. Traveling and visiting other countries is about getting out of your comfort zone and sampling new experiences that may sometimes be out of this world to you on many different levels, many in trying ways. But at the end of the day it's more about your personal growth anyways, not about finding heaven on Earth - there is no heaven on Earth.

I'll come back and comment on some more of this stuff later - in a bit of a hurry. But I'd advise anyone who is reading this not to delve too much into the negative aspects of a place before visiting. You'll completely convince yourself to never go; if the point of your travels is to find the perfect place, stay at home because it doesn't exist. Or go somewhere else the OP recommends because he's probably right that Thailand isn't for you....

You can find your basic do's and don'ts and warnings in the back of any copy of lonely planet - in fact, it's the only real reason to buy these guides. IF what you're looking for is raw, life experience, read these informed warnings and get the fuck out there and live it. Just keep your eyes open and don't be like all the other star-gazing tourists and backpackers who don't see the reality in front of their faces.

Thanks to the OP for such a polarizing, and in my opinion, needed post.

(10-23-2012 11:26 AM)el mechanico Wrote:  

All these Asia threads confuse me. It's hot, it's not. Where do you go? I'm not big on shitholes. Actually Santo Domingo DR is about as low as it's going to get my way. Perspective??

There's a cliche that's used for a lot of places: "It's a place of contradictions." While it gets old hearing it, I've personally never found it to be so true of a country than Thailand. It's true for many places in Asia but none so much as Thailand.

You'll find all the shit the OP mentioned there; you'll also find all the shit the glorified posts have mentioned.

Because it's all there. That creates an overall energy you just won't experience in most places.

I think you'd love it, Mr. Mechanico. At the very least, don't forgo it completely and sell yourself short...go see for yourself. Many people with weaker stomachs and less street smarts have gone before you and loved it.

[Vicious]

(10-23-2012 01:04 PM)Gaston Wrote:  

RioNomad Wrote:

Few questions:

Look, there's no need to "deconstruct" my experience. It's not a simple case that because of certain things I did that I had certain outcome. Put simply, personal experiences certainly can be subjective, but not at the expense of erasing objective realities.

(10-23-2012 12:16 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  

There is plenty of great info on BKK on this forum, he really should have read it.

It's not like parachuted into the city and country expecting to have a certain experience, which then never materialized. Or not knowing anything about it. Far from it.

If you can't answer RioNomads very relevant questions about how long you stayed and where you went your so called experience doesn't mean anything.

[Gaston]

(10-23-2012 01:29 PM)thedude3737 Wrote:  

most of the guys who hype it up probably have more animal and impulsive tendencies than you do.

That probably is true. But I'm no stranger to all sorts of things either. Back in the day I was one crazy fucker, but for me everything has its time. Although I rose up in ranks I am still an adventurer at heart and still like to keep close to the ground and mix with the locals (like Neil Skywalker), and whenever possible choose most interesting routes, quirkiest travel methods, and off the beaten paths. But that isn't a rule, it depends on my mood, inclination, plans. For example, in BKK I stayed in a suite in a Banyan Tree hotel just down the road from Vietnamese (and also the U.S.) embassy (not the greatest hotel in town, but not too bad) Down south I stayed in el cheapo places. And it's not like I eat street food in Asia (or even NYC). By power of analytical observation I've learned to avoid that starting in China.)

And I'm still a dirty dog. But I'm also a social "actor" and can play several "roles" for different audiences. That is what often brings me more success for less work, and what's especially nice is that it brings me quality success (though I can still frequently struck out like everyone else).

I enjoyed being in BKK because I enjoy being everywhere else that is foreign and exotic (the more foreign it is, the more alive I feel I could have stayed there longer and wouldn't have been an issue in principle because it still would have been a temporary, short term stay with enough of an exotic factor to keep me interested. But I know that I would have outright hated living there.

Some of you are making a big deal of my sentiments. I am not adamant to make you believe me, but I do think for those who haven't been to give another thought if that is something they'd enjoy. As it happens, I'm just giving another layer to the discourse.

One thing I will give credit to BKK is that I felt extremely horny there. I'm not sure why that was, but it was an added bonus.

I also agree that El Mech would really like it there.

[WanderingSoul]

(10-23-2012 02:17 PM)Gaston Wrote:  

Some of you are making a big deal of my sentiments. I am not adamant to make you believe me, but I do think for those who haven't been to give another thought if that is something they'd enjoy. As it happens, I'm just giving another layer to the discourse.

The reason you are catching so much flak for your rant isn't because you didn't like Bangkok, not everyone will like Bangkok. It is because you tore a city, and it's people, apart and you won't give even basic info as to how long you stayed, and where you went.

I strongly suspect you stayed on lower Sukhumvit/Silom and never went to the areas recommended on this forum over and over again. Now you are trashing an entire city because you didn't like the shitty areas of BKK that the rest of us on here also don't like. This was easily avoidable.

You make claims such as "If you've never been to Thailand and are considering it either short or long term do think about it some more because at best you will simply not get anything out of it other than what I have described in above paragraphs." Yet you won't say how long you stayed in BKK, which clubs you went to, etc. You trash an entire country, but have you visited all of the major areas of the country? Did you even spend any significant time in Chiang Mai?

If you don't say how long you stayed, and which areas you went to, you are providing no useful info. You are just throwing a temper tantrum because things did not go your way.

So, I ask again:

1. How long did you stay in Bangkok?

2. Which clubs/areas did you go to?

3. How much of your time was spent on lower Sukhumvit and Silom?

Are you really going to refuse to answer these simple questions? These are obviously important questions to answer if you want people to take you seriously. If I spent 37 hours in New York, and started trashing it as the worst city in the world, should people take me seriously?

[scotian]

Glad this discussion has come up, I'm supposed to buy my ticket to BKK soon but am having some last minute reservations, this thread seems to back up all the reasons why I was almost talking myself out of going to Thailand for the winter and going back to Colombia instead!

[Teddykgb]

And me, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for, 'cause it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever




The best thing I learned from this thread....."gutter oil"

Never heard of it and now Im going to look at street food differentlly.........but still going to eat it.

[WanderingSoul]

(10-23-2012 06:42 PM)scotian Wrote:  

Glad this discussion has come up, I'm supposed to buy my ticket to BKK soon but am having some last minute reservations, this thread seems to back up all the reasons why I was almost talking myself out of going to Thailand for the winter and going back to Colombia instead!

Don't let Gaston dissuade you. If you would rather go to Colombia, I say go for it. However, listening to Gatson's rant is the equivalent to listening to someone say that Medellin is only filled with hookers and thugs. Sure, there is some truth to that, but the real problem is that person just didn't know where to go in Medellin.

[Soma]

(10-23-2012 06:56 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(10-23-2012 06:42 PM)scotian Wrote:  

Glad this discussion has come up, I'm supposed to buy my ticket to BKK soon but am having some last minute reservations, this thread seems to back up all the reasons why I was almost talking myself out of going to Thailand for the winter and going back to Colombia instead!

Don't let Gaston dissuade you. If you would rather go to Colombia, I say go for it. However, listening to Gatson's rant is the equivalent to listening to someone say that Medellin is only filled with hookers and thugs. Sure, there is some truth to that, but the real problem is that person just didn't know where to go in Medellin.

Most of the counterpoints to the OP have already been covered so I'll only say this. I've lived on 4 continents and travelled to countless countries, and Thailand is the only country that I dreaded leaving and was already making plans for my return before I left. Of course there's bad there along with the good, but Thailand just worked for me.

[Freddy_1]

The only way to truly experience BKK (unless you plan to stay there a long time) is to know someone who lives there who has a social circle and knows the city..then it really is an amazing place!!!!...to go there blind and not knowing anyone and stay a short time is not a good idea IMO.

[Teddykgb]

(10-23-2012 08:42 PM)Freddy_1 Wrote:  

The only way to truly experience BKK (unless you plan to stay there a long time) is to know someone who lives there who has a social circle and knows the city..then it really is an amazing place!!!!...to go there blind and not knowing anyone and stay a short time is not a good idea IMO.

So you wouldnt suggest renting an apartment in bkk for only 1 month?

I was thinking 1 month bkk 1 month chian mai and 1 month beach city.

Maybe more time at beach and chiang mai and only a few days in bkk?

[iknowexactly]

Gaston, can you write about a place you really like? It kind of seems you are maybe a Stoic who is determined to not get carried away with anything... ever.. now that you have "risen up the ranks."... Interested to see where/what you are enthusiastic about... to see the range of your opinions.

[Beyond Borders]

(10-23-2012 06:42 PM)scotian Wrote:  

Glad this discussion has come up, I'm supposed to buy my ticket to BKK soon but am having some last minute reservations, this thread seems to back up all the reasons why I was almost talking myself out of going to Thailand for the winter and going back to Colombia instead!

Scotian, I'd be willing to bet similar posts can be written (and likely have been written elsewhere on the net) about Colombia. Take you trip, Man. Then you'll know for yourself.

[maccc]

(10-23-2012 12:44 PM)EPMD Wrote:  

I concentrate on foreigners, and I don't mean the fat American bitch travellers you find on Koh San Road, I mean regular hotties in Phuket straight off the plane.

Hotties in Phuket?? All I've seen there is bargirls. I disagree with the OP's take on Bangkok, but I've been to Phuket a few times and haven't seen any decent looking chicks outside of on Ko Phi Phi.

[Freddy_1]

(10-23-2012 08:52 PM)murrb Wrote:  

(10-23-2012 08:42 PM)Freddy_1 Wrote:  

The only way to truly experience BKK (unless you plan to stay there a long time) is to know someone who lives there who has a social circle and knows the city..then it really is an amazing place!!!!...to go there blind and not knowing anyone and stay a short time is not a good idea IMO.

So you wouldnt suggest renting an apartment in bkk for only 1 month?

I was thinking 1 month bkk 1 month chian mai and 1 month beach city.

Maybe more time at beach and chiang mai and only a few days in bkk?

1 month might be ok... The thing is BKK such a big crazy place it's would be hard to get good spots without ALOT of help/ intel.

My advice is when you get over there if you don't know anyone is to try find a really good driver!!.. Don't get in a normal taxi but guys driving mercs and BMWs..These guys usually hang out just out the front of hotels so dont order a cab from the hotel just walk out and you will find one. Tell them your staying for a bit in BKK and you want him to be your personal driver, get his number and tell him you will tip him very well if he looks after you..This guy will literally be on call for you 24/7 whenever you want to go out or picked up and will most likely have really good info of what spots to hit...our driver was amazing and def worth the $$$.....

[Antipodean]

I have visited Thailand more than once.

Gaston's observations are probably factually accurate, but in sum, a fairly cynical reflection.
You can find most of the same deficiencies he is complaining about in parts of North America and Western Europe, let alone the rest of the less developed world.

He seems pretty smart, judging by his eloquent use of words, yet implies that he went to Thailand with a naive idea that it would be paradise. Maybe he would better off living in Monaco.

[scotian]

(10-24-2012 01:46 AM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  

(10-23-2012 06:42 PM)scotian Wrote:  

Glad this discussion has come up, I'm supposed to buy my ticket to BKK soon but am having some last minute reservations, this thread seems to back up all the reasons why I was almost talking myself out of going to Thailand for the winter and going back to Colombia instead!

Scotian, I'd be willing to bet similar posts can be written (and likely have been written elsewhere on the net) about Colombia. Take you trip, Man. Then you'll know for yourself.

I was thinking that too, the same negative aspects could definitely be said about Colombia.

[RichieP]

(10-23-2012 08:42 PM)Freddy_1 Wrote:  

The only way to truly experience BKK (unless you plan to stay there a long time) is to know someone who lives there who has a social circle and knows the city..then it really is an amazing place!!!!...to go there blind and not knowing anyone and stay a short time is not a good idea IMO.

Yep, and like Rio said it's really two cities.

Every time I just wander aimlessly down Sukhumvit at night or convince myself that the seedy clubs are "not that bad" and worth a shot, I have a fucking shit night and hate the place.

Every time I goto a cool event I've heard about thru friends, goto cool areas with girls in the know, etc - I think fuck yeah, this city is awesome and it feels like one continual adventure where anything can happen (and does lol).

It's what you make it. You can carve out awesomeness or you can settle for the surface-level tourist stuff and the experience that entails. I agree the pollution is a definite downside. then again every world-class city has something wrong with it - London and NY its prices and weather, LA it's public transport, Rio it's crime, etc etc.

[OldRich]

I was excited to see more report on Thailand as I'm planning to go early next year. I was a bit excited to see a negative report to gain a different perspective as I do agree Thailand does seem to be a bit over-hyped.

Much of what you wrote has any merit. I grew up in a 3rd world shit hole and do agree with that it's dirty, polluted and unsanitary but did you really go to Thailand and expect otherwise?

This totally discredit everything you wrote.

""If you've never been to Thailand and are considering it either short or long term do think about it some more because at best you will simply not get anything out of it other than what I have described in above paragraphs.""

Are you serious? tell us what really happened to you in Thailand.

[WanderingSoul]

(10-23-2012 08:52 PM)murrb Wrote:  

(10-23-2012 08:42 PM)Freddy_1 Wrote:  

The only way to truly experience BKK (unless you plan to stay there a long time) is to know someone who lives there who has a social circle and knows the city..then it really is an amazing place!!!!...to go there blind and not knowing anyone and stay a short time is not a good idea IMO.

So you wouldnt suggest renting an apartment in bkk for only 1 month?

I was thinking 1 month bkk 1 month chian mai and 1 month beach city.

Maybe more time at beach and chiang mai and only a few days in bkk?

If you follow the advice on the BKK threads on this forum, you can have a great time in BKK and know where to go/stay. There will probably be forum members there when you get there, so hit them up.

1 month in each location is fine. Personally, I prefer to stay in a place for a few months, but I think 1 month is enough to get a decent feel for the place.