I have an unusual question...I went to Bangkok last summer for three weeks and LOVED everything about it. I loved the heat, the craziness, all the exotic attractions, and how relaxed and friendly it is there--pretty laid-back for the most part, esp. Khao San Road. I am trying to choose where I want to go next summer and I was wondering if anyone who also loves Bangkok has any suggestions. I've been looking at Cairo, Egypt, but the Cairo info given on this site and others doesn't seem to be all that glowing.<BR>So, to anyone who really enjoyed Bangkok--what other cities would you recommend? (If it helps, I'm 23 and female.)<BR>

I, too, love cities, and love Bangkok. I've never been to KSR, as I'm not a backpacker. But here are some other cities I've enjoyed:<BR><BR>Kathmandu - amazing, exotic, and very, very polluted. I'm sorry to say that it has the worst pollution I've experienced anywhere. Still, a few days stay there would be wonderful. Make sure you visit all three cities in the Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Baktapur (my fave).<BR><BR>Fez or Marrakesh, Morocco - wonderful cities, I very much enjoyed them. You may have some problems with harassment in Fez, but get yourself a male guide to take you through the Medina and it won't be so bad.<BR><BR>Istanbul - Many fabulous things to see, Tokapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, etc.<BR><BR>Jakarta - I enjoyed the craziness of Jakarta, though some people don't. This may not be the best time to go, politically.<BR><BR>All of these places are inexpensive big cities. There are plenty of smaller cities I've enjoyed as well, but it sounds like big cities is what you are after.

'...the heat, the craziness...exotic attractions...laid-back':<BR><BR>I'd agree with Kathie on Kathmandu, which has all the above qualities. <BR><BR>It's been a while since I visited Morocco, but the occasional minor hassles for females might rule out the 'laid back' requirement if you're not able to ride such things out.<BR><BR>I'd recommend Hanoi, though. Nothing like as big as Bangkok, but with all the qualities listed above, and very relaxed and friendly.<BR><BR>Several Indian cities would qualify on colour and life (exoticism to the Western mind) but fail on the hassle element. Everything's a hassle in India, I fear.<BR><BR>I didn't find Jakarta nearly interesting enough to recommend as being in the same league as Bangkok. Bangkok I hope to see for the fourth time at some point (I was there last month), but I'm in no hurry to revisit Jakarta.<BR><BR>How about Seoul as a possibility? Not quite as mad as Bangkok, and certainly a lot more expensive, however. Taipei also gets little mention here, but has a lot going for it. I'm not sure either has any equivalent of Khao San Road, although there are certainly areas of Westernised bars, and no problem obtaining a banana pancake.<BR><BR>I liked Cairo, but unlike some of the others above I haven't experienced it at a backpacker level. I was on some Ministry of Tourism junket, but would like to go back and tackle it on my own. I imagine that there might be some minor hassles for single females, but not as much as Morocco.<BR><BR>Phnom Penh, possibly? There's plenty of budget accommodation, a row of river front bars which might remind you of Khao San Road, and so on. At nights there's some need for caution, however, and overall I'd prefer Hanoi for coffee shops, shopping, colonial architecture, and general atmosphere.<BR><BR>For size and chaos I suppose Beijing and Shanghai could be considered, but neither (and I've lived in one and worked in the other) could be described as laid back. Despite the proximity of the two countries, the Chinese reaction to outsiders in no way resembles that of the Thais. Both cities do have their Khao San-ish areas though, and in Beijing in particular there's plenty to see.<BR><BR>Peter N-H<BR>http://members.axion.net/~pnh/China.html

As a resident of Bangkok, i was amazed that there are somebody enjoy my city and seems unbeleivable to live here three weeks! Well, I would suggest Hochiminh instead of Hanoi, because it is very busy and a business hub of Vietnam, and my friend even told me that Bangkok and Hochiminh should not be combined in a same trip, because they are so comparable.<BR>What's about Osaka in Japan, it should be more friendly than Tokyo. For me, I did enjoy Kathmandu as well, especially the buddish sites.<BR>My favourite city in Europe is definitely Berlin.<BR>

Although I love Kathmandu, I don't think it is anything like Bangkok. Bangkok is a big, cosmopolitan city like New York, Paris, London, or even Athens. Kathmandu is very exotic and other-worldly, small and held in the past. But, I do recommend anyone to visit there.<BR><BR>I think, AL, that you may like Athens. It is large, hot, crazy, full of the friendliest people in the world, and a plethora of history. There is also a marvelous nightlife in Athens, like Bangkok, where people don't go to dinner until 11 and then go clubbing at 3 AM.

I like the Istanbul suggestion. The Turks are friendly, and there are lots of interesting places to see.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded. I have a lot to think about now and I am going to research all of those suggestions. I appreciate your help. <BR>