REVISITED IN 2026 - Episode 2 - One Week In Lub D, Bangkok, Thailand - Thoughts From My Trip To Bangkok In 2025 vs 2013 Experience

Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastREVISITING Episode 2 - One Week In Lub D, Bangkok, Thailand.Bangkok Then vs My Trip in December 2025In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I go back to where it all began—Bangkok, Thailand. Originally recorded as Episode 2 in 2021, this was my first real taste of long-term travel back in 2013, stepping into Southeast Asia with no expectations, no real plan, and honestly, no idea what I was getting myself into.Fast forward to 2025, I’ve returned to Bangkok after over a decade of travel experience, and everything feels different—yet strangely familiar. In this revisit, I break down eight defining moments from that original trip, from hostel life and street food discoveries to tuk-tuk scams, cultural landmarks, and some uncomfortable travel lessons that shaped how I explore the world today.This episode is a mix of nostalgia, honest reflection, and practical insight for anyone planning their first trip to Bangkok—or looking back on how travel has changed over time.You’ll hear what Bangkok was like before smartphones dominated travel, how the backpacker scene has evolved, and whether the city's chaos, charm, and magic still holds up in 2025.Bangkok always holds a special place in my heart, thanks to the truly breathtaking experiences I had there and, more importantly, to the great people I met. My trip in 2025 was a completely different type of trip, but I still loved visiting this great city, which I call my favourite, and it still is that for sure!A note to add, this is not a PC episode from 2021, so there are some grim stories and terms in there, but this is to share all of my experiences as they happened in 2013. I didn't want to sugarcoat the experience. I also cringe at the older episodes of Winging It and have done my best to clean up the audio and take out the gaps but it is all part of the podcasting journey.Support the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit🌍 Explore more episodes at wingingittravelpodcast.com✈️ Check out more great travel podcasts at https://voyascape.com⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Revisiting Bangkok: A Journey Through Time02:55 The Allure of Lub D Hostel05:51 Culinary Adventures: Thai Food and Street Culture09:08 Navigating Bangkok: Tuk Tuk Scams and Transportation12:06 Social Connections: Meeting Fellow Travellers14:57 The Grand Palace Experience: A Cultural Exploration33:17 Exploring Bangkok's Iconic Landmarks36:10 The Controversial Tiger Reserve Experience46:58 Nightlife Adventures on Khao San Road54:13 A Classy Farewell at the Hangover Hotel01:00:55 Reflections on Bangkok and Future Travels--------------------------------------------------------------Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/Winging It Travel Podcast - Website--------------------------------------------------------------Winging It Travel Podcast CreditsHost/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James HammondContact me - [email protected] or [email protected] Media - follow me on:InstagramTikTok Facebook--------------------------------------------------------------Affiliate Links If you click one of the below to book something, I get a tiny commission, which helps the podcast.Book Flights with Skyscanner - HereUse Revolut Travel Card - HereBook Hostels With Hostelworld - HereBooking.com - HereBook Experiences With Viator - HereDiscovery Car Hire - HereBook Buses With Busbud - HereBook Trains With Trainline - HereTravel Insurance with SafetyWing - HereBook Flights With Expedia Canada - Here--------------------------------------------------------------Thanks for supporting me and the podcast!Cheers James.Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe worldThis podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network . For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email [email protected] or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.