REVISITING Episode 2 - One Week In Lub D, Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangkok Then vs My Trip in December 2025

In 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.

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Revisiting Bangkok: A Journey Through Time

02:55 The Allure of Lub D Hostel

05:51 Culinary Adventures: Thai Food and Street Culture

09:08 Navigating Bangkok: Tuk Tuk Scams and Transportation

12:06 Social Connections: Meeting Fellow Travellers

14:57 The Grand Palace Experience: A Cultural Exploration

33:17 Exploring Bangkok's Iconic Landmarks

36:10 The Controversial Tiger Reserve Experience

46:58 Nightlife Adventures on Khao San Road

54:13 A Classy Farewell at the Hangover Hotel

01:00:55 Reflections on Bangkok and Future Travels

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Produced by Winging It Productions - ⁠https://www.wingingitproductions.com⁠

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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com or james@wingingitproductions.com

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Cheers James.

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