hi,
i been in bankgkok a few days ago (first time). I was there 2 days after being in Vietnam for almost three weeks.
I Found Bankgkok as the most unpleasent place i been in my life.
Vietnam is Amazing!!
Why does everybody go to bangkok?
I think Bangkok is one of those places that you either love or hate.
(Not that I have ever come across anyone that hasn't loved it).
It's a really great city with a fascinating history. Lots to do and plenty of places to explore. The food is amazing and the people are really friendly. There is a real buzz from the city, people going about their business, the hustle and bustle of the markets and the bars/restaurants along the Khao San Road area.
If you ever get the chance to go then grab it. I've been there 3 times now and I would still love to go back!
Quoting Kristie79
I think Bangkok is one of those places that you either love or hate.
(Not that I have ever come across anyone that hasn't loved it).
Ok, with the exception of Ricardo23!
[ Edit: Fixed quote ]
Even though both countries are in Asia, Thailand and Japan are very, very different from one another - and usually don't get much of a tourist overlap. But that's due more to the high cost of travel in Japan compared to Thailand, as well as the distance between both countries.
As mentioned before, Thailand is ideally situated for anyone travelling to other countries in Southeast Asia. Using Thailand as a base it's easy to get to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar/Burma, Vietnam and Malaysia. Compared to Japan it's still dirt cheap to travel around Thailand, and even cheaper in those neighboring countries.
Bangkok itself is a very international city that - despite the horrific traffic jams - is easy for westerners to adjust to and to explore. English is widely spoken and there are 7-Eleven stores and McDonald's on almost every block. So much for "exotic Asia", right?
All that aside, I think it IS fair to question the geography knowledge of most Americans. I'm an American and when I moved to Thailand, a lot of the people in my hometown asked me why I was moving to "Taiwan" and if I could speak Taiwanese!
Quoting Kristie79
Quoting Kristie79
I think Bangkok is one of those places that you either love or hate.
(Not that I have ever come across anyone that hasn't loved it).Ok, with the exception of Ricardo23!
I can also understand why people would hate it, pollution, traffic, lots of dodgy con artists-you know the ones who say Bangkok Palace is closed, but they can take you to another temple or they can sell you gems for a very cheap price 
[ Edit: Fixed quote ]
Quoting jordanx
Im new to these forums and I have been doing a lot of surfing today. All I see is bangkok everywhere......I dont even know where that is! Whats so special about it?
Also, I see NO mention of Japan..well hardly. Why does nobody go to japan?
Funny, I always thought Bangkok was in Wisconsinida ( or should that be Massachucock)???
Bangkok is the major hub of most flights between Europe (and Australia) and Asia (Singapore being the other).
Some love it , some hate it.
I love it for it's total madness, every bit as mad as Tokyo but totally different.
Great place to party though, and good value for the dollar/euro.
El Leg
Hey,
Maybe it just has something to do with Bangkok being one of the major transport hubs for asia and a stop off for flights inbetween the northern and southern hemispheres!
A lot of people dont like BKK at first cos it is so hectic, but i love the place. And you dont have to pay for ALL the women! I didnt pay for one....just dont go to the scummy cheap areas full of ladyboys!
Japan is supposed to be realyl expensive - that is qhy backpackers dont frequent it so much, but hearing about the Students there from these posts is happy days as i might be going there to study in the next few years....wahooooooo
Bangkok's a blast. You'll find anything you can think of there. Great place to visit but who in there right mind would want to live there. Know pleanty of folk who have to work there during the week and can't wait to get out of it at the weekend.
Bangkok has many beautiful landscapes and interesting history. At this time, almost all places are very cold, but only bangkok is hot. And the pleasant climate makes it suitable for visitors at this season.
Hello Jordanx
A lot of people entering South East Asia fly into Bangkok. Then they come back, to Bangkok, to fly out.
It is not possible, to fly directly into some South East Asian contries. And many visas for other countries can be obtained, in Bangkok.
Also, Bangkok is not expensive, and Japan is very expensive. That would prevent a lot of people from going there. Not to mention, that one cant travel to Japan overland, from other Asian countries.
Mel