Bangkok

Hello everyone,

I recently spent a couple of days in Bangkok for work and loved this vibrant city. Bangkok truly has it all—big-city vibes, incredible food, tropical charm, and warm, welcoming people. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular travel and expat destinations in the world. The city’s bustling energy is intoxicating—cars, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks darting in every direction, crowds moving in a constant rhythm, and music wafting from every corner. Despite the chaos, it felt authentic and fun rather than overwhelming—though perhaps that’s because I am from Istanbul, another chaotic supernova! 

I arrived on a Saturday night at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which was easy to navigate. A Grab ride (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) took me to my hotel in Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok’s main districts. Unhappy side storyline: my hotel happened to be in the red-light district, near Nana Plaza, allegedly the world’s largest “adult playground.” While it was a bit uncomfortable, I didn’t encounter any security issues, and it was conveniently close to the office. Moving on.

Sunday was my day to explore. Bangkok is sprawling, so getting around requires transportation unless you’re ready to walk for hours. My first destination was the Old Town, home to Bangkok’s most famous Buddhist temples: Wat Arun and Wat Phra.

Wat Arun is breathtaking—a massive temple decorated with intricate, colorful details. Climbing its steep steps surprised me with spectacular river views. Though crowded, it was an experience not to be missed. I noticed many visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire, posing for photos. 

A short boat ride across the river brought me to Wat Phra, famous for its enormous golden reclining Buddha. It was fascinating to learn about Buddha’s journey as a prince who renounced worldly pleasures to seek spiritual fulfillment. Thailand’s predominantly Buddhist population adheres to values like avoiding alcohol and other excesses, although modern Bangkok presents a striking contrast with its party scene, legalized cannabis, and sex tourism industry.

Bangkok is a paradise for food lovers, and Thai cuisine lives up to its global reputation. After exploring the temples, I headed to Suppaniga Eating Room, a Michelin-accredited riverside restaurant. The beef, sticky rice, fried lotus, and mango sticky rice were divine. Sticky rice, in particular, is a genius invention—I could eat it daily!

The weather was a pleasant surprise—20°C in the mornings and 30°C by noon, with a refreshing breeze. However, locals warned me not to judge Bangkok’s climate based on this rare “winter.”

To reach Chatuchak Weekend Market, I negotiated a 300-baht ride in a tuk-tuk—a local Thai experience. My driver was fearless, weaving through traffic like a pro while I clung to the handles for my life. The ride was fun, and despite later learning I overpaid, it was worth every baht.

Chatuchak Market is a treasure trove, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from souvenirs to street food—and even live animals. Prices vary, so bring cash and be ready to use your bargaining skills. A younger generation is showcasing their haute couture here, adding a modern and creative vibe. We should bring this energy to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and save it from being dominated by knockoff sellers.

One evening, I explored Chinatown, which was very happening! At Krua Porn La Mai (a local restaurant), I had Tom Yum Kung, a spicy shrimp soup, and a crispy seafood omelet. We ordered the soup with coconut milk to make it less spicy. It was still spicy for me. My colleagues shared how the area transformed after a Blackpink member’s music video shot there skyrocketed its popularity. I promised to try street food, including larva, but I couldn't dare this time—maybe next visit! I learned more about Blackpink, a world famous Korean girl band during this trip. One of the Blackpink members is from Thailand and people are very proud of her success. 

Thanks to my local friends, I discovered TEP Bar, a hip cocktail spot with live music blending traditional Thai instruments with indie rock vibes. 

Wednesday is my last day before heading to Kuala Lumpur. With some free time, I decided to visit a coffee shop. Passing through Jalan Alor food market, I consider staying to try a local dish or drink but ultimately allow myself to choose something familiar. I head to the coffee shop and enjoy a cappuccino.

Overall, I really loved the vibe of Bangkok. There’s so much more to the city than the “Hangover”-style tourism it’s often associated with. I’ll definitely return and spend more time here. Next time, I might explore other cities in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai or Phuket.

Until next time, byeezz! 

Travel reads: "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney