Thailand—Bangkok
Bangkok was the first stop on a trip that included Thailand, Cambodia, and Singapore.
I’ll start with the view. My room at Inn a Day Bangkok looked directly out at Wat Arun temple, and at sunset, it was stunning. That view alone made the hotel worth it. The place has a lot of character, and it was a good base for two days in the city.
I walked almost everywhere and most of my time was spent exploring Wat Pho, the temple complex that houses the Reclining Buddha. I’d seen pictures, but pictures don’t come close to capturing how enormous that golden Buddha actually is. Standing next to the feet and looking down the length of the room—the head is so far away it almost doesn’t register. The rest of the complex is just as impressive. Rows of golden seated Buddhas lined long corridors with red ceilings. Ornate tiled pagodas outside that you could spend an hour photographing and still not get right. I tried.
I opted for a tuktuk ride around the city on my second day. Bangkok is hot in a way that you can’t comprehend unless you’re there. That decision came with an unplanned lesson.
My tuk tuk driver was friendly and enthusiastic—too enthusiastic, it turned out. He took me to a jewelry store, which I later learned is a classic setup. Drivers get a kickback for every tourist they bring in. I bought something I wouldn’t have otherwise bought, and I was annoyed at myself more than anything. Consider this your warning: if your tuktuk driver seems eager to make a stop, ask questions before you get out.
Later that evening, I found my way to SALA for dinner, and that’s where I had the most memorable meal of the trip—green curry rice. It was actually green, fragrant, and unlike anything I’ve had since. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and Bangkok delivers, but that dish specifically has lived in my memory ever since. I’ve been looking for it everywhere and haven’t found it. If you go, order it.
Taxis come with their own drama. On my way to the airport, a driver tried to use the language barrier to his advantage on the fare. What he didn’t count on was Google Translate. We went back and forth for a few minutes before I got out of the cab, which seemed to genuinely surprise him. I’ll call that a win.
Two days was the right amount of time. Bangkok reminded me of New York—crowded, busy, a little rough around the edges in spots. The temples are worth seeing and the food is worth every meal. But once I’d done both, I was ready to move on. Some cities are like that, and there’s nothing wrong with knowing when you’ve gotten what you came for.
Want to see more? Check out these Destinations!