As I entered this city I must admit I came in with a lot of assumptions. What I quickly realised that these were mostly contrived misconceptions in which I had towed along with me not really knowing where I had sourced them from. To every person who has asked me how I am finding this city I have shared that Bangkok has taken me utterly by surprise. It’s diversity, the different things it has to offer makes it a joy to live (& eat) in.
My highlights this way of town:
- Ari
- Ahh Ari, my home, my haven. What a perfect place for you were to escape the flurry of daily life in this bustling city. Your leafy streets, your calm spirit and most importantly foodie and coffee culture made me feel in my element. Strolling down your streets was a constant pleasure on weekends for me as I stopped every now and then at your cozy hipster cafes for a coffee.
- My faves:
- Porcupine Café: A cutesy, cozy café on Soi 4 serving up fantastic coffees by uber hipster chic staff.
- Cantina Wine Bar: I was sure I had stumbled into a wine bar in Europe when I entered this place. It is packed to the brim and thriving on most nights but particularly so on the Friday and Saturday nights in which I always found myself there. This place offers some fantastic wine and mouth watering woodfire pizzas.
- Saphan Khwai
- Buff Bar & Bistro: tucked in a parallel back street to the Saphan Khwai BTS station, we just happened to stumble across this place. But it’s craft beer on tap, and egdey decorative interior made it a winner in the area. Noting that this place also offers live music on weekends!
- Cat on the Roof: what a treat this place is. It’s on the rooftop of a hostel. Definitely not the most accessible of the lot (or at all) but the view and vibe up here is fantastic for a breezy, chilled after work drink
At the heart of Thai society is deep belief, graciousness and kindness. The element of spirituality is felt within every element of daily life. Makeshift shrines dot the streets with offerings draped in marigold. The smell of incense infused with the wafts of freshly cooked street food rest comfortably together.
By far my most favourite part of living and working in the Northern part of this city is my leisurely strolls to and from work each day. Down the street where my office is located I often catch the eye of the local residents who smile warmly back at me as they go about the business of their everyday lives. Then there’s the lovely older gentleman who each and every morning is out in his garden with his baby grandson strapped to the front of him. I often pass by while he is cooing the little one or feeding him breakfast first thing in the morning, but without fail he looks up at me, smiles and says ‘Good morning’, in perfect English.
I’ll always look back fondly on my time here and my happy memories will be accompanied by the kind, generous and welcoming spirit of the Thai people and their constant proclamation of ‘Sawasdee kaaaaaaaa!’; and welcome I have felt. Khob Khun Ka Thailand.
Sx
I blog for Change. 