My first trip to Southeast Asia was five years ago when my partner and I visited the exotic capital of Thailand, Bangkok. He had been before but it was my first visit and I was entranced. I returned to this favorite city recently and I’m happy to say the same feelings of awe and wonder were still there. After thinking about it, here are just a few reasons why I love Bangkok.
1. Wat Arun at sunset
2. Fresh mango
3. Even though it’s touristy, I always love the Grand Palace
4. Wandering through little neighborhoods
5. Best meal in your life from a hawker – all for only a few bucks
6. Watching a muay thai fight
7. Crispy chicken with garlic and basil. Singha beer optional
8. Simple pleasure of a scented and icy cold washcloth
9. Accepting that 100% humidity is ok
10. Learning how to say thank you and hello within only a few minutes
11. Rich, fragrant smell of the exotic that only Bangkok has.
12. Gaudy bargaining at the Silom night market
13. Giving money to help the soi dogs
14. Novelty of fresh durian from a street vendor
15. Getting out and exploring the countryside around Bangkok
16. Mango and sticky rice
17. For the luck of finding a great restaurant tucked away in the middle of no-where
18. Traditional Thai massage, even though it hurts
19. To revel in the pride Thais rightly have of their country
20. The festivals, even the crazy ones like Songkran
21. Learning why it really is the Land of a Thousand Smiles
22. Boat ride on the Chao Phraya River
23. Learn how to cook a Thai meal
24. Talking about life with a Thai
25. Exploring the hidden neighborhoods on a long tail boat
26. Haggling for anything, anywhere in town
27. Accepting that the river Chao Phraya is the lifeblood of the city and learning all about it
28. The incredible scents and spices only found in Bangkok
29. Wat Arun at sunrise
30. High end food at budget prices
31. Buying a tailor made suit
32. Soda with a straw
33. Shopping at the many great malls
34. It’s huge, but intimate at the same time
35. View of the city from the Golden Mount
36. Exploring the luxurious side of the city
37. Pineapple in a bag for $1
38. Old world majesty at the teak palace
39. Pick a temple, any temple
40. Sunset dinner at the In Love restaurant
41. Falling in love with one of the largest and most beautiful airports in the world – Suvarnabhumi Airport
42. Gardens of the Jim Thompson House
