Bangkok’s buzz is like no other place in the world. Relentless traffic gives way to quiet “klongs” or canals and 24-hour party people queue up for clubs next to serene colonial mansions on quarter-acre blocks.
All of this and its people are among the friendliest on earth. Not a bad effort for a city of 14.5 million people.
1. World’s best cuisine
Papaya salad with salted egg — no words can do it justice.
Courtesy Som Tum Der
It’s so well-known that you hardly need reminding but Bangkok produces — quite effortlessly — some of the best food in the world.
Forget about Italian simplicity and French savoir faire, Thai cooking is all about intricacy, complexity and some of the most indefinable flavors ever attempted in gastronomy.
Thai celebrity chef McDang characterizes Thai food as demonstrating “intricacy; attention to detail; texture; color; taste; and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavor.”
All that and it’s cheap too. What’s not to like?
2. Real cities have long names
Known as Krung Thep to locals, the full name of Bangkok — given by Rama I, first king of the still-reigning Chakri dynasty in the late 1700s — is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Phiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
Try to fit that on your tax return.
3. See it while you can
Built on a vast expanse of plains and river deltas at an elevation of a little less than two meters (some six feet), the entire city is sinking into the muck at the rate of about 7.5 centimeters (three inches) per year, say scientists.
Like Van Gogh or the one from Milli Vanilli who’s not still alive, you’re only going to love us more when we’re gone.
Puppeteers bring Thai folklore to life along the canals of Bangkok’s Thonburi neighborhood. Video by Black Buddha
4. Best little movie poster shop in the East
This tiny closet of a space is home to the densest collection of new and classic movie posters this side of Hollywood.
When owner Mr. Santi isn’t here selling to collectors from all over Asia, he’s on the web trawling for lost treasures.
Best find: original Thai-language posters for “Star Wars,” “Apocalypse Now” and “The Great Escape.”
236/6-7, Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Road (next to Lido Theater)
5. Hang out with Thai-Chinese octogenarians as they argue, gamble, smoke, play mahjong, smoke, drink coffee, spit and smoke
Iae Sae coffee shop on Chinatown’s Padsai Road has been straining java for 60 years.
The coffee’s actually nothing special, but the lively, loud clientele will entertain for hours.
Raise a glass to the gaffer at the next table and he might regale you with wild tales of a time when the area was accessed by dirt paths and tram lines.
42 Padsai Road, Yaowarat, Samphantawong
6. Reddest red light district
Pat Pong is watered down and clogged with tourists. Nana Plaza is big, but too crowded.
But Soi Cowboy (BTS Asok; MRT Sukhumvit) is big enough to have fun, and small enough that you won’t lose any friends.
Its neon glow can be seen for miles around, and a quick drink with friends here can turn into a night that few remember but no one will forget.
7. Best all-night food counter
Took Lae Dee (cheap and good) at the 24-hour Foodland grocery store on Sukhumvit soi 5 is great for breakfast, lunch or a hair-of-the-dog nightcap at 4 a.m.
Its krapow gai (fried chicken and basil) is unforgettable, as is the motley crew that will be sharing the counter with you.
