Off the beaten Bangkok

I have been in Bangkok for one week now. Despite the fact that I still have to sit at a desk from 9-5, I have taken this opportunity to explore the city. Here are some of my favorite spots so far. I don’t pretend to be an expert on this city, but if I had to write a New York Times 36 hours in Bangkok or a Daily Candy Goes to Bangkok, this is what I would include:

Saturday

MORNING: Even if you had a late night at Zense enjoying great cocktails at the sky bar in Central World, wake up early to go for a walk or jog at Chatachuk park before it gets too hot (MRT/BTS Mo Chit). When you are sufficiently sweaty and hungry, walk over to the MRT and go one stop south to Kamphaeng Phet. Here you will find a beautiful fruit and vegetable market. There are also several venders cooking up every Thai dish under the sun. I strongly recommend the fresh fruit juices and the coconut sweets.

If you are not in dire need of a shower, cross the street and take this opportunity to explore the Chatachuk Weekend market. According to Lonely Planet, this market sets the standards for markets around the world. It is huge and overwhelming, but filled with so many treasures – from dog clothes to house plants. My favorite parts of this market are the endless amounts of hipster tees and vintage dresses. Nancy Chandler’s map is really helpful and can come in handy if you get lost somewhere around the army attire.

AFTERNOON: No time to rest because the Grand Palace closes at 4 PM! This place is swarming with tourists so its hard to concentrate on its beauty  and history. Everyone jokes about the tour guides holding up umbrellas, but they are for real here. I was angry because the guard did not think my knee length skirt was long enough or that my wrap sufficiently covered my shoulder so I had to rent clothes to wear. Its an important site to see, but get out of the tourist trap as fast as possible and head down to the river. For 3 baht, take a ferry across to stop 10 and go to Wan Long market, a second hand market with no tourists. You have to dig around a bit, but the market is full of  vintage dresses and shirts, acid washed jeans, gems, vests, and shoes. Grab some street food for a snack if you are tired/hungry. I recommend the rice crepes with raisins.

EVENING: Head back across the river and walk to Khao San Road, where backpacker culture began. If you do this soon, you might walk through the Red Shirts camp like I did. I was nervous to be walking into a government protest, but it turned out fine. There is even more shopping to do on Khao San, but at this point, it all might start to blend together! Its time for a drink! Sit by one of the outdoor bars and enjoy some fine people-watching.

Eat some pad thai on the street before heading over to Suansae Bar and Mertz art space. This place was created by a group of young Thai friends and is at the epicenter of Thai hipster culture. Enjoy a movie in the art space followed by a discussion.  The party goes on all night long on Khao Son Road. You may find yourself swept up and taken to a bar in the heart of the red shirts camp. If not, look here for more bars and going-ons in this area this traditionally backpacker area that has been reclaimed by hip young Thais.

Sunday

MORNING: grab a smoothie and some vegetarian food at Banana Family Park in Ari. There are delicious smoothies and food that is so yummy that most people cannot believe its meatless… If you need more market time, jump on the BTS and go two stops to Mo Chit for round two of Chatuchak. If you are done with that craziness, get a Thai message at Body Tune, right next to the BTS stop in Ari.

AFTERNOON: Spend the hottest hours of the day at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. The place has spunky, funky exhibits ranging from wall graffiti to influences from Japanese pop art. Apparently, since World War II, Japan is the country that has had the most influence on Thailand and this is visible through art. There is also an art library on the first floor. This is a trendy place to grab a coffee and read a book. There is a really cool ice cream shop with flavors like global warming.

MBK is right across the street – enter this shopping center and gawk at all the gadgets and stuff you never knew you could buy.

Its hot outside, but don’t less this dissuade you from taking a HOT YOGA class at Absolute Yoga (BTS Chit Lom). If visiting the Grand Palace gives you a taste of history, taking a yoga class among the fitness-minded modern Thais gives you a taste of today’s culture. There are nice showers so that you can refresh for the evening.

EVENING: End your busy weekend with a relaxing evening of hummus and shisha on Soi Arab. Experience the cross-roads of culture and wonder at how much Bangkok has to offer.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS (compiled from my trip and insight from Bangkok residents and friends who have visited):

• Suan Lum night bazaar
• evening flower market in Chinatown
• Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples
• Jim Thompson House
• Saxophone at Victory Monument (Thursday nights are best). There is lots of street food outside
• Prime Massage – ask for Jit or Bob
• Dasa used bookstore/cafe (near Phrom Pong BTS)