#also first matcha latte ive ever had it was really good !!!!!

[runsouth]

doing my sheep homework with July

#plushblr #plushie #plushies #aurora plush #food tw #sheep plush #and bt sheep homework i mean a comic draft about sheep #also first matcha latte ive ever had it was really good !!!!!

[yourghastlycloseness]

hi

i got some work done even though today is an off day. i’m learning not to be salty about doing work on an off day.

will be heading home now to reply an e-mail re: a project.

one of the project teams i an in can be pretty sweet at times, because no one’s malicious or obviously trying to step on someone else to get ahead or to leave good impressions. everyone’s just trying to get work done. some members drop you cute messages like ‘thanks for your hard work’ — i don’t get this ‘safe’ feeling at all with the project team that’s under me, which is why even after a year, i still feel sour about having to manage it. sometimes it isn’t you

i’ve been plugging in my earphones these days at the office, because all i want to listen to is the tablo podcast/class. i work in a place — i might have mentioned it before — where if i’m just at my desk getting shit done, nobody frowns at you for shutting out the world with a track/podcast episode. so that’s nice.

had brunch at five oars coffee roasters - ordered a lite breakfast of brioche and jam (? not sure what kind), scrambled eggs, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, iced mocha. these brunch menus at cafés are starting to all taste the same to me. but there’s still some fun in trying to locate every one of these places with our best bud, google maps, and checking out the interior design. why did they pick out those plants? why did they choose benches instead of seats? and etc.

read a bit of infinite jest. DFW is funny as ever. there’s a lot of vocab in there that i don’t know. mental NTS to look them up later. he is a clever man. lovely as he seems in interviews, i don’t think i would ever want to be in his presence, because i would be wasting his time.

later picked up a matcha latte from another place down the street.

at 2.10pm, i visited a dog café on my own and realized that all cute dogs are chad dogs. i first saw chad dogs in action when i visited a dog café in seoul. the golden retriever though would come and do cute little tricks if they sniffed dog treats on you.

waffles the corgi was no different. cute, and only after your biscuits. i didn’t buy any dog treats so i was mostly ignored by waffles, though she did come by to lick me about two times before scuttling off to someone who could give her what she wanted.

i was touched. she did that despite knowing that i didn’t have sweets on me. the dachshund there was unresponsive. not sure what the other breeds were (i only remember the names of conventionally cute and popular breeds), but i had a good time. i prefer how much calmer and cleaner this dog café is compared to the one i visited in seoul, where dogs would poop and pee on the floor every few minutes, and the large ones especially would bark bark bark and climb all over the seating areas.

once again, i was the only person visiting the place alone. that got me some looks from couples or groups of friends if i moved over to touch the dogs they were stroking. this doesn’t really happen if i come with someone else.

when people see me alone, i find that they either:

i) are meaner to me and prioritize groups of friends/couples/families (in that order)

ii) talk to me like i’m some weirdo/societal outcast who has no friends

iii) approach me more often for directions, because my lonesome, ethnic- and age-ambiguous self must seem less intimidating than when i hang out with a group of singaporean chinese girls in their mid-twenties (describing myself and my social circle, basically)

iv) have no reaction

v) seem a little freaked out and uncomfortable, like i could be some psycho serial killer

vi) think i’m a prostitute

vii) are nicer and ‘look out’ for me (i’ve only experienced such kindness 3 times: the korean barista at ediya coffee in jongno-5 ga who looked over the counter after she made my drink to made sure i could find the straw and serviette; a service staff at jewel’s jinjja chicken who choped one seat for me and told me to go order my food; the chinese lady at the korean food stall in my neighbourhood mall, who makes sure i am OK when carrying hot soup on a tray, and helps me ‘store’ my takesway orders when i’m eating there, but have also bought food to take home for the family)

the above has been ranked in terms of frequency.

i got asked earlier by the staff at the dog café — a girl, about 5-8 years younger than me — if i was, by any chance, ‘a student under 20’, and i realized then that even at 25, i still don’t give off very adult vibes in first impressions. it’s only after people get to know me that they see the gay grandpa trapped in a woman’s body.

[topfygad]

What to See and Do in Bangkok

  Bangkok – or Krung Thep to locals – is undoubtedly one of the most loved cities in the world. Once you get over the colorful sensory overload of the first few hours in this impressive and beautiful city, it really is very easy to see why.

As cliché as it may sound, Bangkok really does offer something for everyone, and as the Asian economy grows at a blistering pace, Bangkok can actually feel much more futuristic than many cities in the West these days. For instance, the city center is built in layers upwards, with the Skytrain metro weaving its way through the skyscrapers and colorful shopping malls of the city center.

But Bangkok also perfectly balances this futuristic feel with a distinctive traditional culture, with national treasures such as the sacred Emerald Buddha in Thailand, the Royal Palace of the beloved royal family, and a maze of canals with floating markets that have been used by merchants for centuries.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to Bangkok’s numerous attractions; the city where the past and the future intermingle.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  A village a couple of hours drive from downtown Bangkok, Damnoen floating market is located on canals built by King Rama IV, with the aim of linking the smaller Taachin river to the Maeklong, enabling a trade and transportation network where agricultural goods could be traded with goods from the city. These days, little has changed, with paddle boats rather than motorized longboats being the way to navigate this labyrinth of exotic fruit and souvenir vendors. This is also certainly the place to be if you want to hone your bartering skills! In addition, there are dozens of floating restaurants which can provide a welcome respite when you have had enough of the haggling experience and your fill of boat-centered shopping.

MBK Shopping Mall

  Visiting the floating market on one of Explorient’s Far East tour is a half day, leaving several hours in the afternoon free for other shopping experiences in Bangkok. Whilst the floating market gives a glimpse into Bangkok’s past, the MBK shopping mall represents the present and future.

With 7 huge floors to discover, even if you do not intend on doing any shopping, it is still highly enjoyable. Floors 5 and 6 are huge food courts that offer a dizzying variety of cuisines for very competitive prices. The sushi restaurants, in particular, stand out, because they are very authentic, often run by Japanese owners but at a fraction of the price you would have to shell out for in Japan.

Other highlights are the vegetarian Thai restaurants and the steakhouses that usually have buy 1 get 1 free offer. The lower floors include services such as massage parlors and fish spas where you dip your toes in refreshing water and have your feet pedicured by little fish called Garra Rufa that nibble away gently on dead skin.

Electrical goods dominate the lower floors too, with vendors who can repair damaged devices such as phones and tablets, chargers of all shapes and sizes, as well as jewelers. Finally, floor 7 is the entertainment zone, with a large arcade that will delight children and adults alike, along with a theatre showing the latest movies (with English subtitles). You can also get breathtaking views of the surrounding downtown area from here, which is a dazzling multi-colored light show at night.          

Ayuthaya

  Driving a couple of hours north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was the former capital of the ancient Siam kingdom, and the ruins found here today are arguably just as impressive as neighboring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, yet much more accessible. The entire historical part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what remains so fascinating about these ruins are that they are of a very unique design, blending Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture.

Wat Chai Wattanaram, in particular, is special because when you approach it, looks very much like Angkor Wat, but on closer inspection, you see some major differences in style, with spiraling pagodas in the Burmese style on each wing.

Wat Phanan Choeng – on the other hand – is impressive for its massive 17-meter gold Buddha, whilst further to the north of dozens of these ruins is the Monument of the King Naresuan the Great. This is a memorial to the King who was particularly loved by Thai people under his reign, mainly for freeing the Siamese people from the Burmese who had previously conquered the region. He was also known for being a benevolent ruler and treated his people well and never saw himself as above the laws and traditions of Siam.

The Royal Grand Palace and the Pantheon of the Kings

  One of the hottest attractions in Bangkok and a must-see for everyone is the infamous Royal Grand Palace. Built in 1782, it was the home and the royal court and the Thai Kings for 150 years up until 1932, when the royal court moved to its present location further east.

Today, it is wonderfully preserved and a true national treasure to the Thai people, considered to be the spiritual heart of Thailand and a showcase of the Thai artisans and craftsmen who built it. Comprised of several buildings rather than just a single palace, and includes the aforementioned giant Emerald Buddha within Wat Phra Kaew, which dates back to the 1400s, the palace itself has more of a European feel to its architecture. You can experience this impressive palace compound on almost any of Explorient’s Thailand tours, including the Luxury Thailand Tour Package.

The Royal Pantheon is also located in the Grand Palace complex and has quite an interesting story behind its construction. Built on the upper platforms by King Rama IV, it was chosen as the building to house the giant Emerald Buddha, but this required a great renovation project to make it larger to accommodate it. Unfortunately, it actually turned out to be a little bit too small to house the Emerald Buddha, so these plans were abandoned. Instead, Rama VI restored the building and made it the Pantheon of the Chakri Dynasty of rulers. Inside are life-sized statues of all of these Chakrian kings, but on the outside are colorful demons and nagas aligned in a row next to the pagodas, making this a very popular place for taking photos including ‘selfies’.

Editor’s Eclectic Picks

  For your free time between Explorient’s tours, Bangkok offers numerous oddities and attractions guaranteed to entertain you.

“Teailily” in the Japanese Village

Just to the north of downtown Bangkok’s Siam Square – easily accessible via the public Skytrain, tuk-tuk or taxi – is what is known as “The Japanese Village”,  a small district with some of the architecture convincingly quintessential Japanese-styled and packed with character.

Amongst all the familiar Japanese-chained restaurants and supermarkets (such as UFM Fuji Super, a great place to pick up reasonably priced but high-quality sake amongst other delights), there are a few hidden independently-run gems run by Japanese immigrants.

The finest is undoubtedly the “Tealily” tea house (located on Ekkamai Soi 12), with its interior feeling very much like a traditional Japanese home, and its courtyard with several chairs and tables set up around fish ponds, this is much more than just another Matcha tea house or cafe.

In fact, Tealily even has an adorable and very cuddly cat named Bow, so for cat-lovers, this is the icing on the cake!

It’s safe to say that the atmosphere and ascetics of Tealily are absolutely perfect, but what about the teas themselves? Well, the staff here have sourced the finest Matcha tea in the world from Uji, a town nestled between the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, where the soil is considered absolutely perfect for matcha green tea cultivation. In fact, it has been producing it for just over 1000 years, and the leaves sourced by “Tealily” are 100% organic and hand-picked just as they have been since Zen Buddhists arrived in Kyoto and Uji and taught the people how to grow the perfect green tea leaves.

So the prices may seem a little steep, with an Iced Matcha Piccho Latte starting at 185 Bhat (about $5 or $6), but the fact is that this is actually a little cheaper for what you’d pay for the same quality in some parts of Japan. And this matcha is 100% “Ceremonial Grade” that has been used in the infamous Japanese tea ceremony for centuries.

Other than matcha, all the other teas from Japan here are available: Sencha, Kabasecha, Sakura and so on. The options for food are equally as exemplary, with Yuzu orange sorbet, red beans with matcha sauce, as well as the ever-popular matcha ice cream.

Tealily is, in summary, one of the best places in Bangkok to unwind while being a perfect example of how Thai and Japanese cultures work and infuse so seamlessly together.

“Insects in the Backroom”, Chang Chui

Located in the increasingly quirky Chang Chui district with distinctive small-scale eco-businesses, surrealist art galleries and a night-market built around the hull of a disused 1960’s airliner, “Insects in the Backroom” is a restaurant that specializes in fusion food with a twist.

That twist is that it uses insects in lieu of typical meat dishes, which may sound repulsive to foreigners, but the fact is that Thai people (especially in rural areas such as Isaan, but also in Bangkok from takeaway stalls in the evening) have been happily eating insects for centuries.

“Insects in the Backroom” is not a gimmick venture, either; it is, in fact, a gourmet restaurant which is the brainchild of Mai Thitiwat (a Michelin star chef) whose stated goal is to show that insects will potentially solve the problem of global food shortages that are coming with escalating human population growth. He states that in fact around 2 billion people all over the world already incorporate insects into their diet and done so happily for millennia. It is also infinitely more environmentally sustainable since 1kg of silkworms uses up to 100 times less land area and animal feed as opposed to 1kg of pork.

Still not convinced? Well, this attraction is certainly not for everyone, but for those adventurous to try, dishes such as fried cricket salads with silkworm powdered seasoning tastes just like roasted chicken with a slightly sweet salad dressing. Or how about quail with caterpillar which lends a delicious walnut type flavor? Giant water beetle ravioli that tastes similar to lobster? Whatever you order, it is guaranteed to be at the very least a fun experience with excellent 5-star service and presentation…The rest is just up to your palate!

These impressive attractions are just a mere glimpse of what is on offer in Bangkok. It really is impossible to write a list of even half the things to do in Bangkok without it turning into a novel! Such is the life with the non-stop pace and growth of the city that never sleeps.

source http://cheaprtravels.com/what-to-see-and-do-in-bangkok/

[oddsxxends]

a while later...

I’d like to think of this as an impromptu update cause i was just scrolling on tumblr, which has now become a rare activity of mine. so it’s graci, what’s up. i literally think it’s been 3-4 years. on my end, i’ve done a shit ton of growing up. i now work at my third job, it’s at starbucks. since the last post where i tell you i’m awful sonic ‘job’, i’ve worked at chills360 (an ice cream shop) and kroger, which i met the love of my life at. it’s incredible how right when you start looking for someone, you find pretty much exactly what you wanted. that was in april 2018, it’s now march 2019 and we’ve been doing long distance for about 10 months because he’s entered the marine reserves. i saved enough money to see his graduation august 10th, 2018. scariest thing i’ve done ever, but such a good experience. i bought and completely paid off my car all by myself. she’s a yellow chevy 2008 cobalt that i love to death. her names bea! more seriously, i’ve learned how to speak up for myself, how to carry myself as a strong woman and have learned to take pride in myself. i’ve learned to say no to things that don’t better me or benefit me. and on october 5, 2018, we lost a family member. our cousin amanda. she had recently had kenzie, her first baby. it’s still hard to swallow saying that or even writing it. she committed suicide. we believe it was a mix of a tough marriage and post partum depression. we have to live with it everyday but we get through it by leaning on each other. we went to new mexico last weekend to celebrate her birthday. my aunt and uncle get to watch kenzie almost every weekend and we see amanda in her so much. it has brought our family together even more but i just wish it didn’t have to be in that way you know? onto a lighter note, or well not really lol, i’ve learned that i am a hard worker and that will make people want to take advantage of that. ive learned to care for myself and be gentle and kind to myself. i have spent way too long being my worst critic and once you start accepting yourself for who you are, you suddenly see the gorgeous, kind, wonderful goddess that you always hoped to be. i’m working towards going to esthetician school, id basically be working at a spa doing facials and maybe body massages! getting a credit card is on the agenda to start building credit and also fleshing out how to begin looking for apartment with me and my love. we’ve also got two new cats now, neah and nova. they are gorgeous and the cutest things ever. and dash is still holding strong at like 13 years lol. i’m proud of all that i’ve done with myself so far, and it’s nice to kinda document growth so idk if alicia will see this but i’ll definitely ask if she’d want to join in again :)

fave song: california girls NoMBe and would you be so kind by dodie

go-to coffee shop beverage: soy matcha vanilla latte/or a two honey whole milk latte/ iced americano with cream and two pumps of cinnamon dolce (can you tell i work at starbucks haha)

fave word: effervescent

[topfygad]

What to See and Do in Bangkok

  Bangkok – or Krung Thep to locals – is undoubtedly one of the most loved cities in the world. Once you get over the colorful sensory overload of the first few hours in this impressive and beautiful city, it really is very easy to see why.

As cliché as it may sound, Bangkok really does offer something for everyone, and as the Asian economy grows at a blistering pace, Bangkok can actually feel much more futuristic than many cities in the West these days. For instance, the city center is built in layers upwards, with the Skytrain metro weaving its way through the skyscrapers and colorful shopping malls of the city center.

But Bangkok also perfectly balances this futuristic feel with a distinctive traditional culture, with national treasures such as the sacred Emerald Buddha in Thailand, the Royal Palace of the beloved royal family, and a maze of canals with floating markets that have been used by merchants for centuries.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to Bangkok’s numerous attractions; the city where the past and the future intermingle.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  A village a couple of hours drive from downtown Bangkok, Damnoen floating market is located on canals built by King Rama IV, with the aim of linking the smaller Taachin river to the Maeklong, enabling a trade and transportation network where agricultural goods could be traded with goods from the city. These days, little has changed, with paddle boats rather than motorized longboats being the way to navigate this labyrinth of exotic fruit and souvenir vendors. This is also certainly the place to be if you want to hone your bartering skills! In addition, there are dozens of floating restaurants which can provide a welcome respite when you have had enough of the haggling experience and your fill of boat-centered shopping.

MBK Shopping Mall

  Visiting the floating market on one of Explorient’s Far East tour is a half day, leaving several hours in the afternoon free for other shopping experiences in Bangkok. Whilst the floating market gives a glimpse into Bangkok’s past, the MBK shopping mall represents the present and future.

With 7 huge floors to discover, even if you do not intend on doing any shopping, it is still highly enjoyable. Floors 5 and 6 are huge food courts that offer a dizzying variety of cuisines for very competitive prices. The sushi restaurants, in particular, stand out, because they are very authentic, often run by Japanese owners but at a fraction of the price you would have to shell out for in Japan.

Other highlights are the vegetarian Thai restaurants and the steakhouses that usually have buy 1 get 1 free offer. The lower floors include services such as massage parlors and fish spas where you dip your toes in refreshing water and have your feet pedicured by little fish called Garra Rufa that nibble away gently on dead skin.

Electrical goods dominate the lower floors too, with vendors who can repair damaged devices such as phones and tablets, chargers of all shapes and sizes, as well as jewelers. Finally, floor 7 is the entertainment zone, with a large arcade that will delight children and adults alike, along with a theatre showing the latest movies (with English subtitles). You can also get breathtaking views of the surrounding downtown area from here, which is a dazzling multi-colored light show at night.          

Ayuthaya

  Driving a couple of hours north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was the former capital of the ancient Siam kingdom, and the ruins found here today are arguably just as impressive as neighboring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, yet much more accessible. The entire historical part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what remains so fascinating about these ruins are that they are of a very unique design, blending Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture.

Wat Chai Wattanaram, in particular, is special because when you approach it, looks very much like Angkor Wat, but on closer inspection, you see some major differences in style, with spiraling pagodas in the Burmese style on each wing.

Wat Phanan Choeng – on the other hand – is impressive for its massive 17-meter gold Buddha, whilst further to the north of dozens of these ruins is the Monument of the King Naresuan the Great. This is a memorial to the King who was particularly loved by Thai people under his reign, mainly for freeing the Siamese people from the Burmese who had previously conquered the region. He was also known for being a benevolent ruler and treated his people well and never saw himself as above the laws and traditions of Siam.

The Royal Grand Palace and the Pantheon of the Kings

  One of the hottest attractions in Bangkok and a must-see for everyone is the infamous Royal Grand Palace. Built in 1782, it was the home and the royal court and the Thai Kings for 150 years up until 1932, when the royal court moved to its present location further east.

Today, it is wonderfully preserved and a true national treasure to the Thai people, considered to be the spiritual heart of Thailand and a showcase of the Thai artisans and craftsmen who built it. Comprised of several buildings rather than just a single palace, and includes the aforementioned giant Emerald Buddha within Wat Phra Kaew, which dates back to the 1400s, the palace itself has more of a European feel to its architecture. You can experience this impressive palace compound on almost any of Explorient’s Thailand tours, including the Luxury Thailand Tour Package.

The Royal Pantheon is also located in the Grand Palace complex and has quite an interesting story behind its construction. Built on the upper platforms by King Rama IV, it was chosen as the building to house the giant Emerald Buddha, but this required a great renovation project to make it larger to accommodate it. Unfortunately, it actually turned out to be a little bit too small to house the Emerald Buddha, so these plans were abandoned. Instead, Rama VI restored the building and made it the Pantheon of the Chakri Dynasty of rulers. Inside are life-sized statues of all of these Chakrian kings, but on the outside are colorful demons and nagas aligned in a row next to the pagodas, making this a very popular place for taking photos including ‘selfies’.

Editor’s Eclectic Picks

  For your free time between Explorient’s tours, Bangkok offers numerous oddities and attractions guaranteed to entertain you.

“Teailily” in the Japanese Village

Just to the north of downtown Bangkok’s Siam Square – easily accessible via the public Skytrain, tuk-tuk or taxi – is what is known as “The Japanese Village”,  a small district with some of the architecture convincingly quintessential Japanese-styled and packed with character.

Amongst all the familiar Japanese-chained restaurants and supermarkets (such as UFM Fuji Super, a great place to pick up reasonably priced but high-quality sake amongst other delights), there are a few hidden independently-run gems run by Japanese immigrants.

The finest is undoubtedly the “Tealily” tea house (located on Ekkamai Soi 12), with its interior feeling very much like a traditional Japanese home, and its courtyard with several chairs and tables set up around fish ponds, this is much more than just another Matcha tea house or cafe.

In fact, Tealily even has an adorable and very cuddly cat named Bow, so for cat-lovers, this is the icing on the cake!

It’s safe to say that the atmosphere and ascetics of Tealily are absolutely perfect, but what about the teas themselves? Well, the staff here have sourced the finest Matcha tea in the world from Uji, a town nestled between the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, where the soil is considered absolutely perfect for matcha green tea cultivation. In fact, it has been producing it for just over 1000 years, and the leaves sourced by “Tealily” are 100% organic and hand-picked just as they have been since Zen Buddhists arrived in Kyoto and Uji and taught the people how to grow the perfect green tea leaves.

So the prices may seem a little steep, with an Iced Matcha Piccho Latte starting at 185 Bhat (about $5 or $6), but the fact is that this is actually a little cheaper for what you’d pay for the same quality in some parts of Japan. And this matcha is 100% “Ceremonial Grade” that has been used in the infamous Japanese tea ceremony for centuries.

Other than matcha, all the other teas from Japan here are available: Sencha, Kabasecha, Sakura and so on. The options for food are equally as exemplary, with Yuzu orange sorbet, red beans with matcha sauce, as well as the ever-popular matcha ice cream.

Tealily is, in summary, one of the best places in Bangkok to unwind while being a perfect example of how Thai and Japanese cultures work and infuse so seamlessly together.

“Insects in the Backroom”, Chang Chui

Located in the increasingly quirky Chang Chui district with distinctive small-scale eco-businesses, surrealist art galleries and a night-market built around the hull of a disused 1960’s airliner, “Insects in the Backroom” is a restaurant that specializes in fusion food with a twist.

That twist is that it uses insects in lieu of typical meat dishes, which may sound repulsive to foreigners, but the fact is that Thai people (especially in rural areas such as Isaan, but also in Bangkok from takeaway stalls in the evening) have been happily eating insects for centuries.

“Insects in the Backroom” is not a gimmick venture, either; it is, in fact, a gourmet restaurant which is the brainchild of Mai Thitiwat (a Michelin star chef) whose stated goal is to show that insects will potentially solve the problem of global food shortages that are coming with escalating human population growth. He states that in fact around 2 billion people all over the world already incorporate insects into their diet and done so happily for millennia. It is also infinitely more environmentally sustainable since 1kg of silkworms uses up to 100 times less land area and animal feed as opposed to 1kg of pork.

Still not convinced? Well, this attraction is certainly not for everyone, but for those adventurous to try, dishes such as fried cricket salads with silkworm powdered seasoning tastes just like roasted chicken with a slightly sweet salad dressing. Or how about quail with caterpillar which lends a delicious walnut type flavor? Giant water beetle ravioli that tastes similar to lobster? Whatever you order, it is guaranteed to be at the very least a fun experience with excellent 5-star service and presentation…The rest is just up to your palate!

These impressive attractions are just a mere glimpse of what is on offer in Bangkok. It really is impossible to write a list of even half the things to do in Bangkok without it turning into a novel! Such is the life with the non-stop pace and growth of the city that never sleeps.

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2Y1QOSN via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

[topfygad]

What to See and Do in Bangkok

  Bangkok – or Krung Thep to locals – is undoubtedly one of the most loved cities in the world. Once you get over the colorful sensory overload of the first few hours in this impressive and beautiful city, it really is very easy to see why.

As cliché as it may sound, Bangkok really does offer something for everyone, and as the Asian economy grows at a blistering pace, Bangkok can actually feel much more futuristic than many cities in the West these days. For instance, the city center is built in layers upwards, with the Skytrain metro weaving its way through the skyscrapers and colorful shopping malls of the city center.

But Bangkok also perfectly balances this futuristic feel with a distinctive traditional culture, with national treasures such as the sacred Emerald Buddha in Thailand, the Royal Palace of the beloved royal family, and a maze of canals with floating markets that have been used by merchants for centuries.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a guide to Bangkok’s numerous attractions; the city where the past and the future intermingle.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

  A village a couple of hours drive from downtown Bangkok, Damnoen floating market is located on canals built by King Rama IV, with the aim of linking the smaller Taachin river to the Maeklong, enabling a trade and transportation network where agricultural goods could be traded with goods from the city. These days, little has changed, with paddle boats rather than motorized longboats being the way to navigate this labyrinth of exotic fruit and souvenir vendors. This is also certainly the place to be if you want to hone your bartering skills! In addition, there are dozens of floating restaurants which can provide a welcome respite when you have had enough of the haggling experience and your fill of boat-centered shopping.

MBK Shopping Mall

  Visiting the floating market on one of Explorient’s Far East tour is a half day, leaving several hours in the afternoon free for other shopping experiences in Bangkok. Whilst the floating market gives a glimpse into Bangkok’s past, the MBK shopping mall represents the present and future.

With 7 huge floors to discover, even if you do not intend on doing any shopping, it is still highly enjoyable. Floors 5 and 6 are huge food courts that offer a dizzying variety of cuisines for very competitive prices. The sushi restaurants, in particular, stand out, because they are very authentic, often run by Japanese owners but at a fraction of the price you would have to shell out for in Japan.

Other highlights are the vegetarian Thai restaurants and the steakhouses that usually have buy 1 get 1 free offer. The lower floors include services such as massage parlors and fish spas where you dip your toes in refreshing water and have your feet pedicured by little fish called Garra Rufa that nibble away gently on dead skin.

Electrical goods dominate the lower floors too, with vendors who can repair damaged devices such as phones and tablets, chargers of all shapes and sizes, as well as jewelers. Finally, floor 7 is the entertainment zone, with a large arcade that will delight children and adults alike, along with a theatre showing the latest movies (with English subtitles). You can also get breathtaking views of the surrounding downtown area from here, which is a dazzling multi-colored light show at night.          

Ayuthaya

  Driving a couple of hours north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya was the former capital of the ancient Siam kingdom, and the ruins found here today are arguably just as impressive as neighboring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, yet much more accessible. The entire historical part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what remains so fascinating about these ruins are that they are of a very unique design, blending Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture.

Wat Chai Wattanaram, in particular, is special because when you approach it, looks very much like Angkor Wat, but on closer inspection, you see some major differences in style, with spiraling pagodas in the Burmese style on each wing.

Wat Phanan Choeng – on the other hand – is impressive for its massive 17-meter gold Buddha, whilst further to the north of dozens of these ruins is the Monument of the King Naresuan the Great. This is a memorial to the King who was particularly loved by Thai people under his reign, mainly for freeing the Siamese people from the Burmese who had previously conquered the region. He was also known for being a benevolent ruler and treated his people well and never saw himself as above the laws and traditions of Siam.

The Royal Grand Palace and the Pantheon of the Kings

  One of the hottest attractions in Bangkok and a must-see for everyone is the infamous Royal Grand Palace. Built in 1782, it was the home and the royal court and the Thai Kings for 150 years up until 1932, when the royal court moved to its present location further east.

Today, it is wonderfully preserved and a true national treasure to the Thai people, considered to be the spiritual heart of Thailand and a showcase of the Thai artisans and craftsmen who built it. Comprised of several buildings rather than just a single palace, and includes the aforementioned giant Emerald Buddha within Wat Phra Kaew, which dates back to the 1400s, the palace itself has more of a European feel to its architecture. You can experience this impressive palace compound on almost any of Explorient’s Thailand tours, including the Luxury Thailand Tour Package.

The Royal Pantheon is also located in the Grand Palace complex and has quite an interesting story behind its construction. Built on the upper platforms by King Rama IV, it was chosen as the building to house the giant Emerald Buddha, but this required a great renovation project to make it larger to accommodate it. Unfortunately, it actually turned out to be a little bit too small to house the Emerald Buddha, so these plans were abandoned. Instead, Rama VI restored the building and made it the Pantheon of the Chakri Dynasty of rulers. Inside are life-sized statues of all of these Chakrian kings, but on the outside are colorful demons and nagas aligned in a row next to the pagodas, making this a very popular place for taking photos including ‘selfies’.

Editor’s Eclectic Picks

  For your free time between Explorient’s tours, Bangkok offers numerous oddities and attractions guaranteed to entertain you.

“Teailily” in the Japanese Village

Just to the north of downtown Bangkok’s Siam Square – easily accessible via the public Skytrain, tuk-tuk or taxi – is what is known as “The Japanese Village”,  a small district with some of the architecture convincingly quintessential Japanese-styled and packed with character.

Amongst all the familiar Japanese-chained restaurants and supermarkets (such as UFM Fuji Super, a great place to pick up reasonably priced but high-quality sake amongst other delights), there are a few hidden independently-run gems run by Japanese immigrants.

The finest is undoubtedly the “Tealily” tea house (located on Ekkamai Soi 12), with its interior feeling very much like a traditional Japanese home, and its courtyard with several chairs and tables set up around fish ponds, this is much more than just another Matcha tea house or cafe.

In fact, Tealily even has an adorable and very cuddly cat named Bow, so for cat-lovers, this is the icing on the cake!

It’s safe to say that the atmosphere and ascetics of Tealily are absolutely perfect, but what about the teas themselves? Well, the staff here have sourced the finest Matcha tea in the world from Uji, a town nestled between the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, where the soil is considered absolutely perfect for matcha green tea cultivation. In fact, it has been producing it for just over 1000 years, and the leaves sourced by “Tealily” are 100% organic and hand-picked just as they have been since Zen Buddhists arrived in Kyoto and Uji and taught the people how to grow the perfect green tea leaves.

So the prices may seem a little steep, with an Iced Matcha Piccho Latte starting at 185 Bhat (about $5 or $6), but the fact is that this is actually a little cheaper for what you’d pay for the same quality in some parts of Japan. And this matcha is 100% “Ceremonial Grade” that has been used in the infamous Japanese tea ceremony for centuries.

Other than matcha, all the other teas from Japan here are available: Sencha, Kabasecha, Sakura and so on. The options for food are equally as exemplary, with Yuzu orange sorbet, red beans with matcha sauce, as well as the ever-popular matcha ice cream.

Tealily is, in summary, one of the best places in Bangkok to unwind while being a perfect example of how Thai and Japanese cultures work and infuse so seamlessly together.

“Insects in the Backroom”, Chang Chui

Located in the increasingly quirky Chang Chui district with distinctive small-scale eco-businesses, surrealist art galleries and a night-market built around the hull of a disused 1960’s airliner, “Insects in the Backroom” is a restaurant that specializes in fusion food with a twist.

That twist is that it uses insects in lieu of typical meat dishes, which may sound repulsive to foreigners, but the fact is that Thai people (especially in rural areas such as Isaan, but also in Bangkok from takeaway stalls in the evening) have been happily eating insects for centuries.

“Insects in the Backroom” is not a gimmick venture, either; it is, in fact, a gourmet restaurant which is the brainchild of Mai Thitiwat (a Michelin star chef) whose stated goal is to show that insects will potentially solve the problem of global food shortages that are coming with escalating human population growth. He states that in fact around 2 billion people all over the world already incorporate insects into their diet and done so happily for millennia. It is also infinitely more environmentally sustainable since 1kg of silkworms uses up to 100 times less land area and animal feed as opposed to 1kg of pork.

Still not convinced? Well, this attraction is certainly not for everyone, but for those adventurous to try, dishes such as fried cricket salads with silkworm powdered seasoning tastes just like roasted chicken with a slightly sweet salad dressing. Or how about quail with caterpillar which lends a delicious walnut type flavor? Giant water beetle ravioli that tastes similar to lobster? Whatever you order, it is guaranteed to be at the very least a fun experience with excellent 5-star service and presentation…The rest is just up to your palate!

These impressive attractions are just a mere glimpse of what is on offer in Bangkok. It really is impossible to write a list of even half the things to do in Bangkok without it turning into a novel! Such is the life with the non-stop pace and growth of the city that never sleeps.

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