Southeast Asia's Urban Jewel: Bangkok in Photos

Chinatown, Bangkok.

There's no other way to say it: I loved Bangkok. I didn't stay in Khaosan Road, so I luckily avoided getting sucked into that swirling mess of happy hours, flowy pants and presumably lots of neon. Without those perimeters, I was free to explore the city widely and get into everything else the city has to offer. 

These are some photos I took with little commentary attached. Bangkok is nothing like I expected. Besides pockets where you can see the ping-pong shows and sex work and backpacker dives, the city is vibrant, easy to get around, and pleasantly caught between an older era and modern glitz and glam. There are energetic art and music scenes, incredible markets, monks chanting in temples, urban dilapidation and air-conditioned malls; chaotic Chinatown, expat Thong Lor, slums near the port, sacred trees  wrapped in brightly coloured cloth climbing out of concrete apartments. Sneaking to the top floor of a hotel under renovation to privately view the breadth of the Bangkok. 

Bangkok deserves exploration. It's hard to be disappointed with anything there, instead constantly surprised at the diversity, creativity and vibrant nature of life in that city.

The Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho.

The Sticky Rice.

Patpong.

Wat Pho.

  

Wat Pho.

Monk laundry.

Canals of Bangkok.

View from the hotel.

60th floor renovations.

Bang Rak.