Hits, Misses & Hot News

Alex Sanchez, author of the Rainbow Boys series of books and several other novels, and a full-time resident, explained, “My ‘must see’  is the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. It’s both stunning and soothing. I’d also recommend the Jim Thompson house and a meal at the Blue Elephant.  Since I’m not a shopper, I’d skip Chatuchak Market.”

John Glines, also a full-time resident, and the Tony Award-winning Broadway Producer of Torch Song Trilogy responded, “In Bangkok, they must see the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Jim Thompson House, and the bars of Patpong.  Skip any performance of Thai classical dance unless you are in great need of sleep.”  Ouch!
Christophe Guillarmé, a Paris-based fashion designer who travels to Thailand for fashion weeks explained (I am quoting directly but keep in mind English is his second language), “For what I’ve seen at the timing, almost everything!  But if there was one thing maybe, enjoy a drink around 5 a.m. After partying all night.

Outside on Sukhumvit Road there’s some booth with funny and amazing waitresses.  I doubt it is really a moment where you can meet Thai people truthfully.
Most probably to enjoy nightlife more than day life!  Bangkok is such a great city for party-goers.
 Do not go there to rest, and use some daily detox beverages!” Another longtime resident and a travel expert himself, Philip Cornwel-Smith, author of the Time Out Guidebook, stresses, “Aside from essential sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the most rewarding and authentic experiences come from markets, Thai traditional massage, local food, festivals of any kind and boat tours through the canals.  I’d avoid the tourist traps, tourist menus, tourist touts and tourist shows.”

Thai citizen and resident Ark Saroj, Creative Activist, explains (again, English is his second language) you can’t miss the “Saturday Night black Market (Klong Thom Chinatown).  It’s the market that selling everything... I mean everything...from first hand, second hands, to stolen stuff but who care!  You could find your ex mobile phone that you dropped in the taxi.  One time I saw the whole Swensen’s Ice Cream store set-up and furniture for sale.

Would you like some Swensen’s chair for your dining room?”  Ark adds, skip the “BTS (sky train) at 6:00 PM.  It’s not glamorous anymore to take BTS. Now it’s like a 3rd class refugee camp van since the new station open.  Whatever!”
A Metrosexual actor/model (half-Thai from the UK but living in Thailand) who does not want to be identified (because of homophobia in the business) expressed, “The nightlife here is great (regular clubs not go-go).  In terms of the Thai nightclubs, at RCA, Route 66 and Flix/Slim (adjoining clubs) are worth checking out.  Koi on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday is interesting to see the models (they have “models night” in which they give free food and drink to models with official model I.D. cards), as is Flix on a Tuesday and Bed Supperclub on a Wednesday.

 I found the Museum of Siam very interesting, a highly unbiased history of Thailand. If you haven’t been there yourself I’d strongly suggest it. I might come along too. It’s that good! The temples in Ayudhya and Sukhothai are good too. Naturally all the usual islands are worth seeing.”
For my own two cents worth, don’t miss Lumphini Park—for exercise, casual strolling and simple people-watching, and giant lizard-watching!).  My most spiritually gratifying moments have taken place at the park (not THOSE kinds of moments!).