Back 2 Bangkok

Our resort in Sam Roi Yot helped us get a private car with driver for our return to Bangkok.  It was about 1200 baht ($35 US).  It was so much better than trying to take the bus.  One cool thing we did was stop in Cha-am at a very interesting rest area.  Thought I was at an amusement park!

This shrine was on the grounds of a gas station and market closer to Bangkok.  I remain very intrigued by the shrines and spirit houses in Thailand.  When I see them, my phone camera comes out.

We arrived in Bangkok.  It took about four hours.  My plan was to primarily hang out with my wife Kade while my cousin did his own thing.  We'd have about five days before embarking on the last leg of our epic journey:  a week in Kuala Lumpur.

Kade and I met up at this sushi restaurant on the ground floor of Siam Paragon.  We thought it was very good.  We just don't get the same quality sushi in Asheville, North Carolina.

This was not the seaweed salad we thought we were ordering.  Turned out to be a far pricier version.  It was pretty good, though.

On another day, I went out to meet a friend for lunch.

Always on the lookout for bears!

I worked at AUA - the original English language school - from 2000 to 2003.  The old school got demolished, and this sleek, new version was built.  Not sure what to think ahout it.

I walked on to Krua Nai Baan to meet my friend.  He has declared this to be his favorite restaurant in Bangkok.  And he's been in living in the city for 20+ years.

shrimp crackers

chayote shoots w/ shrimp

fried fish w/ green mango dipping sauce

Thai tea w/ milk

I really enjoyed my meal!  My next trip to Bangkok, I intend to eat there a few times.  My friend also recommends wild-caught fried grouper with green mango dipping sauce, Gang Som bae-sae, Yawt Mala and Pad Thai with shrimp.  He says the crushed cashews on the Pad Thai really makes it unique and tasty. 

We then walked up Lang Suan Road and stopped at Velaa Sindhorn Village shopping mall for a quick look around.  It was very nice!

After a Starbucks coffee on Sukhumvit Rd, we walked on to Soi 11.

Aira Hotel lobby

Going upstairs to Pastel Rooftop Bar!

Sex On The Roof

I think this is the Grand Istanbul.

Straight back through there is Soi Cowboy.

These are some murals on the Thonburi side of town.

These are a couple of my favorite traditional Thai desserts.  The one on the right is Kanom Tuay, which is steamed pandan and coconut milk.  It's sweet, salty and perfect.  I can eat them nonstop!

This is Kanom Sai Sai, which is steamed coconut milk with a grated toasted coconut/palm sugar ball inside.  It's wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed.  I love it, too.  It's also both sweet and salty.  Kade picked these desserts up at a temple market a short walk from her home.

We picked up some of these ready-made meals at a night market near Kade's family home.

Click here for my Bangkok rooftop bar experiences.

I took this image in Dec. '23.  A bit left of center, see Pastel's lights?