Bangkok's Sticky Situation: Noodles, Ghosts, and a Whole Lotta Sweat
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street food. 1567621… that’s the number of times i’ve said ‘wow’ in the last 48 hours. 1704714941 - seriously, what even is that? it just keeps popping into my head. it’s like a digital mosquito. the humidity here is… intense. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s clinging to everything, like a really enthusiastic houseplant.
Bangkok. it’s a sensory overload in the best and worst ways. i landed at Suvarnabhumi, and honestly, the airport felt like a slightly frantic, very polite version of a Walmart. immediately, the heat hit me. it’s not just hot, it’s thick. like trying to swim through honey. i grabbed a Grab (because taxis are a nightmare, apparently) and headed to my guesthouse in Sukhumvit. it’s… charmingly chaotic. think mismatched furniture, a perpetually grumpy gecko, and the faint scent of incense and something vaguely floral.
I spent yesterday wandering around, mostly getting hopelessly lost. seriously, the streets are a labyrinth. you could spend a week just exploring the side alleys. i stumbled upon this incredible little noodle stall - Pad See Ew with crispy pork - and it was, like, a religious experience. someone told me that the lady who runs it has been making it for 40 years. i’m not kidding. it was seriously good. i checked Yelp and it’s got 4.5 stars - a solid endorsement.
Speaking of endorsements, i overheard some seriously drunk advice at a rooftop bar last night. Apparently, the best time to visit is during the Songkran festival (water festival). but also, don’t wear white. seriously. don’t. it’s a bloodbath of colored water. and apparently, the *Golden Mount is a must-see, but only if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. it’s a steep climb, but the views are supposed to be insane.
I’m trying to be a responsible traveler, you know? i downloaded the Citymapper app (thank god) and i’m attempting to learn a few basic Thai phrases. ‘Sawasdee’ is proving surprisingly difficult. i also bought a mosquito repellent that smells vaguely of lemons and despair. it’s… effective.
I’m also starting to think about the ghost stories. Bangkok is supposedly crawling with them. i’m not a huge believer, but there’s something undeniably eerie about some of the temples and old buildings. i’m planning on checking out Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) tonight - someone told me it’s particularly active. i’m not saying i’m going ghost hunting, but i’m definitely bringing my EMF reader.
Here’s the gear list, because i’m a control freak like that:
Lightweight, breathable clothes (duh)
Mosquito repellent (the lemon despair kind)
Sunscreen (SPF 50, obviously)
Comfortable walking shoes (my feet are already screaming)
A portable charger (because i live on my phone)
A phrasebook (for when i inevitably forget everything)
A notebook and pen (to document my descent into madness)
And a map!
I’m thinking of checking out the Chatuchak Weekend Market tomorrow. it’s supposed to be massive. i heard that you can find literally anything there - from vintage clothing to exotic pets. i’m not sure about the pets, though.
If you get bored, Chiang Mai are just a short drive away.
Seriously, if you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, do yourself a favor and book a room with air conditioning. You’ll thank me later. And maybe invest in a good pair of sandals.
Check out TripAdvisor for some more recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
And for the best street food, Yelp is your friend: https://www.yelp.com/
Finally, a local board with some hidden gems: https://www.thaisideboard.com/
Okay, I’m going to go lie down. My brain feels like scrambled eggs.