The Thailand Edit
Three nights in Bangkok and the world was, indeed, my oyster 🦪
Recently, I did what I do best: cosplay as a law student. After eight years of living in NYC and memorizing tenants’ rights like multiplication tables, I joined my newly graduated UVA Law bestie on her Big Bar Trip™️.
We finally made it out of the group chat as I joined for the first leg of MB and her friends’ journey: Thailand. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, I have a ton of new reccos for you.
IMPORTANT PSA BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER: I had an obsession with the song “One Night in Bangkok,” which I found out while in Stockholm was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (AKA 1/2 of ABBA). In all honesty, I would sing it every morning to the detriment of my sophomore roommate. Sorry, Yen.
Bangkok
The girls and I reunited at long last!
Bangkok truly is an oyster on a half shell…
Cafes
Phone eats first. Originating in Seoul, Dosan Dalmation boasts a menu with Western + Korean flair — each dish vying for a photo. From dalmation-spotted French toast to puppy-faced latte art, Dalmation is sure to make a feline fanatic convert to a canine lover for at least the duration of your brunch reservation.
☕ Yuzu iced coffee
📍เลขที่ 424 ชั้น 2-4 Siam Square Soi 7, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
What’s better than coffee? Coffee and clothes.
I discovered this spot on my way to the all-Americana vintage shop, Horse Unit (see below). Not only did I squeeze in my caffeine fix before lunch, but I scored some new accessories handcrafted locally.
☕ Coconut latte
📍30, a COFFEE ROASTER by li-bra-ry at Warehouse, โกดังที่ 6 Charoen Krung 30, Khwaeng Bang Rak, บางรัก, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Cosmo Vibrators doubles as both a vintage concept store and a coffee shop — two of my fave things. With ambience on its side, Cosmo is quite the community affair, hosting a robust lineup of DJ sets and pop-ups in its two-floor digs.
On my first outing in Bangkok — while waiting for the rest of the crew to land — I spent nearly two hours talking to the shop owner, who I discovered is from Philly. Small world, huh?
☕ Americano
📍19/2 Soi Charoenjai, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
While in Chinatown, we stopped by the iconic Thai tea supplier for some iced drinks. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tapioca teas I’ve ever had. The brighter the orange, the more I want it.
☕ Thai tea with jelly
📍451 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Food
Khao San Road vendors
Located near our hostel, Khao San is a must-visit-once kind of place. Despite the ruckus, it can be a one-stop spot for dinner, desserts, and drinks (not necessarily in that order). We stopped here the first night for soju, the first official pad Thai of the trip, mango sticky rice, and a DIY Thai beer tasting. Always trust the stands run by the uncles. You won’t regret it.
📍Khao San Road
Siam Food Court
Located in Siam Center, their food court boasts a pan-Asia assortment of kiosks offering everything from pandan buns to hojicha + coconut ice creams and skewered meats. There’s something for everyone, especially caffeine lovers.
📍979 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Jeh O Chula did not disappoint despite the two-hour wait. To kill time, I drank a Lion outside 7/11…because why not? Have to make the most of lenient open container laws before venturing back to Australia.
The seafood Tom Yum noodles rewired my brain. Apart from the 10/10 food, Jeh still retains a down-to-earth vibe despite its exponential rise in popularity, solidifying it as a contender for one of my fave visits in Bangkok.
ADVICE: Sign up via the QueQ app while en route to avoid a lengthy wait when you arrive.
📍113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Sorroongroj
Located within a market, Sorrongroj is a hole-in-the-wall establishment that has perfected duck across many dishes. Even in the 90-degree heat, I opted for the wonton soup and duck with rice and veggies. It was well worth it.
📍243 ตลาดนางเลิ้ง, Nakhon Sawan 6 Alley, Wat Sommanat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Drinks
Ranking at #12 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list (and #7 in Asia!), BKK Social Club transported me back to CDMX. This trendy cocktail hotspot pays homage to Mexico and the many flavor profiles across the country.
The dangerous part? Regardless of your spirit of choice, every cocktail sounds delectable. From rum paired with tasting notes of popcorn and espresso to bourbon mixed with lavender maple + coconut, my best advice is to gather your friends and make a tasting menu out of it.
🍹 Lucha Libre (Grey Goose vodka, tomato water, spices, soy, chilli, pickles, citrus, salt, Mexican light beer)
🍴Barbecue Chicken Empanadas
📍300/1 ถ. เจริญกรุง Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Shopping
Once I discovered there was a Donki en route to Cosmo Vibrators, I realized I should stock up on all my holy grail Japanese beauty products + favorite snacks. The A/C offered a nice retreat from the humidity.
📍444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Horse Unit
Specializing in Americana staples like Levi’s and leather to U.S. Army + Air Force fatigues, Horse Unit is what would happen if Bode and your local military surplus store conceived a baby. Sadly, no photos allowed.
📍Warehouse, Warehouse 30, Warehouse, No.4, 30 Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Despite the small square footage, I did the most damage at Chaosnomore — a curated vintage shop atop a bakery on a side street with shady massage parlors. From vintage Marc Jacobs to hunting camo and Courrèges, I spent over an hour trying on carefully curated pieces that didn’t break the bank.
📍261 6 Sukhumvit Alley 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailan
Located at Siam, Urthe — not to be confused with my fave California cafe chain — distracted me with its streetwear cool aesthetic. I left with a silver satchel that I’ve converted into my new work bag.
📍236/13 อาคารลิโด มัลติเล็กซ์ Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Beauty
In desperate need of some nail TLC (and bummed that every salon revealed they were booked until mid-month), I found some last-minute availability at Kantima’s Siam location. With some of the best customer service and a talented tech, I left with a gel mani that only set me back 30 USD.
📍เลขที่ 238 คูหาที่ 2 ชั้นที่ 3 ล็อก 13 หมอนที่ 1, Siam Square Soi 2, ปทุมวัน, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Activities
Lumphini Park
When I found out Lumphini Park is home to monitor lizards and a morning market that offers Thai tea, I didn’t hesitate to add it to the top of my itinerary. Afterward, we tuk-tuk’d to the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
📍Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Wat Pho
Home to the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho was the first temple of our trip. Thankfully, during monsoon season, the lines aren’t as lengthy. This meant we could secure VIP pics with Buddha.
📍2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
The Grand Palace
Home to Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) and the textile museum, we spent over an hour ogling at the architecture and royal fashion exhibit. If I see another pair of elephant-print pants, though…
📍Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Chiang Mai
The group headed North via VIP bus tickets. Somehow, I managed seven hours of sleep on this trek. Our first stop was the quaint city of Chiang Mai — a launching pad to our more nature-forward destinations. The old city is also located within a moat. How medieval…
Cafes
Little Coffee Bar
Conveniently located near our hostel, this kiosk was the perfect early morning pick-me-up before our daily excursions. The iced almond lattes are heaven-sent.
☕Cold brew with a splash of almond milk
📍118 เมือง Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
I ordered a Thai tea from here (predictable) before we missed the bus to Chiang Rai (unpredictable). At least I had a caffeine boost for the 3.5-hour alternative sedan ride.
🧋 Thai tea
📍46, 2 Prapokklao Road, Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai Thailand
Located right outside the Tha Phae Gate, Stories boasts a smoothie menu that would rightfully put Erewhon to shame. Free WiFi and accepting card payment were mere cherries on top. Plus, these smoothies won’t set you back $19.
🧋Avocado + coconut smoothie
📍1, 3 Rachadamnoen Rd, พระสิงห์ เมือง Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Food
Always Thai Food
Craving mango sticky rice, we turned to Always Thai after lunch. I wasn’t expecting it to pay homage to SpongeBob’s home. The pandan rice was a nice touch.
🍴 Pandan mango sticky rice
📍66 Prapokklao Road, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Rad Naa Mhoo Num
From pad see ew to wonton soup, this local eatery has everything you may want, and with the price point to convince you to order one of everything.
📍45 Prapokklao Road, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Excursions
Bua Thong Waterfall
Home to the Sticky Waterfalls, we managed to NOT trip and tell the tale. Some of the falls are steep, but the wading is worth it.
📍Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
With a humane track record to book, Elephant Nature Park was founded by Saengduean "Lek" Chailert as a way to combat mistreatment of elephants at the hands of Southeast Asia’s tourism industry. Since 2003, this ethical park has provided a permanent homeland for them.
The goal is for rescued elephants to form family herds and develop close relationships free from harm and environmental uncertainty.
PSA: For a separate price, you can customize a ‘cake’ for the elephants out of rice, veggies, and other tasty tidbits.
📍ชม.3052 Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Muay Thai
Would it be a trip to Thailand if you don’t watch a Muay Thai match…or two..or three? We rooted for blue, and they won. A peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia also formed that week. Maybe the girls and I are lucky charms.
📍177 Changphuak Soi 4, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Chiang Rai
Cafes
Reminiscent of Rhythm Zero in NYC, this discreet cafe has a Japandi vibe to it, which was just what I needed on the last day. Their orange Americano was equal parts OJ and iced Americano.
📍335 ริมกก บ้านฟาร์มสัมพันธกิจ Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Food
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
I squeezed in my last chance dishes like Chinese sausage rice, Tom Yum, and roti. Plus, the shopping game is great.
📍WR4M+5M2, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Activities
Wat Rong Khun
This place is so unserious that I felt at home. Designed in 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple resembles meringue complete with impressive designs.
With paintings of everything from Futurama to 9/11 and Pikachu, I felt like I stepped into a fever dream with this one.
📍306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Another contemporary temple, Rong Sue Ten fuses Buddha’s teachings with contemporary flair — the sapphire glow drawing me in like a moth to the big light.
📍Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
So, which city has made the world feel like YOUR oyster?