footsteps following me

“What do you think our most evocative sense is when travelling?” 

On our final evening before heading to the Cambodia border, we settled down to eat at an outdoor table – little did we know it was preceding a safe yet oddly unsettling experience crossing the bridge, where I held onto my passport tighter than ever before, in that in-between space, you are neither in one country nor the other, a mirror of The Terminal as a comparison. But let’s talk about Bangkok… Our dinner was surrounded by lush vegetation, twinkling fairy lights, and one of the man-made canals that grace this part of the city. A DJ played soothing beats from each side of our wooden enclave. For me, combining beats and food on a trip is pure bliss, especially when you add iced coffees or cocktails – or in this case, a couple of mischievous beers. I’m not sure why the beers were considered cheeky, but it sounded like a fitting description.

As is typical in Southeast Asia, scooters and bikes skilfully manoeuvre between the outdoor tables and restaurant doors. Waiters carry trays filled with delicious cocktails and Pad Thai, which never disappoints in this city that tantalizes the senses. Earlier that day, another traveler mentioned that Bangkok’s population was similar to that of Mexico City, although inaccuracies are how rumours start, I didn’t want to be distracted by electronic devices, preferring to fully immerse myself in the present moment and savour the beauty around me.

As a photographer that may seem surprising where the images transport back in time and distance from a mere glance.  I was lucky to spend the preceding day 2 with a well known Street photographer Tim, and what an amazing way that was to see the real Bangkok, downtown, the dwellings that adorn one of the train tracks running through the city, such evocative images of children playing on them before running inside for a cold drink or bowl of noodles. And Khlong Toei itself a fast-developing district bordered by self built houses and alleyways and the more traditional Khlong Toei Market, stalls piled high with produce, flowers, and clothing, a buzz of activity with smiling stall holders.

Bangkok itself turned out to be a joy beckoning me back to add to the list of great things we did…

So what are a few recommendations for a few days in bustling Bangkok?

Head up to the 74th floor of the King Power Mahanakhom tower for awesome views, sunset was amazing if you can time it.

Stroll along the Khaosan road and neighbouring Rambutri village for those backpacker vibes, t shirt stalls and street food.

Go see Chinatown and wander the maze of alleyways and sights, bustling market, you pass temples, hipster coffee shops  and a visual area of colour like nothing else. Bangkok summed up in a walk.

Shop.. Pick up local craft or art, clothes or spices to take home.Ate…

Try a breakfast of sticky rice and honeyed pork skewers grilled to order in any number of local establishments or street vendors.Pad Thai… it really is good everywhere!

At the food court in the King Power Mahanakhom or the restaurant on the ground floor. Awesome food, choice and value.

Lychees from a fruit stall.. Different from the ones you get at home, once you start on these you can’t stop.  Watermelon also refreshing and sweet!

Noodle soups of all shapes and sizes. The flavours so simple yet add noodles and pork belly, prawns or chicken and you have a fantastic meal! Lunch beckoned…

The Prawns! Proper super sized, not a mere triumvirate of shrunken shrimpery you get in the UK only too often unless you ask for jumbo king prawns, Asia gives you a proper portion of juicy Crustacea!