hkskyline's 2024 in Bangkok

[hkskyline]

Jodd Fairs is a more upscale interpretation of a lively outdoor market with a mix of restaurants and other merchandise for sale. This market's location at Phra Rama 9 MRT station is quite interesting, wedged between a shopping mall and an office building. It opened in late 2022 but may not survive in this location if the lease is not renewed. Instead, they have opened a new branch further away near Chatuchak. For now, you have 2 Jodd Fairs to choose from.











































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

Bangkok is a fairly flat city, but this location is an interesting exception. Wat Saket was previously just outside the city walls and was the dumpling ground for plague victims too poor to afford a funeral. Next to it, King Rama III wanted a chedi to be built on a hill (Golden Mount) in the 19th century by recycling materials from the former capital of Ayutthaya. It collapsed as the soil was too soft but rebuilt during Rama V's reign, with Buddha relics given by the Viceroy of India.

What I didn't expect to see was a panoramic view of the city.































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[mousquet]

I watch all threads and photos you post, so I know how much of a fan of Asia you are.
But seriously, did you try this?

Originally Posted by hkskyline

That's hardcore, isn't it? Oh yes, they'll tell you it's healthy, with proteins you need.
I still challenge you to put a worm or a cricket in your mouth. Don't tell me you can do it.

I don't eat mammals any longer either, but for different reasons.
Mammals are too close to human beings.

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by mousquet

I watch all threads and photos you post, so I know how much of a fan of Asia you are.
But seriously, did you try this?

That's hardcore, isn't it? Oh yes, they'll tell you it's healthy, with proteins you need.
I still challenge you to put a worm or a cricket in your mouth. Don't tell me you can do it.

I don't eat mammals any longer either, but for different reasons.
Mammals are too close to human beings.

I have absolutely no place for these insects in my diet. We don't eat these where I'm from although I recall trying a cricket and a worm in Mexico years ago just for the sake of trying!

[hkskyline]

Walkable from the Grand Palace to the north or Chinatown from the east, this large flower market was moved from the street indoors in 2016. The environment under the roof is not too ideal though, with wet floors, narrow aisles, but beautiful flowers all around you. Vegetables are also sold here but they are not the main show.





































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

At the edge of Chinatown, Old Siam Plaza originally opened in 1993 and sold Thai silk and traditional foods, including desserts. The building itself blended Thai and Western styles, which was popular during King Rama V's reign. Currently under renovation with parts open, a food market sits in the centre court on the ground floor, while clothing shops dominate the upstairs floors.









































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[Cirrus]

Fun pictures! Thanks for sharing. I too am perplexed by the bugs. Is there a population that eats them just like that? Are they mashed up and used as an ingredient? Are they just to get tourists' attention? Inquiring minds need to know.

The colorful platter in your second to last photo looks really delicious though.

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by Cirrus

Fun pictures! Thanks for sharing. I too am perplexed by the bugs. Is there a population that eats them just like that? Are they mashed up and used as an ingredient? Are they just to get tourists' attention? Inquiring minds need to know.

The colorful platter in your second to last photo looks really delicious though.

In places where I've seem these types of insects on offer, I rarely see them elsewhere and never on restaurant menus, so I think it's more for tourist interest than a core part of their diet.

[xzmattzx]

Are those Thai tacos in that last post?

[hkskyline]

Originally Posted by xzmattzx

Are those Thai tacos in that last post?

I didn't think Thai food has tacos but that photo was taken in an Indian market, so I suppose it's Indian food!

[hkskyline]

Besides the food market alleys, there is a dried goods pedestrian market street that stretches from west to east across Chinatown with a sprinkle of food stalls. Sampeng Market runs along a narrow and covered street that was once home to opium dens, gambling shops, and other vices.









































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[geomorph]

Originally Posted by hkskyline

This is my favorite in the thread, how do electricians figure this out?

[hkskyline]

More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

One Bangkok is a huge new development rising next to Lumphini Park. Many tall towers are slated for the huge site, with 3 office towers reaching structural completion already and being leased out.















More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

Thonburi, located on the west bank of the Chaophraya River, has a sprinkle of attractions and is not as frequented by tourists as the east bank. Wang Lang is a more localized market with a covered structure and street-side options sprawling outwards from the building. On offer are many food outlets serving classical Thai dishes, clothing, electronics, and more. While this isn't a big touristy area, it does have its own boat stop so it would be easy to connect back to the other side of the river.



































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

The Kimpton Maa-Lai is a few blocks south of the BTS and shopping area. Closer to Lumphini Park, its Bar Yard rooftop bar on the 40th floor offers a good southerly perspective of the greenery while the other side has views of the line of skyscrapers along the BTS line.



























More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[ColDayMan]

Great thread so far!

[hkskyline]

Walking back to the BTS line, the Park Hyatt is attached to the Central Embassy shopping centre. Its Penthouse Bar + Grill has an outdoor section where you can enjoy a drink amidst the setting sun.

























More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

Thailand's royals once sailed in these long wooden vessels with a mythical figure in front. These royal barge processions are getting rarer as the boats get older, and you can see 8 of these at this museum, housed under a metal shed right on the river.

Getting here is an adventure in itself, as it is tucked away on the west side of the river away from the MRT or BTS. If you take the tourist boat, it's still a bit of a walk through a lowrise local neighbourhood to reach.

































More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm

[hkskyline]

Icon Siam is a huge mall on the west side of the river, featuring plenty of shops, restaurants, and a waterfront promenade. It has its own BTS station while river boats also stop here, including hotel shuttle boats from across the river, such as the Shangri-La.











I decided to take the mall's shuttle boats from Sathorn Pier, which is next to the Shangri La and Saphan Taksin BTS station. It charges a minimal fare collected by cash only.























More photos on my website : http://www.globalphotos.org/bangkok.htm