Such a welcoming country Thailand is; never would I have known that I would experience so much warmth in the short amount of time I stayed there. Honestly, the people have such infectious smiles. I always felt so jubilant, no matter the time, and a strong desire to be a better person just because everyone else around me was. Whenever I was lost, per se trying to find a local market, there would a local willing to guide me. Their kindness is a habit ingrained in their culture because of their faith – they hope to propagate good karma to the world. It’s refreshing to witness it first-hand because it made me realize how grounded religion can make an individual. It allows your whole life to be provided a purpose. Though I can’t say my experience is representative of everyone who visits Thailand, I’m sure it won’t be too far from it. The hospitality I received was something of another kind. I will be back, no doubt.
Here’s to Part 2 – My Visit to Bangkok.
Bangkok from the hotel room. Can you see the traffic congestion? It’s pretty bad there. If possible, try to take the sky train because it will seriously save you so much time and money.
Right after we landed, we went straight to get food. We were encouraged to visit Siam Paragon, where they had a ground floor dedicated to local thai dishes, some other Asian delights, and an extremely gourmet super market. Their food courts are nothing compared to America’s, in fact, they are so much superior. Everything looked extremely delicious and appetizing. This papaya salad, Som Tum, was one of the best I had on the trip and cheapest. I had so much of this on my trip because it was everywhere and so refreshing amongst the hot rays. The coolest aspect I found about their food is everything is from scratch almost. They grind the sauce in front of you, something you wouldn’t witness in a Western food court in a long shot.
This is Pad Thai, another generic Thai dish. I was craving it. It’s much sweeter than what I’ve had in Vancouver. I will never understand why they have the raw veggies on the side because I rather have it all cooked together…
Thai crepes, also called Kanom Buang. These were quite interesting and pretty yummy snacks.
Sweet and savoury versions of the crepe. I loved the lay-out of the food courts and being able to see all the typical snack foods that are popular in Thailand.
Depending on what is being served at the stall, they have certain add-ons that can be added to your dish afterwards. Thai people love balancing their flavours of “sweet, salty, sour, and spicy”, so this tray was for making sure it was at the taste of your liking. I’ve seen people add spoonfuls of sugar to their noodles… Yeah, it’s pretty crazy.
I believe this was toddy palm cake, also known as Khanom Tan. It looked really good because it reminded me of Chinese steamed sponge cake, but I just didn’t like the flavour of it unfortunately.
Loved fruit shopping in Thailand. Just being in the atmosphere, marvelling at the colours, and diversity that is offered, it was incredible.
Enjoying my first coconut in Thailand. This was $8, but hey, that’s hotel food for you. Best advice is always get food at a local spot, you’ll get a bang for your buck. The best part of the coconuts there is just scrapping the coconut meat. It’s so creamy and an extremely satisfying feeling.
My first time trying rambutan. Lychees all the way, especially if they’re from Guangdong. You will never go back if you have one from there.
What a sight…
I loved having a side yogurt in the morning. It was juts fun going nuts with the toppings. I felt like a little kid in the candy aisle. I simply took some greek yogurt, squeezed a few passion fruits in it and added some dried fruits like apple, mango, papaya, and some candied orange and lime peel. Hallelujah, I hit the jackpot on this one.
Buying some fresh durian to snack on. Yes, I never passed up an opportunity to buy durian. It’s best frozen in my opinion just because the creaminess during the heat is kind of nauseating, but I made do.
Like I said, I had a punch of papaya salad. At this restaurant, which I totally don’t remember, we tried their special fried papaya salad with corn. Stick with the traditional.
Loved the night markets, one of my favourite part of Thailand. I was just so willing to eat where the local’s went and I made it a mission to try to go to the places they visited regularly.
The best pastry selection I have ever seen in a buffet. Kudos to the pasty chef there because he is outstanding, rolling out some of the best croissants I have ever had and a mouth-watering array of locally-inspired flavours. Can you see the flakiness? I was impressed everyday, stumped on what to try.
Muffins ranged from Valrhona 70% Chocolate to Matcha Tea flavoured. God, I was in heaven right at the start of my morning. So fluffy and moist.
Fresh juice in the morning. Flavoured yogurts in little tins.
I will come back to the W just for this pastry case.
Snacking on jackfruit. I tried it but honestly, I really can’t say its a fruit I’m fond of. I like most fruits, but perhaps because of my scuba diving incident, I’m probably going to avoid this from now on…
Lychee! I love this fruit so much. It’s so refreshing, juicy, and sweet.
Durian stall.
One of the best meals I had in Soi 38 Market. Grilled salt-crusted fish, referred to as Pla Pao, and barbecue squid. They had some incredible sauces to put on top while you used fresh lettuce as your filling holder. Throw in some rice noodles and thai basil, it was a wrap packed with flavour. Super DIY and bustling atmosphere.
Sticky rice and mangoes. You can’t leave Thailand without trying it despite it not being something mind-blowing. You don’t even need to eat this as a dessert, as most people just have it as a snack or a meal too.
The W Hotel at night. It looks spooky doesn’t it? On the contrary, it’s home to the nicest staff.
Good morning breakfast. I definitely racked in the fruits before this plate, but I couldn’t deny myself from eating the pastry chef’s goodies. I felt obliged.
Another day, the same thing.
I squirted passion fruit on all of my fruit plates because it was free and in abundance. I love this flavour so much and I wish I could get it for cheaper back home.
Yum.
More papaya salad at Nara Thai Cuisine.
More Pad Thai.
My first time trying the soup, Tom Kha Kung. I cannot say I am a fan…
I had to dine at the Emporium Mall. It had the most elaborate restaurants I have ever witnessed in a mall and went from floor to floor. A rounding staircase, it was continuous and never-ending, torture for a indecisive soul. Victory for the hungry. If you ever visit Bangkok, you have to come to this mall. I’m surprised this one isn’t as recommended as Siam Paragon because I loved here so much more.
Kyo Roll En, this was impeccable. For a dessert chain, I have to say, I was wowed. The roll was incredibly moist and the matcha soft serve was intense and the most “rich” I have had to date. Every aspect about this dish was something I could find at a fine-dining restaurant (it was in Emporium) and I couldn’t be more pleased. Did I mention that I was sitting on top of a glassed floor with water underneath? Rad, I know.
The view from Emporium. You can actually see one of the wings from this photo!
Inside the Gourmet Supermarket. This grocery store has a food lover’s best interest in mind. All types of dried fruits, local delicacies, a raw bar, a salad bar, coconut soft serve, every tropical fruit possible, the list is endless. It is so easy to browse there for a whole day and still not be bored. 
Some goods I found.
A peak into the grocery store.
Outside Siam Paragon, a mall that was recommended to me to go. Good place to try local foods.
Another night having Thai food.
Atum Desserant, best experience you can ask for in Hong Kong. Must, must, must. 
Long Live Feasts 