Immerse yourself in Bangkok! The latest travel plans from local writers

Is it paradise or space? A breathtaking temple with an overwhelmingly beautiful ceiling painting

Wat Paknam

Start your day at Wat Paknam in the Thonburi district, an area that exudes a strong nostalgic atmosphere. Although this temple is not a typical tourist spot, it has been gradually gaining attention in recent years, especially on social media. The secret is the white stupa that was just completed in 2012. After passing through the museum floors that display Thai art and cultural heritage, and the floors used for meditation and rituals, you go up to the top floor, the fifth floor, and what awaits you there is...heaven!?

The hemispherical ceiling is decorated with vividly colored illustrations of the life of Buddha, depicting various events in his life. The four corners are supported by golden pillars, and in the center is a stupa made of emerald-colored glass. The mystical worldview, reminiscent of a mandala that expresses the truth of the universe, will draw you into another dimension.

Touch your stomach to stimulate your internal organs! Purify your mind and body and become healthy and full of "ki"

Samsara Spa

Next, try Chi Nei Tsang, a visceral detox massage that flourished in Thailand's ancient capital, Chiang Mai. Chi Nei Tsang was created approximately 2,500 years ago based on the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which sees the human body as a "microcosm" and aims to live in harmony with nature. Samsara Spa, which offers treatments that heal both the body and mind, is a rare place in Bangkok where you can receive this treatment.

Chi Nei Tsang is based on the idea that the mind is linked to the internal organs, and that negative emotions accumulate in the internal organs, which can eventually lead to illness. By touching the stomach and stimulating the intestines and internal organs, the mind and body are balanced. It is said to have many physical effects, such as improving the function of the internal organs, improving chills and swelling, relieving constipation, and improving menstrual irregularities. Some people even experience emotional cleansing, can't stop crying during the treatment, and have mysterious visions. Experience deep healing through the techniques of a skilled therapist.

Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea in the sky, 60 stories above ground

Vertigo Too

In the afternoon, we went to the trendy dining bar "Vertigo Too," located on the 60th floor of the famous luxury hotel "Banyan Tree Bangkok." The bar is currently attracting attention for its Saturday and Sunday only afternoon tea, which can be enjoyed at the highest point in Bangkok. This bar opened in 2015 and is located one floor below "Vertigo," a skyscraper rooftop bar that is immovably popular with tourists.

With a floral theme, the three-tiered tray with butterflies on it contains 10 types of sandwiches and sweets decorated with edible flowers. The set also includes tea and non-alcoholic cocktails made with colorful flowers. This exciting lineup is perfect for teatime in the sky with a spectacular view of Bangkok below.

Eat your fill at the Chinese food stalls in Yaowarat, Bangkok's top gourmet town!

Yaowarat (Chinatown)

For dinner, we went to Yaowarat (Chinatown), where many Chinese who once came from China live. The aroma of Chinese herbs fills the air at Yaowarat Road, the main street, and in the evening, both sides of the street are packed with food stalls, transforming it into a major gourmet spot. Chefs silently stir woks over blazing flames, customers queueing up nonstop, and spirited shop staff serving them... the street is filled with excitement.

Among the many famous food stalls on Yaowarat Road, the one that is most famous for the longest lines is "T&K Seafood." Six large charcoal-grilled shrimps are 300 baht, and shark fin soup is 300 baht and up, both extremely cheap. After enjoying seafood, you can have Chinese noodles at a noodle stall, and finish off with bird's nest and sesame dumplings at a sweets stall... Why not eat to your heart's content at Yaowarat, where it's fun to hop between restaurants?

A modern take on traditional Thai culture. An old and new culture bar

Tep Bar

Once you've filled up at the food stalls, why not stop by a bar for a drink while listening to live music? Soi Nana is a small street in Yaowarat, a hot topic among Bangkok's fashionable people. Conceptual bars and galleries renovated from old shophouses are appearing one after another along this 50-meter-long street. The catalyst for this is Tep Bar. After returning to Thailand after living abroad for many years, three Thai owners found a 100-year-old building with the desire to "share Thai traditional culture," and opened the bar in 2015.

They serve original cocktails made with their homemade yadong (a Thai herbal liquor) made from 20 kinds of herbs, as well as traditional Thai dishes that are rarely seen these days, with a modern twist. The bar is also popular for its daily live performances by young Thai traditional instrument players that start at 7:30pm, and the atmosphere heats up as the night goes on.

Bangkok is a city where you will never get bored no matter how many days you stay - visiting temples, walking around the city, getting a massage or going to the spa, eating delicious food, shopping... There are still many hidden places that are not well known. Please go to various places as your heart desires and enjoy an exciting trip.

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