PLACE OF THE WEEK

BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN CITY


LOCATION: Tanon Phra Arthit


Soundtrack: English In New York - Sting


It is noon and the sun is scorching. There is a mix of lunch-breakers, tourists, backpackers, vendors and me.
This road runs along the Chao Phraya river so there is this sense of space and despite the heat, you can really breathe. 

It may be next door to the infamous Kao San road but it is a whole different community.
Along with Thewet, they have fought against big evil cooperate shops to keep small local businesses alive.

Because they have intentionally preserved it this way, it does feel a bit like you've entered a fantasy land. Every shop has its place and its own character. Shop doors are still the traditional folded kind, though it is still quite common in this part of town.

There are 2 palaces on this stretch of road alone. It was like looking into a secret garden.

The nightlife here is something different too. A mix crowd of locals and foreigners. Blues, Rock&Roll blasting out of bars along with long haired-philanthropists.
You can spot the inner city ones straight away here.

 This stew beef noodle shop is the best! Though I have no idea what it's called cause it's somehow written in Korean?!

As a Bangkoker, it feels weird walking into a park. We get our dose of nature when we leave the city.
So stepping into this little greenery felt really nice and you're instantly relaxed. Little breeze from the river, find a spot and try not to die from the heat.

A road that has graciously maintained the old and the new without it looking out of place. They cater both to tourists and locals. No weird pricing and I actually felt like I was in The Land of Smiles. 
Every corner felt like a post card moment and I gladly took it all in.

Happy exploring!


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PLACE OF THE WEEK

TALAD ROD FAI


Soundtrack: Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett




One of Bangkok's many vintage markets; Talad Rod Fai has the advantage of being located in an über cool quarter.
Next door to JJ weekend market, Talad Rod Fai is like it's hipster-cool cousin who only comes out at night with beer and whiskey in hand.

                                   


As well as 2nd hand clothes, you can find random knick-knacks and vintage furniture, while cars and motorcycles surround the area.. There are 3 lanes of stalls with shops flanked on both sides and house shops circling it. The famous defected train track has been invaded by drinking stalls, over grown trees and happy hipsters.

Of course it wouldn't be a Thai market without awesome food stalls. Still in keeping with its vintage theme, there is this drink stall that serves freshly made carbonated drinks. What is that? Basically your common soda drinks but you can choose your own flavour and the soda man then pumps bubbles into your glass. "This was how I drank my sodas when I was a baby!" said the proud ownner.

... So my friend and I obviously proceeded to break our diet-of-the-week and indulged in a giant helping of pepper and garlic stir fried pork served over hot steamy rice with a side of sunny-side up fried egg, oh and garnished with my favourite homie Coriander The Herb. This dish is one of Thai people's many many comfort foods.

Definitely worth a visit and get your thrift on! 


Opening time:


Fridays and Saturdays from about 6pm til 12am



Getting there:


You can take a taxi and simply tell the driver: Talad Rod Fai or take the MRT and get off at Kampeangphet station, walk towards exit 2. Once at street level turn right and walk for about 300 metres, the market will be on your right. 


To take:


A giant tote bag or something else of boy equivalent to stuff all the possibly useless things that you bought. Also this way you won't need to use plastic bags and be environmentally conscious. Thailand still has a bad habit of over-using styrofoam boxes and plastic bags so every little helps I think.  


Good luck and happy treasure hunting!




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