I’m always amazed at the surprises Bangkok pulls out of its hat when I least expect it. For instance, who would have thought that a unique Thai artist influenced by Native American art would have tucked a funky gallery/cafe on a sidestreet behind the major tourist attraction of Wat Arun? A recent stroll proved this … read the full post

Set in a leafy locale out in Thonburi‘s western reaches, Khlong Lat Mayom boasts a colourful atmosphere and some outstanding food in a market that’s popular among locals but little known to tourists. Like the markets at Bang Nam Phueng and Bang Khla, just to name a couple, Khlong Lat Mayom sprang up only in … read the full post

One of Bangkok’s best kept secrets, Khlong Bang Luang artist village on the Thonburi (west) side of the Chao Phraya inspires visitors with a relaxed, artsy canal-side atmosphere and daily shadow puppet shows. Yet the leafy alleyways surrounding the artist house are half of the draw, and a few of the neighbourhood’s fantastic noodle shops … read the full post

Laidback locals laze on the porches of old teak houses sliding by as our boat chugs through another of Thonburi‘s khlongs (canals); children throw food to the fish before jumping in to swim with them; elderly vendors, their faces weathered from years in the sun, cruise past on small wooden boats filled with vegetables and noodles to … read the full post

If you visit the canal-side Khlong Bang Luang artist village to the west of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, don’t be surprised if the historic area’s chilled-out, artsy atmosphere makes you want to stick around. There’s not much accommodation to speak of, but tiny Bang Luang House offers style, comfort and the chance to … read the full post

Bangkok has a reputation for bright lights, gleaming high-rises and seething nightlife, but on the west side of the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi, the city’s softer, simpler and more creative side hangs loose. Embodying this better than anywhere, the canal-side community of artists at Khlong Bang Luang posseses a homegrown artistic spirit that pervades … read the full post

Smaller and more cramped, but more eclectic than nearby Bangkok Noi market, Thonburi’s Phran Nok wet market is worth a trip if you’re serious about exploring Thai food ingredients in a very local atmosphere. Be warned that a visit to Phran Nok may induce weeping (from the chilli flakes in the air), holding the nose … read the full post

Thailand is famous for is its abundant tropical fruit, but not all of them are as well known as mango and durian. Case in point: mathum (aka “bael fruit”, “stone apple”, “bela” or “Indian quince”) look something like green mango or avocado with the peel still on, and could be mistaken for a large orange when … read the full post

After weeks of eating nothing but explosively flavourful and meat-heavy Thai food, the simplicity, freshness and veggie-prominence of Vietnamese cuisine is like a breath of fresh air. If looking for an inexpensive, local-style Vietnamese restaurant in Bangkok, Rom Ngao Indo-Chin restaurant just over the Chao Phraya River in Thonburi is an excellent choice. Rom ngao … read the full post

Looking for a good lunch spot after climbing the majestic (and steep) tower of Wat Arun? Tucked in a funky Thonburi neighbourhood behind the temple, Ree Ree Khaosan Restaurant puts out outstanding authentic Thai food in a comfortable and accessible package. We checked Wat Arun off our sightseeing list some time ago, but we still … read the full post