I had a conference in Bangkok in September, so my week consisted of hot and muggy early morning running, eating anything delicious I could find, and walking the conference floor and meeting with colleagues.

Running – Lumphini Park & Benchakitti Park

I was staying in the Sathon area, right across the street from Lumphini Park, a spot I have run at every time I’ve been in Bangkok. What’s unique is that it is home to a lot of water monitors, aka the Bangkok Dragon. These guys get big, and its so interesting to see them wandering around and swimming at the park.

Benchakitti Park is large and has a sky walk, where you can view the city and the wetland area from above. The park was built on the location of an old tobacco factory. The concept of the park is bringing the forest into the city and supporting urban biodiversity with constructed wetlands, nature learning and exercise trails. Its beautiful here, nicer than Lumphini, but without any dragons, as far as I could tell.

Food

Where to even begin? I ate snacks like its my full-time job (partly true) and tried some wonderful restaurants. My favorite meals (these are overall not fancy, just bites I could catch here and there) –

  • K. Panich Sticky Rice – this is a little storefront only, and it is actually a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. The only thing they sell is sticky rice with mango, and drinks. I had mine with fresh coconut water. It cost me like $5.00.
  • Supanniga Eating Room – this was a wonderful dinner, I’d return absolutely. Its also a selected restaurant with Michelin, although I didn’t know that at the time.
  • ChaTraMue – the classic Thai iced tea. This is the first time I’ve been to the cafe, and it was a little delight in the shopping mall
  • These Look Jub mung bean desserts were given to me on Thai Air, aren't they gorgeous?
  • Taro and pumpkin balls in coconut milk - Supanniga

Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan

Say that 10 times fast. An overwhelmingly interesting temple, I thoroughly enjoyed a quiet half hour here. Its a royal temple of the Ratchaworamahawihan type, and has a prominent structure, the Giant Swing, in front of the temple. Inside, 19th century murals adorn the walls.

Work fun

Around Bangkok