Bangkok, Thailand: Day 2

February 1, 2024

13,138 steps

I started it off Day 2 in Bangkok with a tasty espresso at a coffee shop called Rolling Roasters. The interior design was clean and modern with a second story seating area overlooking the baristas down below. The baristas were looking hip and the music was on point, a true sign of a quality coffee shop.

Rolling Roasters coffee shop

Following this I packed up my things and checked out of my hotel. I had some time to kill before checking into my hostel up the street, so I went to a coffee shop that caught my eye yesterday called Fred Thonglor. Iā€™m glad I tried this place. This is a great coffee / lunch spot to do some computer work at. You get a small, clean and modern shop with a great view of the hustle and bustle outside.

After an enjoyable 2 hours, it was on to my new accommodation for the next 8 nights. I checked in and instantly realized this would be a much different experience from the 4-star hotel I was just at. This 2-star hostel had about 3 brothels or strip clubs on the road leading up to the hostel. Iā€™m going to be seeing a lot of these girls for the next week. Later in the evening, I traveled east to Bang Chak and Sukhumvit 95 to try some street food for the first time. I managed to get some Som Tam, or Thai papaya salad. It was sweet, crunchy and just spicy enough for me (good thing I went with the one chili). The best thing I had tonight was probably the skewered chicken on a stick.

Pork street food dish

It was nice and hot with a sweet, tangy coat of sauce. And to finish the night I had the famous ham and cheese croissant Toasty from 7-11. It did not disappoint. Japan may have onigiri rice balls, but these toasties give them a run for their money. Iā€™m starting to appreciate the hustle culture out here in Bangkok. Whether it be running a street food shop out of their house or giving people lifts on their motorbikes, these Thai sure seem to enjoy working to earn some Baht.

Bangkok street at night

Other notes:

Seems like public restrooms are rare except in shopping malls where you have to pay a small fee and in western style hotels. Not good for my sensitive tummy.

The BTS skytrain is a delightful way to zip around town.