BANGKOK – It seems like every country in Asia has their own version of a hot pot, that communal dining experience where a pot of simmering soup is used to cook fresh pieces of meat, seafood and vegetables which are in turned dipped in different kinds of sauces before being consumed. At the more refined end of the spectrum, [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Beach, Singhas, massage and go-go bars? Is that all you have planned for your Thai holiday? Like to make a bit of difference while you’re there? Then think about making a donation – large or small – to any one of Thailand’s amazing temples. These so-called “offerings” are the lifeblood of Thailand’s temples, and [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – I always knew about it but never saw it; had no clue how amazing it was or what I was actually missing. The Royal Barges National Museum, located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, ranks right up there with the magnificent Wat Praew Kaew. A bit of a trek but, once you find [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – It was once known as the first western-style mega mall in Bangkok but nowadays MBK’s claim to fame is the rather unfortunate nickname “ground zero for all things pirated.” Like Bangkok’s infamous Chatuchak market, I have a love-hate relationship with MBK – the swarm of families decked out in the latest knock-offs is enough to [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK - Love, love, LOVE the Metropolitan Bangkok’s Met rooms: super spacious and modern, with soothing earth tones; big comfy beds (and lovely sheets to go with), huge bathrooms (shower, tub and silky smooth robes) and a full-on entertainment system (to watch all those pirated discs you ‘didn’t buy’). The rest of the hotel – service, [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Need to feel worked, relaxed and refreshed? Then call Silom Massage and ask for John. His three hour Traditional Thai Massage session (anything less and you’ll want more) will renew your faith in this hugely over-exploited practice. John, a Myanmar national, speaks little English but knows the body like all therapists should (and most don’t). [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Excellent service and NONE of that colonial attitude one gets at its so over rated sister motel in Hong Kong or at other so called ‘top’ establishments in Bangkok make this one of our favorite hotels in Bangkok. Whether you’re checking-in; tanning by the pool; boozing at their Bamboo Bar; getting done at the [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Chatuchak…the infamous weekend market. Okay, not really a fave; actually a love-hate relationship. For me, Chatuchak (or JJ as the locals call it) is one gigantic assault on the senses – the crowds, the chaos, the odors, the heat and the endless aisles of anything and everything. But JJ is also about shopping and to [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – The locals call it Khao Mang Gai but this Thai version of Singapore’s national chicken rice dish is a must for any Thai visitor. Here’s what it is: tender slices of steamed (or boiled) chicken topped with a spicy chili sauce, served with fragrant jasmine rice that’s been cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with [...]
By GARY FONG BANGKOK – Yeah I know, BIG time tourist spot but for me, the Jim Thompson House is totally NOT about the famous JT silk; but rather a first-rate example of traditional Thai-style architecture, something not easily found on the streets of Bangkok. Take the guided tour, which is fairly short but full of fun, interesting facts [...]
