TheLoneRider
a seeker in search of Easter Eggs
Peoplescape

Peoplescape: Bangkok July 10-24, 2018

Peoplescape: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

PEOPLESCAPE
I didn't do much of the touristy offerings of Bangkok, in fact, stayed mostly inside Adventure Hostel, but the experience is just as enriching given the people I had the good fortune to reconnect and connect with.

Peoplescape: Bangkok
strangers are friends you haven't met yet

Mikey ChongMike Chong
Mike, a Singaporean client-turned-friend based in Chiang Mai, who learned I was in Bangkok, messaged me to join him in Chiang Mai where I could stay again in his luxurious Nawa Saraan Hotel for 2 weeks! If that wasn't good enough, he offered to buy my remaining Bitcoin Cash to ensure I have transport money for Chiang Mai. Whoa! You gotta love the guy. He has just become my client-turned-friend-turned-white knight. Although I didn't meet him here in Bangkok, he was instrumental in shaping my Bangkok experience.

Eunice ChiaEunice
We did yoga in Indonesia, explored the cafe scene in Singapore, took me to her hometown in Malaysia and now, we reconnect in Thailand - karmic entanglement through space and time. Somehow, Eunice has been looking after me here - inviting me for dinners, introducing me to friends, giving me a metro card, etc. This is something I dearly appreciate about her. Through the years, our friendship has deepened. Having given up the corporate life to pursue her bliss, she's now steeped in Buddhist tenets of love and compassion. Always true to herself, she walks the narrow path. I am greatful to meet such a life and be part of her karmic path.

I somehow feel that Mike, Eunice and me are karmically entangled somehow - yes, the 3 of us are friends although we haven't been together yet as we met each other separately.

Chai MateoChai
Chai and I go a long way, back to my UP days as a mountaineer. We don't hang out much, but we stay connected through the years. I thought I've seen the last of her when I left Manila, but then we reconnected in Cebu where we immersed ourselves in our yoga practice. Here in Bangkok, I was just surprised when she messaged me that she's based here already. We had dinner to catch up on how our lives have taken shape since the last meetup. I'm sure we'll reconnect at some point again. Like some people in my life, Chai seems to be a recurring constant - in a beautiful way.

ZelongZelong
Since my last visit to Bangkok where Zelong went the extra mile to help me find lodging in the dead of midnight, I have always regarded her as my Good Samaritan at Adventure Hostel. She's one of the reasons why I feel at home at the hostel. I'm glad she stayed with the coming of the new owners. She's always helpful and always professional. I wish her luck in her new venture to Phuket. Will miss you here at Adventure Hostel, Zelong!

MarrisaMarrisa
Marrisa was also a long-term hostel guest but we didn't really talk until later. As an American, she was the only guest I could have a comfortable conversation with in English at the hostel as most guests were Thai. We'd catch each other in the kitchen and have passing conversation. We bumped into each other in the street and walked along Chatuchak Market for good eats and chat. It was good having her as a buddy in the hostel.

Kansuda KunlachatKansuda Kunlachat
Kansuda is a local I met in previous visit. We would keep in touch every once in a while but we find time to connect whenever I visit Bangkok. This visit is no exception. We bought street food and had it on my hostel roof deck where she updated me on her social work - a noble service to humanity. It was a fitting last-hurrah before catching my train for Chiang Mai.

Ending Thoughts
I am blessed for the wonderful people I keep and the wonderful people I meet. Sometimes, I wonder what good thing I must have done in a previous life to deserve them.

--- TheLoneRider
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Next stop: 15 Days in Bangkok

Bangkok Blogs by TheLoneRider
  1. Bangkok in Pictures Mar 17-21, 2021
  2. Bangkok for Passport Renewal Mar 17-21, 2021
  3. Bangkok with $19 Dec 8-11, 2018
  4. 30 Days - Goodbye Bangkok Nov 8, 2018
  5. Revolving Peoplescape of Bangkok Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  6. Food and Friendship at Dalad Vietnamese Oct 8 - Nov 8, 2018
  7. Movie Review: First Reformed (2017) Nov 6, 2018
  8. Doing Online Work at The Work Loft Nov 5, 2018
  9. Window Seat [His Precious] Nov 1, 2018
  10. Surreal Odyssey at Bangkok Float Center Oct 29/31, 2018
  11. Bangkok Halloween with Rinna and Steve Oct 27, 2018
  12. Push-Ups Oct 22/24, 2018
  13. Pad Thai at Thip Samai, Bangkok Oct 16, 2018
  14. Birthday Walkabout Oct 16, 2018
  15. Coming to Terms with Donations Oct 14, 2018
  16. Feelin' Da Blues at Adhere the 13th Blues Bar Oct 12, 2018
  17. Visiting the Grand Palace of Thailand Oct 12, 2018
  18. A Web Mandate in Bangkok Oct 8, 2018
  19. 29 Days in Bangkok: Thank You and Goodbye Aug 27 - Sep 24, 2018
  20. Calling the Bangkok Police Sep 23, 2018
  21. Movie Review: Mindfulness and Murder (2011) Sep 22, 2018
  22. Yoga Inversions at Now's Fitness Gym Sep 19, 2018
  23. Flow Yoga with Teacher Kea at Now's Fitness Sep 18, 2018
  24. Movie Review: Under Construction (2015) Sep 15, 2018
  25. Walking Tour of Little India Sep 15, 2018
  26. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  27. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  28. Vinyasa Yoga with Teacher That at Now's Fitness Sep 14, 2018
  29. Abs Workout with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 13, 2018
  30. Exercise Ball Workout with Teacher Bie at Now's Fitness Sep 11, 2018
  31. Exploring the Amphawa Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  32. Exploring the Tree-Engulfed Wat Bang Kung Temple Sep 9, 2018
  33. Parting of the Maeklong Railway Market with a Passing Train Sep 9, 2018
  34. Exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Sep 9, 2018
  35. Horse Racing at the The Royal Bangkok Sports Club Sep 8, 2018
  36. Fight Class with Teacher San at Now's Fitness Sep 7, 2018
  37. Exploring the Bangkok Art Book Fair 2018 Sep 6, 2018
  38. Circuit Training with Mild at Now's Fitness Sep 5, 2018
  39. Gentle Flow Yoga with Nuch at Now's Fitness, Bangkok Sep 4, 2018
  40. A Yogi Lost in a Modern Gym - Now's Fitness Sep 3, 2018
  41. Abundance at On Nut, Bangkok Aug 30-Sep 1, 2018
  42. Outside Looking In Aug 29, 2018
  43. Back in Bangkok After 5 Weeks Aug 27, 2018
  44. 15 Days in Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  45. Peoplescape: Bangkok July 10-24, 2018
  46. Hatha and Yantra Yoga Fusion July 10-24, 2018
  47. Revisiting Terminal 21 Mall, Bangkok July 23, 2018
  48. Rope Skipping, 4mins Full-on July 22, 2018
  49. Sunday Visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market July 17, 2018
  50. Fork on the Road: Abundance or Poverty by Choice? July 16, 2018
  51. Loving Bangkok All Over Again Feb 22-26, 2016
  52. Hotel Review: Adventure Hostel Bangkok July 11, 2018
  53. Hotel Review: Riva Surya Bangkok Oct 20, 2014
  54. Exploring the Shopping Malls of Bangkok Oct 6-20, 2014
  55. Bangkok's Street Food Delight Oct 6-20, 2014
  56. Bangkok Revisited 3 Oct 6-20, 2014
  57. A First Timer in Bangkok December 31, 2005 - January 3, 2006

Bangkok Map
Google Map

Bangkok, Thailand

hotels in Bangkok HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

restaurant in Bangkok RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

spa and wellness in Bangkok SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

gyms on On Nut, Bangkok GYM| gyms on On Nut, Bangkok YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250


Useful Information

Bangkok Cost Index

as of Sep 4, 2018: US$1 = Baht 32 = Php 53

  • Bht 60 sm, 90 big one mug draft beer
  • Bht 13 1.5 liter drinking water
  • Bht 220 one hour massage
  • Bht 60-80 muesli breakfast
  • Bht 60-80 tom yum soup in modest eatery
  • Bht 25-30 coffee
  • Bht 30-50 pad thai
  • Bht 350 Adventure Hostel lodging
  • Bht 20-30/load laundry, coin operated machine
  • Bht 7 bus ride
Transport Maps of Bangkok
  1. Chao Phraya Express, MRT, BTS, Khlong boats, Airport Link
  2. Bus Routes: 1-14
  3. Bus Routes: 15-30
  4. Bus Routes: 32-49
  5. Bus Routes: 50-70
  6. Bus Routes: 71-88
  7. Bus Routes: 501-516
  8. individual bus routes
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station

For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)

(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)

  1. take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
  2. Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an information booth, a train schedule chart and the ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
  3. daily train schedule:
    • 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
    • 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
    • 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
    • 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
    • 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck

Currency Converter
Currency Converter


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