4 Days in Thailand

Embarking on a whirlwind adventure through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, my girlfriend and I set out on a mini ASEA tour with Thailand as our first stop. Fueled by an insatiable desire to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine and explore the enchanting sights the country had to offer, our journey unfolded over four days of culinary delights, bustling markets, and unforgettable experiences. Join us on this gastronomic and cultural escapade as we navigate the bustling streets, indulge in delectable street food, and discover the hidden gems that make Thailand a true culinary haven.

Day 1: Arrival and Unforgettable Street Food

My girlfriend and I embarked on an exciting adventure to Bangkok, a city known for its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and bustling streets. We chose to travel light, carrying only our hand luggage, which made the airport procedures a breeze. As we boarded the plane, we had an unexpected surprise from one of the flight attendants. With a playful grin, he joked about needing to "balance the plane" due to my height, just a few inches over 6 feet. This humorous gesture ended up securing us some extra legroom for the flight, making our journey even more comfortable.

Upon landing in Bangkok, we quickly settled into our hotel, which was situated a bit outside the city centre. However, the hotel offered complimentary tuk-tuk rides to nearby destinations, which turned out to be a fun and convenient way to explore the city. The hotel's welcoming reception offered refreshing free drinks and juices, a small but delightful touch that immediately made us feel at home.

Despite arriving quite late, our arrival wouldn't be complete without savouring some of Bangkok's legendary street food. We ventured out and discovered a street vendor serving unforgettable dishes that left a lasting impression on our taste buds. It was the perfect way to kickstart our tastey Thai adventure.

Day 2: Shopping and Gastronomic Wonders

Our second day in Bangkok was filled with exploration and culinary delights. We began the morning with a hearty breakfast, eager to fuel up for the day ahead. One of the most fascinating aspects of dining in Bangkok was discovering an array of condiments on the breakfast table that we seldom encountere in the West. The flavours were diverse and exciting, adding a unique twist to our morning meal.

We enjoyed another breakfast at a nearby restaurant, though, to be honest, it felt more like an early lunch for two of us. We indulged in three meals within the usual span of two because the flavours were so enticing and satisfying, leaving us unable to resist the temptation of more tastey delights.

After breakfast, we embarked on a shopping adventure through the city's impressive malls. Despite our decision to travel light with only hand luggage, we couldn't resist the temptation to explore the latest fashion trends and local finds. We may not have made many purchases, but strolling through the bustling malls offered a glimpse into Bangkok's vibrant retail scene.

In the afternoon, we visited a bustling eatery that had gained significant acclaim, where we had to wait outside for a table due to its popularity. This restaurant epitomised Bangkok's incredible food culture, and it was well worth the wait.

As evening approached, we had a unique dining experience planned. We had booked a table at the renowned "Bustaurant," (for a closer look at our unique dining experience on the Bustaurant, check out my previous post for the full story and delicious details!) a restaurant on a converted bus that offered a one-of-a-kind dining adventure. However, we had underestimated the city's traffic, and as the clock ticked closer to our reservation time, we realised we were running late.

In a moment of desperation, we decided to get out of the taxi and make a mad dash for the Bustaurant. The bustling streets of Bangkok were an obstacle course, but our determination to experience this quirky dining spot drove us forward.

Arriving at the Bustaurant just in the nick of time, we were relieved and excited. The unique setting and delicious food made for an unforgettable evening in Bangkok, despite the rush to get there.

Day 3: Street Food Extravaganza, Sightseeing, and Boat Noodles

On our third day in Bangkok, we set out to explore the city's vibrant street food scene to the fullest. From morning till night, it was a street food extravaganza that left our taste buds dancing with delight. We sampled a plethora of dishes from various vendors, each offering its own unique twist on Thai cuisine. It was a true immersion into the heart and soul of Bangkok's culinary culture.

During ourthai adventures, we couldn't help but notice that many street food vendors had gained fame on YouTube. Their mouthwatering creations had gained a dedicated following on the platform, showcasing the global reach and influence of Bangkok's street food scene.

In between our street food feasting, we took time to explore the city's iconic sights, from bustling markets to serene temples. The blend of ancient traditions and modern city life was a captivating sight to behold.

As night fell, we had one more culinary gem awaiting us: boat noodles. We made our way to a renowned boat noodle spot, eager to experience the fragrant broths, tender noodles, and rich flavours that made this dish a must-try in Bangkok. The evening meal was a perfect culmination of our street food adventure.

With our bellies full and hearts content, we couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling day in Bangkok. The city's vibrant street food culture left an indelible mark on us, and we felt privileged to have indulged in such an authentic and flavoursome experience.

Day 4: Mark Wiens' Culinary Delights and TV Inspiration

Our fourth and final day in Bangkok started with a visit to Mark Wiens' renowned restaurant, "Phed Mark." We were eager to savour the flavours and dishes recommended by this well-known food vlogger. We opted for dishes with lower spice levels, considering that we were about to embark on a Journey to Battambang, Cambodia, a 4 hous taxi ride after out flight to Siem Reap. We didn't want to risk any uncomfortable moments during the long journey ahead.

Mark Wiens' restaurant, known for serving a signature dish with customisable heat levels, was a small but bustling place. We had to wait outside until there was room, a testament to its popularity. This signature dish came with an Asian-style fried egg, cooked in very hot oil to achieve a crispy white while keeping the yolk delightfully runny. It was a unique culinary experience that left a lasting impression on me. While my girlfriend, having been to Bangkok several times due to her Malaysian roots, had already savoured its delicious offerings in the past, it was my first time experiencing something so extraordinary.

Our meal at "Phed Mark" was a fitting farewell to Bangkok, filled with incredible flavours and inspiring me to try my hand at recreating some of these dishes myself.

As we left Bangkok behind, one memorable detail stood out from our stay at the hotel: I discovered a television channel that continuously played Mark Wiens' vlogs, alternating with footage of street food vendors crafting their delicious creations. It was a captivating display of Bangkok's culinary wonders, and although it couldn't truly recreate the experience once we left Thailand, it served as a delightful reminder of the remarkable city we had just explored and inspired me to try yp recreate some of these dishes on my own.

After breakfast, we headed to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where new adventures awaited us. As we left Bangkok behind, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the incredible experiences we had in this remarkable city. Our bellies were full, our hearts were content, and our memories of Bangkok would forever be flavoured with the tastes and aromas of its incredible cuisine, a cuisine that had inspired me to embark on my own culinary journey.

Look forward to comprehensive appraisals of particular dishes, arriving soon.