Siamese Surprises

Whether you could take Bangkok or leave Bangkok, one thing is for certain...this Siamese city is certain to surprise.

From chaos to contemporary this city always seems to change. Despite its rather unorganized infrastructure, fast (and I mean really fast) internet was easy to find. Whether it be Thailand's push to keep up with the modern or the popularity of internet gaming among Thai youth, the quality of the internet cafes were some of the best I've seen. And though Chinatown and Ko Ratanakosin seem to reflect time of ole, take one step into Siam Square and the modern will maul you. Slick contemporary architecture, the latest in fashion, and restaurants where you want to be "seen" all find their home in Bangkok's business district and surroundings.

Though Siam Square is the sure bet for guaranteed good eats, elsewhere in Bangkok diamonds in the rough await. With a humble sign pointing down a dark alley in Chinatown, some of the best Indian food I've had awaited me. And with curiosity being key, I navigated serpentine alleys only to encounter some simple street food with riverview seating...a perfect afternoon meal.

On more than one occasion, taking a wrong turn turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Between the river and my hotel were 3 blocks of continuous flower vendors. Beautifully exotic and colorful arrangements of every shape and size seized the eye of even the most banal passerby. And when I was about to throw in the towel after Bangkok's less-than-navigable streets got the best of me, just a block away and over a bridge lie the Golden Mount...a Buddhist temple with a skyline view not to be missed!

Curiosities, cuisine, and unexpected cultural shrines are just a few of the surprises Siam has in store.