Day 1: Bangkok

After more than 30 hours in transit, we’ve finally arrived in Bangkok!
The 12-hour leg in business class—with a flatbed—was a game-changer. Comfort aside, we were pleasantly surprised (read: mildly stunned) by the Giorgio Armani toiletry kit and an actual set of pajamas handed out on board. Nothing like changing into branded sleepwear at 36,000 feet to remind you that travel can still feel a little magical.

We’ve been to many Asian cities, each with its own rhythm. Tokyo, Singapore, and Shanghai dazzle with sleek futurism. Hong Kong, Kyoto, and Beijing strike a delicate balance between ancient beauty and modern energy. And then there are cities like New Delhi—where the raw, often jarring contrast between wealth and poverty plays out in the open. Bangkok fits into that last category. One moment you’re passing crumbling buildings with faded paint and shattered windows; the next, you’re staring up at gleaming towers of glass and steel, each one more architecturally ambitious than the last.

The subway here is modern, clean, and efficient. Our only real discomfort was a brief moment of horror when a young man directly across from us began mining his nose with impressive commitment—and absolutely no shame.

When we stepped out of the station, the heat hit us like a physical wall. The air was thick, fragrant with a mix of street food, detergent, and city dust—strangely not unpleasant. With hours to kill before we could check into our hotel, we wandered until we found a random restaurant with a roof and shade. The locals inside looked at us with wide-eyed curiosity; the owner came rushing over with menus that had seen better (and cleaner) days.

I ordered crispy pork belly—flavorful, rich, and so good I barely noticed (or minded) the flies enjoying the raw cuts hanging out front. The fact the whole meal costs about $7 also helped. Here’s hoping we packed enough anti-diarrhea meds to counteract our enthusiasm.

Today’s main event: a wild, wonderful, stomach-busting Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food Tour!
If you’ve never ridden in a tuk tuk, picture a motorized tricycle with zero regard for traffic laws and a talent for squeezing through gaps no car would dare attempt. With the sunset glowing behind Bangkok’s skyline, we zipped into the streets and began what our guide promised would be a three-hour food frenzy. She wasn’t kidding—she absolutely fed us until we were on the brink of collapse.

Stop #1: A restaurant specializing in Isan cuisine (from Thailand’s northeast). We were hit with bold flavors from papaya salad, spicy pork shoulder salad, ground pork, and chicken soup done Thai-style.
Stop #2: Dessert already? Yes please: mango sticky rice, and a crispy pastry topped with warm coconut cream.
Stop #3: The heavy hitters: a rich coconut curry voted one of the best in the world (yes, it lived up to the hype) and an unforgettable pork belly massaman curry.
Stop #4: Mystery desserts—we had no idea what they were, but they were sweet, chewy, and totally worth it.
Stop #5: Deep-fried flat noodle patties topped with a fried egg. Crunchy, savory, weird, and wonderful.

Typing this all out is exhausting—but imagine eating it all. My mouth was thrilled; my stomach was staging a protest. By the end, I truly wished I were a cow with four stomachs. Seriously.

But wait—the night wasn’t over.
Our tuk tuk whisked us off to Bangkok’s 24-hour flower market, which is exactly what it sounds like: stalls and stalls of blooms in every direction. Except… all we could smell was grilled meat from nearby vendors. (Bangkok priorities, clearly.)

We were taught how to fold lotus petals—a peaceful, almost meditative tradition that left us calm, quiet, and slightly sticky-fingered.

Final stop: A rooftop bar with a killer view of the city. A golden temple glowed against the night sky. The breeze stirred ripples in the river below, turning the temple’s reflection into liquid gold.

And now… I’ve officially been awake for over 20 hours. Please let the sleep gods bless me tonight!Baca lagi