A timeless piece of advice I got from my dear friend Keith is „When you really want to calm down while on holiday, find a „normal“ bar – the kind of bar where the locals go.“ I might add, ideally one that plays jazz and allows me to smoke a cigar.
Found Sheepshank Public House on Pier 13 by the river which seems to cater for all needs.

The first two days in Bangkok have been nothing but spectacular. The energy and hustle of the city seems to be combined with a relaxed and good natured spirit – havin to jump on to the deck of one of the river busses has to happen in great hurry but it‘s still a lot of fun.

Yesterday and today was „a taste of Bangkok“ – in many ways. We arrived at the airport at 07:50 and took the S1 bus which happens to stop right opposite the really nice Chillax Heritage Hotel. From there it is just a few steps to Khao San Road which is rather busy during daytime and apparently crazy at night.  As shopping seems to be an integral part of „getting to know your way around“ we then started walking towards MBK shopping center and halfway jumped on to one of these canal boats that shoot down the narrow canals at a frantic speed.

The things you do once you‘ve stopped worrying. The way back we took a Tuk-Tuk and got ripped off. Seems to be part of the local folklore.

And yet another touristy recommendation: when in Bangkok, eat at Hemlock (address at the bottom of the post). Best Thai- curries we‘ve ever had. And it gets even better: right next door is Jazz happens where a young local girl sang exactly like Sarah Vaughn.

Actually, even after only two days I can understand why people come to Bangkok – and why they keep coming back.

 

Links:

 

Hemlock (no website)56 Phra Athit Rd, Khwaeng Chana Songkhram, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

https://m.facebook.com/jazzhappens