Bangkok’s a city you’ll miss as soon as you leave it. Its intensity is unparalleled. A constant buzz. If New York is the city that never sleeps, Bangkok doesn’t even know what sleep is. Scooters, cars, horns, trucks, bikes, taxis – they’re everywhere. The sound of the streets and the smell of petrol fumes mixed with fresh pad thai being prepared in one of the local cheap-and-cheerful eateries is something you won’t find

Taking your time to step out of the crowd is not only rewarding, it’s necessary. Slow things down with an iced coffee, a visit to one of the gorgeous temples or an art show at the Jim Thompson Art Center. After that, let the different facets of the city sink in: its archaic infrastructure that clashes with its futuristic inclinations is a true sight to behold.

One last thing; put on Moby’s “Porcelain” as you dive into Bangkok, just like in “The Beach”. It works.