I could not live in Bangkok, but I’m always keen to visit for a week or two to feed my fix for city life, dress up, and – most importantly – culture (if you live an island life yourself, you can probably relate). And what makes Bangkok light years better than other Asian metropolises is its perfectly balanced fusion of past and future.

SOMETHING OLD

There’s a place that has caught all my attention in the past months (special thanks to the Instagram algorithms): Muang Boran, aka the Ancient City.

It was no question to put it in the first place of interest during my next visit. It’s located on the outskirts of Bangkok and requires some travel time, but since I’m rooting for the local transportation, I loved every second of it – or almost, if I don’t count the nearly-fainting-in-the-heat moments. Anyway, if you’re up for the adventure of getting there, take the BTS to Kheka station, then jump on the Songthaew Nr. 36, which will drop you off right at the entrance. (And it’s the same way back from the other side.)

The Ancient City is a little bit of everything: a collection of replicas and originals in the true essence of Thailand and the surrounding countries.. like a mesmerizing Alice in Asialand dream.

I spent a whole day there and was not really expecting all these impulses and amount of beauty – so many details that it’s easy to get lost and feel overwhelmed. But nothing’s wrong with that. It’s captivating, and one day is surely not enough to take it all in. Not even if you take a golf cart (pussies) to get around.

If it’s not clear yet, I’m in love. Something old never gets old. And honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better place to get high. But that’s another story.

SOMETHING NEW

Indonesia is rich in spices. Golden turmeric, earthy pepper, pungent cloves, aromatic nutmeg.. but there’s a spice I miss the most: contemporary art. This is why Bangkok has always been a good idea. Among the countless galleries and art houses, there are two on my always must-visit list.

One of them is Warehouse 30, which I thank Goldie for putting on the map. This art and creative space is the home of the dopest exhibitions around street art, and if you’re an enthusiast like me, you’ll love it.

The other is – hello, obviously – River City. Just the perfect place to admire some antiques, indulge in the latest hype and explore fresh talents. It never disappoints and not only provides a pleasant A/C break in the city heat but also quenches my thirst for Something new.

SOMETHING BLUE

Here we are to finish the rhyme.. but this isn’t a wedding. Something more intriguing and sensual. Something I maybe should not talk about.. but I still do. I do. This is the story of how I discovered the Chula streets and park, which might not have happened without a small blue beanie.. or at least this is the story I’m telling myself. And you.

There’s an idea that resonates with me. We people think that we are our minds and our minds control everything because most of our senses are in our heads (ergo, closest to our minds). Wow. I don’t go deep, but take it a step further: If we turn off the mind (let’s say with meditation or psychedelics), our largest organ – the skin – can step in. And we don’t need researchers to tell us how many things we can sense through touch. I love to feed my mind but also to connect on deeper levels. I love to surrender and just feel. And I love the sensation of airy lightness and being like water.

Turn on, tune in, drop out.

I’m a huge fan of Paul Stamets and more fascinated with mycelium and psilocybin than I can legally admit. Since we are basically fungi, I see no problem feeding ourselves with what made us. Okay, this sounds like cannibalism, but you get the point. I have a special relationship with (mu)shrooms: I don’t find them, they call me when the time is right. Because everything is timing. And that was right on a Monday afternoon.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the mycelium within me is always looking for nature. Bangkok’s inner city doesn’t sound like the ideal place, but I decided to travel with the flow. More accurately, to walk. A lot. I didn’t know where I was going, but I felt that the search was leading me. And as soon as I reached the Centenary Park area, I knew we arrived. With my playlist in my ears, I laid down in the middle of the grass and just enjoyed myself. The outside disturbance (constructions, city noise, people) didn’t matter; the park, like a black hole, sucked me in. Nothing’s better than some fresh(er) air in greens under the night sky (forget the light pollution for a second).

This first impression was so captivating that the park became my regular spot and a strong recommendation for anyone looking for a little oasis in the concrete jungle. (Also, Chula has a lot of Chinese and street food and a very cool coffee shop.) I love the colour blue. And you know, Something blue can surprise you in unexpected ways.. if you let it.

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