Bangkok – the land of smiles, for a reason 

Thailand was my first encounter with Asia. I must say, Bangkok opened up a whole new world for me.

At this point in my life I have been living and modelling in Paris and Milan for about 2 years. I can tell you a lot about Bangkok and now I am going to focus on local authentic Thai cuisine, the best coffee in town, a plant-based restaurant for all my vegans and vegetarians and some street food you CAN’T miss!

Sweet, salty, savoury, sour, spicy. I can go on.
This is what Bangkok is for me. All in one

WHAT TO WEAR :

Casual is the way to go in Bangkok. Pack a sweater for the times you will spend in the shopping malls or in the taxi, the inside set temperature is around 10 degrees. (still don’t know why they do it). When we used to do Fashion Week there I would always carry with me a warm scarf or a jacket for all the hours rehearsing.

GOING LOCAL

When on vacation, forget about the word “diet”

Thai cuisine is colourful, fresh and spicy. I mean VERY SPICY.

We went to BAN KHUN MAE restaurant at Siam Square which was mentioned by Bangkok lonely planet.

We ordered like Italians. Food must be shared! The portions size were generous and affordable price 572 Thai baht (17 euro) The Tom Yam Soup just hit the spot.

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REQUIREMENTS IN THE LAND OF SMILES:  Be open-minded and adventurous.

You should indulge in their desserts if you have a carb craving.

Next, we are heading to D’Ark

The home of the great coffee in Bangkok. I must confess I am a little obsessed the place. I like to start my days with amazing coffee and practising my people watching. D’ark is buzzing with digital nomads, enjoying their Acai bowls and minding their own business.

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TIPS IF YOU ARE LACTOSE INTOLERANT

Since Bangkok is not yet, so advanced in the plant-based movement, not many coffee shops have alternatives to dairy milk. With my many years of travelling and working abroad, I know that anything could be handle in a very creative way. You can purchase in FamilyMart, a small package of almond milk, which fits in your smallest bag. So whenever you go to those coffee shop, just request them to add your almond milk and VOILA, you get your almond milk cappuccino. (Thanks for this life-saving tip to Ali)

Whatever you need to start your day with, you will find it here. The street vendors selling sliced fruits everywhere. The price is 20 bath for a portion (bag) Here, I have tried the sweetest pineapple in my entire life. (soon I will make a list of all the tropical fruits I have tried.. stay tuned)

On the unhealthy note

It would be a shame if I left without having a taste of my favourite FLUFFY coconut pancakes. I love everything with coconuts and those pancakes are unreal. Nothing close to everything I have ever tried. Khanom Krok, are half-moon hotcakes filled with custard, made in a special pan. You can choose between toppings like corn, taro, green onions and pumpkin. Easily found at the early hours in the day.

Traditional Thai dessert like Banana Roti is worth the calories.

And if you are one of those people, who want to stick to their healthy lifestyle. Next one, is for you.

Broccoli Revolution is an organic restaurant focused on healthy-living, offering vegetarian food. Dishes are very creative and wholesome. The restaurant is gluten-free and cruelty-free.

TIME TO CHILL

You will need some pampering. For rejuvenation, one must go for a foot or Thai body massage, especially if you spent too many hours under the sun. Even if you are NOT, I am a big advocate for a foot massage. Just don’t plan on going to a Thai massage with a friend because unfortunately, they don’t allow you to chit-chat.

It doesn’t matter if you are on a budget or a luxury traveller, Bangkok will welcome you with a smile. The tropical paradise has a very special energy and deserves to be on your travel bucket list.