Is your happy place somewhere in Bangkok?
By Amornrat Sidhu
My happy place is Bangkok, plain and simple. That’s purely because I live far away, and distance makes the heart grow fonder. It not only makes you turn a blind eye to, but graciously embrace, the traffic, the pollution and the never-ending hustle and bustle of booming Bangkok. However, your routine and surroundings can become monotonous and draining. Yes, even in The City of Angels. Thus, this begs the question: Where do Thai-Indians go to fall in love with Bangkok…all over again? Some community members spill the beans.
Arpan Kumar
Senior Consultant at Microsoft, 33
Where?
I love visiting parks for rejuvenation. But if I have to choose only one place in Bangkok, it would be Rama IX Park. Although it’s absolutely massive, it feels like a hidden gem. I don’t really hear anyone talking about it in my community or circle, so I wonder if people know about it.
Why?
I love nature, and this park has it all: a huge lake with boating, lots of flowers, a variety of picnic spots, mini gardens in different cultural styles, and greenhouses. The entire park is meticulously maintained.
How often and with whom?
It was my own find! I first went many years ago, but didn’t really go after that until very recently. The weather was really pleasant, and this park sprang into my mind randomly! It’s quickly become my wife’s and family’s favourite place to spend a Sunday morning – there is still so much to explore and experience!
Kinjal Patel
Compensation Analyst and Accountant at Umpqua Bank, 32
Where?
My home is in Oregon, USA. I moved there after marriage and now my family is based there. My happy place is easily Baan Sathorn in Sathorn Soi 1, which is where my parents lived in Bangkok. Bangkok has changed so much, and almost seems over-the-top sometimes, that my parents’ home is filled with wistfulness; a dive back into a simpler time and a familiarity I wouldn’t trade for anything else.
Why?
It’s filled with all my childhood memories – every corner of the house and building has a funny story linked to it. I have friends in the building that have just barged in through those doors without knocking, neighbours that have visited and kept my mum company as I did my homework, and guards that have waved me a friendly hello for years before, and will for years to come. There is also a Thai restaurant down the street that I have come to think of an extension of my parents’ house. They serve the most divine vegetarian Thai food, and I’ve frequented that place so often, they know me by name. My best friend and I call it “Greens” but its actual name is something in Thai.
How often and with whom?
I try and visit Bangkok once a year. COVID has made that very difficult because I have two kids, school, and work that I need to manage before I can even visit.
Adeel Gilani
Architect and Co-Founder of PM:AG Design & Construction, 32
Where?
Don’t laugh, but my happy place in Bangkok is the EmQuartier shopping mall. It’s a cosy size, and easy to walk around in. This place has it all, and it’s not too far from home. It’s a diverse place which gives me comfort, and simply, makes me happy.
Why?
When I am stressed, I shop at my favourite stores such as Uniqlo and Nespresso, or I see a movie for a little escape. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can all be enjoyed thoroughly, particularly in the food court which has just permanently added Michelin-guide food stalls, to my delight. More importantly, it’s a little version of what Bangkok is for me – every corner has something for everyone and for every purpose.
How often and with whom?
I make my way there about 3-4 times a week. When I visit my projects around the area, it’s my go-to place in between work commitments, also sometimes at the end of the day. I visit with friends, with colleagues, and also on my own.
Harshpreet Kaur
Freelance Digital Marketer, 33
Where?
Growing up in Bangkok, my happy places are all about the simple or ‘normal’ places that I used to frequent for some delicious Thai food. There is just something about comfort food that can take you back into the good ol’ past, while you are munching away in the present moment. At the top of that list of places is Foodland. It’s conveniently located for me, provides authentic taste, and good quality food at affordable prices.
Why?
The Kraphao gai, the Khao pad gaeng kiew waan gai and the Cha yen there can not only revive my taste buds, but also my spirit. What’s even better is that each visit is packed with tradition. I used to visit Foodland almost weekly with family growing up, so now that place is filled with good memories and fun conversation – not to mention, the staff that know me by now!
How often and with whom?
Now, at least twice a month; I still go with family, building new memories upon the old ones.
Jahnavi Deshmukh
Technology Consultant, 33
Where?
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, Bar.Yard and Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie are a few examples of my happy place. That’s right, rooftop bars make me fall in love with Bangkok all over again. It helps that Bangkok has the some of the most exquisite and diverse selections of rooftop restaurants and bars that cater to every budget and offer spectacular views of the city. The positive vibe that these places exude through their ambience and service, and their focus on making it an experience for you, is what really sets Bangkok’s rooftop culture apart from other cities.
Why?
For me, it is about looking at the city from afar and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire landscape of this hustling and bustling concrete jungle that’s ever-evolving. That gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. A feeling of home. Bangkok is the city that shaped who I am today; gave me some of my most cherished experiences and some of my longest and strongest friendships. What better way to reminisce these moments, than to look at the city from atop a tall building, with a delicious cocktail, and some good conversations?
How often and with whom?
When I am in need of perspective, I visit, and that too, with a good friend.
It seems that rekindling your relationship with Bangkok again is easy. There are several common themes – nostalgia, familiarity, and stability amongst the ever-changing chaos. It’s a place of convenience with something new to discover or satisfy at every corner, and a place that appeals to your passion, be it your love for nature, food, or socialising. However, an unmistakeable theme is also who your happy place is associated with; who you share it with. Finally, when was the last time you visited your happy place to fall in love with Bangkok all over again? If not recently – maybe it’s time to once again pay it a visit!
