There’s something inherently grand yet tumultuous about Bangkok: the streets humming with traffic, the nonstop nightlife, the elephants on the sidewalk. Though most travelers venture to Thailand to experience unearthly tranquility, its capital city presents a fast-paced, action-packed alternative for those looking for some extra oomph. As anyone who has ever taken a frenzied ride on a tuk tuk will tell you, it’s no surprise that Bangkok is 007’s favorite place to pull off a car chase.
The around-the-clock urban thrills and an exoticized sense of urgency make this Asian metropolis a travel destination where winners take all. So if you’re planning your own Bangkok adventure, make sure to stay alert and pack your 5-hour Energy in bulk.
1. Befriend a Monk
Vertigo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Or make your way to the 63rd floor of the lebua hotel for a cocktail at Sky Bar before heading to Sirocco, the highest al fresco restaurant in the world, for dinner.
3. Sleep Like a Rock Star
The Siam is not your typical family-owned resort. The Sukosol family’s bejeweled and eccentric matriarch lives next door to the biggest gay bathhouse in
Bangkok and has donated more than $1 million to charity. And if Kamala Sukosol is the Liza Minelli of Thailand, her vocal prodigy daughter Marisa is its Barbra Streisand. You’ll sleep like a baby at this five-star hotel, and may just catch a glimpse of a member of this famous family — including Marisa’s rock star brothers Kriss and Sukie of Pru– while you’re there.
4. Get Drunk On Thai Whiskey
“Thai Whiskey” comes in all different flavors. This one’s been “infused” with cobra. (Photograph by Oscar Raymundo)
A glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of heart disease, but a shot of Yaa Dong (alcoholic medicine) can reduce fatigue, cure insomnia, and even increase your sex drive. These popular Thai tonics come in different flavors and varying potencies…
Read more: National Geographic
