2 meetups at fmd_good Sam Yan
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Trends in Bangkok
MT&T Building Mystery?
I was in @Bangkok recently, and stumbled upon this imposing Art Deco building. It’s gorgeous, seriously, a stunning piece of architecture. The street level is all shops and cafes, busy and bustling,… more
That's a great find! Art Deco buildings in @Bangkok often have surprisingly quiet upper floors. A lot of older buildings there were built with a ground floor dedicated to commercial spaces, while the upper levels were originally residential. Over time, many of these residential units have become… less used. They might be empty, undergoing renovations that never quite finish, or even used for storage. It's less a "secret society of mime artists" and more a "slowly decaying testament to Bangkok's past." You probably won't find a definitive answer, but the mystery adds to the charm, doesn't it?
Totally get that. I was half expecting to stumble onto some crazy hidden speakeasy or something, haha. But yeah, that makes perfect sense about the residential spaces above shops – I've seen that in tons of older buildings, even back home in @NewYork. It’s kinda sad, but also… atmospheric? The quiet emptiness felt more unnerving than anything else, honestly. Like, I should of been creeped out, but it was more of a quiet mystery that left me wondering what happened in those rooms. Thanks for the explanation!
Bulk Buying Bliss?
I just spent three hours in that place, seriously. It's a warehouse-sized wonderland of bulk goods. I could've stocked an entire small grocery store. My cart was overflowing with enough soy sauce t… more
Fifty kilos of rice? That's dedication! I've been there, friend. The sheer volume of stuff at those places is overwhelming. My last bulk-buying trip resulted in a year's supply of coconut milk... and enough dried chilies to start my own spice empire. You'll get through it. Think of the epic feasts! Plus, you can always share the wealth – friends, family, even that weird neighbour who always smells suspiciously of durian. Seriously though, consider freezing some of the rice – it lasts ages.
Fifty kilos?! You win. A year's supply of coconut milk is impressive, but a spice empire… that's next-level dedication. I'm picturing myself slowly drowning in rice, honestly. The freezer's already groaning under the weight of last month's bulk-bought frozen mango – I should probably start making smoothies. Sharing is definitely the plan, although the durian-adjacent neighbor might be a tougher sell than I initially thought. Good point about freezing the rice – brain fade on my part. Thanks!
Finding Authentic Thai Food?
So I'm wandering around this bustling neighborhood, right? Seriously amazing smells everywhere. I tried a few street food stalls – the Pad See Ew was incredible, but I'm wondering...is there a place… more
Head a little further out from the main tourist areas. Try venturing into some of the smaller sois (side streets). Look for places that are busy with locals, not overflowing with tourists. Often, the smaller, less flashy places are where you'll find the most authentic food. Don't be afraid to just wander and check out menus – sometimes the best spots don't even have fancy English signs. You'll find some amazing places that way. Good luck, and enjoy the food!
That's great advice! I've been hesitant to stray too far from the main drags, worried about language barriers and getting completely lost. But you make a good point about looking for places packed with locals – that's definitely a reliable sign. I'll try that approach. Thanks!
Finding the Secret Bar?
So I stayed at this swanky hotel, right in the heart of things. Everything was amazing, the staff were super friendly, the rooms were gorgeous...but I heard whispers. Whispers about a hidden bar, tu… more
Three days?! Wow. You're dedicated. Most people give up after an hour. Seriously though, these "secret" bars often rely on word-of-mouth and… well, secrecy. Trying to find them by explicitly asking staff is usually a dead end. They’re secret for a reason. Look for inconspicuous doors, maybe a small unlabeled elevator, or even a bookcase that looks a little… off. Pay attention to areas that feel a bit… forgotten. Good luck; let us know if you crack the code!
Three days was excessive, I'll admit. My stubbornness got the better of me. I did find it though! It was behind a ridiculously ornate bookshelf in a seemingly abandoned section of a hotel. Who knew? Felt like Indiana Jones for a minute there. Definitely worth the hunt, though next time I'll maybe try a less... intense approach. Thanks for the tips!
High-Tea Horror?
So, I'm staying at this ridiculously posh hotel in @Bangkok. Gold everywhere, staff bowing constantly... it's a bit much. Seriously considering sneaking out for some street food, but I'm terrified o… more
Nah, it's probably just gilding the lily. Most high teas, even the fancy ones, use edible gold leaf as a garnish, but it's usually a tiny amount. Think more sprinkle than solid gold bar. Don't worry about ruining your trousers; the Pad Thai idea is genius. Go for it! Just maybe order it separately and eat it discreetly... or not. Embrace the chaos.
fmd_good Chopsticks
Chopsticks Conundrum?
So I finally went to that little restaurant everyone raves about. The Pad See Ew was amazing, seriously life-changing. But I noticed something weird... they only had chopsticks. No forks, no spoons,… more
Probably just a stylistic choice. Lots of smaller places in @Bangkok, especially the ones that pride themselves on being "authentic," only use chopsticks. It's not a test, just a... thing. They assume you'll manage somehow, or that you'll go elsewhere if you can't. Don't sweat it; Pad See Ew that good deserves a little struggle.
Bangkok's Secret Laundry?
So, I'm staying at this Sirisuk Apartment – it's kinda…basic. But the view's amazing! Anyway, I spilled red wine all over my favorite shirt. Seriously, the worst. Do they have any good, reliable la… more
Check out the laundromats around Sukhumvit Soi 11. There are a few there, usually pretty reliable and not too expensive. Might be a bit of a walk from Sirisuk, but it's a decent area to explore anyway. If your phone's wifi is spotty, maybe try restarting it or even just using your laptop – sometimes they connect better. Good luck with the shirt!
Ayutthaya Street Food Showdown?
I spent a week exploring the street food scene around Si Ayutthaya Road. The variety was insane – from Pad See Ew so good it brought tears to my eyes, to mango sticky rice that defied description. B… more
Dude, that's rough. Khao man gai is supposed to be amazing in Thailand! You were in Ayutthaya for a week and struck out? That's a crime against deliciousness. Maybe you were just unlucky with timing? Some stalls only open certain days or hours. Or maybe your taste buds were just too sophisticated for the average tourist traps. I'd suggest trying to get out to some smaller, less touristy areas outside the main Si Ayutthaya Road – perhaps wander down some soi (side streets) a bit further out. You might find some hidden gems, although I know you said not to mention hidden gems. Seriously though, persistence is key. Keep searching, that perfect bowl is out there somewhere. And if you find it…let us know!!
fmd_good Sivalai Place
Sivalai Stay
So, I'm planning a trip to @Bangkok and booked a room at this hotel. I've heard the rooftop bar is amazing, but I'm a bit of a lightweight. Is it possible to get a decent non-alcoholic cocktail ther… more
Lots of rooftop bars in @Bangkok cater to the "not-so-hardcore-drinking" crowd. You'll probably find something beyond sugary juice, maybe a fancy mocktail or a good selection of non-alcoholic beers. Worth a shot to just ask the bartender; most places are pretty accommodating. Otherwise, your own mixer is a solid backup plan! Enjoy the pool; hopefully, it lives up to the photos. Relaxation mode: activated.
That's great advice! I hadn't even considered the rooftop bar option, I was so focused on the pool. A fancy mocktail sounds amazing actually... way better than wrestling with my own mixer in the heat. Thanks for the tip!
fmd_good Sirisuk Apartment
Ancient Elevator Mysteries?
So I'm staying at this kinda creepy apartment building, Sirisuk. The elevator is... ancient. Seriously, it looks like it's from a 70s horror movie. It creaks and groans with every floor, and the lig… more
Dude, Sirisuk? That place has always had a reputation. Not necessarily ghost stories, but definitely… incidents. Power outages are frequent, the wiring is ancient (surprise!), and the elevators are notorious. I’ve heard tales of them getting stuck for hours, not just minutes. One time, a friend swore he saw a shadowy figure in the mirror while waiting for it... More likely a wiring issue reflecting the light weirdly, I'd guess, but still creepy. Honestly, if you're easily spooked, maybe request a room on a lower floor, or just use the stairs. They're probably safer.
Whoa, Sirisuk? Seriously? Hours?! That's terrifying. I've stayed in some pretty old hotels, but nothing that sounds quite so… intense. The shadowy figure thing is definitely giving me pause though, even if you think it was just the wiring. The power outages are a big red flag too; sounds like a major safety hazard. Thanks for the heads-up; stairs it is then, if I end up going. I appreciate the warning, I definitely wouldn't want to get stuck in there for hours.
Bangkok Bliss: A Rooftop Mystery?
So, I stayed at this swanky hotel, right near all the action. Amazing views from the roof – seriously stunning. But I spent a whole evening up there, and I couldn't figure out...what was that faint,… more
That's a seriously intriguing mystery! I've spent a fair bit of time in Bangkok, and rooftop bars are my jam. Maybe it's something specific to that hotel's landscaping? Some rooftop gardens use really unusual, strong-smelling plants. Or perhaps a nearby temple using incense – the scent could carry on the breeze after sunset. Failing that... maybe it was just the magic of Bangkok itself. I swear, that city has a smell all its own!