Bye Bye, Bangkok: To Market, Two Markets
My short time in Bangkok was fortuitously planned over a weekend, so I was able to check out the Chatuchak market, the largest market in Thailand and one of the largest in the world. As I left my hostel, Bua called after me cheerily: ”Don’t buy too much!” I smiled. This was not my first time at an Asian market rodeo. After four months on the continent, I had seen my fill of scarves, slippers, and t shirts. Buying too much? Highly doubtful I would see much I hadn’t already seen.
But then, I’d never been to Chatuchak.
This sprawling market was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Someone told me that if I saw something I liked, I should buy it, because I probably wouldn’t find the stall again. I found this to be completely true as I wandered around the market, totally lost and in utter delight. Brushing the thoughts of my already packed to the gills backpack aside, I began spending my baht with glee. Tiny essential oil diffusers, vintage dresses, chopsticks, soaps…around every corner was another stall with crafts or clothes or art or purses and I wanted it all! This was not the typical imported from China crap I was used to. Eventually I had to force my way out of the market; I probably hadn’t even seen half of the stalls, but if I stuck around any longer, I would have also had to buy new luggage to bring home my wares.
Another item on my Bangkok bucket list was to visit a floating market. There are several, most a fair way outside the city, and some are purported to be too far, too overcrowded, or too touristy. Friends Katie and Jessica had recommended Khlong Lat Mayom market to me, so although my hostel wasn’t familiar with it, I decided to head in that direction. Bua helped me get a cab and explained to the driver where to go. An older man, he didn’t speak much English, but tried to point out landmarks to me on the way, and at one point smiled proudly and said, ”Me chauffeur!” He made a couple of phone calls, and I was later to learn that they were to Bua, to ask whether I needed him to stay at the market to drive me home. She said he was worried that I would have trouble getting a cab back, and that he referred to himself as my ”uncle.” So cute!
The floating market was a wonderland of Thai treats, and it was one of the few experiences in which I wished I wasn’t flying solo. One stomach can only attempt so much…
For my final outing in Bangkok before heading back to the States I chose a rooftop bar, of course! Like floating markets, Bangkok has tons. I settled on the Octave Rooftop Bar at the Marriott and headed to the 48th floor for cocktails and sunset views.
Not too long ago, the idea of going to a bar by myself would have been unthinkable. Even enjoying a drink at a local haunt at home would have made me squirm, and here I was bounding up the stairs in Bangkok without giving my solo status a second thought. It’s funny how things that used to seem so scary become second nature. After four months of rolling solo, it almost startles me when people ask how I feel about traveling alone. I have become so used to this state, it doesn’t feel unusual or unnatural. It’s just me, and I have learned to enjoy my company, and to keep myself open to meeting new friends, and to keep my smartphone in my bag.
I am grateful to Bangkok for a last burst of Asian color and culture, savory street food, sprawling views, and an urban, global energy pulsing through the streets. I loved it there and hope to be back. But it was time to go home.
